DRAMA

Yes met the new decade with another lineup change and a strong studio album release. I guess that if someone would predict that Yes members would collaborate with a New Wave band, fans would have dismissed that though completely. But here we are 25 years later acknowledging that same fact!

The Buggles, consisting of Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, had just release their hit record The Age Of Plastic and it only took the new Yes-lineup a few month to assemble and release a new album. The creativity was definitely on top with Drama, even though a few of The Buggles-outtakes did help along the way. Of course, this album can't be discussed without acknowledging the fact of Jon Anderson's absence from the lineup. This and the overall sound of Drama makes it difficult for me to consider it a continuation of the classic Yes sound, but that minor concern doesn't make this album any less enjoyable!

Geoff Downes dominates the sound of this release with his ultra-modern keyboard sound and so Chris Squire and Steve Howe had to take on supporting positions for a change. I always liked Machine Messiah and consider it one of the best compositions ever recorded, even though I hesitate calling it a Yes classic, especially since the composition has not been performed once Anderson rejoined the band. Tempus Fugit is another great show stopper that once again showed that the great skill of Chris Squire's arrangements. Finally we also have Into The Lens, which I previously heard in its original form off The Buggles second record Adventures In Modern Recording. There it was called I Am A Camera and even though it did catch my attention there, I still have to admit the superiority of this symphonic take.

Drama might be considered a side note in the history of this band, but it hardly makes it any less enjoyable. As I previously mentioned, Yes was always a band that managed to successfully recruit new talent to the band and this album only further proves this point. A great record, well worth exploring!

***** star songs: Machine Messiah (10:27) Tempus Fugit (5:14)

**** star songs: White Car (1:21) Does It Really Happen? (6:34) Into The Lens (8:31)

*** star songs: Run Through The Light (4:39)