Listening to YES: Drama, Part 1 

DRAMA is YES' most underrated album. Jon and Rick left and Trevor and Jeff from the Buggles joined, and in a sense it was a dream collaboration between the Buggles and a group of talented musicians who were freed from the shackles of Jon. The soundscape of this album is different from that of previous YES albums, but the positivity that underlies YES is still there.

Ah Drama, the album where Chris probably shines brighter than ever before. The bass work on this album is awesome throughout .

"Are we done"? No Jim, Mr Squire is going to remind us why he's the greatest bass player in rock history. Absolutely loved watching the expressions of shock and joy on your face.

I had no idea Drama was this good! Totally surprised! The preamp sounds fantastic! Your enthusiasm was a huge bonus. Thanks!

I was a metalhead in the 1970s (still am) and my friends tried for years to get me into Yes. I liked Yes better than Genesis or Pink Floyd, but it wasn't until I saw the promo video of Tempus Fugit on TV that I suddenly "got" Yes. I saw them live several times after that and Drama remains my favourite Yes album (Close to the Edge is a close second).

"Produced by the Band" - but the key being that the band included Trevor Horn. so that might explain why it sounds so good

I’m a thorough Yes listener, and Drama is one of my favorites! It doesn’t get nearly enough love. I listen to it perhaps the most of any of their albums-well, it’s up there at least. Top 5 for sure. The rhythm section murders. And Horn and Downes are more than up to the task. It’s just splendid. And it rocks more than any of their albums! Howe is crazy on this album.

Its moments like this I realise what a yes snob I've been all these years. I have never even given this album a chance - its awesome!

Who'd have thought that watching someone play an LP is almost as satisfying as playing an LP? Other than Tempus Fugit, I hadn't actually listened to this album since it came out (my copy got "borrowed" very early on.) Forgot how worthwhile it is. Thanks!

When this came out I was blown away at how good - and aggressive - this album was. It is, for me, a top 5 Yes album. I was worried there was no Jon Anderson, but I was pleasantly surprised and over time fell more and more in love with it. Howe hadn't played as dark as Machine Messiah since Heart of the Sunrise. Loved your visceral reaction to this album.

13:24 “Holy shit- sorry, holy…” My thoughts exactly. As a relatively new listener to Yes (age rather than time) Machine Messiah was a punch to the gut in the best way possible. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to 90125.

Very underrated album. One of favorites from Yes. Chris shares some lead vocals here as well, especially on Does It Really Happen. His vocals are underrated as well. Great vocalist

I consider this to be an unjustly overlooked MASTERPIECE of an album.

I was so lucky to be 17 in 77 with the punk movement and 20 in 1980 to embrace the futurist/synth bands - all the way through (from about 12) we also had Prog, Bowie and bands like the Who etc - looking back it was such a amazing time and we took it all for granted, expecting greatness! This album sums up the morphing of the two eras perfectly. Great reaction! Check out The Age of Plastic by the Buggles - a great synth pop album with prog influences.

Your reaction to Machine Messiah made me laugh out loud. Going for the One, both the song and later the entire album, was my first serious introduction to Yes. Then a friend played Close to the Edge at a party sometime in the early 80's and I was hooked for the rest of my life. Drama, in my humble opinion, is a classic Yes and progressive album, wholly underappreciated by most Yes fans and underrated by fans in general.

You are a righteous dude Jim.

Machine Messiah...what an opening !!!

The story goes that The Buggles were recording in an adjoining studio to Yes when Anderson and Wakeman left and the other three carried on laying down some pretty heavy rhythm tracks (like It Can Happen) with Eddie Offord. Chris Squire dropped in on The Buggles session and asked Horn if they had any songs Yes could use. Horn offered Machine Messiah and was invited to demo it with band. He was flattered that he might be hustling a song onto the next Yes album, but still thought Anderson was going to sing it - and wondered would he mind - until Squire asked both Horn and Downes to join the band. Trevor Horn ended up finishing the production on the album and including another Buggles song, I Am A Camera. This is probably the most Squire heavy Yes album since Time And A Word. Many Yes fans were initially horrified at the news that The Buggles had joined Yes, but were eventually won over by the powerful result. (Sadly the following tour didn't go down well, but this material really came alive with a later lineup with Benoit David on vocals and Rick Wakeman's son Oliver on keyboards).

Drama is sonic gold. It's certainly a guitar and bass driven album, but Downes and Horn add so much excellence to this wonderfully written and produced album. Great review Jim! I get watery eyed with your exuberant reviews! Thank You Jim!

My favorite Yes album. Hands down.

Yes is yet another one I have not dug into, but am for sure liking this. I of course know of them and have them as one I must go through completely.

When this came out, my friends and I were 16-17 and had been serious Yes fans for about 5 years. We had gone to the awesome 1979 concert in Fort Worth (oddly, Yes did not play Dallas, due to a lack of a reasonably sized arena that year). We bought this album with some trepidation, given the absence of Jon and Rick and the fact The Buggles were in the band. But we were die-hard and bought it the first day it was in the record store (Sound Warehouse, where are you now?). We were blown away at how good a record this was. Eagerly went to see the 1980 tour (in the then-new Reunion Arena), which was a great show. This shift was scary at first, but this is a really good album, among my favorites of the post-Bill Bruford era Yes. Edit to note that Squire's bass at the end of "Does it Really Happen" is very similar to his approach on his solo album from 1975, Fish Out of Water. Very strong and in your face, with incredible tone and extremely melodic.

While I understood the despair/anger etc of die hard Yes fans of "Yes without Jon", I was 11 when this came out, and this was my second full Yes album (after Tormato), having heard things like Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround on US FM Radio. As such, I still have a real soft spot for "Drama", and as I've grown older, think it's a really good album. "Machine Messiah", "Tempus Fugit" and "Did it Really Happen?" are big faves of mine

Great reaction you had me excited by this record again it is a fabulous return to form after the rather lost meandering Tormarto and I agree with all you say the prog has a bit of metal and new romantic and production has more space and punch

I knew you'd love this album Jim! You're right about us needing music and that's what's so great about YES, they take us on journeys of enjoyment that calm us and help us cope. Side 2 is a blast! By the way, your sound has vastly improved. "Holy Crap that was good!" after Machine Messiah says it all Jim.😁

This album is one of my favorite ones. Steve and Chris are able to open up. Alan is great and the bugles are strong.

This was so much fun! Just a wonderful reaction to an incredible Yes album! This was definitely a different sounding band who were looking forward. I’ve always marveled at the change from Tormato to Drama. Alan White sounds incredible! Thx for this one Jim 🥁🎸☀️

..."White car" is about Gary Numan, who drove around in a white limo at the time....nice.

The best YES album ever!

"You walk the way; You take the path; To be assured; You draw a graph."

Drama is a great album. Definitely makes my Top 10 YES albums

Brother, great choice! Drama is a classic!

I love Machine Messiah, but my mind always now hears, in a certain part of the lyrics "Now is the time on Sprockets in which we dance!" :) I have found that everything Trevor Horn touched is gold. I strongly recommend the DVD concert Slaves To The Rhythm. He is a great musician and a staggering producer. Truly a genius. Drama has always been a favorite of mine.

I'm looking forward to what you think of Magnification when you get to it. 👍🙂

Remember when this came out, was a little sceptical about it, no Jon Anderson. But I needn't have worried, was blown away. I have a friend who like me has been a fan for over fifty years, he refused to bye the album, and as far as I am aware has never heard it, his loss. Great stuff Jim.

Thanks for reviewing this. I still remember the shock. Still unfer recovery of tormato . Still licking the wounds and the a yes without Jon and Rick

Thank you Sir. my favorite album is DRAMA

When it came out I was blown away... Not everybody agreed..I saw the band twice on the tour for the album...it was a tough time for Trevor horn...that aside...I think it's a cracking album...well recorded and slightly new wave and very heavy to boot..machine messiah is probably the heaviest yes were. After this album Howe went on to form the mighty asia along with Geoff Downes and Alan white and Chris squire went on to bring together anderson and Rabin to do 90125. It's nice to see these days..even without jon on vocals drama gets appreciated by yes fans young and old. Fabulous album

Such a fantastic album, preceded by a shock announcement on Radio 1 by Tommy Vance, expectations were very low. As soon as I first played it I was utterly hooked. A big part of the sound and the material come about as Steve, Alan and Chris were freed from Jon Anderson's whimsy and ethereal influence for a while. They initially rehearsed as a three piece before recruiting Geoff nd Trevor. Such a shame they only made one album before parting ways. The live shows were phenomenal - even though poor Trevor's voice was shot to pieces by the time they landed for the UK leg. Amazing times and it was great to be there. Can't wait to see what you make of Side Two!!!

Ok so onto this. The same lineup put out Fly From Here (Return Trip) in 2016 or so. After Chris died and a powerful Yes album as his bass and backing vox are there. This “Return Trip” one has Trevor Horn on vox. The non-Return Trip one is another JA replacement and not part of the family. Trevor Horn wanted to do his own vox later, so did. Written in 1980 and performed once or twice on the Drama tour, Fly From Here is among the top Yes albums ❤ Anyway. This one is also magnificent. Starting it now.

Machine Messiah and Does It Really Happen both get multiple high fives. With giant gloved mascot hands.

I have allways loved this album, Jim maybe you should consider doing " Fly from Here " as a next video, same Yes line up

One of the most underrated albums they ever did. It's brilliant..

Jim ...."Are we done?" ....Chris Squire ...."Hold my beer..." ;)

Cool. One of my favorite Yes albums.

I didn't get notified for this... But glad to see it! And you are right, music is our only break from the stupidity of the world atm

This is a great album - can't wait for side two!

As I was going through my Progressive Rock journey at 17-18 in high school, I had always known Yes's music through AOR FM Radio from the LA affiliates (KLOS 95.5, KMET 94.7 and KWST/Kwest 105.5). So when I heard the tracks for the 1st time in my senior year (Tempus Fugit and Does it Really Happen), I had no idea that the vocalist _wasn't_ Jon Anderson (don't kill me fans) :p. I probably bought the Lp a few months after its release, I was also becoming a HUGE "Roger Dean" fan from all the album covers he had done, and would soon own his debut art-book "Views". And he would become a big influence on my Logo design and typography (along with Rodney Matthews). I love the "Drama" logo font, and the painting I see everyday as its my laptop background :). "Drama" really made an impact on me, sure the Rick Wakeman years would WOW me with his musicianship and chops, but there was also something about the "sounds" Geoff Downes had, and the textures he painted. As everyone points out, Squire really shines on this album. Alan White really belting it out too! But this has to be the HEAVIEST Steve Howe has ever played and sounded, even more than "GTR" decades later. And his fills and flurries are really amazing. But to HEAR and experience "Machine Messiah" for the 1st time, was also for me a . . . . HOLY SH!T experience! I still play this track often, and its on a few of my "themed" playlists. The words are even more relevant today it seems (sadly). Up there with Judas Priest "Electric Eye", Death "1000 Eyes", Meshuggah "The Devils Name is Surveillance" and Rush "Temples of Syrinx"; "Machine, machine Messiah. Take me into the fire Hold me, machine Messiah And show me The strength of your singular . . . eye". This track has always been a "Movie" playing in my head, even the short "Man in a White Car" is a track I would LOVE to make a video for . . . If I knew how and had the means. But the whole song is soo grand and majestic . . . an all time fave moment in Progressive Rock Epics (for 10 minutes and 18 seconds). When Howe does those "taps" of the pick (plectrum) across the frets with the Crybaby/Wah-Wah and then "BoowWAAWA!" in that mini-solo . . . MAN! :O This was Howe really letting loose, and coming back in the reprise! I always wished when he did all those wild riffs, they would have come from different angles of the stereo space (so I used to "pan" my balance with each finger run on my cassette tapes) to take advantage of the panning and the _personal_ experience. Forget headphones . . . that track is made to wake-up the neighbors on quality speakers! Btw - When Dream Theater opened for YES on their 35th Anniversary Tour ("Train of Thought Tour" for DT), they did an absolutely awesome instrumental version of Machine Messiah, I was stunned! (They also did a great cover of "Diary of a Madman" by Ozzy). There is a good quality video of DT performing it, available here at Yt. Ladies and Gentleman . . . *Squire* on the Bass. "Does it Really Happen" is another fave, I love the "reprise" (which I used to edit out, and have it return at the end of my "Mix-Tapes" when I used to do some wild stuff on my Cassette Tapes, adding in sound fx and dialogue from movies, etc. through a mixer, with a walk-man, extra cassette deck and extra turntable). Those were fun days (though often a hair-pulling experience). I'll have to learn some computer programs to do all that again and burn them on DVD's and share them :). Btw - I have never seen anyone talk about this . . . On the LP and the "original" print of the CD, the "reprise" on Does it Really Happen comes in gradually. But in the 2004 Re-Issue, the reprise comes-in "Abruptly" :/. I always wondered if the band decided to do that, or it was a remaster mistake??? Have you also noticed (maybe in your 2nd listen), that Trevor Horn writes lyrics like Jon, very esoteric. He was really a great choice . . . even though no one could replace Jon. But this album is my 2nd favorite YES album. Maybe the POWER of it is there because of the rise of Heavy Rock and Heavy Metal that would then burst in the scene in the coming years (NWOBHM 1979 - 1983-85). Hehe; you repeated "YES YES YES!!!" as you have discovered, that is coming on side 2 :D. - So glad you LOVE it as much as many of us do, even though its a "contentious" album with die-hard fans, its a GREAT album in my collection, and in music in general :). See you on the otherside . . .

Jim, You are such a remarkably personable person with the feels for music, and an ear. Record producer is near of you good sir. :-) Thank you for you! -RR

Did YES have detractors ? YES always have had them from day one. They also have a group of fans that only like certain phases and others (me) that understand times and band members change so I just accept they are who they are and appreciate the journey.

I’m a little late to the video, but I am no stranger to this outstanding album. The vinyl crackling brings back fond memories of listening to this on my old copy. There are those who don’t view this album as being of any quality as compared to all previously released by the band, however this is fantastic. Headphones, or through good speakers, this is a very enjoyable listen. I do appreciate your time and visual enthusiasm. Thanks. I am trying to see more of your videos. Cheers

Such a great album. And what a great reaction video Jim!!! Made my day

If there were no band members named on the album, this would rate as one of YES' finest (Top 5?) It's a fantastic album from start to finish and tops anything that came later, for sure. Loved the reaction!

So pleased that you like this one Jim. Always loved this album. It had a bad name due to the poppiness of the Buggles (Video Killed the Radio Star) joining such a classic lineup. A lot of the stalwarts disowned it as not being Yes. However, it is fabulous.

You had to realize it was not Yes. But it was Yes now, and very very good.

This record is pure polyphony-sheer contrapuntal, harmonic complexity. The baroque element was always in Yes, but on this album they turned towards a more orderly, metal, structured style that has more of the Rush side of progressive rock, and it allowed the counterpoint-focused progressions to take center stage. Less loose and open; more tight and machinic. Bach and fugues, with Steve and Chris mirroring each other harmonically on every track. Nowadays we call it math rock.

Hey, Jim! My first YES concert was the tour of this album back in 1980 at Madison Square Garden. Awesome show (in the round!)

Loved it from the moment I purchased it and heard the first notes.

One of the reasons to do it even now. Music is freedom.

BTW, I definitely notice the improvement with the preamp. This sounded awesome!

Drama took me a while to get into but it has stood the test of time and sounds really super today.... glad you dug it....

A most amazing album.

One of the greatest Reprises in music history. Period.

Absolutely great album, nice video

...no, that's Chris and Trevor singing. Chris is indeed shining on this album and takes up parts of the lead vocals...

Wow eh Jim, pretty fine performance of genius by Squire. Onward to two.

Hi Jim, me again, I think that looking back from 42 years this album can rightfully take it's place in the Yes cannon. I never understood some Yes fans who were ok with some of the replacements in the line up and dismissive of others. For me they have contributed to the band's history and catalogue. Pop into the Yesworld forum and the no Jon no Yes zealots are still at it after 18 years ffs. Looking forward to side 2 mate so much good Yesmusic still to come.

Their commercial success came in the mid 1980s with more lineup changes and "90125," which I am sure you'll get to.

That was my first concert experience at the age of 17. Back seat at manchester appollo. Chris's bass wrattled and boomed my chest and i thought, this is it, I've got to see them again as I'd found the link from vinyl to dreaming to swimming in their music. From that one experience I went on to see most of the best bands of prog rock and some diversions, mt next concert The Wall - Pink Floyd, Genesis, Rush, Lindisfarnre, Jethro Tull, Marillion, Barclay James Harvest, Peter Gabriel, Chris De Burgh, Jean Michel-Jarre, Asia, GTR, Steve Hackett, Fish, Black Sabbath, Six of the Best, Dire Straits, Super Tramp, Tina Turner, David Gilmour, Roger Waters, ELP, Mike and the Mechanics, Tears for Fears, Stranglers, Def Leppard, John Wetton, And ALL the YES line ups until 2000. When I first heard music from Jon , Chris, Bill/Allan Steve and Tony/Rick it was a matrix moment in my life... I've seen many other bands and i take my hat off to all of them - they create magic Jim. Not sure if you have reviewed Steve Hackett with TodMobil - the Rick W look alike does a fantastic job of singing Supper's Ready with Steve making his guitar sing to, pure magic Jim awesome review

"We need music more than ever" is a sentiment I wholeheartedly support. It's what makes us 'us'.That said, I bought this album within days of its release 41 years ago (yikes) and I suspect it's around 39 years since I last heard it. Actually, it's not bad!

What a great reaction video. Makes me feel like the 1st time I heard it! Cheers.

Should show the inner sleeve. A really strong album after Tormato. A great album, and it does sound better with your preamp Jim

Really interesting isn't it? And it shows you how much Chris, Alan and Steve really fire off each other musically, and transforming the songs provided by Trevor and Geoff provided. Great album.

Caught up with this 2 hours after you posted and 49 comments in. Already a good representation of die hards have recalled their reaction to Yes without Jon and how it coloured many peoples attitude to the album both before release and immediately afterwards. Also pleased that so many now recognise its worthy place in the discography. I fall into the "Jon/Rick" camp a nd admit I held similar misgivings. However, this us a good YES Album and look beyond the change in vocalist and the dynamics of Chris, Steve and Alan hold up the tradition of the band; ably assisted by Geoff & Trevor. I also agree with previous comments that this was probably the last true YES sounding album. Little did we know.... Tempus Fugit!

Great record, although at the time, people were upset about the lineup change. They are definitely reinvigorated and punchy here. The new preamp sounds great, immediately noticable. I'm thinking about getting one for my home setup as well. Perhaps one with tubes

Thanks for playing this album. The first time i heard (does it really happen) was in 1986 while driving and playing cassette tape cranked full blast, unbelievable sound!

I love this album! I remember at the time feeling a lot of trepidation about the fact that Yes we're incorporating electro-pop duo The Buggles (of Video Killed the Radio Star fame) into the band. But wow! I wish they'd done a (immediate) follow-up with the same line-up (much as I wish they'd done another album with Moraz after Relayer). They've done some decent albums after this, but nothing to match it IMHO.

I remember when this came out, I was livid that MY Yes was now this, and for the first time, ever, I did not see a tour...or buy this album. It took ages, but somewhere along the line, I listened to it as a standalone album...on its own, and to this day I think it is quite good. So...how did this all end? I saw the present guys play the whole album on CTTE... The circle is complete.

Yes definitely had detractors prior to this album. The idea being they had stagnated within their own style. "Drama" breathed new life into their sound. It's a shame that many classic Yes fans have never given this a listen in it's entirety.

Sadly, this was not to be the new direction for Yes as they broke up after this album with Downes and Howe starting Asia. The next generation of Yes was to take almost 3 years with another large change in members and the main writer being Trevor Rabin. Anderson was brought back in late in the game as was the name Yes rather than the chosen name, Cinema.

Great reaction Jim, my sentiments exactly, I remember way back in 1980 checking out the new releases at the local record store & being thrilled to discover Yes were still alive & with these two new members, like you I was gobsmacked upon hearing Machine Messiah & side one. It was incredible how by chance Chris, Steve & Alan effectively teamed up with the Buggles & how they so seamlessly fit in & brought such energy, ideas, production knowledge & a new direction to the band, it was also amazing how good Trevor's voice was & how close in range he was to Jon's. Enjoy side 2, cheers

These 2 joined Yes only a few months after releasing "Video Killed The Radio Star" as they were "The Buggles"

Yes disowned this album for many many years. They sort of pretended it never happened which is a shame coz its an amazing record. It should have put Yes up there with the new prog band Rush but after a short tour it was forgotten. I found it in my friends mums record collection when i was a teenager and loved it straight away.

I’m gonna have to get one of those hoodies or shirts! Love it! So stoked to get back into Yes! Thanks Jim!

Very underrated album. In my mind, this is the album where Squire and White really connect to set up an amazing groove on every song. Espacially Tempus Fugit. Your reaction did not disappoint! Thanks Jim!

absolutely fantastic album. I remember when it was released. I didn't really care initially with key band members not on it. Until I listened to it at a friend's house, and I was in awe. In my top three of Yes albums. I am still in awe - what a perfect title for the album, too. Thank you for playing it here!

It's One of the best Yes albums of all their albums. Certainly one of my favorites. Drama was given to me 😃 as a Birthday 🎂 gift in 80's. I lost it and now.... thanks 🙏 to you, I am going to buy the vinyl again!!! Love ❤️ your reaction 💗

Enlightened... 5 STARS! --van

Eddy Offord returned for this one and it sounds like it!!! So good.

It would be interesting to listen to Duke by Genesis next, it's their album from 1980.

It's still YES indeed! I can't wait for your into the lens reaction 😁

This is a perfect album,now accompanied by a perfect reaction.

Trevor Horn was a great fill in for Jon Anderson, they both have a similar sound (though Jon has better range) but what really sells it as sounding like Yes, and something many people don't realize is what truly makes the Yes sound, is Squire's background vocals. He made Yes sound like Yes and without it the vocals don't sound right. I can't remember which album it was but one of the more recent ones buried him in the production and it just didn't sound right because of it.

It is yes, without the drama?...does it really happen one of my fav Squire basslines ever, awesome Jim.

Great to hear that you love it Jim! Many an old Yes fan are dissing it but I truly love it! (Maybe not quite as much as you seem to do though 😉)

Your first words were “and that is not Jon Anderson”. I first heard this album at a party and almost everyone said a great joke had been played on us. Jon had never left and that could be no one else but Jon. Absolutely love your reaction to one of my most enjoyed Yes albums. So we’ll produced.

Again great review Jim … loved this record at the time … vast sound … many Anderson fans hated TH and he was even boo-d in concert … thanks for sharing your thoughts.. great Yes series

Steve Howe, Chris Squire and Alan White joined together with Members of the Buggles band .

Can't wait to watch your reaction on side 2, Jim 👍

Now i believe its a great album. Its a different sound but production is fantastic. Guitar work..sometimes great..bass is alsolutly great