Yes: 90125 : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

"Owner of a Lonely Heart" does not sound like the Yes of old. With its supple, understated dance beat, kaleidoscopic shifts in instrumental texture and notable lack of pseudo-classical overkill, it seems too hip, too street-smart for a band whose idea of a pop song was once something as rococo as "Round about." Yet it's obviously Jon Anderson's voice carrying the melancholy melody, and a quick check of the credits finds longtime bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White playing alongside original keyboardist Tony Kaye and new guitarist Trevor Rabin. Given the personnel, 90125 counts as a reunion album of sorts, but considering the sound, reinvention might be a more apt term.

Credit for much of the change would seem to belong to yet another Yes alumnus, producer Trevor Horn. Applying the same kind of flashy pop sensibility he showed on ABC's Lexicon of Love, Horn has rechanneled Yes' predilection for sonic excess, and the result is a sound that relies on production and arranging tricks instead of instrumental flash.

Although 90125 occasionally falls back on old tricks, as in "Cinema" and the overblown "Our Song," most of the album is surprisingly spritely and poppish. Electronics, especially the new generation of synthesizers, are heavily used, but Horn's most canny device is his manipulation of Yes' choirboy vocal harmonies. From the inspired polyphony of "Leave It" to the bit of musique concrete that prefaces "City of Love" to the persistent sweetening of each chorus, Horn manages to find an unexpected hook every time the band members open their mouths. This emphasis on melodic appeal over instrumental prowess may alienate some of Yes' longtime fans, but if it continues to result in records as listenable as this one, then this may turn out to be one reunion that tops the original.

J.D. CONSIDINE

(Posted: Jan 19, 1984)

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5of 5 Stars

This is the starting point for me and YES. I know you old timers would say that's not the real YES, but ya know. Can't we just all get along. I love the old stuff, I love the new stuff, and I LOVE this album. I hurt my voice so much in College trying to sing along with Jon. It's just the perfect album from top to bottom. Love it! I believe this is a fine place to start with Yes. It's smack dab in the middle and going into the future or the past from this point will be rewarding.

Mar 29, 2006 10:30:10

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