Drama is a quite divisive album in Yes history, although I rather like it. Is it classic Yes? No, not really. But I do feel it comes closer to the original experimental side of Yes than the 90125/Big Generator band (which is another division in itself). Anyway, this song and Tempus Fugit are the highlights of this album for me.
This was the end of the first "original" path of the Yes saga back then. If only the previous album Tormato had had the same drive this album has, even if two important members had left. Tormato has good songs but especially the production is thin and loses the potential. This is ot, but please listen Shadow Gallery's version of "Release Release" to hear what I mean. :)
Given the circumstances, Downes & Horn deserve a helluva lot of credit. In the whole of the Yes catalogue ? This album stands tall, IMO.... Consistently great all the way through....😎
@@johnhitchens2265 Awesome! She has good taste. :) Part of the reason I asked it because the 2nd Buggles album (Adventures in Modern Recording) was made around the time as the Yes album Drama, and... it's clear the two albums are related. Adventures is like the hard edged early synth pop little brother to Drama, down to an alternate synth take on "Into the Lens" called "I am a Camera". I don't know if she will dig the Buggles album as much as Drama.... but if Drama is her fave, she might; and I bet the alternate version of "Into the Lens" will be of interest regardless. :)
I did buy this when it first came out, and didn't really know what to expect... but Machine Messiah won me over Immediately!! It is heavy, and that's what i liked about it. Don't be afraid to listen to the rest of it cause honestly i think it's one of the best albums they ever did. I knew you were gonna like it!! Playlist Indeed...
When I heard that Anderson and Wakeman were replaced by the Buggles I could not believe it. I just knew them from "Video Killed The Radio Star" a song I did not enjoy then and still do not - to say it in a polite way. But when I heard the album I changed my mind. It was different from the other Yes stuff but whatever other people say: . this song is just great. It gives Howe the option to show his hardrocking side. It is this side that made "Yours Is No Disgrace" an outstanding song before esp. in the live version on "Yessongs". I once read that Jon Anderson had been rather disappointed when he heard this album. I do not really understand it. I mean the things they did on "Tormato" f. e. are not better although that can also be seen as an underrated album from some point of view .
"Madrigal", "Circus Of Heaven" and "Arriving UFO" are the best songs imo on Tormato. Some are good ideas but the execution leaves to desire. Please listen Shadow Gallery's version on "Release Release". They do give the treatment to the song it deserves.
They played it as opener in their 2011 tour and it was outstanding. The thing with Tempus Fugit is that it is the best advertisment song for the group itself because of the big "YES!" in the chorus. When they start the show with it, you're sure to not be on a Genesis concert :-)
When I bought this album I did not realize that Jon had left and I almost did not notice the difference in vocals because of Chris’s presence alongside the lead!
FACTS: 1. Trevor Horn and Geoffrey Downnes was BUGGLES a band with a hit VIDEO KILL A RADIO STAR... FIRST VIDEO BROADCASTING BY MTV. 2. Geoffrey Downnes with Steve Howe line in ASIA. Including John Wetton and Carl Palmer.
There are some mornings I wake up to a notification that Justin has posted a new video of a great song. This was one of those mornings - I couldn't wait to get my coffee and sit down and watch this! I love this song, and I love this album (though the other tracks aren't as adventurous as this first track). Justin, I'm glad you picked this album - you're in for a treat! It's definitely different than anything before or after in Yes' catalog, but it's really good! FUN FACT - Trevor Horn, the singer on this album, is the producer of Yes' next album, 90125 (which I hope you continue listening to). ANOTHER FUN FACT - Have you ever heard the 80s song "Video Killed the Radio Star"? It was pretty iconic in its day. That song was by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes in the 2-piece band The Buggles. Justin - if you want to explore more Yes music outside of the 70s, I would highly recommend the album "Anderson Bruford Wakeman & Howe" (basically Yes without Squire). It's a return to longer, more "proggy" songs. Before Squire died, I had always hoped that they would get him into the studio to add bass tracks to it and re-release it, but sadly that never happened. Thanks for another great reaction video Justin!! :)
Fun fact: in '87 or so, as a kid, I snuck into my parent's music collection while they were out and played this for the first time. I cranked it so loud that at the end, at that big outro, I damn near blew the speakers. I thought I was toast. I got lucky, somehow they weren't fried. It was worth it. This song was a revelation in music for me, then.
My, what an aptly named album, and not simply for content. This is one of those records that, for me, needs to be played as a whole. ‘Does it Really Happen?’ has made its way on playlists, but it’s a rarity.
Since you asked, I don't remember 'worrying' that the New YES wouldn't match up to previous iterations, just being happy that the YES story wasn't over. And then, when I heard the first song they played off this album on the radio, *Tempus Fugit,* and heard Squire dominating their sound once again, I was absolutely delighted and had to go get the album. (Looking forward to your first listen of Tempus Fugit, cuz it's one of Chris Squire's signature performances) I only gradually became aware that some YES purists from their Golden Age were not at all pleased that the New YES did not have Anderson or Wakeman and all I could think of was WTF? To me, it's really weird when fans of *_Progressive_* rock bands have a fetish about the singer, like the Genesis fans who worshiped Peter Gabriel. The _essential_ ingredient of progressive bands is their musicianship & their compositional/orchestrational sophistication. The singer is . . . the _singer._ ( _Not_ saying that both Jon & Peter didn't have their unique & valuable contributions to their bands' compositional excellence, including lyrically.) So no, I've _always_ liked the Drama album, primarily because of Machine Messiah and Tempus Fugit. The other selections ain't bad, but are just a bit 'weaker tea.' Great review as usual, Justin! --------------- BTW, when you first listen to Tempus Fugit, you might want to watch the vid they did for MTV. If you don't want to spoil the "first listen" aspect, watch it with the sound turned off & you'll see Chris Squire, Steve Howe, and Alan White performing in their absolute musicianship prime (big smile). You'll see... th-cam.com/video/vzxZzIiO84Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=yesofficial
Re: "Dark Satanic Mills": yeah, that's why I recommended the song after you did ELP's "Jerusalem", as they share that same theme between them, both songs referencing the poem "Jerusalem" by William Blake.
Drama is so underrated. Certainly of of their top 5 albums. Close to the Edge, Relayer, The Yes Album, Going for the One & Drama. Steve Howe's playing is freakishly good. Nothing he did with Asia comes close to this.
Have been a Yes fan from the beginning...but this is one of their best albums in my opinion. Especially dig this song. Had no fears. Loved it and love it
For me Drama is a perfect combination of Fragile and Relayer and moreover it anticipates 90125 with the heavy sound of Steve Howe's guitar playing. I really love Drama. it's one of my favorite YES albums! (with Fragile & Relayer ...... what a coincidence!!!!) OK, Trevor Horn doesn't have the vocal range of Jon Anderson (in fact, he's halfway between the latter and Chris Squire) and Geoff Downes doesn't have the bombastic Rick Wakeman playing, but who cares? it works very well here! I find that there is a real cohesion throughout the album and that it's a perfect synthesis of the Yes of the 70s and 80s. Justin, keep it up with Drama!
love Drama regardless of the lineup, such a powerful album, they have a follow up album of sorts that was released in 2011 called Fly From Here with Geoff on keys and Trevor producing, they did release a version with Trevor on vocals a few years back also.
Early on my bass playing I tackled this song. It's so well written, every note carefully thought out and purposeful. I remember being apprehensive about the new lineup until hearing Machine Messiah. Drama turned out to be a fantastic album.
HUGE YES FAN! Have seen this performed by Benoit and Jon D on vocals! Never saw Trevor live. Many “Yesfan’s” come down hard on Geoff Downes…not sure why! He’s great! Has been with Yes and Asia a long time. Do u really think He’d still be playing for Yes if he couldn’t play the tunes!!!??? Especially with Steve, Chris and Alan’s incredible skills? He would have not lasted this long! I’ve met Geoff quite a few times..he has always been pleasant and approachable! I think he does fine!❤️
I freaking love this song! I could never tell if what was being played at 10:39 was keys or a guitar, but whatever it is, it always sends shivers down my spine. Chris Squire’s peak as a bass player for me was 1974-1980.
I was 16 when this came out. I had only been a Yes fan for 2 years but I was completely immersed in their music. When I heard that Jon and Rick had left the band I was crushed. When Drama was released I was blown away. My friends and I were playing D&D a lot and this album was on so often that when I hear Machine Messiah I start rolling dice automatically. It became the background of my late teen years and gave me so much pleasure. Having said that I would not go see them live on the Drama tour as I could not see them without Jon without feeling his loss so much that I would not enjoy myself in spite of the incredible music. When you hear the torture that Trevor Horn was put through by being asked to sing the Yes catalog without enough rehearsal time you cannot help but respect the man’s courage. His continuing roll in Yes’ success in the 80s made me respect him even more. Machine Messiah and the rest of Drama rocked my socks off. Exciting, rollicking fun!
As a long time Yes fanatic..this album struck a positive AND a negative for me. On the positive...this was a movement for Squire, Howe and White as they really got to stretch their muscles on this outing. You can hear them bursting at the seams to jam out...and they bring fire as you can hear. On the negative...it seemed Yes lost their heart on this one...that beautiful, melodic singing voice of Anderson just cant be replaced to my ears. This was too robotic for me. Cool jams though!...Cheers from Canada!!
Robotic? Just this one song Machine Messiah invokes incredible emotion out of me! I got pretty tired of the spacey shit Jon did that culminated with TFTO, that made it’s way an every album after Close to the Edge. This is hard hitting rock and roll. It allows Steve, Alan and Chris to release all that pent up testosterone that Jon forbade. It is right behind Fragile and the Yes Album for me as my top three favorites.
I only came to this album about a year ago. I knew early Yes and later Yes, but not a lot of the in-between stuff. As I went through the catalogue, Drama was sort of a virtual new album for me and when I saw the Anderson was out and the Buggles were in, I had some serious doubts. But those were quickly assuaged with songs like this! Also, it turns out I already knew Tempus Fugit, but had no idea it wasn't Anderson. It's obvious in retrospect, but it hadn't occurred to me that they would have changed singers. It's almost sacrilege, as Anderson voice is such a distinctive part of the band. But I grew to love this album. Certainly in my top ten Yes albums.
I like this album a lot, certainly more than "90125" and "Big Generator". I wish they'd carried on, they'd already demoed 'We Can Fly From Here' and even played it in concert (there's also a version by The Buggles, a.k.a. Downes & Horn). Yes wouldn't officially record it until 2011, after Anderson had come and gone again. I'm glad you liked this. The band was trying to be more relevant in the changing musical scene with new age music coming in and punks dismissing groups such as Yes.
Honestly it took me a while to "get used to" it. After the Rabin era started I realized that it was a one off and gave it considerably more play. Its now up close to the top of my favorite Yes albums. They have played MM live in the past few tours and did it justice with the current lineup. But, admittedly, at first I thought WTF has happened to Yes??? They've gone heavy and new wave at the same time. It was a bit of culture shock but compared to what was to come (90125) it was much closer to Yes than that. So it grew on me. I'm not in the "No Jon No Yes" camp. Yes is an idea, a way to make music and the spirit carries on (with apologies to Dream Theater) regardless of the lineup. I know others' mileage will vary on that... Glad you dug it!
I have always loved Drama. Alternate lyrics to part of Machine Messiah: "Now is the time on Sprockets in which we dance!" :) Tempus Fugit is a must do.
I don't know about top 3 but Drama is definitely underrated and certainly better than anything that came after it. I put it behind The Yes Album, Fragile, Relayer and Close to the Edge. If TFTO was more condensed then I think that would be in there too. Drama is very tight, I like the sound and production.
Yup, Drama is my favorite Buggles album too. I probably never would have gotten into Yes if they didn't have studio space down the hall from Trevor and Geoff. These synth gods breifly joining Yes were the way I stumbled into the excellent prog rock genre.
Also it should be noted that Chris's voice is as loud if not louder than Trevor's in this song, which has a big effect towards the vocals continuing to sound like classic Yes. I love Trevor's voice on this album though, in songs like White Car and Into the Lens he is at the fore and sounds great to me.
Me personally, I was worried, losing two key members Justin. I then remember Sounds magazine doing a review of Drama. They really liked it.. So I bought it, and it blew me away butty. 😊 Machine Messiah is an incredible song imho. ❤️ I love the vocals by Trevor, and that riff by Steve Wow!! That heavy sound is just immense.. superb Justin. The keyboard's are brilliant by Geoff. The whole feel of this opus, is dark, beautiful.. Then Uplifting.. Perfect Yes imho. I absolutely love this album Justin, very underrated in Prog circles too. It's an absolute gem 💎 I thought you'd like this too. Great review as usual, Drama.. I definitely didn't see this coming butty. 😊 👍👍❤️ Ps it's been just over a year since Supper's Ready butty.. How far you've come in that time.. Still play your reaction to that, quite often butty ❤️👍♥️
My answer to all your questions is 'yes'. It was not just that Anderson and Wakeman had left but that The Buggles had joined. I loathed Video Killed The Radio Star and still do. But first listening to Drama was a surprise on all fronts. Apparently after JA & RW left, the remaining trio carried on rehearsing and in reaction to what they percieved as the feyness and twinkliness of the other two, they developed some seriously heavy rhythm track and song ideas which they recorded with Eddie Offord, the long standing Yes producer/engineer. Then when Squire co-opted The Buggles duo, they brought some new songs with a different lyrical edge and new keyboard sounds, but the heavy underpinning and direction was already there. Machine Messiah is very cleverly recorded so the vocals sound a bit like Anderson to start with but Horn's own style gradually emerges. I agree that this album is probably Alan White's best recording with Yes. It's also one of Squire's defining Yes projects. And Steve Howe even used some overdriven power chords and bluesy bends, foreshadowing what he did with Asia (although this is much better IMO). So YES, Drama was a pleasant surprise and a relief at the time. The live shows were unfortunately not up to scratch because Trevor Horn (and to some extent Geoff Downes) couldn't handle the older material, which is why this was a short lived line up. BTW your facial cues were particularly expressive on this one. I enjoyed them as much as the music 😊
Woo-hoo, _Drama_ has finally arrived! 😃 I'm assuming you'll do "White Car" and "Does It Really Happen?" together, since the former is less than 90 seconds long...
I was always shying away from the "younger" Yes albums, but that changed now. I really like their heavier side. I always liked heavy music and Yes going there is a welcome surprise. Looking up the album on Discog now *lol*
I feel giddy. like a high school kid. 1980-85 were important years for me and my best friend. We consumed so much music then. Drama was the first Yes album I listened to, so I didn't have the huge catalogue all Yes fans had. Thank God. I only went back through the whole Yes collection after this. In fact Yes is the only band at the time that I did go back and listen to everything. But, this album set the highest bar for me, not just for Yes albums but for all albums. I still haven't found any thing that surpasses this. Nothing amazes me, brings emotion and just flat out enjoyment. I've tried, I've searched. The perfect balance of creativity, technical prowess and phenomenal production. The closest is Permanent Waves, PG-3, Rupert Hine's Waving Not Drowning, Mark Isham-Vapor Drawings, Mike Oldfield's Platinum and Five Miles Out, Genesis Duke, Trick of the Tail, and Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden. Plus Kate, XTC, Talking Heads, The Blue Nile. This era was huge for me, and I feel you're driving right through it. Enjoy the landscape. I agree Alan White is under appreciated.
This was 1980 so this was Yes at their most “punkish” but the other tracks on Drama are not as heavy as this one. Chris’s playing is amazing on every track but especially, Tempus Fugit, which you will hopefully play soon.
That's why 'Prog' is a better name than Progressive Rock for this genre. Names are useful and important things, but once they are locked in as names, their actual definitions are irrelevant. For example, phrases like 'New Conservative' and 'Conservative revolution' are oxymorons. They marry two opposing ideas - change and resistance to change. They embody a paradox which we ignore in order to understand what they mean. Bands like Fish-era Marillion get to be called Neo-Prog, even though they were pretty much a Gabriel-era Genesis tribute act, ten years after the original. When they first appeared they were marketed as Progressive Rock and that was helpful because we all knew what type of music they played before hearing them. Pedants like you might have said, "Erm, actually I think you'll find they are more Regressive than they are Progressive"', but that is not the point. Names stick. Like when a British person says 'Public School" they are referring to what Americans call an expensive private school. Before state education was a thing, wealthy parents would either hire a private teacher to educate their children at home (private education) or pay for them to attend a school like Eton or Harrow with other children (hence Public School). Now all kids in Britain are able to attend a state school, but the name Public School still means a privately funded school attended by rich kids, because that's what the name meant when it was first coined. Therefore, if you play the sort of music that Yes, Genesis, ELP etc etc played in the early 70s, you may not be progressing but you still get to be called Progressive Rock.. We still get to use the name Mod even though the original Modernists were a 1960's movement. We still know that New Romantic means a kind of horrible early 80s pop. We have no problem using the term 'New Wave' to refer to post punk indie bands. Maybe music can't be progressive and stay the same, but it can be Progressive Rock and sound like it was written 50 years ago.
I really have never understood the people that expect bands to sound exactly the same over the years: essentially make the same album over and over again. So much more true in prof. I would rather enjoy it or not enjoy for what it is. Love this album; people have already commented on the favorite tunes
After seeing your reactions to this and By-Tor and The Snow Dog, I'm starting to think that you're consciously choosing songs with cover arts that pair nicely with the festive backdrop. If that's the case then that is an insane attention to detail! Keep up the good work!
In this album for the first time in Yes history it becomes obvious on how Chris voice is a key element for the Yes sound overall, (He sings higher than Jon) even with a different vocalist. So basically if Chris isn't' doing the back vocals it doesn't sound like Yes.! Regarding Alan White drumming. I agree with you. I think something strange happened to him in the 70's. There is only 3 records were he drums are well record and those are Tales From Topographic Oceans, the Live album Yes Show with an incredible version of Gates & Parallels ( the album version is pale in comparison) and Drama. Just my two cents :) You should also listen to "Does It Really Happen?" "Into the Lens" "Tempus Fugit", all amazing tracks with incredible instrumentation & arrangements
This album was destroyed by the press and a good portion of hard core Yes fans..I think it's a great album, fresh and elaborated, Machine is beautiful, a personal favorite also is Run through the light
Hi Justin. I avoided this album for years, because Anderson didn't sang on it. I first heard it back in 1988 and was blown away. Howe, Squire and White played as a trio for some time until The Buggles (🙂) joined them. This is clearly the strangest Yes line-up but it paid out IMO. All of the members have their moments on this album, but to me Howe is the star on this one. He really is on fire and never sounded better. The album is different. But Yes has always been about evolving and progressing. You get what you love but also something new and different every time. I hope you will continue exploring this album. It is worth it.
The band's survival was in jeopardy with the departure of John and Wakeman, who have been absolute for YES, but to our surprise, Trevor and Jeff from the Buggles, who became famous with "Video Killed the Radio Star," have joined the band! A miracle album born in the midst of a veritable series of dramas. Thrilling and energetic! It's a great album, in a good way, with great musicians freed from John's shackles on a rampage!😂
Answer to your question: yes I was worried but I’d loved what Horn and Downes had done with Buggles so thought the combination would be intriguing. I was more than pleased with the result. This song is stronger than anything on Tormato and the heavier sound was a great addition, but also the cleaner keyboard sounds, the pop sensibility of Horn and the inevitable pushing forward of Howe, Squire and White. I love this album a lot and only wished they had done more with this line up. This is what I’d hoped Asia would sound like but sadly no! This track is one of the strongest. Full of ideas and complexity and all based on the motif of three notes (E F#G). Thrilling.
Ya know, I never really thought to compare the Drama lineup to ASIA, but yeah, the Drama version of YES was definitely superior to any version of ASIA, actually...
@@daneng3641 Not really the same riff, but the intro to "Time Again" does bear at least a familial resemblance, as does some of the interplay between bass, keyboards and guitar on that track.
I think our family got the album like two days before the concert. So it hadn't really sunk in. Seeing much of this material performed live put us all at ease. The blend of Art and Technology that embodies Yes was abundant. As a nerdy kid , I just loved the fact that Geoff Downes Incorporated the power of the computer on stage for the first time in my experience. It felt futuristic. And it felt right for Yes in 1980.
It must have taken me five or six listens to this album to appreciate it. I found that I just missed Jon Anderson and the music went in a slightly different direction. Through the years, I began to warm to the different direction and today enjoy it very much.
To answer your question. What was my reaction to this album knowing Jon and Rick were gone? Someone I knew got the album and was raving about it. At the time I refused to even give it a try. Sometime down the road curiosity got the best if me so went got the album. After hearing this song I was like WHOA what was that. They had me!! I was such a blockhead for missing out on this from the beginning. I ended up really liking this album ALOT. The Roger Dean cover for Drama is one of my favourites I must admit. Justin your reactions and thoughts are Great!! Thank you, thank you. Note: seen them play this whole album thru down here at the Pompano Beach amphitheater in Pompano Beach, Florida. Took friend who is a musician and he was very much impressed with their performance and talent. Oh by the way Justin they also did sides 1 and 4 of Tales.
I actually saw this tour with many . We all loved it. The USA seemed to love it if you saw the show. In the UK not so much. It was hard for Trevor Horn to sing all the old stuff well throughout and Anderson's "spiritual" air was missed by fans as they still are by many. You just can't please everyone. Try "Tempus Fuget" a real Squire showcase.
Drama always stood out for me when I began my Yes journey, and always in a positive way. My three favourite albums are Drama, Talk, and The Ladder...all of which aren't your typical Yes. Getting to see this albums played in full on the Topographic Drama Tour was amazing, even with a different vocalist at the helm. I know you'll enjoy this one, Justin
Love this song. I remember learning the bass part for it. It was a pinnacle moment for me. Squire's work on this album is absolutely fantastic. I'm more of an Alan man myself. I remember going to see them on the Union tour. I went in more of a Bruford fan and came out more of an Alan fan. Both great drummers. Alan has a great energy about him and sadly I don't think his playing came across as well on his earlier albums with them, perhaps a great deal of that was due to the production, but live, he was an absolute hurricane. There is a live video about of Close To The Edge played at the Glasgow Apollo in 1977 from the Going For The One Tour. I suggest you take a look at that. He was colossal!
This album was actually my introduction to Yes, and I was a fan immediately. After this I heard Fragile and I took the plunge into Close to the Edge. I was not disappointed or shocked by how different their early work was either. I was onboard 100%.
I saw this live in the Cow Palace, San Francisco. Incredible night, the cassette of this was in constant play. I was blown away, but like most new Yes albums, it took a couple of listens to assimilate it. I love this album for itself. Beautiful production work and arranging.
I really enjoyed Drama. The news that Jon and Rick (again) left Yes was completely devastating to me. Then hearing that "The Buggles" had joined the band really freaked me out, But I've always loved the album and a terrific departure and new direction for Yes. I saw one of the concerts at MSG in NYC, and it was an awesome concert, though it did start about 20 minutes late, due to Chris being late! Another really fantastic song is "Homeworld" from the album "The Ladder." This was when an amazing keyboardist (but not a great human being) Igor Korochev had joined, and Yes added a second guitarist, Billy Sherwood, who was a long time Chris Squire collaborator, who eventually became Chris's hand picked successor. There's a terrific live TH-cam video which includes some really great interplay between Steve and Billy, who played 12 string guitar on the song.
You said it exactly as I lived it: I'd been a Yes fan up until this release and had heard about Jon & Rick's departure and replacement by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, who were then widely known as The Buggles. I was a bit dubious, to be honest, but I dutifully went out and bought the album, put it on, and - just as you said - at about 1:30 into the song, all my fears vanished completely. I LOVED it! As you also noted, it was unusually heavy for Yes, but it still managed to capture that essential "Yes" identity so that there would be no mistaking this song as being the output of any other band. I also saw them on this tour in October 1980 at the Richfield Colleseum in northeast Ohio, and they played a fair bit of the Drama record including Machine Messiah. (They opened with "Does it Really Happen?") It was a great show!
The bass on this whole album is crazy. I remember listening to it in my '71 Camaro (got it in '81), with my pre-boom box stereo setup. Had that bad boy pumping an ungodly 100 watts through 6 Pioneer speakers :-D Tempus Fugit and Run Through The Light were my go-to songs for fast driving ;-)
Ok, Justin, to answer your questions. As I had written before, I have been a Yes fan since 1974. I had seen them in 1976 with Jon Anderson and Patrick Moraz. I bought Going For the One (77) and Tormato (78) and when Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman left Yes in 1979, I was indeed concerned about the future of Yes. Then I read in 1980 that The Buggles were joining the band. Hmmmmm... what would Yes sound like now? In a word: different! My friends and I decided to buy the Drama record (long story about the first listen). Then Yes was scheduled to be in concert later in 1980 and playing in San Diego. It was billed as "Yes in the Round." Trevor Horn does sound similar to Jon Anderson, BUT he could not hit the high tenor vocals. I remember watching him strain to sing "Heart of the Sunrise." He rubbed his throat during the instrumental breaks. Anyway, I hold up Drama as one of the 2 last full great Yes albums. The other is 90125. When I saw the Yes your "In the Present" in 2010, they played "Machine Messiah" and "Temple Fugit" from the Drama album. The lead singer was Benoit David (gorgeous voice) and the keyboardist was Oliver Wakeman (Rick's son)! Oh, and I've seen Yes 4 times with Jon Davison! So, I've seen Yes with all 4 lead singers!! 💜💜💜💜💜
You knocked it on the head. I was listening to BBC 1 The Friday Rock Show March/Apr 1980 when there was announcement "In a stunning and unexpected move...." that JA and RW had left and were being replaced with The Buggles. These words still haunt me to this day ;o) But I needn't have worried as Drama turned out to be one of their most accessible albums. I believe Machine Messiah was the creation of Prog Metal genre.
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My friends kept playing Yes in the 70s but I never quite got them until I saw the promo videos from Drama on MTV. 40 years later I am still a fan of the old stuff.
Very strong album musically. I never loved Trevor Horn’s vocals but still regard the album fondly. And yes, I was very concerned when Jon and Rick left but you’re right, Machine Messiah reassured me as soon as it hit the turntable!
When Yes started out, they really had a Jazz vibe. On this album, Steve Howe makes a point that every single note he plays was planned at the very inception of tune and performed perfectly. Jazz is always a work in progress, but here, Yes decided to make this song complete and perfect.
Drama, for me, has always been a strong album.... Great songwriting, great vocal blend between Horn and Squire, excellent textures from Downes, and super-tight drumming from Alan. Harder, more robotic sound but still clearly Yes. Glad you are discovering it!
I love this album, Was I worried? yes! But what a great record saw the tour Trevor is no Jon but still great music. Alan played with john Lennon and George Harrison he is a truly legendary drummer.
I was one of those people that was a bit scared that the Yes sound would be a memory. When I saw the LP in the store, I was first impressed that it had Roger Dean artwork on the cover (the previous two lps didnt). That gave me enough hope and I grabbed it up. I was tickled with how intact the Yes sound was. I was one of the fans who was reasonably happy with Tormato, but this one was even more Yes like in some ways. Fears alleviated!
Absolutely agree with your comments. At the time, Yes must have realized they were dead ducks if they didn't update their sound for the 80s. Machine Messiah was the ultimate wakeup call they needed. 🙏😊👍💫🎶🎉
More than anything else, Yes are masterful in contrast and in arrangement. Thanks for giving it a go! A lot of the time I spent with my dad was in the car on long trips, a fair portion of that set to either Asia albums or Drama. It might be that partly coloring my bias, but this is still my favorite Yes album. Glad you enjoyed the first track- hopefully the rest of the album holds something more for you, too.
Yes I was very disturbed Jon and Rick were being replaced by these pop stars. Not too much to not make it my second concert and I was so blown away by Steve and Chris that I was OK without Jon who by the way my son is named after. At the time I loved the song and Camera eye as well but could here not Jon loudly. That has gone away over the years.A great summation of the 80's The Buggles join Yes and give us this masterpiece. Jon returns and they become a pop band. Go figure.
The power of musical memory is amazing. Even though I never bought this album and didn't really rate it very high, my brother bought it, so I did hear it a few times. What is amazing is that I can still recognise the tune after not hearing it for so many years. I agree with @Jasper d Vries that it does emulate an earlier YES sound. Actually, even the vocals are very "Yessish". Howe's guitar work is excellent. By the way, your Christmas backdrop is REALLY COOL! 😎😍🤩
Thanks Justin . I was 10 years old when this album came out and didn't seriously get into music till about 1988. Gerald112b is just a user tag so not as old as it sounds. These fantastic albums were already out by the time I got to hear them. It misses Jon's spirituality but what's on offer s still a great Yes Album. Steve Howe and Geoff Downes built a sound that they carried over into Asia and you're absolutely right Alan White is an exceptional drummer who often gets overlooked because of Bill Bruford. I believe he was chosen so Yes could expand their progressive sound. A lot of Yes Topographic Oceans onwards probably wouldn't have worked as well without Alan White. I absolutely adore his style. I don't think there's a bad song on Drama and the real hero on it for me is Chris Squire. His bass really thumps on this album. Just time enough left to congratulate Mrs JP on the Christmas Decorations. Fantastic Job 😊
I remember being afraid of the future of YES when Rick and Jon left but after buying this and hearing it on day one. I loved it. This album is awesome. I saw them in Cincinnati and Louisville on this tour. Just magic. Trevor had a little trouble with Jon’s songs. But overall he did a great job. A nice memory.
Jon´s singing is what I really miss on this but it´s a great Yes album. And Alan´s drumming style fits this music perfectly. I can´t imagine Bill on this record. Even though I would love to hear his attempt, it could be interesting. Howe´s playing on this is out of this world. Beautiful.
Before MTV and the internet the only way you knew a change had happened in YES were magazine articles here and there. And most people I knew didn't know anything about the Buggels. So it was hard to imagine what the new album would be like. I absolutely loved it. And I do remember thinking with Machine Messiah, wow this is a dark heavy song for YES and I loved it. I was thrilled with this album and I saw the tour. I never purchased 90125 or Big Generator.
This is a brilliant album, and is on my regular Yes rotation. Yes has many chapters in its history, and many characters in the story, and this is one of the best chapters, IMO.
Exactly as you said! I've been a fan since 73 Yes Album on, but took me the first minute and I loved this album right along with the others. Thanks for reacting to it.
I've always loved that album and particularly that song (freaking epic). Five amazing musicians at the top of their game. Chris Squire and Alan White sounds bombastic 🤘
I came in with 90125 and worked my way backward. I remember hearing this album and being surprised at how heavy "Machine Messiah" was. I think this is my favorite Steve Howe record in the Yes catalog. If you get a chance to listen to the rest of the record, you'll see how diverse his input is and, yeah, just how heavy it is in places. Howe, Squire, and White played as a trio for a while after Jon and Rick left, and you can hear on this album how that experience really sharpened and beefed up their sound.
A great Yes music choice. A definite great opener for the album and one of their most powerful songs albeit different to earlier catalogue of Yes albums. Chris Squire's backing vocals and driving bass are a key component combined with some of the heaviest Steve Howe guitar. Loved this track at the time and was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the record with the Buggles guys in situ.
Love this song and album. One of the reasons the vocals still sound very ‘Yes’ is that Squire’s voice is quite prominent. Some of his best work. Your perspective on Alan White is also very similar to what Bill Bruford has said about Alan’s playing. Alan came in as they were really breaking out, and while Alan’s playing may be ‘simpler,’ it works much better in the larger arenas. The reality is his playing isn’t necessarily simple. But it is less busy, and works really well with what Yes was writing on Tales through Drama in particular. Bill is one of my favorite drummers, but I have no complaints about Alan’s playing through the ‘70s (at least).
Great reaction sir, I get relayer vibes from this tune as well. I didnt really follow things like who was in the band back then,so I never even realized how different the lineup was, but to me it is top 4 or 5 of all of yes...top to bottom greatness on drama, and to me personally, their best since relayer. Thank u again sir....."does it really happen" is sssooo uplifting.
I could literally see your positive surprise. It was the same for me then. Replace Wakeman and Anderson with Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn ??? (The Buggles, "Video Killed The Radio Star"). That couldn't work, could it? But it went surprisingly well (although you can see the new handwriting on the album ... but not bad, just different)
I love this album, but the first songs I heard were the videos for "Tempus Fugit", then "Into The Lens". I was very comfortable with this new Yes phase. Love this album, and glad to see Jon Davidson performing this live, since Jon Anderson refused to sing any of these tunes. Every song is strong, but "Machine Messiah" goes on my prog list too. "White Car" is a short transition song. One song I listen to the most from this album is "Does It Really Happen". There are lots of little hooks and grooves from these songs that my brother and I immediately learned on guitar and bass.
A very underrated album IMHO. This song, Does it Really Happen (especially the bass solo at the end) and Into The Lens are true stand outs.
Does it Really Happen blows my mind!
Tempus Fugit though!
That bass solo (DIRH) is insane! Squire is on fire this whole album.
Into the Light, Run Through the Light, and Tempus Fugit are an absolutely flawless second side.
Plus Tempus Fugit. Always wondered what it would have been like if Jon sang on it
REMEMBER
CHRIS SQUIRE...
Drama is a quite divisive album in Yes history, although I rather like it. Is it classic Yes? No, not really. But I do feel it comes closer to the original experimental side of Yes than the 90125/Big Generator band (which is another division in itself). Anyway, this song and Tempus Fugit are the highlights of this album for me.
This was the end of the first "original" path of the Yes saga back then. If only the previous album Tormato had had the same drive this album has, even if two important members had left. Tormato has good songs but especially the production is thin and loses the potential. This is ot, but please listen Shadow Gallery's version of "Release Release" to hear what I mean. :)
not divisive. 18 guys had other stuff and lives. thank Yes for wooooh
Given the circumstances, Downes & Horn deserve a helluva lot of credit. In the whole of the Yes catalogue ? This album stands tall, IMO....
Consistently great all the way through....😎
My wife's favourite YES album. This song is a killer, for sure - Howe unchained
I thought Howe was always unchained! :P
Does she like the other two Buggles albums too, or just their Yes album? 😀
@@RarebitFiends Just the Yes albums - Chris Squire is probably her favourite musician
@@johnhitchens2265 Awesome! She has good taste. :) Part of the reason I asked it because the 2nd Buggles album (Adventures in Modern Recording) was made around the time as the Yes album Drama, and... it's clear the two albums are related. Adventures is like the hard edged early synth pop little brother to Drama, down to an alternate synth take on "Into the Lens" called "I am a Camera". I don't know if she will dig the Buggles album as much as Drama.... but if Drama is her fave, she might; and I bet the alternate version of "Into the Lens" will be of interest regardless. :)
I did buy this when it first came out, and didn't really know what to expect... but Machine Messiah won me over Immediately!! It is heavy, and that's what i liked about it. Don't be afraid to listen to the rest of it cause honestly i think it's one of the best albums they ever did. I knew you were gonna like it!! Playlist Indeed...
Ty!!
It's a remarkable album. Top, top songs.
It's a remarkable album. Top, top songs.
It's the best song on the album in my opinion along with Tempus Fugit which is an amazing furious fast paced song very reminiscent of Sound Chaser !
When I heard that Anderson and Wakeman were replaced by the Buggles I could not believe it. I just knew them from "Video Killed The Radio Star" a song I did not enjoy then and still do not - to say it in a polite way. But when I heard the album I changed my mind. It was different from the other Yes stuff but whatever other people say: . this song is just great. It gives Howe the option to show his hardrocking side. It is this side that made "Yours Is No Disgrace" an outstanding song before esp. in the live version on "Yessongs".
I once read that Jon Anderson had been rather disappointed when he heard this album. I do not really understand it. I mean the things they did on "Tormato" f. e. are not better although that can also be seen as an underrated album from some point of view .
Some of the stuff on Tormato is cringe-worthy awful, though there are a few standout tracks. This album as a whole is much better.
"Madrigal", "Circus Of Heaven" and "Arriving UFO" are the best songs imo on Tormato. Some are good ideas but the execution leaves to desire. Please listen Shadow Gallery's version on "Release Release". They do give the treatment to the song it deserves.
VKTRS is a great song!
I've been waiting for this - THANKS! Tempus Fugit is the real barn burner from this album.
after machine messiah also my favorite song on the album
They played it as opener in their 2011 tour and it was outstanding. The thing with Tempus Fugit is that it is the best advertisment song for the group itself because of the big "YES!" in the chorus. When they start the show with it, you're sure to not be on a Genesis concert :-)
Looking forward to it!
AGREED!
The entire second side - Into the Lens, Run through the Light, and Tempus Fugit are a miracle.
When I bought this album I did not realize that Jon had left and I almost did not notice the difference in vocals because of Chris’s presence alongside the lead!
In 1984 Trevor Horn produced YES's 90125... And became one of the greatest musical producers.
FACTS:
1. Trevor Horn and Geoffrey Downnes was BUGGLES a band with a hit VIDEO KILL A RADIO STAR... FIRST VIDEO BROADCASTING BY MTV.
2. Geoffrey Downnes with Steve Howe line in ASIA. Including John Wetton and Carl Palmer.
There are some mornings I wake up to a notification that Justin has posted a new video of a great song. This was one of those mornings - I couldn't wait to get my coffee and sit down and watch this! I love this song, and I love this album (though the other tracks aren't as adventurous as this first track). Justin, I'm glad you picked this album - you're in for a treat! It's definitely different than anything before or after in Yes' catalog, but it's really good!
FUN FACT - Trevor Horn, the singer on this album, is the producer of Yes' next album, 90125 (which I hope you continue listening to).
ANOTHER FUN FACT - Have you ever heard the 80s song "Video Killed the Radio Star"? It was pretty iconic in its day. That song was by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes in the 2-piece band The Buggles.
Justin - if you want to explore more Yes music outside of the 70s, I would highly recommend the album "Anderson Bruford Wakeman & Howe" (basically Yes without Squire). It's a return to longer, more "proggy" songs. Before Squire died, I had always hoped that they would get him into the studio to add bass tracks to it and re-release it, but sadly that never happened.
Thanks for another great reaction video Justin!! :)
Haha awesome! Ty for watching ☕
Fun fact: in '87 or so, as a kid, I snuck into my parent's music collection while they were out and played this for the first time. I cranked it so loud that at the end, at that big outro, I damn near blew the speakers. I thought I was toast. I got lucky, somehow they weren't fried. It was worth it. This song was a revelation in music for me, then.
Haha nice!
My, what an aptly named album, and not simply for content.
This is one of those records that, for me, needs to be played as a whole. ‘Does it Really Happen?’ has made its way on playlists, but it’s a rarity.
The title of this album made me realize that "Dramatic" is a great way to describe a LOT of Yes songs.
Since you asked, I don't remember 'worrying' that the New YES wouldn't match up to previous iterations, just being happy that the YES story wasn't over. And then, when I heard the first song they played off this album on the radio, *Tempus Fugit,* and heard Squire dominating their sound once again, I was absolutely delighted and had to go get the album. (Looking forward to your first listen of Tempus Fugit, cuz it's one of Chris Squire's signature performances)
I only gradually became aware that some YES purists from their Golden Age were not at all pleased that the New YES did not have Anderson or Wakeman and all I could think of was WTF? To me, it's really weird when fans of *_Progressive_* rock bands have a fetish about the singer, like the Genesis fans who worshiped Peter Gabriel. The _essential_ ingredient of progressive bands is their musicianship & their compositional/orchestrational sophistication. The singer is . . . the _singer._ ( _Not_ saying that both Jon & Peter didn't have their unique & valuable contributions to their bands' compositional excellence, including lyrically.)
So no, I've _always_ liked the Drama album, primarily because of Machine Messiah and Tempus Fugit. The other selections ain't bad, but are just a bit 'weaker tea.' Great review as usual, Justin!
---------------
BTW, when you first listen to Tempus Fugit, you might want to watch the vid they did for MTV. If you don't want to spoil the "first listen" aspect, watch it with the sound turned off & you'll see Chris Squire, Steve Howe, and Alan White performing in their absolute musicianship prime (big smile). You'll see... th-cam.com/video/vzxZzIiO84Y/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=yesofficial
Re: "Dark Satanic Mills": yeah, that's why I recommended the song after you did ELP's "Jerusalem", as they share that same theme between them, both songs referencing the poem "Jerusalem" by William Blake.
You beat me to it, was gonna say the same thing ☺️🎶
Ahhhh....I knew I had heard that line recently, but I couldn't remember where!
Could be the best Yes song ever!
Drama is so underrated. Certainly of of their top 5 albums. Close to the Edge, Relayer, The Yes Album, Going for the One & Drama. Steve Howe's playing is freakishly good. Nothing he did with Asia comes close to this.
Have been a Yes fan from the beginning...but this is one of their best albums in my opinion. Especially dig this song.
Had no fears. Loved it and love it
For me Drama is a perfect combination of Fragile and Relayer and moreover it anticipates 90125 with the heavy sound of Steve Howe's guitar playing.
I really love Drama. it's one of my favorite YES albums! (with Fragile & Relayer
...... what a coincidence!!!!)
OK, Trevor Horn doesn't have the vocal range of Jon Anderson (in fact, he's halfway between the latter and Chris Squire) and Geoff Downes doesn't have the bombastic Rick Wakeman playing, but who cares? it works very well here! I find that there is a real cohesion throughout the album and that it's a perfect synthesis of the Yes of the 70s and 80s.
Justin, keep it up with Drama!
love Drama regardless of the lineup, such a powerful album, they have a follow up album of sorts that was released in 2011 called Fly From Here with Geoff on keys and Trevor producing, they did release a version with Trevor on vocals a few years back also.
Early on my bass playing I tackled this song. It's so well written, every note carefully thought out and purposeful.
I remember being apprehensive about the new lineup until hearing Machine Messiah. Drama turned out to be a fantastic album.
HUGE YES FAN! Have seen this performed by Benoit and Jon D on vocals! Never saw Trevor live.
Many “Yesfan’s” come down hard on Geoff Downes…not sure why! He’s great! Has been with Yes and Asia a long time. Do u really think He’d still be playing for Yes if he couldn’t play the tunes!!!??? Especially with Steve, Chris and Alan’s incredible skills? He would have not lasted this long!
I’ve met Geoff quite a few times..he has always been pleasant and approachable! I think he does fine!❤️
I freaking love this song! I could never tell if what was being played at 10:39 was keys or a guitar, but whatever it is, it always sends shivers down my spine. Chris Squire’s peak as a bass player for me was 1974-1980.
I was 16 when this came out. I had only been a Yes fan for 2 years but I was completely immersed in their music. When I heard that Jon and Rick had left the band I was crushed. When Drama was released I was blown away. My friends and I were playing D&D a lot and this album was on so often that when I hear Machine Messiah I start rolling dice automatically. It became the background of my late teen years and gave me so much pleasure. Having said that I would not go see them live on the Drama tour as I could not see them without Jon without feeling his loss so much that I would not enjoy myself in spite of the incredible music.
When you hear the torture that Trevor Horn was put through by being asked to sing the Yes catalog without enough rehearsal time you cannot help but respect the man’s courage. His continuing roll in Yes’ success in the 80s made me respect him even more.
Machine Messiah and the rest of Drama rocked my socks off. Exciting, rollicking fun!
As a long time Yes fanatic..this album struck a positive AND a negative for me. On the positive...this was a movement for Squire, Howe and White as they really got to stretch their muscles on this outing. You can hear them bursting at the seams to jam out...and they bring fire as you can hear. On the negative...it seemed Yes lost their heart on this one...that beautiful, melodic singing voice of Anderson just cant be replaced to my ears. This was too robotic for me. Cool jams though!...Cheers from Canada!!
Robotic? Just this one song Machine Messiah invokes incredible emotion out of me! I got pretty tired of the spacey shit Jon did that culminated with TFTO, that made it’s way an every album after Close to the Edge. This is hard hitting rock and roll. It allows Steve, Alan and Chris to release all that pent up testosterone that Jon forbade. It is right behind Fragile and the Yes Album for me as my top three favorites.
I only came to this album about a year ago. I knew early Yes and later Yes, but not a lot of the in-between stuff. As I went through the catalogue, Drama was sort of a virtual new album for me and when I saw the Anderson was out and the Buggles were in, I had some serious doubts. But those were quickly assuaged with songs like this! Also, it turns out I already knew Tempus Fugit, but had no idea it wasn't Anderson. It's obvious in retrospect, but it hadn't occurred to me that they would have changed singers. It's almost sacrilege, as Anderson voice is such a distinctive part of the band. But I grew to love this album. Certainly in my top ten Yes albums.
I like this album a lot, certainly more than "90125" and "Big Generator". I wish they'd carried on, they'd already demoed 'We Can Fly From Here' and even played it in concert (there's also a version by The Buggles, a.k.a. Downes & Horn). Yes wouldn't officially record it until 2011, after Anderson had come and gone again.
I'm glad you liked this. The band was trying to be more relevant in the changing musical scene with new age music coming in and punks dismissing groups such as Yes.
Ditto. The 80's were are dark era in prog.
This album has stood the test of time... unlike 90125 and Big Generator (IMO)... Drama is far superior.
Honestly it took me a while to "get used to" it. After the Rabin era started I realized that it was a one off and gave it considerably more play. Its now up close to the top of my favorite Yes albums. They have played MM live in the past few tours and did it justice with the current lineup. But, admittedly, at first I thought WTF has happened to Yes??? They've gone heavy and new wave at the same time. It was a bit of culture shock but compared to what was to come (90125) it was much closer to Yes than that. So it grew on me. I'm not in the "No Jon No Yes" camp. Yes is an idea, a way to make music and the spirit carries on (with apologies to Dream Theater) regardless of the lineup. I know others' mileage will vary on that...
Glad you dug it!
Alan White has never gotten the respect he deserves. People have forgotten his awesome work with John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band.
I have always loved Drama. Alternate lyrics to part of Machine Messiah: "Now is the time on Sprockets in which we dance!" :) Tempus Fugit is a must do.
Many purists still hate this album simply because Jon isn't on it. It's a shame, it might be my fave Yes album, certainly top 3.
I don't know about top 3 but Drama is definitely underrated and certainly better than anything that came after it. I put it behind The Yes Album, Fragile, Relayer and Close to the Edge. If TFTO was more condensed then I think that would be in there too. Drama is very tight, I like the sound and production.
Exactly. Drama is incredible.
I wonder if the album would have more success if they didn't call themselves Yes. That being said this is probably my favorite Yes album.
This is my favorite Yes Album. Close to the Edge is pretty close though. 10 vs. 9.999999999
Yup, Drama is my favorite Buggles album too. I probably never would have gotten into Yes if they didn't have studio space down the hall from Trevor and Geoff. These synth gods breifly joining Yes were the way I stumbled into the excellent prog rock genre.
Also it should be noted that Chris's voice is as loud if not louder than Trevor's in this song, which has a big effect towards the vocals continuing to sound like classic Yes. I love Trevor's voice on this album though, in songs like White Car and Into the Lens he is at the fore and sounds great to me.
Me personally, I was worried, losing two key members Justin.
I then remember Sounds magazine doing a review of Drama.
They really liked it..
So I bought it, and it blew me away butty. 😊
Machine Messiah is an incredible song imho. ❤️
I love the vocals by Trevor, and that riff by Steve Wow!! That heavy sound is just immense.. superb Justin. The keyboard's are brilliant by Geoff.
The whole feel of this opus, is dark, beautiful.. Then Uplifting.. Perfect Yes imho.
I absolutely love this album Justin, very underrated in Prog circles too.
It's an absolute gem 💎
I thought you'd like this too.
Great review as usual, Drama.. I definitely didn't see this coming butty. 😊 👍👍❤️
Ps it's been just over a year since Supper's Ready butty.. How far you've come in that time.. Still play your reaction to that, quite often butty ❤️👍♥️
This was actually one of my fav reactions of yours!
Well ty D!
My answer to all your questions is 'yes'. It was not just that Anderson and Wakeman had left but that The Buggles had joined. I loathed Video Killed The Radio Star and still do. But first listening to Drama was a surprise on all fronts. Apparently after JA & RW left, the remaining trio carried on rehearsing and in reaction to what they percieved as the feyness and twinkliness of the other two, they developed some seriously heavy rhythm track and song ideas which they recorded with Eddie Offord, the long standing Yes producer/engineer. Then when Squire co-opted The Buggles duo, they brought some new songs with a different lyrical edge and new keyboard sounds, but the heavy underpinning and direction was already there. Machine Messiah is very cleverly recorded so the vocals sound a bit like Anderson to start with but Horn's own style gradually emerges. I agree that this album is probably Alan White's best recording with Yes. It's also one of Squire's defining Yes projects. And Steve Howe even used some overdriven power chords and bluesy bends, foreshadowing what he did with Asia (although this is much better IMO). So YES, Drama was a pleasant surprise and a relief at the time. The live shows were unfortunately not up to scratch because Trevor Horn (and to some extent Geoff Downes) couldn't handle the older material, which is why this was a short lived line up. BTW your facial cues were particularly expressive on this one. I enjoyed them as much as the music 😊
Ty Thomas!
Woo-hoo, _Drama_ has finally arrived! 😃 I'm assuming you'll do "White Car" and "Does It Really Happen?" together, since the former is less than 90 seconds long...
good suggestion!
Agreed :)
Me too I agree
Yup😁
@@JustJP You say "yup" because it's already happened. Am I right, Mr. "I am a Camera"? ;)
I was always shying away from the "younger" Yes albums, but that changed now. I really like their heavier side. I always liked heavy music and Yes going there is a welcome surprise. Looking up the album on Discog now *lol*
I feel giddy. like a high school kid. 1980-85 were important years for me and my best friend. We consumed so much music then. Drama was the first Yes album I listened to, so I didn't have the huge catalogue all Yes fans had. Thank God. I only went back through the whole Yes collection after this. In fact Yes is the only band at the time that I did go back and listen to everything. But, this album set the highest bar for me, not just for Yes albums but for all albums. I still haven't found any thing that surpasses this. Nothing amazes me, brings emotion and just flat out enjoyment. I've tried, I've searched. The perfect balance of creativity, technical prowess and phenomenal production. The closest is Permanent Waves, PG-3, Rupert Hine's Waving Not Drowning, Mark Isham-Vapor Drawings, Mike Oldfield's Platinum and Five Miles Out, Genesis Duke, Trick of the Tail, and Talk Talk's Spirit of Eden. Plus Kate, XTC, Talking Heads, The Blue Nile. This era was huge for me, and I feel you're driving right through it. Enjoy the landscape. I agree Alan White is under appreciated.
This was 1980 so this was Yes at their most “punkish” but the other tracks on Drama are not as heavy as this one. Chris’s playing is amazing on every track but especially, Tempus Fugit, which you will hopefully play soon.
Tempus Fugit sounds like The Police.
It's impossible to be progressive and stay the same.
So so true
Good point, but don't lose Dynamics
Trevor really made Chris pop on this album 💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
That's why 'Prog' is a better name than Progressive Rock for this genre. Names are useful and important things, but once they are locked in as names, their actual definitions are irrelevant.
For example, phrases like 'New Conservative' and 'Conservative revolution' are oxymorons. They marry two opposing ideas - change and resistance to change. They embody a paradox which we ignore in order to understand what they mean.
Bands like Fish-era Marillion get to be called Neo-Prog, even though they were pretty much a Gabriel-era Genesis tribute act, ten years after the original. When they first appeared they were marketed as Progressive Rock and that was helpful because we all knew what type of music they played before hearing them. Pedants like you might have said, "Erm, actually I think you'll find they are more Regressive than they are Progressive"', but that is not the point. Names stick.
Like when a British person says 'Public School" they are referring to what Americans call an expensive private school. Before state education was a thing, wealthy parents would either hire a private teacher to educate their children at home (private education) or pay for them to attend a school like Eton or Harrow with other children (hence Public School). Now all kids in Britain are able to attend a state school, but the name Public School still means a privately funded school attended by rich kids, because that's what the name meant when it was first coined.
Therefore, if you play the sort of music that Yes, Genesis, ELP etc etc played in the early 70s, you may not be progressing but you still get to be called Progressive Rock..
We still get to use the name Mod even though the original Modernists were a 1960's movement.
We still know that New Romantic means a kind of horrible early 80s pop.
We have no problem using the term 'New Wave' to refer to post punk indie bands.
Maybe music can't be progressive and stay the same, but it can be Progressive Rock and sound like it was written 50 years ago.
I really have never understood the people that expect bands to sound exactly the same over the years: essentially make the same album over and over again. So much more true in prof. I would rather enjoy it or not enjoy for what it is. Love this album; people have already commented on the favorite tunes
After seeing your reactions to this and By-Tor and The Snow Dog, I'm starting to think that you're consciously choosing songs with cover arts that pair nicely with the festive backdrop. If that's the case then that is an insane attention to detail! Keep up the good work!
Haha, you would be correct 😁
In this album for the first time in Yes history it becomes obvious on how Chris voice is a key element for the Yes sound overall, (He sings higher than Jon) even with a different vocalist. So basically if Chris isn't' doing the back vocals it doesn't sound like Yes.! Regarding Alan White drumming. I agree with you. I think something strange happened to him in the 70's. There is only 3 records were he drums are well record and those are Tales From Topographic Oceans, the Live album Yes Show with an incredible version of Gates & Parallels ( the album version is pale in comparison) and Drama. Just my two cents :) You should also listen to "Does It Really Happen?" "Into the Lens" "Tempus Fugit", all amazing tracks with incredible instrumentation & arrangements
This album was destroyed by the press and a good portion of hard core Yes fans..I think it's a great album, fresh and elaborated, Machine is beautiful, a personal favorite also is Run through the light
Hi Justin. I avoided this album for years, because Anderson didn't sang on it. I first heard it back in 1988 and was blown away. Howe, Squire and White played as a trio for some time until The Buggles (🙂) joined them. This is clearly the strangest Yes line-up but it paid out IMO. All of the members have their moments on this album, but to me Howe is the star on this one. He really is on fire and never sounded better. The album is different. But Yes has always been about evolving and progressing. You get what you love but also something new and different every time. I hope you will continue exploring this album. It is worth it.
Ty Yufri, I definitely will!
The band's survival was in jeopardy with the departure of John and Wakeman, who have been absolute for YES, but to our surprise, Trevor and Jeff from the Buggles, who became famous with "Video Killed the Radio Star," have joined the band!
A miracle album born in the midst of a veritable series of dramas.
Thrilling and energetic! It's a great album, in a good way, with great musicians freed from John's shackles on a rampage!😂
Answer to your question: yes I was worried but I’d loved what Horn and Downes had done with Buggles so thought the combination would be intriguing. I was more than pleased with the result. This song is stronger than anything on Tormato and the heavier sound was a great addition, but also the cleaner keyboard sounds, the pop sensibility of Horn and the inevitable pushing forward of Howe, Squire and White. I love this album a lot and only wished they had done more with this line up. This is what I’d hoped Asia would sound like but sadly no! This track is one of the strongest. Full of ideas and complexity and all based on the motif of three notes (E F#G). Thrilling.
Well, Asia did sound a little like this. Howe stole his own riff from this song and used it on the first Asia album, I'm blanking on which song.
Ya know, I never really thought to compare the Drama lineup to ASIA, but yeah, the Drama version of YES was definitely superior to any version of ASIA, actually...
@@JJ8KK I'm probably not as "downe" on Asia as you, but I have to agree. Drama is fantastic!
@@daneng3641 Not really the same riff, but the intro to "Time Again" does bear at least a familial resemblance, as does some of the interplay between bass, keyboards and guitar on that track.
@@theAsterisk Yes, probably riff is not quite what I meant, but the intro is quite similar, though Time and Time again is a little faster,
The happiness readable on your face makes me happy too. because the song is really great and catchy too.
Ty Alex!
I think our family got the album like two days before the concert. So it hadn't really sunk in. Seeing much of this material performed live put us all at ease. The blend of Art and Technology that embodies Yes was abundant. As a nerdy kid , I just loved the fact that Geoff Downes Incorporated the power of the computer on stage for the first time in my experience. It felt futuristic. And it felt right for Yes in 1980.
Such a great surprise, this album.
It must have taken me five or six listens to this album to appreciate it. I found that I just missed Jon Anderson and the music went in a slightly different direction. Through the years, I began to warm to the different direction and today enjoy it very much.
To answer your question. What was my reaction to this album knowing Jon and Rick were gone? Someone I knew got the album and was raving about it. At the time I refused to even give it a try. Sometime down the road curiosity got the best if me so went got the album. After hearing this song I was like WHOA what was that. They had me!! I was such a blockhead for missing out on this from the beginning. I ended up really liking this album ALOT. The Roger Dean cover for Drama is one of my favourites I must admit.
Justin your reactions and thoughts are Great!! Thank you, thank you.
Note: seen them play this whole album thru down here at the Pompano Beach amphitheater in Pompano Beach, Florida. Took friend who is a musician and he was very much impressed with their performance and talent. Oh by the way Justin they also did sides 1 and 4 of Tales.
I actually saw this tour with many . We all loved it. The USA seemed to love it if you saw the show. In the UK not so much. It was hard for Trevor Horn to sing all the old stuff well throughout and Anderson's "spiritual" air was missed by fans as they still are by many. You just can't please everyone. Try "Tempus Fuget" a real Squire showcase.
Drama always stood out for me when I began my Yes journey, and always in a positive way. My three favourite albums are Drama, Talk, and The Ladder...all of which aren't your typical Yes. Getting to see this albums played in full on the Topographic Drama Tour was amazing, even with a different vocalist at the helm. I know you'll enjoy this one, Justin
Love this song. I remember learning the bass part for it. It was a pinnacle moment for me. Squire's work on this album is absolutely fantastic. I'm more of an Alan man myself. I remember going to see them on the Union tour. I went in more of a Bruford fan and came out more of an Alan fan. Both great drummers. Alan has a great energy about him and sadly I don't think his playing came across as well on his earlier albums with them, perhaps a great deal of that was due to the production, but live, he was an absolute hurricane. There is a live video about of Close To The Edge played at the Glasgow Apollo in 1977 from the Going For The One Tour. I suggest you take a look at that. He was colossal!
This album was actually my introduction to Yes, and I was a fan immediately. After this I heard Fragile and I took the plunge into Close to the Edge. I was not disappointed or shocked by how different their early work was either. I was onboard 100%.
I saw this live in the Cow Palace, San Francisco. Incredible night, the cassette of this was in constant play.
I was blown away, but like most new Yes albums, it took a couple of listens to assimilate it. I love this album for itself. Beautiful production work and arranging.
God I LOVE Drama. This means you might have to listen to the two albums by The Buggles. :D
I really enjoyed Drama. The news that Jon and Rick (again) left Yes was completely devastating to me. Then hearing that "The Buggles" had joined the band really freaked me out, But I've always loved the album and a terrific departure and new direction for Yes. I saw one of the concerts at MSG in NYC, and it was an awesome concert, though it did start about 20 minutes late, due to Chris being late! Another really fantastic song is "Homeworld" from the album "The Ladder." This was when an amazing keyboardist (but not a great human being) Igor Korochev had joined, and Yes added a second guitarist, Billy Sherwood, who was a long time Chris Squire collaborator, who eventually became Chris's hand picked successor. There's a terrific live TH-cam video which includes some really great interplay between Steve and Billy, who played 12 string guitar on the song.
I'm Close To the Edge,feeling very Fragile! Of all the albums in America,I dont need the Drama,but Yesshows Howe in Asia it is listenable. Peace.
Nice!
You said it exactly as I lived it: I'd been a Yes fan up until this release and had heard about Jon & Rick's departure and replacement by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes, who were then widely known as The Buggles. I was a bit dubious, to be honest, but I dutifully went out and bought the album, put it on, and - just as you said - at about 1:30 into the song, all my fears vanished completely. I LOVED it! As you also noted, it was unusually heavy for Yes, but it still managed to capture that essential "Yes" identity so that there would be no mistaking this song as being the output of any other band. I also saw them on this tour in October 1980 at the Richfield Colleseum in northeast Ohio, and they played a fair bit of the Drama record including Machine Messiah. (They opened with "Does it Really Happen?") It was a great show!
The bass on this whole album is crazy. I remember listening to it in my '71 Camaro (got it in '81), with my pre-boom box stereo setup. Had that bad boy pumping an ungodly 100 watts through 6 Pioneer speakers :-D Tempus Fugit and Run Through The Light were my go-to songs for fast driving ;-)
Ok, Justin, to answer your questions. As I had written before, I have been a Yes fan since 1974. I had seen them in 1976 with Jon Anderson and Patrick Moraz. I bought Going For the One (77) and Tormato (78) and when Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman left Yes in 1979, I was indeed concerned about the future of Yes. Then I read in 1980 that The Buggles were joining the band. Hmmmmm... what would Yes sound like now? In a word: different! My friends and I decided to buy the Drama record (long story about the first listen). Then Yes was scheduled to be in concert later in 1980 and playing in San Diego. It was billed as "Yes in the Round." Trevor Horn does sound similar to Jon Anderson, BUT he could not hit the high tenor vocals. I remember watching him strain to sing "Heart of the Sunrise." He rubbed his throat during the instrumental breaks.
Anyway, I hold up Drama as one of the 2 last full great Yes albums. The other is 90125. When I saw the Yes your "In the Present" in 2010, they played "Machine Messiah" and "Temple Fugit" from the Drama album. The lead singer was Benoit David (gorgeous voice) and the keyboardist was Oliver Wakeman (Rick's son)!
Oh, and I've seen Yes 4 times with Jon Davison! So, I've seen Yes with all 4 lead singers!! 💜💜💜💜💜
Awesome. Whole album
Excellent song ! Please react to Tempus Fugit from the same album please ! Great review by tge way !
From what he said in the intro, I think he's going to do the whole album...which is great!
Ty Steph, will do!
You knocked it on the head. I was listening to BBC 1 The Friday Rock Show March/Apr 1980 when there was announcement "In a stunning and unexpected move...." that JA and RW had left and were being replaced with The Buggles. These words still haunt me to this day ;o) But I needn't have worried as Drama turned out to be one of their most accessible albums. I believe Machine Messiah was the creation of Prog Metal genre.
My friends kept playing Yes in the 70s but I never quite got them until I saw the promo videos from Drama on MTV. 40 years later I am still a fan of the old stuff.
Very strong album musically. I never loved Trevor Horn’s vocals but still regard the album fondly. And yes, I was very concerned when Jon and Rick left but you’re right, Machine Messiah reassured me as soon as it hit the turntable!
When Yes started out, they really had a Jazz vibe. On this album, Steve Howe makes a point that every single note he plays was planned at the very inception of tune and performed perfectly. Jazz is always a work in progress, but here, Yes decided to make this song complete and perfect.
Drama, for me, has always been a strong album.... Great songwriting, great vocal blend between Horn and Squire, excellent textures from Downes, and super-tight drumming from Alan. Harder, more robotic sound but still clearly Yes. Glad you are discovering it!
I love this album, Was I worried? yes! But what a great record saw the tour Trevor is no Jon but still great music. Alan played with john Lennon and George Harrison he is a truly legendary drummer.
Hey Man, great reaction. Glad you are open to this masterpiece. Just subscribed! Love Yes and Prog music. Peace/Stay safe.
Ty Pedro!
Watching you experience this piece for the first time confirms to me the power and magnificence of Yes. Glad you enjoyed!
Ty Orlando!
Drama is cinematic and energetic as well as still being a little mysterious. It's my favourite Yes album for a road trip.
I was one of those people that was a bit scared that the Yes sound would be a memory. When I saw the LP in the store, I was first impressed that it had Roger Dean artwork on the cover (the previous two lps didnt). That gave me enough hope and I grabbed it up. I was tickled with how intact the Yes sound was. I was one of the fans who was reasonably happy with Tormato, but this one was even more Yes like in some ways. Fears alleviated!
Absolutely agree with your comments. At the time, Yes must have realized they were dead ducks if they didn't update their sound for the 80s. Machine Messiah was the ultimate wakeup call they needed. 🙏😊👍💫🎶🎉
More than anything else, Yes are masterful in contrast and in arrangement.
Thanks for giving it a go!
A lot of the time I spent with my dad was in the car on long trips, a fair portion of that set to either Asia albums or Drama. It might be that partly coloring my bias, but this is still my favorite Yes album. Glad you enjoyed the first track- hopefully the rest of the album holds something more for you, too.
I love that little "Are you fricking kidding me?!?" face you give @ 6:41
🤭
Yes I was very disturbed Jon and Rick were being replaced by these pop stars. Not too much to not make it my second concert and I was so blown away by Steve and Chris that I was OK without Jon who by the way my son is named after. At the time I loved the song and Camera eye as well but could here not Jon loudly. That has gone away over the years.A great summation of the 80's The Buggles join Yes and give us this masterpiece. Jon returns and they become a pop band. Go figure.
I love the new set! Very festive!
Ty!
The power of musical memory is amazing. Even though I never bought this album and didn't really rate it very high, my brother bought it, so I did hear it a few times. What is amazing is that I can still recognise the tune after not hearing it for so many years. I agree with @Jasper d Vries that it does emulate an earlier YES sound. Actually, even the vocals are very "Yessish". Howe's guitar work is excellent. By the way, your Christmas backdrop is REALLY COOL! 😎😍🤩
Thanks Justin . I was 10 years old when this album came out and didn't seriously get into music till about 1988. Gerald112b is just a user tag so not as old as it sounds. These fantastic albums were already out by the time I got to hear them. It misses Jon's spirituality but what's on offer s still a great Yes Album. Steve Howe and Geoff Downes built a sound that they carried over into Asia and you're absolutely right Alan White is an exceptional drummer who often gets overlooked because of Bill Bruford. I believe he was chosen so Yes could expand their progressive sound. A lot of Yes Topographic Oceans onwards probably wouldn't have worked as well without Alan White. I absolutely adore his style. I don't think there's a bad song on Drama and the real hero on it for me is Chris Squire. His bass really thumps on this album. Just time enough left to congratulate Mrs JP on the Christmas Decorations. Fantastic Job 😊
Jons missing spirituality is a great point!
I remember being afraid of the future of YES when Rick and Jon left but after buying this and hearing it on day one. I loved it. This album is awesome. I saw them in Cincinnati and Louisville on this tour. Just magic. Trevor had a little trouble with Jon’s songs. But overall he did a great job. A nice memory.
Best Yes album, glad you're doing this one now. And I still hope someday you'll get to Saga and a song like "Don't Be Late"
The Live version!!!
Jon´s singing is what I really miss on this but it´s a great Yes album. And Alan´s drumming style fits this music perfectly. I can´t imagine Bill on this record. Even though I would love to hear his attempt, it could be interesting. Howe´s playing on this is out of this world. Beautiful.
Before MTV and the internet the only way you knew a change had happened in YES were magazine articles here and there. And most people I knew didn't know anything about the Buggels. So it was hard to imagine what the new album would be like. I absolutely loved it. And I do remember thinking with Machine Messiah, wow this is a dark heavy song for YES and I loved it. I was thrilled with this album and I saw the tour. I never purchased 90125 or Big Generator.
This is a brilliant album, and is on my regular Yes rotation. Yes has many chapters in its history, and many characters in the story, and this is one of the best chapters, IMO.
Exactly as you said! I've been a fan since 73 Yes Album on, but took me the first minute and I loved this album right along with the others. Thanks for reacting to it.
Ty James :)
I've always loved that album and particularly that song (freaking epic). Five amazing musicians at the top of their game. Chris Squire and Alan White sounds bombastic 🤘
I came in with 90125 and worked my way backward. I remember hearing this album and being surprised at how heavy "Machine Messiah" was. I think this is my favorite Steve Howe record in the Yes catalog. If you get a chance to listen to the rest of the record, you'll see how diverse his input is and, yeah, just how heavy it is in places. Howe, Squire, and White played as a trio for a while after Jon and Rick left, and you can hear on this album how that experience really sharpened and beefed up their sound.
A great Yes music choice. A definite great opener for the album and one of their most powerful songs albeit different to earlier catalogue of Yes albums. Chris Squire's backing vocals and driving bass are a key component combined with some of the heaviest Steve Howe guitar. Loved this track at the time and was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of the record with the Buggles guys in situ.
Love this song and album. One of the reasons the vocals still sound very ‘Yes’ is that Squire’s voice is quite prominent. Some of his best work.
Your perspective on Alan White is also very similar to what Bill Bruford has said about Alan’s playing. Alan came in as they were really breaking out, and while Alan’s playing may be ‘simpler,’ it works much better in the larger arenas. The reality is his playing isn’t necessarily simple. But it is less busy, and works really well with what Yes was writing on Tales through Drama in particular.
Bill is one of my favorite drummers, but I have no complaints about Alan’s playing through the ‘70s (at least).
A much, much better Yes album than 90125 imho.
no question of that from me :)
A very different one, I would say.
It has certainly stood the test of time better
I must admit that it is (also imho)
I enjoy 90125 but I like Drama a lot more.
Great reaction sir, I get relayer vibes from this tune as well. I didnt really follow things like who was in the band back then,so I never even realized how different the lineup was, but to me it is top 4 or 5 of all of yes...top to bottom greatness on drama, and to me personally, their best since relayer. Thank u again sir....."does it really happen" is sssooo uplifting.
Glad you covered this one, the whole "Drama" album is worth a listen.
I could literally see your positive surprise. It was the same for me then. Replace Wakeman and Anderson with Geoff Downes and Trevor Horn ??? (The Buggles, "Video Killed The Radio Star"). That couldn't work, could it? But it went surprisingly well (although you can see the new handwriting on the album ... but not bad, just different)
Loved the infectious giggle JP it’s as uplifting as your reviews in these dark times. Not even heard the review yet!!
Haha ty Warren!
Wow it's amazing how many YES reactions you have on this channel. That's awesome. There's still plenty more.
Haha ty John! I like em😀
I love this album, but the first songs I heard were the videos for "Tempus Fugit", then "Into The Lens". I was very comfortable with this new Yes phase. Love this album, and glad to see Jon Davidson performing this live, since Jon Anderson refused to sing any of these tunes. Every song is strong, but "Machine Messiah" goes on my prog list too. "White Car" is a short transition song. One song I listen to the most from this album is "Does It Really Happen". There are lots of little hooks and grooves from these songs that my brother and I immediately learned on guitar and bass.