The Yes holy trinity is 'The Yes Album', 'Fragile' and 'Close To The Edge': respectively their third, fourth and fifth albums from 1971/72. They represent the band's artistic peak and contain most of their most lauded material. If you like those, venture back to 'Yes', 'Time And a Word' (both 1970) then forward to 'Relayer' (1974) and 'Going For The One' (1977). Their later albums are patchy at best and dreadful at worst. Avoid 'Toby's Graphic Go-cart' (1973) at all costs.
There are loads of live albums, but 'Yessongs' (1973) is by far the best, I think. It's basically a live take on the three classic albums I mentioned at the start, with added energy and rawness. Enjoy the ride!
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