"The Ladder" is the eighteenth studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released in September 1999 on Eagle Records. Notably, it's their only album featuring six full-time members, and it marks the last collaboration with keyboardist Igor Khoroshev.
The band worked with Canadian producer Bruce Fairbairn after meeting him during their 1998 tour for Open Your Eyes. They spent four months at Armoury Studios in Vancouver crafting a demo, marking a collaborative effort that revitalized their creative process. The album incorporates a variety of world instruments, adding depth to its sound.
Tragically, Fairbairn passed away from a heart attack during the final recording sessions, leading Yes to dedicate The Ladder to him. Critics responded positively, viewing the album as a return to form for the band. It peaked at No. 36 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 99 on the US Billboard 200.
Three singles were released: "Homeworld (The Ladder)," which was featured in the 1999 PC game Homeworld, along with "Lightning Strikes" and "If Only You Knew." After an extensive worldwide tour in support of the album, Sherwood departed from the band.
In October 1998, the Yes lineup—vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Alan White, guitarist Billy Sherwood, and keyboardist Igor Khoroshev—wrapped up a 12-month world tour for their seventeenth studio album, Open Your Eyes (1997). Feeling it was time for a new studio album, the band sought out Canadian producer Bruce Fairbairn, recommended by their management. They had previously produced Open Your Eyes themselves but wanted an outside perspective to refine their direction.
During a stop in Vancouver on their tour, they met Fairbairn, who was enthusiastic about the idea of collaborating with them. Howe later reflected on how well the experience went, noting that Fairbairn nurtured the band while also challenging them, particularly with Anderson's lyrics, often asking him to return with new ones.
From November 1998 to February 1999, Yes returned to Vancouver to write, rehearse, and prepare demos at Sanctuary Studios. Khoroshev became a full-time member during this period. This album marked a significant change as the band decided to write collectively, agreeing not to use individual songs brought in by members unless they were fully developed. Fairbairn's presence at rehearsals was notable; he actively participated, helping the band select the strongest tracks from their demos for further development. This collaborative approach helped shape The Ladder, leading to a cohesive and innovative album.
