90125

The eleventh album by YES, with another profound change in the music, pretty much from the influence of Trevor Rabin who besides replacing Steve Howe as guitarist, also dominates in the songwiritng and drives the band's sound with a solid rock feel. In 1983, progressive rock had their difficult time as the music trend changes, and perhaps some major bands had already in the edge of their limit to explore the artistry of their music. Prog-rock masters like those who formed 'Asia' released the first album, with far more accessible music. On the contrary, the next generation of progressive musician started to bloom. In the same year, at least there were two releases of good progressive (or neo-progressive) debut albums : Marillion's 'Script for a Jester's Tear' and IQ's 'Tales from the Lush Attic'.

90125 represents the new YES music, which is unfortunately farther away from the quality of their earlier prog-defining albums. The remaining signature elements are probably the vocal harmony, Chris Squire's dynamic bass line and voice of Jon Anderson who returned to the band.

There are three tracks that I consider as the best tracks of the album. 'Changes' for me has the strongest composition with still has good complexity of time signature and mood changes. 'Cinema' is a great instrumental track that later in 1985 won a Grammy for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. It is predominantly Trevor Rabin guitar solo with a great symphonic theme. 'Hearts' is a calmer track with longest duration (7:30). For those who like Jon Anderson with Vangelis, this track has similar mood (but with a heavier beat) and can be enchanting. The chorus part is very nice and catchy. Trevor Rabin solo (both first and second solos) in this song is my favourite.

The rest of the tracks do not really fit to progressive music, in my opinion. 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' maybe the most recognizable song (frankly speaking - the first YES song I knew back in mid 80's), but it does not have anymore the band's essential artistic value.

Well, as a big fan of YES, I try to enjoy their new music with different expectation. After all, they can still produce some interesting tracks even not in the same magnitude as their 70's era.