Wonderous Stories

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the ethereal track "Wonderous Stories" by Yes from their 1977 album Going for the One, delighting their devoted Zoo Freaks. This song, a dreamy and compact piece at just under four minutes, stands out as one of Yes’s more accessible works, with Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals and a gentle, almost pastoral arrangement. According to a 2017 interview with Jon Anderson in Prog Magazine, "Wonderous Stories" was inspired by a mystical experience he had while reading ancient texts, aiming to capture a sense of timeless wonder. He described it as a song that “floats like a cloud,” reflecting its delicate, uplifting quality. The track was a rare UK chart success for Yes, peaking at number 7 in 1977, as noted in a Prog Magazine UK post on X, which highlighted its significance alongside other album tracks like "Awaken" and the title song.

Another tidbit comes from Rick Wakeman, the keyboardist, who shared in a 2016 Classic Rock interview that the song’s recording in Montreux, Switzerland, was marked by a relaxed, almost improvisational vibe. The band, rejuvenated after a hiatus, worked in a studio overlooking Lake Geneva, and Wakeman recalled how the serene environment influenced the song’s airy feel. A fan on X, Ron Berisford, echoed this sentiment, calling Going for the One his favorite Yes album and praising "Wonderous Stories" as a standout hit. Additionally, a 2017 post from Yes’s official X account celebrated the album’s 40th anniversary, noting that the band’s decision to strip back some of their progressive complexity for this record made "Wonderous Stories" a bridge to a broader audience.

Yes began in London in 1968, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire. The two met at a Soho club, La Chasse, where Anderson was working, and bonded over their shared love for harmony-driven music like Simon & Garfunkel and complex progressive sounds. As detailed on their official biography page, they recruited guitarist Peter Banks, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye, forming a band that blended intricate musicianship with cosmic themes. Their early gigs in clubs like The Marquee built a cult following, and by 1969, they released their self-titled debut album. The addition of guitarist Steve Howe in 1970 and Rick Wakeman in 1971 for albums like The Yes Album and Fragile cemented their reputation as prog-rock pioneers, known for epic compositions and virtuosic performances.

You can follow Yes and dive deeper into their world through their official channels: their website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans also gather at dedicated spaces like the Yes Fans Facebook Group, where enthusiasts share memories, trivia, and concert experiences. Another fan hub, YesFans.com, offers forums and news updates, fostering a vibrant community for those captivated by the band’s enduring legacy.