"90125" is a landmark album for the progressive rock band Yes, marking a significant shift in their sound and style. Released on November 7, 1983, it became their highest-selling album and is noted for introducing Yes to a new generation of fans. The album is characterized by a more accessible, pop-oriented sound compared to the complex, symphonic style they had been known for in the 1970s.
The album's creation followed the disbandment of Yes in 1981 after the Drama tour. Bassist Chris Squire, drummer Alan White, and guitarist Trevor Rabin (who had replaced Steve Howe) formed a new band called Cinema. They began recording material that was less complex and more commercially viable than Yes’s past work. The music mostly came from Rabin's demos, including tracks like "Owner of a Lonely Heart" and "Hold On."
In early 1983, Yes's former lead vocalist Jon Anderson, who had left the band in 1980, was invited to return to record vocals for the project. This reunion led to the transformation of Cinema into the new lineup of Yes. The final lineup featured Anderson (vocals), Squire (bass), Rabin (guitar and vocals), White (drums), and Tony Kaye (keyboards), who had rejoined after a long absence from the band.
90125 marked a sharp departure from Yes's earlier sound, embracing a more radio-friendly, pop-rock approach while still retaining the band’s signature musicianship. The album blends elements of progressive rock with 1980s production styles, incorporating synthesizers, sharp rhythms, and catchy melodies. Some standout tracks include "Owner of a Lonely Heart," the album's most famous track and Yes's only hit to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song features a memorable guitar riff and a slick production style, and it became a massive commercial success. "Hold On" is a blend of Rabin's pop-rock influences with the band's progressive roots, while "Changes" is one of the few songs on the album that retains some of the band's earlier prog influences.
Trevor Horn, who had briefly been a member of Yes during the Drama album, was brought in to produce 90125. He brought a polished, radio-friendly sound that marked a clear contrast to the more experimental production style of the 1970s. "Cinema," an instrumental track, was recorded live and would go on to win a Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance in 1985. "Leave It," a track known for its complex vocal arrangement and innovative use of technology in its production, also became a key moment for the album.
The album's production was difficult at times, with a few internal conflicts between the members, especially around the role of keyboardist Tony Kaye and the band’s evolving sound. Despite this, 90125 was completed and released to significant success. It reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and No. 16 in the UK, and it remains Yes's best-selling album to date. The album produced several hit singles, with "Owner of a Lonely Heart" being the most successful, achieving No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The other singles, "It Can Happen," "Changes," and "Leave It," all charted on the Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
90125 is remembered not only as a commercial success but also as an album that marked the transformation of Yes’s sound for the 1980s. The album's success helped introduce Yes to a broader audience, especially in the U.S., and remains a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music. The band’s ability to blend their progressive roots with a more modern sound was key to its success. The album was remastered in 2004 with bonus tracks, offering additional insights into the recording process and alternate versions of some of the songs.
The album's cover art was created by Garry Mouat, using early digital design technology on an Apple IIe computer. The stylized "Y" logo was a departure from the traditional designs by Roger Dean, signaling the band’s desire for a fresh, modern image. The album was initially going to be called The New Yes Album but was ultimately named after its Atco catalogue number, 90125.
In the end, 90125 is a significant milestone in Yes's long career. It brought the band back to the mainstream and marked a new era for their music, balancing their progressive roots with the demands of 1980s pop rock.
