This Day in Music History: Yes/90125 (11/07)

On this day in 1983, Yes released their 11th album, 90125. And the world went crazy.

This was a new Yes. A hip Yes. A popular Yes mostly thanks to solo artist Trevor Rabin who replaced Steve Howe. Gone were the 20 minute prog pieces with multiple sections. The new 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). 

The lead single, "Owner of a Lonely Heart," became the band's first (and only) US #1 hit, driving 90125 to the Top 5 and helping it sell three million units in the US alone, by far Yes's most successful album. "It Can Happen", "Changes", and "Leave It" all charted during 1984 and received heavy airplay. 

Yes was popular (again) like they never had been before. In addition, "Cinema" won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1985.

I have previously covered this album in more depth here (Side 1), and here (Side 2).

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Friday and the Random 10 (Year of Hell Edition)

So if there was any good news at all coming out of 2016 it was that three of my favorite bands made it into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Not that it matters much anyway, the place is a sham, but to be inducted this year are YES(!), Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), and Journey.

This week's countdown, and the first for 2017, will be 16 random songs from these bands and no one else. It's the only way to send out the Year of Hell*.

Let music take the pain of 2016 away!

Friday and the Random Ten (Chris Squire Edition)

It was a sad week in music for me as Chris Squire, bass player extraordinaire for my favorite band YES, passed away suddenly from Leukemia at the age of 67. Since he was the only member who played on every album, this week's randomness will center solely on their music. Even though the Top 10 list from last week sent them to Exile Island, I am going to flip that around as the only music to be featured this week. It's my tribute to a great musician.

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Music Monday: Yes/90125 (Side 2)

I know it's been awhile but this is a project I hope to complete in 2014. I covered the first side of 90125 here, as well as all the "drama" leading up to this album.

And now, onto side two...

Music Monday: Yes/90125 (Side 1)

YesWest begins...

My Top 10 Favorite YES Album Covers

10) 90125 (1983)

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9) Classic Yes (1981)

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8) YesYears (1991)

Yellow City by Roger Dean

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7) Union (1991)

The Guardians by Roger Dean

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6) Close to the Edge (1972)

Inside cover (unfolded)

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5) Drama (1980)

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4) Relayer (1974)

Unfolded

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3) Fragile (1972)

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2) Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (1989)

Blue Desert by Roger Dean

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1) Tales from Topographic Oceans (1973)

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