City of Love

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some cosmic vibes as The Zoo Crew spins "City of Love" by Yes from their 1983 album 90125. This track is a standout, heavily shaped by guitarist Trevor Rabin’s creative vision. According to a 2017 article on Something Else! Reviews, "City of Love" is one of the most AOR (Album-Oriented Rock) moments in Yes’s progressive rock catalog, with Rabin’s influence making it distinct. The song’s lyrics, co-written by Rabin and Jon Anderson, are unusually direct for Yes, inspired by Rabin’s unexpected visit to a rough part of Harlem. Anderson’s vocal delivery is intense, spitting out the story with a gritty edge that matches the song’s urban narrative. Fans on Reddit’s r/progrockmusic have called it one of the edgiest tracks from the Rabin era, with its driving rhythm and bold energy standing out on the album.

Another tidbit from the Yesfans forum reveals how "City of Love" left a lasting impression on listeners when 90125 dropped in 1983. One fan shared a memory of hearing the album for the first time with a friend who played "Our Song" first but noted that "City of Love" rocked hard, feeling almost like accessible metal. The song’s raw energy and tight production, courtesy of Trevor Horn, made it a favorite for those who embraced Yes’s 80s evolution. On Progarchives, a reviewer praised its “razor-sharp hooks” and noted that while some traditional Yes fans found the album too commercial, tracks like "City of Love" showcased the band’s willingness to experiment with a modern, punchy sound.

Yes, formed in London in 1968, began as a group of ambitious musicians blending rock, pop, blues, and jazz. According to their bio on Wikipedia, the band was founded by Jon Anderson (vocals), Chris Squire (bass), Peter Banks (guitar), Tony Kaye (keyboards), and Bill Bruford (drums). Their early gigs featured covers alongside original songs, but by their third album, The Yes Album (1971), they’d honed a progressive rock sound with complex arrangements and fantastical themes, thanks in part to guitarist Steve Howe replacing Banks. The addition of keyboardist Rick Wakeman for Fragile (1971) solidified their classic lineup, producing hits like “Roundabout.” Yes’s ability to merge intricate musicianship with accessible melodies set them apart, earning them a dedicated following and critical acclaim.

The road to 90125 was a rebirth for Yes. After disbanding in 1981 post-Drama, Squire and drummer Alan White teamed up with Rabin, a South African guitarist fresh from the band Rabbitt, to form a new project called Cinema. As noted in a 2023 Forbes interview with Rabin, he brought demos that became the backbone of 90125, including “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” When Anderson rejoined, Cinema morphed into Yes, and with producer Trevor Horn’s polish, they crafted a pop-infused prog sound that hit big on MTV. Rabin reflected that the album’s success was a new experience for everyone in the band, as Yes had never had a record quite like it. This era introduced Yes to a younger audience, cementing their 80s legacy.

Stay connected with Yes through their official website and social media: Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can dive deeper at Yesfans, a vibrant community for diehards, or join discussions on the Yes Fans Facebook group. The r/yesband subreddit is another spot where Zoo Freaks can geek out over “City of Love” and more. Keep those turntables spinning, and let Yes take you to the City of Love!