90125

I first heard the song Changes from this album. It was in some compilation of Yes in a C-cassette I had many years ago when I wasn't yet so familiar with Yes. From all the songs in that compilation, it was just 'Changes' that grabbed my attention in a first place and I thought it was a great song. Well it still is, but the others in that compilation were way more complex and thus a bit harder to get into. Later I purchased 90125 and I've been pleased of it ever since.

The album starts with Owner of a lonely heart, a simple pop tune in 80's spirit, driven by a strong and simple bass line, catchy riffs and poppy, repetitive lyrics and vocals. It's a nice pop song, but nothing original really. The most remarkable thing is that this song makes it very clear what is the new sound and style of Yes: Pop! Anyhow, the album then changes and turns into a better direction and the progressive background starts to push through and steer the machine. Hold on and It can happen are still somewhat poppy, but much more rich in ideas and execution. Then, Changes is way more progressive to any previous song here combining brilliantly the elements from prog and pop into a very enjoyable whole.

The rest of the record keeps up the high quality into the end, for example City of love being almost heavy track and Hearts representing some brilliant vocal melodies. Leave it is the only song in this album, an exception which I don't like. In my opinion the vocal harmonies on it are clumsy and they just don't work, pretentious, i'd say. Anyhow, the vocals are of TOP level on this album overall, sung by Anderson, Squire, Rabin and White, and actually the thing that Rabin and Squire takes some lead vocals only points out the high moments when Anderson opens his mouth. They're like a counterweight to the high, angelic tone of Jon.

I really enjoy this album as the most pleasing moment of progressive rock going pop in 80's. And what it has to offer, is some superb vocals, vocal harmonies and melodies, uniquely combined 80's pop and progressive rock, strong songwriting and high standard performance of Yes.