Yes, it’s the Leonard Bernstein / Stephen Sondheim song from West Side Story. While the initial impression may be that “Something’s Coming” certainly isn’t progressive rock, after a few listens, I would beg to differ.
The charm of Yes’ version lies in Jon Anderson and Chris Squire’s vocal arrangement, Bill Bruford’s powerfully jazzy drumming and the band’s tight 1969 debut-era playing. Anderson and Squire started Yes on a high level, and their prominent arranging chops served the duo well through their musical partnership length. The acumen of the founders would only be enhanced with each subsequent version of Yes.
The reissued version of Yes contains two takes on “Something’s Coming.” The eight-minute edition is downright powerful, with its driving Bill Bruford drum intro and muscular Tony Kaye organ playing.
The interaction between Kaye, guitarist Peter Banks and Squire on bass adds further fireworks to the process. Banks gets to spread his wings with significant effect.
Interestingly, “Something’s Coming” did not make the original release of their eponymous first album. The song, which was a staple of Yes’ early shows, may not have been an original work but its title would prove prophetic.
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