90125

Released in 1983, 90125 represents a radical stylistic departure for Yes, shifting from symphonic progressive rock to a modern, synth-heavy pop-rock sound. The project began as 'Cinema,' a new band formed by Chris Squire, Alan White, and guitarist Trevor Rabin, before the return of Jon Anderson and Tony Kaye transformed it back into a Yes album. Produced by Trevor Horn, the record is a landmark of 1980s production, utilizing the Fairlight CMI to create a dense, sample-heavy texture that was revolutionary for its time. Lead single 'Owner of a Lonely Heart' became the band's only number-one hit, propelled by its distinctive 'stabs' and Rabin's heavy guitar work. Despite the shift toward shorter song structures, tracks like 'Hearts' and 'Changes' maintain the band's penchant for complex time signatures and multi-part arrangements. The album was a massive commercial success, revitalizing the band's career and introducing them to a new generation of listeners while sparking debate among long-time fans of their earlier, more experimental work.