Hearts

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Hearts" by Yes from their 1983 album 90125, and Zoo Freaks, this track’s got some wild stories behind it! Clocking in at over seven minutes, "Hearts" is the epic closer to the album, credited to the whole band—Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Trevor Rabin, Alan White, and Tony Kaye. According to a 2017 feature on Something Else! Reviews, the song kicks off with a suspenseful synth intro crafted by Tony Kaye, setting the stage for Trevor Rabin’s crisp lead vocals, which blend seamlessly with Jon Anderson’s counter-melody and Chris Squire’s harmonies in the chorus. Fans on ProgArchives have praised its slow build, noting that while it starts understated, it crescendos into a powerful finish with Rabin’s standout guitar solos. Fun fact: producer Trevor Horn’s touch gave the track that massive ‘80s drum sound, which Alan White navigated effortlessly, shifting from straightforward rock to prog-rock time signatures, as noted in the same review. Some fans on Reddit call it a highlight of the Rabin era, though a few felt its length made it drag before the payoff.

Digging deeper, "Hearts" almost didn’t make it to the airwaves as part of 90125. The album itself started as a project called Cinema, with Squire, White, Rabin, and Kaye, before Jon Anderson rejoined late in the process, as detailed on Wikipedia. Horn’s production, known for its glossy sheen, shaped the track’s texture, and there’s a quirky tidbit from Discogs about how some keyboard parts were reportedly played by Eddie Jobson before Kaye returned, though Kaye got the final credit. A SoundCloud excerpt posted by Yes’ official account showcases the song’s lush harmonies, which Horn layered meticulously. Fans in the Yes Fans Facebook group often share how "Hearts" evokes the band’s ‘70s prog spirit while fitting the ‘80s pop-rock vibe, making it a bridge between old and new Yes fans.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got their start. Formed in London in 1968, Yes was the brainchild of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, and Bill Bruford, as outlined on their official bio. Anderson, a self-taught vocalist with a knack for ethereal lyrics, met Squire, a bassist with a choral background, at a London club. They bonded over a shared love for harmony-driven bands like The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel. According to Wikipedia, the band’s early days were spent playing covers of rock, pop, blues, and jazz at venues like The Marquee, honing their chops before crafting originals. Their debut album, Yes (1969), mixed covers with their own songs, but it was 1970’s Time and a Word that started leaning into the progressive rock sound they’d perfect with albums like Fragile and Close to the Edge. Despite lineup changes—Banks and Kaye left early, with Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman joining—the band’s ambition to blend complex instrumentation with spiritual themes made them prog-rock pioneers.

Zoo Freaks can stay connected with Yes through their official website, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and remastered albums like 90125. Follow them on Facebook for updates and throwback posts, or check their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and fan art. On X, they share news and interact with fans, often posting about their latest projects. For deeper dives, join the Yes Fans Facebook group, where diehards discuss everything from classic albums to current tours, or visit fan sites like YesWorld (also the official site, but a fan hub too) and Relayer, which offer discographies, interviews, and forums. Keep rocking with the Zoo Crew, and let "Hearts" take you to prog paradise!