90125

"90125" is the eleventh full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Yes. The album was released through Atco in November 1983. Guitarist Steve Howe was replaced by Trevor Rabin and new keyboard player on the album was a returning Tony Kaye. Lead vocalist Jon Anderson, who had left Yes after the "Tormato (1978)" album, also returned to the fold. Ex-Yes member Trevor Horn was chosen to produce the album.

The music has taken on a much more commercial pop direction compared to earlier releases. I´ll call the style on the album semi-progressive pop/ rock with a contemporary and polished eighties pop sound. If you generally don´t enjoy the cold, synth heavy and reverb laden sound productions from the eighties you probably won´t enjoy the production on "90125" either. The progressive rock elements in Yes music are now only a very small part of the overall sound and I find myself longing for some progressive moments. When they do occur they are great and that´s when the the band shine (coming from the perspective of a progressive rock fan). Mostly the album is just commercial pop/rock though and overall I find "90125" a bit hard to appreciate. It´s easy enough to digest but not very interesting.

"90125" features what is probably Yes biggest commercial hit in "Owner Of A Lonely Heart". The rest of the songs are not quite as catchy but they are of high quality when we´re talking musicianship, production and song writing. Because of those things I can´t give less than a 2.5 star (50%) rating . Those who enjoy AOR/commercial pop/rock with a semi-progressive edge (read: Asia) might enjoy "90125".