When Yes dropped ‘Drama‘ in August of 1980, it was a shock to many of us. Fresh Synthesizers, Vocoders, heavy guitars, strange effects, ambience, all with radio-friendly sensibilities. That’s because NO ONE expected them to steal the New Wave band The Buggles after Jon and Rick left! Yet every musician that I knew at the time, including music teachers, adored the album. You’d hear it regularly at record stores. Toby would use it to showcase his state-of-the-art custom speakers to new clients. When they played at Reunion Arena on Saturday September 27th, my Uncle was absolutely sickened by the band, their new sound, and the new songs. He didn’t get it. A lot of older Yes fans didn’t. But my friends and I did get it. IT was a straight trajectory from Progressive Rock to New Wave, modernity at it’s apex, no stops along the route. At the time, I was still in marching band as well as regularly watching groups rehearse or play live as much as I could while trying to hone my own style. It seemed like every kid that I knew that was into new music in my High School also liked Drama. No lines of division between young cliques that I witnessed. It was technical but still very pop orientated, so the appeal was instant. This fascination carried on way into college when I started to play music myself. When my band ESP started, our bassist Robert Kramer and I played “Tempus Figet” at rehearsals regularly to warm up. It is such a different Yes album, very steeped in the sound of times while also harkening forward to what was about to happen to the band with 90215. An obvious influence on the sound of Neo-Prog as well. And just look at them in 1980! They were ready for the new decade. Skinny ties, reflective pants, animal print, huge glasses, tight trousers, headband. All that’s missing is a dramatic music video but they’ll get there next with “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” a few years later. These days, when I pull out an old Yes record, it’s always either Drama or The Yes Album. BOTH still sound fresh to these old ears yet are nearly a decade apart. Once again…HIGHLY recommended.