Drama
Yes · 1980
79 min · 16 tracks · progressive rock · art rock · symphonic rock
A bold fusion of progressive rock and new wave, featuring intricate musicianship and existential themes.
Why this album works
- Best for
- long, immersive listening sessions dynamic emotional journeys layered, dense sonic textures
- Context
- Released on August 22, 1980, 'Drama' marked a significant transition for Yes as it was their first album after the departure of key members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. With Trevor Horn stepping in as lead vocalist and producer, the band's sound evolved toward a more modern and experimental approach, setting the stage for their continued relevance in the changing musical landscape of the early '80s.
- If you like
- progressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock
Drama is an album by Yes, released in 1980. A bold fusion of progressive rock and new wave, featuring intricate musicianship and existential themes. 'Drama' is notable for its commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving positive reviews from critics who praised its innovative sound. The album's singles, particularly 'Into the Lens,' showcased a shift towards a more accessible style that influenced other progressive rock bands navigating the emerging new wave scene. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Drama sound like?
A bold fusion of progressive rock and new wave, featuring intricate musicianship and existential themes. Rooted in progressive rock and art rock.
What makes Drama by Yes notable?
'Drama' is notable for its commercial success, reaching number 2 on the UK Albums Chart and receiving positive reviews from critics who praised its innovative sound. The album's singles, particularly 'Into the Lens,' showcased a shift towards a more accessible style that influenced other progressive rock bands navigating the emerging new wave scene. Released on August 22, 1980, 'Drama' marked a significant transition for Yes as it was their first album after the departure of key members Jon Anderson and Rick Wakeman. With Trevor Horn stepping in as lead vocalist and producer, the band's sound evolved toward a more modern and experimental approach, setting the stage for their continued relevance in the changing musical landscape of the early '80s.
Who is Drama for?
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Machine Messiah Standout 10:27
- 2 White Car 1:21
- 3 Does It Really Happen? 6:35
- 4 Into the Lens Standout 8:32
- 5 Run Through the Light 4:42
- 6 Tempus Fugit Standout 5:21
- 7 Into the Lens (I Am a Camera) (single version) 3:47
- 8 Run Through the Light (single version) 4:31
- 9 Have We Really Got to Go Through This 3:43
- 10 Song No. 4 (Satellite) 7:31
- 11 Tempus Fugit (tracking session) 5:39
- 12 White Car (tracking session) 1:11
- 13 Dancing Through the Light 3:16
- 14 Golden Age 5:57
- 15 In the Tower 2:54
- 16 Friend of a Friend 3:38
Release Date
August 22, 1980
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
79 min 14 sec
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