Tales from Topographic Oceans: Yes Releases The Ancient
Tales from Topographic Oceans continues to reveal new treasures as Yes releases a stunning 2026 remastered single edit of “The Ancient.”
This newly crafted version transforms an 18-minute epic into an accessible taste of progressive rock brilliance.
You’re about to discover the complete story behind this exciting announcement.
The release previews the upcoming Super Deluxe Edition box set arriving February 6, 2026.
This marks a pivotal moment for classic rock fans eager to experience Yes’s most ambitious work with fresh ears.
Tales from Topographic Oceans represents a landmark achievement that continues influencing musicians over five decades later.
Image Credit: Rhino Records
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Tales from Topographic Oceans: The Full Story
Yes has just released the 2026 remastered single edit of “The Ancient (Giants Under the Sun)” from their legendary 1973 album.
The track was described in a press release as being inspired by Purana, the mythic texts and sacred lore of humanity’s distant past.
This single edit condenses the original 18-minute epic into a more accessible format for new listeners.
Rhino Records announced the release as a preview of the upcoming Super Deluxe Edition box set.
Progressive rock fans worldwide have already embraced this fresh take on the classic rock artists’ most ambitious work.
💡 Did You Know?
Tales from Topographic Oceans was the first album to be certified Gold in the UK based solely on pre-orders, topping the charts before a single copy was sold in stores.
What Happened and Why It Matters
The announcement arrived on January 7, 2026, giving fans another exciting preview before the February box set release.
“The Ancient” follows previously released single edits of “The Revealing Science of God” and “The Remembering.”
Producer Steven Wilson has crafted new mixes for the entire project, including a Dolby Atmos version.
The Super Deluxe Edition spans an impressive 12 CDs, 2 LPs, and a Blu-ray disc.
This release connects directly to the Yes Super Deluxe Edition 15-Disc Tales Box Set announcement from November.
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Browse Albums Now →Yes’s Statement on Tales from Topographic Oceans
The band addressed this release through official channels and the Rhino Records press statement.
Guitarist Steve Howe has spoken extensively about the album’s importance to Yes’s history.
Howe stated that Tales was “a time of spreading our wings, a wonderful project where we went to the ends of the Earth.”
He added that you must “account for Tales in our history to properly talk about what Yes achieved.”
Writer Syd Schwartz noted in the liner notes that the album “will continue to be debated, dismissed, defended, and rediscovered.”
💡 Did You Know?
Jon Anderson conceived the album’s concept after reading a footnote in Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda about four bodies of Hindu texts called shastras.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Fans across the world have responded passionately to this news.
Progressive rock communities are buzzing with excitement about hearing “The Ancient” in a new light.
Many collectors have already pre-ordered the box set, with some grabbing the limited Roger Dean signed lithograph bundle.
Online forums praise Steven Wilson’s previous Yes remixes, building anticipation for his new work.
Long-time Yes fans appreciate the accessibility these single edits bring to epic compositions.
Historical Context and Significance
Tales from Topographic Oceans arrived on December 7, 1973, as Yes’s sixth studio album.
The double album featured four side-long compositions, each inspired by different Hindu scriptures.
It was the first Yes album to feature drummer Alan White, who replaced Bill Bruford.
The album topped the UK charts and reached number 6 in the US, earning Gold certification.
Yes recorded at Morgan Studios in London using Britain’s first 24-track console for this ambitious project.
What Tales from Topographic Oceans Means Going Forward
The Super Deluxe Edition arrives February 6, 2026, through Rhino Records.
Fans can expect previously unreleased live recordings from Manchester, Cardiff, and Zurich from the original tour.
The set includes work-in-progress versions of all four album tracks, revealing the creative process.
Rhino.com offers an exclusive bundle with a 12×12 lithograph signed by Roger Dean, limited to 500 copies.
This release follows successful Super Deluxe Editions of Close to the Edge and Fragile from recent years.
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Honor Yes’s legacy with these essential albums.
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Celebrate this moment with these must-have progressive rock records
🎤 Tales From Topographic Oceans (Super Deluxe Edition)
2026 – Rhino Records – Blu-ray
The definitive version of Yes’s most ambitious album spanning 12 CDs, 2 LPs, and a Blu-ray.
Features Steven Wilson’s new Dolby Atmos and 5.1 mixes plus unreleased live recordings.
Essential for any serious progressive rock collector seeking the complete experience.
🎤 Tales from Topographic Oceans
1973 – Atlantic Records – LP/CD
The original double album that pushed progressive rock to its absolute limits.
Four side-long compositions inspired by ancient Hindu scriptures and mysticism.
A cornerstone of the Yes catalog that every fan must experience.
🎤 Close to the Edge (Super Deluxe Edition)
1972 – Rhino Records – Blu-ray
The album that directly preceded Tales and set the stage for Yes’s ambitious direction.
Features the iconic title track often cited as progressive rock’s greatest achievement.
Another essential Steven Wilson remaster with stunning surround sound mixes.
🎤 Fragile (Super Deluxe)
1971 – Rhino Records – LP
The breakthrough album featuring “Roundabout” that introduced Rick Wakeman.
First Yes album to feature Roger Dean’s iconic artwork on the cover.
Where Yes truly found their signature sound and progressive rock identity.
🎤 90125 (Expanded)
1983 – Atco Records – LP/CD
The massive comeback album featuring “Owner of a Lonely Heart.”
Won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance with “Cinema.”
Proved Yes could evolve while maintaining their musical excellence.
🎤 Relayer
1974 – Atlantic Records – LP/CD
The follow-up to Tales featuring Patrick Moraz on keyboards.
Contains the epic “The Gates of Delirium” with its stunning “Soon” finale.
A direct continuation of the ambitious direction started with Tales.
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Yes’s Legacy and Impact
Yes has shaped progressive rock music for over five decades since forming in London in 1968.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2017.
Their influence extends across generations of musicians who cite Yes as a primary inspiration.
The band continues performing today with Steve Howe leading the current lineup.
Learn more about Yes and other 70s rock legends on ClassicRockArtists.com.
💡 Did You Know?
Yes spent £5,000 on a hot air balloon decorated with Roger Dean’s Tales artwork, tethered in each US city during their 1974 tour – a massive sum at the time.
Your Questions About Tales from Topographic Oceans Answered
This condensed version makes the original 18-minute track more accessible to new listeners.
It previews the Tales from Topographic Oceans Super Deluxe Edition arriving February 6, 2026.
It includes 12 CDs, 2 LPs, and a Blu-ray disc with new Steven Wilson mixes.
Pre-orders are available now with an exclusive Roger Dean signed lithograph bundle.
It topped the UK charts and was the first album certified Gold based solely on pre-orders.
The album influenced countless progressive rock artists and remains debated and celebrated today.
He stated he is “still very proud of it” and considers it “totally epic.”
Liner notes writer Syd Schwartz notes the album “will continue to be debated, dismissed, defended, and rediscovered.”
Wilson previously remixed other Yes classics including Close to the Edge and Fragile.
The new edition features Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and instrumental versions of the album.
Work-in-progress versions of all four album tracks reveal the creative process.
Single edits of all four compositions offer new perspectives on the epic pieces.
Check our news section for the latest progressive rock updates.
Explore our 70s rock artists page for more Yes content.
Why This Release Changes Everything
The release of “The Ancient” single edit demonstrates Yes’s commitment to introducing their most challenging work to new generations.
For longtime fans, the upcoming Super Deluxe Edition offers unprecedented access to unreleased recordings and fresh sonic perspectives.
Pre-order your copy now and prepare to experience this progressive rock masterpiece like never before.
Explore more classic rock news and artist profiles on ClassicRockArtists.com.
Tales from Topographic Oceans continues revealing itself over fifty years later, proving that great progressive rock truly is timeless.
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Grab the essential albums or explore our complete guide to the Tales Box Set!
