Listening to YES: Drama, Part 1

[@npc8348]

DRAMA is YES' most underrated album. Jon and Rick left and Trevor and Jeff from the Buggles joined, and in a sense it was a dream collaboration between the Buggles and a group of talented musicians who were freed from the shackles of Jon. The soundscape of this album is different from that of previous YES albums, but the positivity that underlies YES is still there.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Chris Squire was YES

[@rossrossa7596]

agree

[@Southbound63]

YES was Jon, Chris, Bill/Alan, Steve and Rick. The bugles were a shit pop band. I saw them on this tour and it was no where near as good as the classic Yes lineup live.

[@Southbound63]

Not anywhere near CTTE, Fragile, The Yes album, TFTO and GFTO.

[@Southbound63]

@@lesblatnyak5947 and Jon Anderson.

[@relayer27]

Ah Drama, the album where Chris probably shines brighter than ever before. The bass work on this album is awesome throughout .

[@jeffschielka7845]

Chris is phenomenal. R.I.P. my friend. You are SO missed.⚘⚘⚘😎

[@chacob3380]

Largely agree Graham - I think he and Alan both have a really tight/interesting rhythm section on this album. I also think you can hear the roots of where Steve Howe would take his sound with Asia.

[@nickavenoso7851]

The trilogy of GFTO, Tormato, Drama is my favorite from Squire in terms of his bass playing. Relayer is just insane as well (it being my favorite Yes album). Drama is definitely up there in my list of favorite Yes albums. I love how present both Squire and Howe were on this album and how much they could open up.

[@fredericfuknchopin4552]

@@chacob3380 Steve never played as good as this again. This was his last recording as a guitar great.

[@martinhayward4466]

Not only his bass, but his great vocal support.

[@salsalzman2325]

"Are we done"? No Jim, Mr Squire is going to remind us why he's the greatest bass player in rock history. Absolutely loved watching the expressions of shock and joy on your face.

[@Tarkus7]

I had no idea Drama was this good! Totally surprised! The preamp sounds fantastic! Your enthusiasm was a huge bonus. Thanks!

[@JimNewstead]

Awww, thanks! It’s easy to be enthusiastic when the music is this good.

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@JimNewstead Yes!😎

[@Phibbus]

Who'd have thought that watching someone play an LP is almost as satisfying as playing an LP? Other than Tempus Fugit, I hadn't actually listened to this album since it came out (my copy got "borrowed" very early on.) Forgot how worthwhile it is. Thanks!

[@tomfabozzi6309]

"Produced by the Band" - but the key being that the band included Trevor Horn. so that might explain why it sounds so good

[@jeffschielka7845]

Eddie had something to do with it.😎

[@ChromeDestiny]

Hugh Padgham was part of the production team for Drama as well.

[@tomfabozzi6309]

@@ChromeDestiny I didn't notice any "Gated drum" sounds on Drama - he must have saved those for Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins! :-)

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@tomfabozzi6309 You can hear them a bit during the breakdown of Run Thru The light.

[@jeffmccaskill9227]

@@tomfabozzi6309 run through the light is gated

[@nathanisaksson7750]

I’m a thorough Yes listener, and Drama is one of my favorites! It doesn’t get nearly enough love. I listen to it perhaps the most of any of their albums-well, it’s up there at least. Top 5 for sure. The rhythm section murders. And Horn and Downes are more than up to the task. It’s just splendid. And it rocks more than any of their albums! Howe is crazy on this album.

[@jtighe5241]

I was a metalhead in the 1970s (still am) and my friends tried for years to get me into Yes. I liked Yes better than Genesis or Pink Floyd, but it wasn't until I saw the promo video of Tempus Fugit on TV that I suddenly "got" Yes. I saw them live several times after that and Drama remains my favourite Yes album (Close to the Edge is a close second).

[@vbian88]

I consider this to be an unjustly overlooked MASTERPIECE of an album.

[@_q-tips_]

13:24 “Holy shit- sorry, holy…” My thoughts exactly. As a relatively new listener to Yes (age rather than time) Machine Messiah was a punch to the gut in the best way possible. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to 90125.

[@daffyrwt]

My thoughts exactly. Also as someone who is new to Yes as well (and was inspired by Jim doing this Yes series), I semi-blindly checked out 90125 from my library and I should warn you it's unapolgeticly 80's, definitely more pop than progressive. I still recommend checking it out, but temper your expectations if this is what you're expecting.

[@douglasgraham9045]

Very underrated album. One of favorites from Yes. Chris shares some lead vocals here as well, especially on Does It Really Happen. His vocals are underrated as well. Great vocalist

[@joelliebler5690]

No doubt!

[@ZealZaddy]

When this came out I was blown away at how good - and aggressive - this album was. It is, for me, a top 5 Yes album. I was worried there was no Jon Anderson, but I was pleasantly surprised and over time fell more and more in love with it. Howe hadn't played as dark as Machine Messiah since Heart of the Sunrise. Loved your visceral reaction to this album.

[@Zomby_Woof79]

Its moments like this I realise what a yes snob I've been all these years. I have never even given this album a chance - its awesome!

[@patrickpeeters2637]

..."White car" is about Gary Numan, who drove around in a white limo at the time....nice.

[@mattleppard1970]

Ok so onto this. The same lineup put out Fly From Here (Return Trip) in 2016 or so. After Chris died and a powerful Yes album as his bass and backing vox are there. This “Return Trip” one has Trevor Horn on vox. The non-Return Trip one is another JA replacement and not part of the family. Trevor Horn wanted to do his own vox later, so did. Written in 1980 and performed once or twice on the Drama tour, Fly From Here is among the top Yes albums ❤ Anyway. This one is also magnificent. Starting it now.

[@jim102864]

Your reaction to Machine Messiah made me laugh out loud. Going for the One, both the song and later the entire album, was my first serious introduction to Yes. Then a friend played Close to the Edge at a party sometime in the early 80's and I was hooked for the rest of my life. Drama, in my humble opinion, is a classic Yes and progressive album, wholly underappreciated by most Yes fans and underrated by fans in general.

[@johncase2408]

Drama is sonic gold. It's certainly a guitar and bass driven album, but Downes and Horn add so much excellence to this wonderfully written and produced album. Great review Jim! I get watery eyed with your exuberant reviews! Thank You Jim!

[@thomassharmer7127]

The story goes that The Buggles were recording in an adjoining studio to Yes when Anderson and Wakeman left and the other three carried on laying down some pretty heavy rhythm tracks (like It Can Happen) with Eddie Offord. Chris Squire dropped in on The Buggles session and asked Horn if they had any songs Yes could use. Horn offered Machine Messiah and was invited to demo it with band. He was flattered that he might be hustling a song onto the next Yes album, but still thought Anderson was going to sing it - and wondered would he mind - until Squire asked both Horn and Downes to join the band. Trevor Horn ended up finishing the production on the album and including another Buggles song, I Am A Camera. This is probably the most Squire heavy Yes album since Time And A Word. Many Yes fans were initially horrified at the news that The Buggles had joined Yes, but were eventually won over by the powerful result. (Sadly the following tour didn't go down well, but this material really came alive with a later lineup with Benoit David on vocals and Rick Wakeman's son Oliver on keyboards).

[@galier2]

I saw Yes in 2011 and it was indeed very Drama heavy. They opened with Tempus Fugit which is probably the song that Yes could declare as a signature song. Benoit David was the singer but keyboards were Geoff Downes.

[@mvjonsson]

Fly from Here (2007) was more or less a later follow up to Drama, with material that did not end up on the original album. Especially the second Return trip version where Trevor Horn did the lead vocals. It is debated if the original version with Benoit David on lead vocals or the Horn version is the best.

[@reneelyons6836]

You are a righteous dude Jim.

[@mikeym50]

I was so lucky to be 17 in 77 with the punk movement and 20 in 1980 to embrace the futurist/synth bands - all the way through (from about 12) we also had Prog, Bowie and bands like the Who etc - looking back it was such a amazing time and we took it all for granted, expecting greatness! This album sums up the morphing of the two eras perfectly. Great reaction! Check out The Age of Plastic by the Buggles - a great synth pop album with prog influences.

[@cobbycaputo3332]

When this came out, my friends and I were 16-17 and had been serious Yes fans for about 5 years. We had gone to the awesome 1979 concert in Fort Worth (oddly, Yes did not play Dallas, due to a lack of a reasonably sized arena that year). We bought this album with some trepidation, given the absence of Jon and Rick and the fact The Buggles were in the band. But we were die-hard and bought it the first day it was in the record store (Sound Warehouse, where are you now?). We were blown away at how good a record this was. Eagerly went to see the 1980 tour (in the then-new Reunion Arena), which was a great show. This shift was scary at first, but this is a really good album, among my favorites of the post-Bill Bruford era Yes. Edit to note that Squire's bass at the end of "Does it Really Happen" is very similar to his approach on his solo album from 1975, Fish Out of Water. Very strong and in your face, with incredible tone and extremely melodic.

[@kfleetwood]

We were also big Yes fans since High School. Shortly before the album release we saw a video of this lineup performing “Tempus Fugit”, and “Into The Lens”, so we were excited to get the “Drama” album. Always loved all their albums, and it was interesting listening to the “Fly From Here” album, the version with the “Drama” reunion lineup.

[@TigerMtnKing]

I knew you'd love this album Jim! You're right about us needing music and that's what's so great about YES, they take us on journeys of enjoyment that calm us and help us cope. Side 2 is a blast! By the way, your sound has vastly improved. "Holy Crap that was good!" after Machine Messiah says it all Jim.😁

[@heterophony2]

This record is pure polyphony-sheer contrapuntal, harmonic complexity. The baroque element was always in Yes, but on this album they turned towards a more orderly, metal, structured style that has more of the Rush side of progressive rock, and it allowed the counterpoint-focused progressions to take center stage. Less loose and open; more tight and machinic. Bach and fugues, with Steve and Chris mirroring each other harmonically on every track. Nowadays we call it math rock.

[@azkenmedia79]

Machine Messiah and Does It Really Happen both get multiple high fives. With giant gloved mascot hands.

[@tomfabozzi6309]

While I understood the despair/anger etc of die hard Yes fans of "Yes without Jon", I was 11 when this came out, and this was my second full Yes album (after Tormato), having heard things like Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround on US FM Radio. As such, I still have a real soft spot for "Drama", and as I've grown older, think it's a really good album. "Machine Messiah", "Tempus Fugit" and "Did it Really Happen?" are big faves of mine

[@scherado01]

"You walk the way; You take the path; To be assured; You draw a graph."

[@MrBlond777]

This was so much fun! Just a wonderful reaction to an incredible Yes album! This was definitely a different sounding band who were looking forward. I’ve always marveled at the change from Tormato to Drama. Alan White sounds incredible! Thx for this one Jim 🥁🎸☀️

[@eleronairlines292]

Thank you Sir. my favorite album is DRAMA

[@lylesmith3506]

This album is one of my favorite ones. Steve and Chris are able to open up. Alan is great and the bugles are strong.

[@BarVet]

Brother, great choice! Drama is a classic!

[@allanmartin1005]

Remember when this came out, was a little sceptical about it, no Jon Anderson. But I needn't have worried, was blown away. I have a friend who like me has been a fan for over fifty years, he refused to bye the album, and as far as I am aware has never heard it, his loss. Great stuff Jim.

[@nathanaelcole8466]

Yes is yet another one I have not dug into, but am for sure liking this. I of course know of them and have them as one I must go through completely.

[@douggottlieb]

Such a great album. And what a great reaction video Jim!!! Made my day

[@judiekrapf6926]

One of the greatest Reprises in music history. Period.

[@vfrbore1728]

Such a fantastic album, preceded by a shock announcement on Radio 1 by Tommy Vance, expectations were very low. As soon as I first played it I was utterly hooked. A big part of the sound and the material come about as Steve, Alan and Chris were freed from Jon Anderson's whimsy and ethereal influence for a while. They initially rehearsed as a three piece before recruiting Geoff nd Trevor. Such a shame they only made one album before parting ways. The live shows were phenomenal - even though poor Trevor's voice was shot to pieces by the time they landed for the UK leg. Amazing times and it was great to be there. Can't wait to see what you make of Side Two!!!

[@billmorgan306]

One of the most underrated albums they ever did. It's brilliant..

[@michaelcostner3623]

My favorite Yes album. Hands down.

[@alanwaine4186]

Machine Messiah...what an opening !!!

[@micknordstrom2591]

The best YES album ever!

[@warrenbutson349]

Great reaction you had me excited by this record again it is a fabulous return to form after the rather lost meandering Tormarto and I agree with all you say the prog has a bit of metal and new romantic and production has more space and punch

[@LockeTheCole]

Trevor Horn was a great fill in for Jon Anderson, they both have a similar sound (though Jon has better range) but what really sells it as sounding like Yes, and something many people don't realize is what truly makes the Yes sound, is Squire's background vocals. He made Yes sound like Yes and without it the vocals don't sound right. I can't remember which album it was but one of the more recent ones buried him in the production and it just didn't sound right because of it.

[@2407paul]

I have allways loved this album, Jim maybe you should consider doing " Fly from Here " as a next video, same Yes line up

[@fernandotor3266]

Thanks for reviewing this. I still remember the shock. Still unfer recovery of tormato . Still licking the wounds and the a yes without Jon and Rick

[@mellotronin54]

Did YES have detractors ? YES always have had them from day one. They also have a group of fans that only like certain phases and others (me) that understand times and band members change so I just accept they are who they are and appreciate the journey.

[@robertwells3867]

When it came out I was blown away... Not everybody agreed..I saw the band twice on the tour for the album...it was a tough time for Trevor horn...that aside...I think it's a cracking album...well recorded and slightly new wave and very heavy to boot..machine messiah is probably the heaviest yes were. After this album Howe went on to form the mighty asia along with Geoff Downes and Alan white and Chris squire went on to bring together anderson and Rabin to do 90125. It's nice to see these days..even without jon on vocals drama gets appreciated by yes fans young and old. Fabulous album

[@ryanr5319]

Jim, You are such a remarkably personable person with the feels for music, and an ear. Record producer is near of you good sir. :-) Thank you for you! -RR

[@JimNewstead]

Awww, love you man! Thanks 😊

[@alangraham10]

So pleased that you like this one Jim. Always loved this album. It had a bad name due to the poppiness of the Buggles (Video Killed the Radio Star) joining such a classic lineup. A lot of the stalwarts disowned it as not being Yes. However, it is fabulous.

[@Lightmane]

Drama is a great album. Definitely makes my Top 10 YES albums

[@nathanisaksson]

I’m very pleased with your reaction.😊 This is one of my favorite Yes albums, and probably the one I listen to most.

[@CthulhuWaitsDreaming]

I love Machine Messiah, but my mind always now hears, in a certain part of the lyrics "Now is the time on Sprockets in which we dance!" :) I have found that everything Trevor Horn touched is gold. I strongly recommend the DVD concert Slaves To The Rhythm. He is a great musician and a staggering producer. Truly a genius. Drama has always been a favorite of mine.

[@robertheckman8013]

Hey, Jim! My first YES concert was the tour of this album back in 1980 at Madison Square Garden. Awesome show (in the round!)

[@robertwells3867]

America was much kinder to Trevor than the UK shows The Madison square show was broadcast but it's poor quality

[@EccentricAuntWanda1]

This is a great album - can't wait for side two!

[@BrianthatiscalledBrian]

I'm looking forward to what you think of Magnification when you get to it. 👍🙂

[@JimNewstead]

Me too!

[@IllumeEltanin]

BTW, I definitely notice the improvement with the preamp. This sounded awesome!

[@JimNewstead]

Nice! I’m glad 😀

[@johnmavroudis2054]

If there were no band members named on the album, this would rate as one of YES' finest (Top 5?) It's a fantastic album from start to finish and tops anything that came later, for sure. Loved the reaction!

[@rcpsammy7186]

Tops anything that came later is purely subjective. They had many outstanding albums after this...

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@rcpsammy7186 Your opinion, also purely subjective. NOTHING they did after touches this, IMO. (added the ending to make you happy... Cheers!)

[@ChromeDestiny]

I think they had some good albums after this but they also didn't really reach these heights again either. As Drama is an album from 1980 it benefits from still having some 1970's residue and youthful energy to cling to. There are a couple of tracks on the followup, 90125 that remind me a bit of Drama, It Can Happen, Changes and Hearts.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

@@ChromeDestiny Loved those at the time... now the production on 90125 makes me cringe. Drama sounds a lot less dated to me. But, yeah... there were good songs afterward... just not an album that matches up, for me. Cheers!

[@mikescriber1777]

I agree 1,000%. If you closed your eyes, you could not tell the difference from the original members. I still rate it as one of their top albums.

[@ianhewitson2738]

"We need music more than ever" is a sentiment I wholeheartedly support. It's what makes us 'us'.That said, I bought this album within days of its release 41 years ago (yikes) and I suspect it's around 39 years since I last heard it. Actually, it's not bad!

[@EdMelendez]

This is a perfect album,now accompanied by a perfect reaction.

[@susangonsalves9636]

Their commercial success came in the mid 1980s with more lineup changes and "90125," which I am sure you'll get to.

[@adtiegelaar4675]

One of the reasons to do it even now. Music is freedom.

[@mikethomas5675]

You had to realize it was not Yes. But it was Yes now, and very very good.

[@thelonegroover]

Jim ...."Are we done?" ....Chris Squire ...."Hold my beer..." ;)

[@ambientfish1369]

Hi Jim, me again, I think that looking back from 42 years this album can rightfully take it's place in the Yes cannon. I never understood some Yes fans who were ok with some of the replacements in the line up and dismissive of others. For me they have contributed to the band's history and catalogue. Pop into the Yesworld forum and the no Jon no Yes zealots are still at it after 18 years ffs. Looking forward to side 2 mate so much good Yesmusic still to come.

[@patrickpeeters2637]

...no, that's Chris and Trevor singing. Chris is indeed shining on this album and takes up parts of the lead vocals...

[@soundsfromthewestcoast9939]

I love this album! I remember at the time feeling a lot of trepidation about the fact that Yes we're incorporating electro-pop duo The Buggles (of Video Killed the Radio Star fame) into the band. But wow! I wish they'd done a (immediate) follow-up with the same line-up (much as I wish they'd done another album with Moraz after Relayer). They've done some decent albums after this, but nothing to match it IMHO.

[@ChromeDestiny]

The second Buggles album, especially the expanded CD reissue has material that was originally intended for a second album from the Yes Drama lineup. Some of the material on the the CD bonus track version got revived for Fly From Here and Fly From Here Return Trip.

[@soundsfromthewestcoast9939]

@@ChromeDestiny Really rate Fly From Here as an album - one of the stronger post Drama albums.

[@ChromeDestiny]

@@soundsfromthewestcoast9939 Me too, it's the best of the three post Magnification albums imo. The only thing is that I wish they had incorporated one or two of the songs that wound up on the From a Page EP cause those tracks had a lot of potential. The Quest is not a bad album but very front loaded, I think it would have helped a lot if Tony Kaye and Patrick Moraz had guested on it. I think for Yes to continue Steve has to be more forceful, why keep Billy Sherwood? He was there as a favour to Chris. Why keep Geoff Downes? He was brought in cause Trevor Horn wanted him there when he was producing Fly From Here but that was over ten years ago now.

[@soundsfromthewestcoast9939]

@@ChromeDestiny Good points. I wish they'd kept Oliver Wakeman in the keyboard seat, and much as it saddens me I think it's time for Alan White to retire fully. I still think they have another excellent album in them but they need to take musical risks, and get in an outside producer who is rooted in prog.

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

These 2 joined Yes only a few months after releasing "Video Killed The Radio Star" as they were "The Buggles"

[@glennthompson1173]

Cool. One of my favorite Yes albums.

[@jasonshort1437]

Great record, although at the time, people were upset about the lineup change. They are definitely reinvigorated and punchy here. The new preamp sounds great, immediately noticable. I'm thinking about getting one for my home setup as well. Perhaps one with tubes

[@gphill3954]

Caught up with this 2 hours after you posted and 49 comments in. Already a good representation of die hards have recalled their reaction to Yes without Jon and how it coloured many peoples attitude to the album both before release and immediately afterwards. Also pleased that so many now recognise its worthy place in the discography. I fall into the "Jon/Rick" camp a nd admit I held similar misgivings. However, this us a good YES Album and look beyond the change in vocalist and the dynamics of Chris, Steve and Alan hold up the tradition of the band; ably assisted by Geoff & Trevor. I also agree with previous comments that this was probably the last true YES sounding album. Little did we know.... Tempus Fugit!

[@dolfinpt]

I’ve decided to continue on while you experience each new Yes album!! I like that you listen to the entire album! Best way to listen to any band you’ve never heard before. Also really “Dig” that your the Only music listener/reactioner I’ve seen on KZbin that actually listens to Albums!!! Woot! That’s how We heard them!!!❤ 🤘🥰✌️ I’m not a huge fan of Trevor Horn- but Chris’s Voice really is up front on this project! Love Machine Messiah And Tempus Fugit! Awesome Live!!!

[@JimNewstead]

This is a fantastic record. I don’t care what the others say, this is the best bass driven Yes record there is! So far…..

[@Tomversal]

I didn't get notified for this... But glad to see it! And you are right, music is our only break from the stupidity of the world atm

[@rcpsammy7186]

I remember when this came out, I was livid that MY Yes was now this, and for the first time, ever, I did not see a tour...or buy this album. It took ages, but somewhere along the line, I listened to it as a standalone album...on its own, and to this day I think it is quite good. So...how did this all end? I saw the present guys play the whole album on CTTE... The circle is complete.

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

sorry you had to see the "current" lineup..wow they are poor.

[@rcpsammy7186]

@@michaelbeerbados3291 I didn't go on the cruise to see them...I actually went to see Curved Air, Focus, Steve Hackett, Stick Men, Patrick Moraz.... But I knew the current guys were playing the whole album...so, I caught that, and left when they started dismantling, Tales. To me, anyone but Anderson singing that music is sacrilege.

[@rcpsammy7186]

@@michaelbeerbados3291 also, if you think the current crop is poor, you should get a load of the new album. Absolutely forgettable.

[@mikescriber1777]

Your first words were “and that is not Jon Anderson”. I first heard this album at a party and almost everyone said a great joke had been played on us. Jon had never left and that could be no one else but Jon. Absolutely love your reaction to one of my most enjoyed Yes albums. So we’ll produced.

[@paulkobler8049]

I’m a little late to the video, but I am no stranger to this outstanding album. The vinyl crackling brings back fond memories of listening to this on my old copy. There are those who don’t view this album as being of any quality as compared to all previously released by the band, however this is fantastic. Headphones, or through good speakers, this is a very enjoyable listen. I do appreciate your time and visual enthusiasm. Thanks. I am trying to see more of your videos. Cheers

[@jadeowenhamblyn4405]

Really interesting isn't it? And it shows you how much Chris, Alan and Steve really fire off each other musically, and transforming the songs provided by Trevor and Geoff provided. Great album.

[@JimNewstead]

Fab album, really really strong.

[@hilmarkoerner2603]

absolutely fantastic album. I remember when it was released. I didn't really care initially with key band members not on it. Until I listened to it at a friend's house, and I was in awe. In my top three of Yes albums. I am still in awe - what a perfect title for the album, too. Thank you for playing it here!

[@JimNewstead]

Isn’t it brilliant!

[@inckyprog6924]

"Yes with fresh paintwork". It took a little getting used to, but then it was awesome. By the way, while the "reshuffled Yes" were working on this album, Anderson did the first full album called "Short Stories" with Vangelis. I hope that makes you a little curious?

[@rogerhennie8939]

Yes saw They needed to change to survive so They hired Downes and Horn to replace Anderson and Wakeman to Get the Sound of the 80s. Having been a Yes fan since 1971, there was nothing I hated more than the Sound of the 80s. It was a New step down for Yes commercially and the band imploded, just to rise from the ashes with Trevor Rabin a few years later. I didn’t really return to Yes untill Magnification.

[@alangraham10]

He also brought out Song of Seven in 1980. Another work of art.

[@inckyprog6924]

@@alangraham10 True, Anderson was very productive in 1980

[@gazza8127]

Great reaction Jim, my sentiments exactly, I remember way back in 1980 checking out the new releases at the local record store & being thrilled to discover Yes were still alive & with these two new members, like you I was gobsmacked upon hearing Machine Messiah & side one. It was incredible how by chance Chris, Steve & Alan effectively teamed up with the Buggles & how they so seamlessly fit in & brought such energy, ideas, production knowledge & a new direction to the band, it was also amazing how good Trevor's voice was & how close in range he was to Jon's. Enjoy side 2, cheers

[@kevinwalsh336]

Thanks for playing this album. The first time i heard (does it really happen) was in 1986 while driving and playing cassette tape cranked full blast, unbelievable sound!

[@VictorAGarcia-Rodon]

My first yes album. bought it in 1980. an absolute masterpiece and sadly underrated.

[@JimNewstead]

I love it!

[@Pait728]

Yes definitely had detractors prior to this album. The idea being they had stagnated within their own style. "Drama" breathed new life into their sound. It's a shame that many classic Yes fans have never given this a listen in it's entirety.

[@doiminiclynch5208]

Absolutely great album, nice video

[@anthonyblakely399]

It's One of the best Yes albums of all their albums. Certainly one of my favorites. Drama was given to me 😃 as a Birthday 🎂 gift in 80's. I lost it and now.... thanks 🙏 to you, I am going to buy the vinyl again!!! Love ❤️ your reaction 💗

[@JimNewstead]

Awww, that’s great! I hope you enjoy it again 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@uv77mc85]

Imagine if this hadn't been released as a Yes album. It couldve been the sound of the 80s. The problem was that the Jon fans were not happy about it so it sort of vanished.

[@pierodavies9508]

This album was the end of my 'Yes" adventure. Just doesn't cut it, despite Chris Squires wonderful contribution. If it 'floats your boat', fair enough. Mine sank!

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Wow eh Jim, pretty fine performance of genius by Squire. Onward to two.

[@JonPickles]

Should show the inner sleeve. A really strong album after Tormato. A great album, and it does sound better with your preamp Jim

[@progperljungman8218]

Great to hear that you love it Jim! Many an old Yes fan are dissing it but I truly love it! (Maybe not quite as much as you seem to do though 😉)

[@JimNewstead]

I think I had it loud in my headphones and was excited to be listening to some music again!!!!

[@jeffschielka7845]

@@JimNewstead Really? Try again. Lol!🤣😎

[@SebGeddy]

Sure, Trevor Horn is not half the singer Jon Anderson is (but he's a hell of a producer), still he does the job perfectly. The illusion is complete (thanks to Chris Squire's b-vox too). As for Geoff Downes on keyboards, he's a master, period.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Some people think he can sing a bit like Jon but I think he sounds more like Chris when he sings.

[@mvunit3]

And Trevor Horn produces their 1st No. 1 Album ("90125") . . . . go figure :).

[@ZalMoxis]

Drama took me a while to get into but it has stood the test of time and sounds really super today.... glad you dug it....

[@phil4193]

Very underrated album. In my mind, this is the album where Squire and White really connect to set up an amazing groove on every song. Espacially Tempus Fugit. Your reaction did not disappoint! Thanks Jim!

[@AmberPearcy]

I’m gonna have to get one of those hoodies or shirts! Love it! So stoked to get back into Yes! Thanks Jim!

[@JimNewstead]

Yes you are! I like them cos they don’t have my name or logo splattered all over them!

[@johnbriggsmusic]

Like a lot of Yes fans, I wrote this album off for a long time because of the absence of Jon Anderson. In recent years I decided to give this album a fair shake, and it is a much better album than I ever gave it credit. Maybe not up their with their best work, but certainly a worthy entry in their discography and better than anything that came after it. This is easily Yes at their heaviest, so I can totally see why this would be so appealing to you, Jim.

[@JJ8KK]

I *_never_* understood the criticism this album generated. I heard Machine Messiah and Tempus Fugit on the radio & it was a no brainer to buy the album. I loved it! I actually rank Drama over Going For The One in terms of overall content/inspiration (heresy to big Awaken fans). I think the only reason why some big YES fans derided it was because they were hard-core Jon Anderson fanboys who were convinced in their minds that any formulation of YES without him would have to be crap. They were wrong. After Tormato, the band split up because Chris, Steve, and Alan wanted to pursue a harder rocking direction, while Jon & Rick were more infatuated with the Vangelis genre of music. Drama was the result of Chris, Steve, and Alan going their own way & it was fantastic. By the way, now that you've listened to Drama, I'm sure you'll be interested in seeing Chris, Steve, & Alan in their absolute prime as musicians in the MTV video they created for Tempus Fugit. Chris' stunning bass playing is jaw-dropping. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKvbi61_nrRrars&ab_channel=yesofficial

[@LetsDoEntertainment]

Thanks for the email, I had missed some of your YES reviews including this, Drama, my second-favorite YES album. In YESFAN circles, this album gets mixed reviews. IMHO some "fans" can't get past lineup changes and the one change they simply can't deal with in any way is the absence of Jon Anderson. I love Jon Anderson's solo works. I think Olias of Sunhillow and Song of Seven rival some of the best work YES did. I appreciate the pop/dance sensibilities of Jon's other work, all the way up to In the City of Angels. (He loses me a bit after that but there are moments.) His albums with Vangelis are among my most-played discs. However... Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes clearly invigorated this band. You mentioned the bass work from Chris, I can't help think it's partly because of the absence of Jon who would've perhaps argued that there are too many bass solos on this record, like every song, basically. The dismal recording quality of the previous record, Tormato, is a black mark in the history of the band although the songs are mostly wonderful. Then there's the production team. "YES." I think Trevor Horn, who came from The Buggles at the beginning of the 80's New Wave and Pop era, had a better grip on mixing in the new age than Eddie Offord did. Trevor Horn was the producer for 90125 and the proof is in the pudding! YES' ONLY #1 U.S. Pop Hit and tons of airplay on MTV. Trevor Horn would go on to produce MANY fine acts and is partly responsible for the success of Seal (Kiss from a Rose) among others. Chris needed fresh blood and he got it on this record, then he got it again on the next. Personally, I think the only reason this iteration of the band didn't continue making albums was the touring. Trevor Horn singing Jon Anderson parts on the old tracks was, well, somewhere between dismal and embarrassing, despite having a similar timbre to Jon. It's one thing to sound a little like someone, it's another thing entirely when they have near perfect pitch and channel angels when they open their mouth. I think I'm a little behind on your YES path, Jim. I'll try to keep up. It's so emotionally exhausting, yet immensely enjoyable to relive these first-listens with you. Thank you!

[@JimNewstead]

You echo what a lot of other people have said and I agree with! Thanks 👍🏼

[@ProgRockDreams]

That was my first concert experience at the age of 17. Back seat at manchester appollo. Chris's bass wrattled and boomed my chest and i thought, this is it, I've got to see them again as I'd found the link from vinyl to dreaming to swimming in their music. From that one experience I went on to see most of the best bands of prog rock and some diversions, mt next concert The Wall - Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush, Lindisfarnre, Jethro Tull, Marillion, Barclay James Harvest, Peter Gabriel, Chris De Burgh, Jean Michel-Jarre, Asia, GTR, Steve Hackett, Fish, Black Sabbath, Six of the Best, Dire Straits, Super Tramp, Tina Turner, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, ELP, Mike and the Mechanics, Tears for Fears, Stranglers, Def Leppard, John Wetton, And ALL the YES line ups until 2000. When I first heard music from Jon , Chris, Bill/Allan Steve and Tony/Rick it was a matrix moment in my life... I've seen many other bands and i take my hat off to all of them - they create magic Jim. Not sure if you have reviewed Steve Hackett with TodMobil - the Rick W look alike does a fantastic job of singing Supper's Ready with Steve making his guitar sing to, pure magic Jim awesome review

[@chadmitchell7648]

The part at the end where Squire starts 'walking' the bass line just kills me every time. Still my favorite Yes album (and the one that convinced me to listen to Yes in the first place)

[@JimNewstead]

I’m torn, because there are so many other amazing records they’ve made that I’ve listened to. This is certainly right at the top!

[@chadmitchell7648]

@@JimNewstead No need to be torn. I love all of Yes' work (even Tormato). Drama was just the entryway I needed to open my mind up to the rest of their music.

[@moontan91]

it was frowned upon by a lot of fans back then. but i loved it back then, and now. one of my favorite album from them. proof positive that Squire was the soul of the band.

[@tamaspolyak5564]

It would be interesting to listen to Duke by Genesis next, it's their album from 1980.

[@SebGeddy]

IMHO, "Drama" is a great improval on "Tormato", more consistent, more focused, more agressive and it has more fun... "Machine Messiah" has almost a heavy metal riff 🤘🎸, epic track all the way. As for "Does it really happen?", Chris Squire's bass line is out ot this world, I've tried to play along but couldn't go through the ending solo, what a legend...

[@brandxscot]

On 27 November 1980 I had the misfortune to see this version of Yes at the Glasgow Apollo.. Trevor Horn trying to reach Jon Anderson’s high notes when he tried to do the oldies was painful. However the musicianship was excellent as you would expect. Then when they played a couple of Buggles’ hits including Video Killed the Radio Star the boos drowned out the song. By contrast I went to see Jon Anderson 2 weeks later at the same venue. He played his own solo stuff as well as reprising a few Yes standards. No comparison. Thankfully Trevor Horn left and went on to be a very successful producer. He still is.