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Yes - Drama CD (album) cover

DRAMA

Yes

 

Symphonic Prog

3.78 | 1967 ratings

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UMUR
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
4 stars "Drama" is the 10th full-length studio album by UK progressive rock act Yes. The album was released through Atlantic Records in August 1980.

A couple of major lineup changes had taken place since the ill-received "Tormato (1978)" album as both lead vocalist Jon Anderson and keyboard player Rick Wakeman left the band in 1979 after some not so successful sessions that were meant to have become Yes next album. New faces in the lineup are ex-The Buggles members Trevor Horn on lead vocals and Geoff Downes on keyboards. Iīm sure the fans must have been in shock when they heard of this new constellation but any fears of how the impact of the inclusion of two pop musicians in the lineup would have on Yes music turned out unfounded as "Drama" is widely considered a great Yes album with the "right" trademark Yes sound.

The album opens with the impressive "Machine Messiah". Now thatīs what I call a progressive rock song. Great technical playing, multible parts and innovative songwriting. For fans of an act like Dream Theater this is simply mandatory listening. This is what your heroes listened to when they were kids. The same can be said about both "Does It Really Happen?" and especially "Into the Lens". "Tempus Fugit" is also an excellent technical and progressive rock track. The short "White Car" track works well as an atmospheric variation. The only song Iīm not too fond of is "Run Through the Light". Itīs by no means a bad song or anything like that but itīs just the least interesting track here with itīs more easily accessible sound.

The musicianship is as always outstanding. Great performances all around. New vocalist Trevor Horn has a pretty strong voice not too far removed from the distinct vocal style of Jon Anderson, so Jon Andersonīs absence from the album isnīt a problem. The rythm section which consists of bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White needs a special mention here as they are on fire. Simply outstanding playing and great innovative ideas. Guitarist Steve Howe plays much more structured on "Drama" compared to his more loose style of playing on earlier albums. I think it suits the music well on this album. New keyboard player Geoff Downes does a great job. I enjoy Rick Wakemanīs playing on earlier albums by Yes but he isnīt missed here.

The tight and dark production on the album suits the music perfectly.

"Drama" is an excellent progressive rock album by Yes and considering that it was released in 1980 which was generally not a friendly year for progressive rock itīs actually quite the achivement IMO. A 4 star (80%) rating is fully deserved.

UMUR | 4/5 |

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