Question for any "YES" fans

If I was going to get a YES album for someone which would be the best one?

Would thier first album (the self titled Yes) be best or should I go for one of the more famous ones (e.g. Close to the Edge)?

The person im getting it for doesnt have any Yes albums so can someone please help me

Thanks

JAG2045

I'm a huge Yes fan. The album called "The Yes Album" is probably the best representation of what Yes is all about, and I think it's better than "Close to the Edge" - which obviously is also a strong album. This is Yes at their very best, with the classic line up, and a safe "first album".
The Yes Album has those massive songs in Yours is No Disgrace and Starship Trooper. Both contain a nice variety of pompous prog and melodic, catchy tunes. The album also has a few shorter tunes with great vocal work from Jon Anderson.

That said, don't be afraid of "90125". Sure, you may have heard "Owner of a lonely heart" and thought that it was an album filled with 80s sounding pop tunes. No. It's as good as any album from the classic prog acts during the 80s. Think Genesis' self titled album. Kinda similar to Division Bell from Floyd: Slightly changed line-up, slightly changed soundscape, still amazing music. It has several strong songs, and often you'll hear those Yes-typical insane build-ups towards that deliciously, bass-heavy climax. Additional singer in Trevor Rabin is refreshing, and the team up between him and Jon Anderson works perfectly.

And finally, if you want balls to the wall prog madness, go for "Tales of Topographic Oceans". At the time, it was found simply ridiculous, but I absolutely love it!