Leave It

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Leave It" by Yes from their iconic 1983 album 90125! This track is a funky, quirky gem that stands out even among the band's legendary catalog. According to Songfacts, "Leave It" was one of the few Yes hits that lead singer Jon Anderson didn’t help write, crafted instead by Trevor Rabin, Chris Squire, and producer Trevor Horn before Anderson rejoined the band. The song’s signature group vocals were a happy accident—Rabin and Squire, struggling with the drum sound, shifted focus to the vocals, making them the heart of the track after weeks of meticulous recording. Fun fact: MTV ran a contest featuring 18 different music videos for "Leave It," directed by Godley & Creme, with Version 11 becoming the official one. Fans on Yesfans.com still rave about the song’s innovative use of the Synclavier synthesizer, which gave it a cutting-edge sound that influenced experimental pop acts like Art of Noise.

Another cool tidbit comes from Trevor Rabin himself, who reflected on the song’s creation in a 2023 Forbes interview. He described "Leave It" as a blend of “quirky and funky,” built around Squire’s killer bassline and Horn’s tech-savvy production. The song’s a cappella version, found on the B-side of the American 45 and the expanded 90125 remaster, is a fan favorite for its raw vocal harmonies, with one Songfacts commenter calling it “amazing” without a single instrument. On Yesfans.com, some Zoo Freaks debate its pop-heavy vibe, but others, like a poster who called it “nifty” for its seamless transition from the instrumental “Cinema,” celebrate its bold creativity. The song hit number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 3 on the Top Album Rock Tracks chart, proving its crossover appeal.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got started. Formed in London in 1968, the band emerged from the psychedelic and progressive rock scene, founded by vocalist Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire, guitarist Peter Banks, keyboardist Tony Kaye, and drummer Bill Bruford. According to their Wikipedia bio, Anderson and Squire met at a London club, bonding over their love for complex, adventurous music. Their early gigs blended covers of rock, pop, blues, and jazz with original songs, as heard on their 1969 debut album, Yes. By 1970, with albums like Time and a Word, they were pioneering progressive rock with intricate compositions and virtuosic playing. The addition of guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Rick Wakeman in the early ’70s solidified their classic lineup, leading to masterpieces like Fragile and Close to the Edge. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, Yes has remained a progressive rock titan, with 90125 marking a pop-infused comeback that introduced them to a new generation.

Stay connected with Yes through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest news and tour updates. Zoo Freaks can also dive into fan communities like Yesfans.com or join the Yes Fans Facebook group to swap stories, trivia, and love for the band’s epic discography. Keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep the "Leave It" vibes flowing!