Going for the One

The Zoo Crew is grooving at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the cosmic vibes of "Going for the One" by Yes from their 1977 album of the same name, and the Zoo Freaks are totally tuned in! This track is a progressive rock masterpiece, and it’s packed with wild stories. Yes recorded this album in Montreux, Switzerland, at Mountain Studios, soaking up the Alpine inspiration. Steve Howe, the band’s guitar wizard, shared in a 2017 post on X that he laid down parts for the title track using his Les Paul TV, giving it that shimmering, distinctive sound. The song’s creation was a return to form for Yes after the complex Tales from Topographic Oceans, aiming for a punchier, more direct energy. Prog Archives notes that Going for the One marked the return of keyboardist Rick Wakeman, whose lush textures on tracks like “Awaken” and the title song elevated the album’s spiritual and sonic depth. Fun fact: the album hit number one on the UK charts in August 1977, as celebrated by Prog Magazine UK on X, with “Wondrous Stories” and “Going for the One” being fan favorites voted among the band’s greatest.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the album’s production. Yes chose to self-produce Going for the One, a bold move that gave them creative freedom but sparked some debate among fans about its raw sound. The title track itself is a whirlwind of optimism and drive, with Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals channeling a quest for unity and transcendence. In a Rock’s Backpages interview, Anderson described the album as a “reunion” of the band’s core spirit, reflecting their desire to reconnect with their audience after years of experimental detours. Social media posts from @yesofficial in 2019 highlighted the album’s 40th anniversary, asking fans to name their favorite track, with many Zoo Freaks likely shouting out “Going for the One” for its infectious energy. The album’s iconic cover, designed by Roger Dean, features a stark, modern figure against a skyscraper backdrop, a departure from his usual fantastical landscapes, symbolizing the band’s fresh direction.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got their start, pulling from their bio on Wikipedia and their official site. Formed in London in 1968, Yes emerged from the psychedelic scene when bassist Chris Squire and guitarist Peter Banks, formerly of Mabel Greer’s Toyshop, teamed up with vocalist Jon Anderson, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye. They honed their craft at the Marquee Club, blending covers of rock, pop, blues, and jazz with original songs. Their early gigs caught the eye of club owner Jack Barrie, setting them on a path to record their debut album, Yes, in 1969. By 1970, with Time and a Word, they leaned into progressive rock, incorporating classical influences and complex arrangements. The arrival of Steve Howe in 1970 and Rick Wakeman in 1971 for Fragile cemented their reputation as prog pioneers, with hits like “Roundabout” propelling them to global fame. Over decades, Yes has seen 20 musicians cycle through, including legends like Trevor Rabin and Alan White, but their innovative spirit remains, as seen in their 2023 album Mirror to the Sky.

Want to dive deeper into the Yes universe? Check out their official website for tour dates, merch, and news. Connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and fan interactions. Zoo Freaks can also join the vibrant community at fan sites like Prog Archives, which offers detailed discographies and reviews, or explore Rock’s Backpages for archival interviews. On Facebook, groups like Yesfans are buzzing with devotees sharing memories, setlists, and rare photos. Whether you’re spinning their vinyl or streaming their latest, Yes keeps the prog flame burning for all the Zoo Freaks out there!