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90125

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90125 is a rock album by Yes released in 1983. The album is notable for marking a radical shift in style, with Yes largely trading in their trademark progressive rock sound for contemporary, synthesized 1980's pop. The title of the album, incidentally, refers to its original catalogue number.

This new incarnation of Yes came about almost by accident. After their late 1980 disbanding, Chris Squire and Alan White began recording as a duo, even releasing a single in 1981. After acquiring South African musician Trevor Rabin, the trio were joined by none other than original Yes keyboardist, Tony Kaye, who had left in 1971. They christened themselves "Cinema" and began recording what they thought was their debut album, comprising mainly of original music Rabin had originally earmarked for a solo album, and produced by Drama-era singer Trevor Horn.

Everything changed in the spring of 1983 when Jon Anderson was played some of Cinema's recordings by Squire. When Anderson professed interest and became keen to join, it was realized that Yes, essentially, were reforming. Rabin was dubious at first, not wanting to be perceived as Steve Howe's replacement, but rather, the lead guitarist for a new group. However, he quickly changed his mind once Anderson brought in some new lyrics and put his distinctive vocals on the existing music tracks. Thus, after a three year gap, Yes was back.

Released that fall on Atlantic Records' subsidiary, Atco, 90125 launched Yes to the MTV age and to a whole new breed of fans. The music was catchy, contemporary and well-liked by reviewers and their new fans (many of whom had little clue of the band's previous incarnation). Lead single, "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" became the band's first (and only) US #1 hit, driving 90125 to the Top 5 and selling three million units, by far Yes' most successful album. The British sales were not as spectacular, but still solid, and succeeding hits, such as "Leave It" and "It Can Happen" ensured 90125 had a lengthy chart life. In additon, "Cinema" won the 1984 Grammy for the best rock instrumental.

Recently in 2005, a Max Graham remix of "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" reached #9 in the UK singles charts, bettering the original's #28 peak.

Track listing

  1. "Owner Of A Lonely Heart" (Trevor Rabin/Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Trevor Horn) - 4:29
  2. "Hold On" (Trevor Rabin/Jon Anderson/Chris Squire) - 5:16
  3. "It Can Happen" (Chris Squire/Jon Anderson/Trevor Rabin) - 5:29
  4. "Changes" (Chris Squire/Jon Anderson/Alan White) - 6:20
  5. "Cinema" (Chris Squire/Trevor Rabin/Alan White/Tony Kaye) - 2:08
  6. "Leave It" (Chris Squire/Trevor Rabin/Trevor Horn) - 4:14
  7. "Our Song" (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Trevor Rabin/Alan White/Tony Kaye) - 4:18
  8. "City of Love" (Trevor Rabin/Jon Anderson) - 4:51
  9. "Hearts" (Jon Anderson/Chris Squire/Trevor Rabin/Alan White/Tony Kaye) - 7:39

90125 (Atco 790 125) reached #16 in the UK. It also reached #5 in the US during a chart stay of 53 weeks.

90125 was remastered and reissued in 2004 with several bonus tracks.

Personnel

Sources

  • 90125, CD booklet essay, Brian Ives, c.2004.
  • AllMusicGuide.com
  • "Top Pop Albums 1955-2001", Joel Whitburn, c.2002
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