Drama [ORIGINAL RECORDING REISSUED] [ORIGINAL RECORDING REMASTERED]

Yes

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 18, 1994)
• Original Release Date: August 18, 1980
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Atlantic / Wea
• ASIN: B000002J23
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (88 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,575 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finest Yes Album, November 5, 1999

By A Customer

Despite how some Yes fans feel about this album, I think "Drama" is the greatest work of the band's long career. The only problem with this record is it's too short. From start to finish, "Drama" is a brilliant effort; Trevor Horn turns in some terrific vocals (proving himself more than worthy of taking Jon's place)--the harmonies with Chris and Steve soar higher than on any other Yes album. Chris Squire does the best bass playing of his career on "Drama", Andy White and Steve Howe likewise. The single most noticeable difference between this lineup and any other is the sheer heaviness of the sound; while there are many gorgeous and exquisite passages to be found, "Drama" rocks heavier than any other Yes album. Maybe this was due to the new members Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes (who by the way is awesome too) but it seems to be the rhythm section really driving it. Lyrically, the songs are dark and forward-looking, then more inward; and you'll be hard-pressed to find better lyrics than "Machine Messiah" and "Tempis Fugit" on any progressive-rock album by any artist. In fact, I consider those two tracks to be the very greatest Yes songs yet. Why they have seemed to have fallen by the wayside is just beyond me. I liked "Drama" when it came out in 1980, but over the years I've grown to love it more and more--it not only still holds up, it seems to grow more relevant and contemporary with the passing of time. Most of Yes's work does, it's true, and I love every album (except maybe "Big Generator"), but there is something special about "Drama". Those of you who didn't like the album in 1980 should definitely relisten to it now (the cd remastering is superb)--considering all that has transpired in the years since, you may appreciate the album now. Those newer Yes fans who may have never heard "Drama" MUST pick it up; it's an essential work and a true milestone in their career. Not everyone will agree with me, but "Drama" is pure Yes.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Drama a Hidden Gem!, September 23, 1998

By A Customer

This album is a far different cry than 1978's Tormato. Rick Wakeman and Jon Anderson left the band...replacing them were former Buggles' front man Trevor Horn and keyboardist Geoff Downes. The album has a harder edge than previous albums, demonstrated in songs like Machine Messiah and Tempus Fugit. Trevor Horn, sounding a bit of a cross between Jon Anderson and future member Trevor Rabin, does surprising well on the album(during the tour, criticisms though flared). Geoff Downes, although not as flashy as Wakeman, shows for the time that he was a very good replacement, at the least, shining on songs like Does It Really Happen. Remaining members Chris Squire, Steve Howe, and Alan White give the album a very driving sound. Some incredible guitar and bass on this album. Although this album doesn't necessarily have the Yes sound of old, it definitely is a hidden gem in their collection, and one of my favorites by the band.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Without Jon Anderson??? Hey, they pulled it off!, July 22, 2005

By	EF Critical (Long Island, USA) - See all my reviews

This is the best YES album since "Close to the Edge". Released in 1980, when disco was almost dead and MTV-type rock and pop was on its way in, this was a daringly progressive album which hooks you right from the opening riff of "Machine Messiah". By the time it's ended with the awesome "Tempus Fugit", you're ready to play it all over again. While Jon Anderson would seem irreplacable, Trevor Horne filled in nicely, with a high-pitched voice that proved him a worthy successor.

I've seen YES live (5) times since 1987. I've always been disappointed that Anderson never learned to perform any of the songs from this album for a live show.

As much as I enjoyed the next YES album, "90125", it was a shame to see the band go from one musical extreme to the other, simply because musical times of the '80's were changing with the likes of Michael Jackson and Boy George (Good God!!!)