YES FIRST TIME COUPLE REACTION to Machine Messiah | Discovering Eighties Yes! (BMC Request)

[@NicknLex]

Hey everyone! We recorded this video on Friday 11/28/22 along with Bruce Springsteen before Alexia was down with the viral respiratory infection. We have another surprise coming from that same day... stay tuned! Thank you ALL for your love, positive thoughts and support! ❤‍🩹 She is doing better, though she’s still weak and with chest pain & shortness of breath but she’s getting lots of rest and love. We will keep you posted and we’re hoping she’s out of this in no time!

[@bobk9572]

As you've probably already seen in some of the other comments, Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman are not on this album. Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes from The Buggles were vocals and keyboards on this album. Another addition to the ever changing line up of Yes!

[@bmac1205]

Love it! 😉😉

[@izzonj]

How is Alexia? Tell her we all hope she gets well soon!

[@mvunit3]

Sending TONS more prayers! We Love you Lexi - Get PLENTY of rest 😊.

[@NicknLex]

@@izzonj feeling better, but still in pain and feeling weak. She’s getting lots of rest and love so we’re hoping she’s out of this soon! Thank you all. 🙏

[@hombredeoro8593]

By far one of the most underrated albums by YES. It is great from start to finish. The Bass alone is some of Squire's best playing and yes, back up singing. Check out the song, Does It Really happen? Good reaction.

[@aeropilot4419]

Some of Howe’s best playing as well … probably the last time he was truly innovative in guitar

[@JimNewstead]

Hey you guys, a very speedy recovery to Lex, what a crap year you’ve both had. I reacted to this record with some trepidation when I did it many months ago, based on the negative comments from many in the comments… This album is actually one of my faves from the whole Yes discography, and I find Trevor Horn’s vocals work well. The stand out for this record though is Chris Squire’s bass…. It’s front and centre of EVERY track. It’s the best bass album I have in the collection! A total banger!!!! It’s good to have you back, the reaction community has missed you, and it feels complete again now you’re back! Much love to you both. Jim.

[@NicknLex]

Hi Jim! You are wonderful; thank you for your kind words and support. Love to hear you say that and makes me anxious to dive into more of this album. We are happy to be back and can’t wait to feel 100% again and enjoy more tunes! Hope things are well on your front and let’s keep in touch for that pending collab!

[@frankmcbride7051]

This is a convergence of kind souls. You all have such positivity in your videos. I admitted among Jim's comments that I resisted this record greatly back in the day because of the absence of Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. It was MANY years before I gave it an open-minded listen and had to admit that it was worthy of standing alongside the other Yes LPs. My honest opinion now is that this and the Trevor Rabin years were probably important to keep things fresh.

[@ronniefarnsworth6465]

This is so good Live by the one year lineup Live in Lyon Jim 👍🎶.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/p3mnp41jrrd2Z80

[@mvunit3]

TOTALLY agree with you Jim, I need to really catch-up to your reactions and "Drama". I hope you are well and I will have to leave some comments sooner than later :). Its THIS album by Yes that made me go backwards into their catalogue in 1980 - 81. And then my RUSH quest came next!

[@cobbycaputo3332]

Jim you had a great reaction to this album. As I think I commented on your video, we were all a little nervous that Jon (and to a lesser degree, Rick) were not in the band, but this album is really strong and fits in well with my vision of Yes. They did well in concert on this tour as well. And as I've said I was 17, I assume Chris is using a platinum or titanium pick on this album, as his heaviest bass work is here. Tempus Fugit is another great bass-heavy track on this album.

[@claywalnum3143]

That’s Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards, together known as The Buggles. They have the honor of being the first band to have a song on MTV, “Video Killed the Radio Star.” The Buggles have two albums, and I think you’d really like them.

[@LawrenceWhitaker]

Drama is a brilliant album, and definitely underrated. 'Does it Really Happen' is a fabulous track - the instrumental at the end, and the interplay between Chris Squire's bass and Geoff Downes' keyboards some of the best music Yes have created.

[@davidnorman4923]

Love that track the funky bass and Alans drums so cool and a little cowbell to boot!

[@rickbyers3109]

I remember waiting for this album to first be released back in 1980. Jon and Rick left the band, replaced by The Buggles Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. So true about how this album gets a bad rap, but to me, it re-energized Chris, Steve and Alan, pushing them to creatively push the band into the new decade. Love, love, love seeing the two of you digging this song, like I did my first listen!

[@BoardGameBill]

I have always felt that Drama is a criminally underrated Yes album. I get it, it sounds different without Jon, but this album has some real bangers! Hope you enjoy the rest of this album as much as I do!

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

Drama was the first album I ever listened from Yes. It’s awesome, personal favorite is Does it Really happen. The bass is so nice

[@chacob3380]

the bass and drums on this album are exceptional. Musically it was a great album.

[@Kenneth_Fishing]

@@chacob3380 I watch a lot of fishing videos so when I first saw your comment pop up in my notifications I thought someone was talking about catching bass and drum fish 😂

[@chacob3380]

@@Kenneth_Fishing doubly funny since Chris Squire's nickname was "the Fisth"

[@gkirms]

This is one album that I could never get into. To this day I still don't care for it and when I listen to it it still sounds like the 80's. Just not a fan of it.

[@murdockreviews]

I might be in a minority, but 'Drama' is one of my favourite Yes albums. I guess fans hated it, because Jon wasn't in the band, and a modernised new wave-prog sound came in,upsetting fans from the 70s a bit. Musically this album is really awesome!

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

it's my 2nd favorite Yes album behind Relayer.

[@janea57]

I really love Drama. Saw them on this tour and Buggles Yes was really great. I did miss JA but Trevor Horn did an excellent job.

[@chuckhutton5087]

It gets a bad rap because it was so different from Yes’s earlier work. It got the same unfair scrutiny as ELO’s “Time”. Both excellent albums!!

[@Green-Lyon]

I loved it from the first time I heard it. I totally get missing Jon, and the unease around the more "Buggles-esque" bits but I totally agree with you. This album has never been off my playlist.

[@jamiedimond9419]

i was 11 years old first album i ever bought

[@bmac1205]

Horn and Squire sound great singing together.

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Squire sounds great with everyone. If you listen to Tales carefully you will hear all the upper harmony over dubbing is Squire's voice. Anderson lost his ability to sing upper octave so Chris sang them.

[@lindazee]

As a huge Jon Anderson fan, you'd think that I would not be into the Drama album, but it's just a great album in its own right, always wrongly underrated. If you liked the recording, seeing YES perform Machine Messiah live is a spectacular experience!! Blew my socks off. Next must is Tempus Fugit...Chris Squire absolutely displays his talents like no other. ✨️

[@garywright7686]

Welcome back, guys! There's a bunch of stuff out there around this album. First, there's some video on KZbin from a tour that was done with Yes and Dream Theater Touring together, and you can find a video with Portnoy playing drums on "Machine Messiah". Also, there's a video where you'll find Trevor Horn talking about about waking from a dream in a panic with Chris Squire telling him they have another vocal part to record....

[@kpas22105]

Great song off of a great album, literally not a bad song on it. Tempest Fugit and Does it Really happen are the standouts in my opinion, great bass solo on the latter. This album was the single album that the group The Buggles joined the group; Trevor Horn (vocals and bass on one track) and Geoff Downs keyboards).

[@bmac1205]

Fretless bass no less

[@andrewlivings6124]

Tempus fugit and into the lense are my favourite tracks off this album.

[@KlFi15]

9:40 nick you are 100% right. This album in particular (and Rush) may be considered as the biggest inspiration to the prog metal scene in the '90s

[@cartelesargentinos]

Totally agree

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

When you get around to listening to White Car or Does It Really Happen, do them both in the same video. White Car is exceptionally short and serves as a perfect segue into Does It Really Happen (which is my favorite song on Drama.)

[@mvunit3]

Always wanted to make a "Video" for "White Car", even though the track is so short.

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

@@mvunit3 a reaction video, or a music video?

[@mvunit3]

@@MyCrazyDogs32 Music :).

[@jml-rj5re]

Geoff Downes - keyboards, Fairlight CMI, vocoder Trevor Horn - lead vocals, fretless bass on "Run Through the Light" , Producer. Horn is more of a composition, structure guy vs. Jon Anderson Steve Howe - guitar, mandolin on "Run Through the Light", backing vocals Chris Squire - bass, backing vocals, piano on "Run Through the Light" Alan White - drums, percussion, backing vocals

[@hustonbop]

I love ❤️ this album!!!

[@toms9902]

This album was with Trevor Horne who replaced Jon Anderson and Geoff Downes was on keys, not Rick Wakeman. They did this album great justice. One of my favorite YES albums.

[@tobytanzer]

So glad to see Lex looking so healthy again*. I'm one of those early Yes purists who resisted the personnel changes in the 80's. This track started to change my mind, once I gave it a few listens. Now I appreciate Drama, but not as much as the 70's Yes. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks. *edit - just realised this was pre RSV.

[@rwbillings]

Always great to see you and Alexia reacting to Yes. Prayers continuing for her recovery.

[@AllMediaReviewsPodcast]

Dream Theater actually covered this multiple times, including with Alan White on the 2004 tour they did opening for Yes.

[@bmac1205]

I saw DT open for Yes at the Allentown Fair in Allentown Fair for the 35th Anniversary Tour.

[@JohnBrooking4]

You may be interested in learning that the keyboard part starting at 7:47 is a quote from a pipe organ symphony by classical composer Charles-Marie Widor. It is the fifth and last movement of his Fifth Symphony for Organ, entitled "Toccata". Here is one recording of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKXNZGNmn5Zlb80 We had the Widor piece played as the recessional at our wedding, by a college friend of mine. Reading the comments on that link I gave, it was fun seeing others say the same thing! ♥🥰

[@debrabrabenec3731]

I heard that too! It was a favorite of my mother's and we played a recording of it at her funeral.❤️

[@GlobalWarring]

Interesting re: Dream Theater. You can find on YT footage of Dream Theater doing a cover of this song with Steve Howe on stage with them. Dream Theater were the 'support' for Yes on a world tour at the time in 2004.

[@scottstevens7639]

“Drama” is kind of the ‘lost’ Yes album because it appeared during a time of upheaval for the band. You’ll probably be disappointed to find out that Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman were not present for this one. That’s actually Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards. To truly understand the origins of this album, you need to have a look at ‘The Buggles’. They were the band behind “Video Killed the Radio Star”, which has the distinction of being the very first video ever played on MTV. ‘The Buggles’ were a 2 man band from the late ‘70’s ‘New Wave’ scene - bassist and vocalist Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes. After “Going for the One”, Wakeman and Anderson left Yes and the duo from The Buggles were essentially absorbed into Yes for this album. Not only does Trevor Horn sound uncannily similar to Jon Anderson on vocals, but he’s also widely regarded as one of the greatest music producers of the modern era. The following album, ‘90210’, yielded their biggest radio and video hit, “Owner of a Lonely Heart”. The lineup changed once again and although Horn was no longer a member of the band, he produced the album. Horn has also produced albums by ‘Frankie Goes to Hollywood’, ‘Seal’ and many others. ‘Drama’ may be the ‘forgotten’ album by Yes, but it is by no means unworthy of attention. I for one quite like it, even if it does deviate from the ‘classic’ Yes sound.

[@Heatherofscots]

This was the first Yes album I heard in its entirety. My dad had this and later 90125 on vinyl. Eventually , I purchased all of the albums on my own. I remember being a little scared of the omnious sounding intro of this , I would have been around 6 years old then.

[@alrivers2297]

The first concert I ever went to was Yes in 1980 for their Drama tour. I was 13 and my aunt took me who was just 19. She also took me to see ACDC and the Kinks around that same year, but Yes was the best. Great memories for me. This is a great song and Lex is right, it is very Floydish. My favorite off this album is Tempus Fugit. Their 1983 album 90125 is very different but also very underrated. I didn't love it that much at the time but has grown on me over the years and now love it. I hope Alexia is feeling better ❤️

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth. Steve Howe said he enjoyed this time the most because he Squire and White could jam non stop since Anderson wasn't around to frown on them. Thus this album is the most raw rock-prog of all their albums.

[@jpr593]

12:50 - 13:54 *When the sun is going down, and you quietly feel this eternity that overtakes us.*

[@jameswattles7341]

Glad you're back ! One thing with Yes you have many of reactions to do. I love all the different faces of Yes. Always amazing

[@dogtownczar]

We ***very few*** High School prog-rock listners of Little Rock Arkansas had an album listing party for the release of Drama. Cases had been made made for but mostly against the new line up. How could we not be extremely skeptical of the lineup change. Most all of The Buggles had just joined the band. Gone were Jon and Rick. In our minds no one could replace Jon. It didn't help that all we knew of Trevor Horn and Geoff Downs was from watching that one video played over and over on MTV. Yet before the end of 1st side, absolutely all of our apprehensions were dispelled. Later, the closing track left us ALL slayed right there in seats by the mind expanding experience know as "Tempus Fugit". Picture a bunch of 17 and 18 year olds packed in bean bags, chairs, throw pillows and more than a few packed in on the bed; all with mouths simultaneously agape. Slack jawed and stunned all around. Our idea of what encapsulated prog-rock was had just been redefined with the book ends of Drama.

[@michelemichele3375]

Love your comment. 🧡😽

[@davidgibson3425]

This is the album leading to all the anticipation. Jon and Rick had left the band. Hearing Steve, Chris and Alan ended the angst we all were feeling. Yes was still at it. So great.

[@Lightmane]

Another great reaction. I had a feeling you wouldn't realize that wasn't Jon Anderson. Most people don't realize it at first. Wakeman isn't here either. I was shocked at how good this album was, without Anderson and Wakeman. I thought Trevor Horn sang great, but some criticized him. So great to see Alexia looking well so quickly.

[@NicknLex]

Thanks so much! This was recorded before the hospital visit. Definitely confused us since Chris sounds so much like Jon. On the second listen we definitely heard it wasn't him. Alexia is still under the weather but we want to give you guys pre recorded vids 🙂

[@Lightmane]

@@NicknLex ah, ok. I should've realized, but I was showing a couple friends your channel, so I didn't hear everything you said. We talked through a lot of it... but they enjoyed your reaction too. They've never seen a yt reaction channel b4 🙂

[@dav147]

Recently been getting into this album, great reaction hope Lex is feeling better. x

[@JohnMacRae23]

Nice reaction... a great dark horse lp that seems to get more love as the years roll on. Anderson and Wakeman are not on this lp, it's the "Buggles" as replacements... Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes. Trevor has a higher voice like Jon, so easy to make that mistake. Both would factor in later line ups as well... Trevor producing and Geoff in recent line ups.

[@kevinmccartin5425]

I’m glad you mentioned this was about to correct nick on his Anderson statement

[@jeffreycook2112]

Prayers for a speedy recovery Alexia. Drama is one of the Yes albums I never bought on CD. It’s been a long time since I’ve heard this song, and I forgot how heavy it really was. Thanks for bringing back an old memory with a great reaction as usual.

[@aknightthatsaysnee5259]

Such an awesome song. I raised my boys on this music. Marley just wanted to say how much he loves this song, too.

[@raiderfan346]

As much as I love Yes it is hard to enjoy them until I hear Lex is back to 100%. Sending all of my love to you Lex. I hope your back and kicking in no time. ❤

[@stevenmcgowan8344]

My favorite song from Drama. I always think of this as Yes's foray into metal. Get well Lex!

[@bmac1205]

Nick is breaking a sweat with air drumming!!! You go Nick, you go!!!!!!!

[@papunAlicea]

Thanks so much for share, blessings. This song and full album are great. 💯🎼. Into the Lens

[@chuckells5220]

BLTs and chicken soup! Thanks for the fresh Yes! feel better! ❤❤

[@TheReaperMan275]

I enjoyed _Drama_ right off the bat. I loved it. But I was too young in the 70's to appreciate this kind of music. In 1980, however I was 16 years old and just starting my journey into the wonderous world of Yes, and Genesis. So _Drama_ was actually the first exposure I had to Yes, followed by _The Yes Album, Fragile_ and _Close to the Edge_ in short order and I have been a life long fan ever since. Great reaction. You have been missed and are greatly welcomed back. Kudos!

[@avantprog6902]

I was around when this album was released and there was actually a music video of, " Tempest Fugit ". I was astonished by the guitar playing and began to learn it immediately.

[@jml-rj5re]

Into the Lens IMO is one of the best Yes tracks of all time. It's at another level, IMO. Tempis Fugit is absolute GENIUS as well.

[@JJ8KK]

Remember guys...you haven't finished off the *Close To The Edge* album, yet. *Siberian Khatru* is one of YES' Top Six recordings of all time, in my opinion. You'll LOVE it!

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Yep! Can't wait for that reaction!

[@thomasbianchino3116]

This whole album is AMAZING! Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes from The Buggles did an awesome job. You should TOTALLY check out Tempus Fugit from this album.

[@canalmacameu]

I'm so glad to see you back

[@markwitherspoon1416]

Dream theater opened for Yes and played this song

[@mikenichols3965]

I've said before this was the last good Yes record. Then it was the Trevor Rabin band, and even though Jon came back, he never had the same influence. Drama is Yes updating their sound for the new decade, successfully, I think. The demos from the aborted sessions with Rick and Jon show just how lost they were after Tormato. Tempus Fugit was the first blast we all heard before the album was released, after hearing about acquiring the Buggles, and it blew our minds! You'll love the rest of the album, I'm positive. Get well Lex! 😍

[@jimwilde1804]

Basically, this was a Yes / Buggles crossover when Jon and Rick had left the band. Heavily a Chris Squire album. Soooo glad you guys are back!

[@bmac1205]

This album really shows off bass and drums and is quite heavy.

[@JusCuz410]

Credit goes to Hugh Padgham, the engineer. He is responsible for the gated reverb you hear in the low end. His most notable work was on Phil Collins’s huge drum sound.

[@jml-rj5re]

Drama is indeed criminally underrated!! Marriage of the Buggles and Yes. Trevor Horn does well with vocals and is a wizard on production. Geoff Downes is magnificent on keyboards. Possibly Howe's best work as a member of Yes!! Into the Lens, Run through the Light, and Tempis Fugit are GENIUS from Drama!!! You will LOVE these songs. Drama stands up extremely well.

[@timelkins3537]

My local rock station actually played this along with the single from this album “Tempest Fugit” when it was first released. Shows you just how much radio has changed over the years. 😉😂

[@MisterWondrous]

I was over to the Daily Doug today in a chat and he was wishing Lexi a quick recovery, which I second. Jon Anderson's song "Take Your Time" might be a good one for her as she recovers. Good for you too. Good for anyone. Medicinal Yes, I call it. It is from Jon's "Song of Seven". "Days" is also their "Morning Has Broken" from the same album. The days are blessings. Loved this newfangled song too. Pleasant surprise! Heeeeeal!

[@halcyon289]

My first Yes gig was during the Drama tour . Hammersmith , London . The audience were , frankly , borderline insane. This features Trevor Horn on vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards. I LOVE THIS ALBUM !!

[@MyCrazyDogs32]

It's so cute you thought Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman were going to be on this album! Welcome back to the revolving door!

[@gregall2178]

Rick Wakeman was not on this album. Geoff Downs was on keyboards. I believe Lex will love the bass on this album ;-)

[@shubhamchakraborty7904]

After a long time seeing your videos , nice to see

[@pgsticker]

You folks are musically mature and good peeps - love your channel- love to you guys on Lex getting back to 100% physical recovery

[@NicknLex]

How sweet; thank you so much! ❤️

[@jtighe5241]

Tempus Fugit from Drama is another great Yes song.

[@yes_head]

It's easy to understand how listening to Chris Squire on this track can give someone respiratory distress. 😉 But seriously, we're all wishing Lex a quick and full recovery! But really -- in some ways you can look at Drama as Chris Squire's second solo album with Alan, Steve, Trevor and Geoff as his band (and production staff.) And in some ways it's Chris, Steve and Alan releasing a lot of pent up frustrations with Jon and Rick with a vengeance. It's a shame it didn't last more than the one album, although 2011's Fly From Here can be seen as the long delayed follow up to Drama (especially the Return Trip version with Trevor Horn singing.) If "Machine Messiah" is a bit dense and overwhelming I invite you to check out the rest of the record. It's uniformly good, and the the other songs generally breathe more (except perhaps "Tempus Fugit".)

[@jareczek1980]

Can't wait for in to the lens (camera)

[@figgybass]

Hi guys, so very glad to see you back! The Drama tour was the 1st time I got to see Yes. Although not the classic lineup, it was still a very good concert. Listening to Chris's bass in concert was always awesome! Best to you, love you guys!

[@bmac1205]

YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So cool!!!!!! Dream Theatre did a cover of this and did it live somewhere, with Steve Howe sitting in! The Drama album is so underrated!!!!!

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Yes, any decade or iteration are top notch. Thx for your reaction 👍👍

[@ericmeredith8754]

Since watching your previous reactions to yes. I have became a huge fan of close to the edge and the yes album! Absolute masterpieces . I bought both of them on vinyl and have been checking out a lot of there other 70’s albums. This definitely sounds like an evolution to a heavier song! Really loved it. Great reaction! Glad to see you both doing videos! 😄

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

One of my favorite Yes albums, and definitely my favorite from the '80s. Every song on it is a winner. My favorite track is "Does it Really Happen".

[@garyking6519]

Does it really happen is on 90125

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

@@garyking6519 No, it's definitely on Drama. It's the second track.

[@garyking6519]

@@patrickmcevoy5080 yeah you're right, 40 some years can run things together. Especially since Horn's voice was still on 90125

[@bmac1205]

@@garyking6519 Its on Drama. Fake Yes fan?🤣🤣

[@bmac1205]

@@garyking6519 Trevor Horn was not singing on 90125. Trevor Rabin was singing on 90125. Trevor Horn produced/engineered 90125.

[@bmac1205]

Time mark 16:08: Nick , shakes head and rolls eyes and says 'Pha-Shhhhhhh, Jeeze'!! 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌 Says it all, really 😁😁

[@dolfinpt]

Woot! Glad to see your back to YES!! Drama-a project without the voice of Jon Anderson. Lead vocals by Trevor Horn (Buggles) , & Geoff Downes on Keyboards. Chris’s vocals upfront a lot here. Not a bad album! Machine Messiah is Awesome!! I’ve seen Jon A perform it and Benoit David as well! Both terrific! Also Geoff Downes on keyboards. He’s worked with Steve Howe in Asia. Downes is current keyboardist for Yes! Hopin you Dig it! Still hoping you’ll react to Mind Drive!😄💕

[@rphilyaw1]

As always, really enjoyed your reaction. What an epic song, one of my all time favorite Yes tunes. I'm curious...you always say that you don't read any lyrics, etc. when you react to a song, so I wasn't surprised when you didn't realize it wasn't Jon and Rick on this album. What were your thoughts when you realized no Jon and Rick? I was 17 and just really getting into prog when this was released, so I was skeptical but got it anyway...and it blew me away. I think this is a great Yes album. Different, of course, but so good. I know the "purists" had a problem with it...but bands are like everything else, they change and evolve...you either embrace it or you don't. Continued good thoughts to both of you, so good to see you back!

[@deanjones9082]

The lineup was Trevor Horn Vocals, Steve Howe Guitar, Chris Squire Bass, Geoff Downes Keyboards & piano, Alan White Drums

[@spikeysnack]

The Buggles "Living in the Plastic Age" is one of the first great "Prog Pop" albums out there and features 4 or 5 really great songs "Video Killed the Radio Star" that everyone knows, and a few others that were minor hits in England. For Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes to show up in Yes in the band was really weird and for Trevor to sing lead was this huge shock and "Drama" for real for the fans. Geoff Downes went on to play in lots of prog and neo-prog bands, and eventually wrote his own symphonies and became a famous composer. Trevor is currently the band leader of Yes now, and though the direction of the band is more europop and radio-friendly, the musicianship is still at the top, and some of their stuff is very good (of course). "Fly From Here" is a true masterpiece of modern prog rock, and if it did not have the name Yes on it it would still be as good. Their previous Album "Tormato 1978 (almost 79)" was a big flop commercially, and the band was about to fold up. Several founding members bailed (they came back) and went off to do solo stuff. Luckily punk rock was just about over, but somehow with the new members from a "punky band" like the Buggles and their own reputation as a major band. they secured funding for Drama. In 1980, nobody knew where rock was going -- a lot of seemed like a back to disco thing but with scary synths instead of funky bass lines. The Police were the new guys -- disco beat, dark lyrics, rock guitar. They had this whole genre -- Roxy Music, Gary Numan, Madness, The Cure, etc. Hard Rock was going metal with Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Saxon. So they took a chance with a change to more rockband prog, but still with some Oxford educated beat-poetry lyrics. "Machine Messiah" stands in 1980 about 40 years ahead of its time -- as we are just now understanding what Artifical Intelligence may be capable of -- Kate Bush explored this a bit with her hit "Deeper Understanding", and ELP with the war against the computers in "Karn Evil 9" . But the sheer Doom Metal and speed guitar was something you had never heard from Yes before, and it both electrified and polarized the Yes fanbase. A very experimental album, with a lot of different styles. "Into the Lens" is my favorite, even though it is a re-working of the Buggles song "I Am A Camera". This album stands as a pre-cursor to "90125" that was the big super mega hit album with the #1 hits songs, which basically set the band up for life to carry on.🔭

[@stevensabella7287]

Glad to have you back!

[@anthonyblakely399]

Drama (Yes album) All songs by Geoff Downes, Trevor Horn, Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White. Released in 1980.

[@janea57]

I was one of the few Yes fans who actually loved this album from the first. I already liked the Buggles album and many of these songs were originally unreleased Buggles songs. Saw them on this tour and enjoyed it very much. Both Geoff Downes and Trevor Horne are still involved with 2023 Yes.

[@paulrobinson7140]

drama is a great album, and reminds me of a later album by British prof pop rock band it bites, called once around the world, at least that albums title track which is a pretty fun 15 mins if you've got time 😎

[@Hoxson1]

Run down a street Where the glass shows That summer has gone Age, in the doorways Resenting the pace of the dawn. All of them standing in line All of them waiting for time. From time, the great healer, The machine-Messiah Is born. Cables that carry the life To the cities we build Threads that link diamonds of life To the satanic mills Ah, to see in every way That we feel it every Day, and know that Maybe we'll change Offered the chance To finally unlearn our lessons And alter our stance. Friends make their way into systems of chance (Reply- friends make their way of escape into systems of chance) Escape to freedom I need to be there Waiting and watching, the tables are turning I'm waiting and watching I need to be there. I care to see them walk away And, to be there when they say They will return. Machine, Messiah The mindless Search for a higher Controller Take me to the fire And hold me Show me the strength of your Singular eye. History dictating symptoms of ruling romance Claws at the shores of the water upon which we dance All of us standing in line All of us waiting for time To feel it, all the way And to be there when they Say they know that Maybe we'll change Offered the chance To finally unlearn our lessons And alter our stance. Machine, machine Messiah. Take me into the fire Hold me, machine Messiah And show me The strength of your singular eye.

[@alanbrown7412]

Hi Nick, Hi Lexi. It is so great to have you back.We have missed you so much. I'm so glad Lexi is feeling better after the worry of the viral respiratory infection . Thank you so much for reacting to Machine Messiah. The album Drama is criminally underated...I love it so much. I bought the first Yes album when it came out...in 1969...I was 12 yrs old. I have been a big fan ever since. I felt the band was treading water a bit with Going For The One and Tormato....I did like certain tracks but was a tad disappointed. When the band announced that Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes...from The Buggles had joined the band I must admit I was sceptical. That changed immediately after the first chords of Machine Messiah hit me. A complete brilliant Yes album followed in my eyes. As you say Nick a bit more metallic than usual but in keeping with the start of the eighties. I actually saw them on this tour and they were superb....even the older songs were on point 👍. It is a pity this band only made one album. Of course Geoff Downes, joined Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton in Asia. Hope you and Lexi have a lovely evening. Take care, stay safe. Peace, love and Gentle Blessings from Liverpool UK 👍✌️🤘🙏

[@bmac1205]

Smiles and Laughing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@dailyprognosisnick]

Saw this tour and though I was disappointed there was no Jon or Rick,. I thought Trevor and Geoff did a fantastic job and this album holds it own in the Yes catalog,. Though you can here the beginnings of Asia in the sound from Howe and Downes.

[@bmac1205]

Vibes and Tympani! Gotta love it!!!!!!

[@philipmason9537]

The most successful 1980’s Yes song is their only number one US single Owner of A Lonely Heart which is from the next album after Drama called 90125. Drama is the first album after JON and Rick left the band and their places were taken by Trevor Horn( the famous producer) and Geoff Downes; they were better known as The Buggles who wrote and performed Video killed The Radio Star.

[@garyking6519]

Rick had left years earlier

[@philipmason9537]

@@garyking6519 Rick and Jon both left in 1979 after the Paris sessions were aborted due to musical differences with Steve, Chris and Alan; Alan had also just broken his ankle while roller skating so this was the parting of the waves( for now). You can hear some of Rick and Jon’s work on the songs in the expanded Tormato album, ten other unfinished tunes from Paris in late 1979.

[@garyking6519]

Rick left from 74 to 77, replaced by Patrick Moraz, then he came back as they started Going for the one

[@philipmason9537]

@@garyking6519 Recorded Going For The One, then recorded Tormato and did a world tour and then intended to record the next album in Paris but the demos weren’t working and Rick and Jon agreed to leave at the same time.

[@digibirder]

I really love this style of Yes. Drama is one of my favourite albums. You can tell it was inspirational to all the harder style progressive metal/rock bands that came out in the 80s and 90s. You need to check out more Saga too. Check out "Mouse In A Maze" (especially live). Its from 1978! This band was pioneer.

[@analogpro7]

Possibly the best Yes song of the 80s

[@ralphus555]

So much to love about this album. Was not received well by Yes fans at the time because Anderson and Wakeman had left, but it is a truly awesome album. Always lamented the fact they never did a follow-up with this line-up. The tour was awesome also... Steve has never rocked this hard.

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi again, this album definitely took me by surprise. I was very apprehensive before buying this having already known Jon nor Rick were in the band. Worse still it was Buggles vocalist Trevor Horn on vocals and all I knew of him was the song "Video Killed The Radio Star" which I did like, but ... the vocalist of Yes ? Chris Squire has a similar voice to Jon so when he harmonizes with Trevor ...it works. "Drama" turned out to be a really good album. Trevor Horn I discovered is also a brilliant Producer. I did not expect to see another post yet, and even though I know this is before Lex took ill, I think after this, you will have had enough Drama in your lives for a while.....hmmm ? [ sorry, couldn't resist ] Take care. Byee Jim X

[@gwmatteson]

I've been a huge Yes fan since I first heard "The Yes Album" in 1970 or 1971 and have loved every iteration of the band since. The classic Yes lineup put out what I felt was a lackluster album "Tormato" in 1978. It still had some good stuff on it but I felt it was not up to their usual standard. Than a few years later a new album "Drama" comes out in 1980. And WOW what a difference! It was the first album recorded WITHOUT lead singer Jon Anderson (replaced here by Trevor Horn) and Rick Wakeman was replaced by Geoff Downes. The core members Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass) and Alan White (drums) remained. This was the only album that this lineup produced, which I feel is a crime because this lineup created something which in my opinion was truly special. Do yourselves a favor and do a deep dive on this album. You won't be disappointed.

[@jenshaag]

Glad you are back.

[@mellotronin54]

Good to have you back. This was the first Yes album I bought on the day of release. I had most of the previous by then but caught a bus into town to the record store and bought it. My Yes fan friends and I were all a little worried with Horn and Downes replacing Anderson and Wakeman but were pleasantly surprised by the result. It has become a favourite not a CTTE or GFTO but a great record among great yes records.

[@brianschoner3350]

Glad Lex is on the mend - may the recovery continue swiftly! "Tempus Fugit" is my personal favorite off this album - glad to see you're checking it out!

[@brianschoner3350]

Although as a bass player, "Does It Really Happen?" is a very close second.

[@frankswarbrick7562]

Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but "pop-Yes" (Owner of a Lonely Heart) also started in the 80s; 1983 specifically.

[@tomflynn9473]

I love this album - Into the Lens, Does It Really Happen, Tempus Fugit. Trevor Horn fits nicely to provide a similar but unique sound.

[@deanjones9082]

This was one of the 1st Yes albums not to feature Jon Anderson on lead vocals, it was Trevor Horn on vocals. He was originally the lead singer for the Buggles "Video Killed the Radio Star".

[@mattleppard1970]

This one also deserves a re-listen. After this album, Trevor Horn masterminded the 90125 sound ❤

[@nancymjohnson]

Trevor Horn is on vocals. He has/had done Yes production. Steve Howe had always said that he wanted to play harder rock.

[@gtarry]

I remember getting this when it came out in the summer of 1980, and was pleasantly surprised by how they coped without Anderson & Wakeman. The next time that Downes AND Horn were together with Yes is the excellent Fly From Here album; highly recommended

[@andydovey7417]

Great to see you guys well. "Drama" is a really good album, I think. The whole Buggles thing meant many folk wrote off the album before hearing it and giving it a chance!

[@mattleppard1970]

Ooh. Love this album and starting this. I hope you also love this. It’s amazing ❤ Guess others have already pointed out it’s not Jon or Rick😂

[@bmac1205]

Alexia, give this another listen later on your own and concentrate on Chris' bass playing. This song is a real Chris Squire bass playing showcase and an Alan White drumming showcase too!

[@potencianocarin2303]

FYI DRAMA is the only YES album without Jon Anderson on vocals and then he joined back in the YES 90125 & Big Generator album and followed with the album ABWH in which the group wanted to say YES but for legal reason Chris Squire wont allow them to be called YES. So Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman & Howe (ABWH) was the name of the album released in June 1989.