What does Drama sound like?

A bold fusion of intricate arrangements and new wave influences, marking a distinct shift in Yes's sound. Rooted in progressive rock and art rock. Start with "Machine Messiah".

Is Drama a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Drama is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. A bold fusion of intricate arrangements and new wave influences, marking a distinct shift in Yes's sound. Released on August 22, 1980, 'Drama' was Yes's ninth studio album and marked a pivotal transition following the departure of founding member Jon Anderson. This album showcased the band's adaptation to a changing musical landscape, with Trevor Horn stepping in as vocalist and producer, signifying a departure from their classic progressive rock roots towards a more modern sound.

Drama works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Drama?

Drama has 16 tracks, running approximately 79 minutes.

Drama

Yes · 1980

79 min · 16 tracks · progressive rock

A bold fusion of intricate arrangements and new wave influences, marking a distinct shift in Yes's sound.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Machine Messiah Start here — Opening with an expansive instrumental introduction, this track exemplifies the album’s ambitious blend of complex arrangements and accessible melodies, setting the tone for the rest of the record.
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Tempus Fugit — This song features rapid shifts in tempo and dynamics, showcasing Horn's vocal prowess while encapsulating the thematic elements of time and existential reflection that permeate the album.
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Into the Lens — With its catchy chorus and synth-driven instrumentation, this track highlights Yes's embrace of new wave influences while maintaining their signature intricate sound structure.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album showcases a blend of progressive rock and new wave, with varied arrangements but uneven cohesion.

What we noticed

Tracks like 'White Car' and 'Does It Really Happen?' incorporate new wave elements, contrasting with the more traditional progressive rock sound of earlier albums.
The final three tracks shift to a more subdued tempo, creating a reflective atmosphere that contrasts with the energetic opening.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a shift in sound with new wave influences, diverging from previous works.
Themes: new wave adaptation· mechanical dystopia
Career context: Released on August 22, 1980, 'Drama' was Yes's ninth studio album and marked a pivotal transition following the departure of founding member Jon Anderson. This album showcased the band's adaptation to a changing musical landscape, with Trevor Horn stepping in as vocalist and producer, signifying a departure from their classic progressive rock roots towards a more modern sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Tempus Fugit

The narrative shifts from reflective musings on time to an urgent call to action as the music intensifies.

This dynamic contrast not only emphasizes the urgency of its themes but also showcases how effectively the band merges lyrical depth with musical complexity.