Progressive Rock Music
Group members Jon Anderson and Steve Howe wrote the song towards the end of a tour when they were traveling in Scotland. The scenery of the mountains and lakes, including Loch Ness, was magnificent and somewhat mystical. They passed many roundabouts (that is, a roundabout is a British term for a traffic circle) on their journey. Anderson wanted to be back home in London with his then-wife Jennifer. All of these are ingredients that went into the song. It was released on their 1971 album Fragile. The cut was 8:29 long. The single was edited to 3:27 for radio airplay. The band was surprised by the edit, as they were on tour at the time, and were concerned that it did not make sense musically.
However, it was released in 1972, backed with “Long Distance Runaround,” and charted successfully for Yes. In 1972, “Roundabout” went to #13 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, #10 on U.S. Cash Box Top 100, #9 in Canada, and #27 in The Netherlands. The band plays the longer version at concerts.
On the track are Jon Anderson (lead vocals), Steve Howe (electric and acoustic guitars, backing vocals), Christ Squire (bass guitar, electric guitar, backing vocals), Rick Wakeman (Hammond organ, Minimoog, grand piano, Mellotron), and Bill Bruford (drums, percussion). The lineup has changed over the years. The band continues to tour and perform.