The Yes Album is the first release to feature longtime guitarist Steve Howe, the album was released on Atlantic Records in February 1971 in the UK, a month later in the United States. This was the album that finally set Yes' career alight, with the album reaching #4 in the UK and, eventually, #40 in the U.S., where it was a platinum seller. In addition to being the first album to feature Steve Howe, this was also the last Yes album for over twelve years to feature Tony Kaye until his return in 1983.