DRAMA

It really seems that the absence of Jon Anderson turned a lot of people off from this record. It is undoubtedly Yes' strongest album since 'Close To The Edge'. The first track 'Machine Messiah' must have been a godsend for Yes fans of the '70s, same with 'Into The Lens'. Both of the aforementioned tracks are pure progressive rock greatness that really shows a return to form by our beloved Yes. Our new friends 'The Buggles' did not at all influence Yes to stray from their signature sound yet they do present some new elements to the formula. 'Run Through The Light' is definately an example of such new elements, what with its fretless bass and its sing-a-long ability, surely compliments of the newcomers.

This album, while not Yes' best (of course that honor is reserved for 'Close To The Edge') is certainly Yes at their most accessible while remaining faithful to their progressive nature. I really, really wish we could have witnessed more albums from this superb Yes lineup but regardless, I am very glad 'Drama' exists to document that rare and exciting (albeit brief) period of Yes' legendary history.