Changes

The song "Changes" from Yes' 1983 album 90125 is a standout track that showcases the band's shift to a more accessible, pop-infused sound, thanks to the influence of guitarist Trevor Rabin. Originally penned by Rabin before he joined the band, the song’s core structure was later enhanced by drummer Alan White, who crafted its distinctive intro using a Fairlight CMI synth to program a sequenced xylophone melody, giving it a modern yet progressive edge. Jon Anderson, the band’s returning vocalist, contributed lyrics and melodic tweaks, including the memorable bridge section with the line “one word from you, one word from me.” The song’s complex 17/8 time signature in the intro, as noted in some analyses, adds a layer of prog-rock sophistication that nods to Yes’s roots while appealing to a broader 1980s audience. “Changes” reached number 6 on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart in 1984 and became a live favorite during the 90125 tour, featured prominently in the 9012Live concert film and its companion EP, 9012Live: The Solos.

Trevor Rabin, reflecting on the song in a 1994 Keyboard Magazine interview, explained how “Changes” was part of a batch of songs he wrote while seeking a solo record deal, which unexpectedly became the backbone of 90125. Producer Trevor Horn played a crucial role in tightening the arrangement, ensuring the track retained Yes’s signature intricacy while embracing a radio-friendly vibe. Fans on platforms like Reddit have praised “Changes” for its fiery energy and Rabin’s guitar work, though some longtime prog purists felt the album’s commercial leanings strayed from Yes’s 1970s epics. The song enjoyed a revival when Rabin, Anderson, and Rick Wakeman performed it during their 2010-2018 project, Yes featuring ARW, delighting fans who cherished the 90125 era. Its sweeping dynamics and innovative production, as noted in a 2020 Rocking In the Norselands article, make it a track that bridges Yes’s past and their 1980s reinvention.

Yes formed in London in 1968, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye. The band’s early days were marked by a blend of rock, pop, blues, and jazz covers alongside original songs, as heard on their debut albums, Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970). Their big break came with 1971’s The Yes Album, which introduced guitarist Steve Howe and showcased a bolder progressive rock sound. Albums like Fragile (1971) and Close to the Edge (1972) cemented their reputation as prog pioneers, with complex compositions and virtuosic musicianship. Despite numerous lineup changes—including Anderson’s departure in 1980 and Rabin’s arrival in 1983—Yes continually evolved, with 90125 marking a commercial peak. The band’s ability to reinvent itself while retaining its core identity, driven by Anderson’s ethereal vocals and Squire’s dynamic basslines, has kept them relevant across decades.

You can stay updated with Yes through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour dates, archival content, and fan engagement posts. Fans also connect on dedicated sites like ProgArchives, which offers detailed discographies and reviews, and YesWorld’s fan club section, linking to global fan communities. On Facebook, groups like “Yes Fans” and “Yes Appreciation Society” provide spaces for Zoo Freaks to discuss the band’s legacy, share rare recordings, and celebrate tracks like “Changes” that defined their 1980s resurgence.