Our Song

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Our Song" by Yes from their 1983 album 90125, and the Zoo Freaks are totally vibing. This track, a lesser-known gem from the album, has some cool stories behind it. According to a review on Something Else! Reviews, "Our Song" was partly inspired by a swelteringly memorable Toledo, Ohio, tour stop, capturing the band's road life in its lyrics. It hit No. 32 on the U.S. rock charts, no small feat for a B-side to the mega-hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart." Bassist Chris Squire and drummer Alan White laid down a killer backbeat, with Trevor Rabin’s stadium-rock guitar intro giving it that irresistible hook. Jon Anderson’s vocals soar, making it a standout, even if some fans on Reddit’s progrockmusic debate its simpler pop-leaning style compared to Yes’ 1970s epics. One fan even called it a “one-song electric bass primer” in a Guitar Player review, perfect for bassists looking to learn Squire’s layered grooves.

Digging into the song’s creation, "Our Song" was a collaborative effort credited to Anderson, Rabin, Squire, and White. A post on Prog Archives highlights how Anderson took Rabin’s demo and made it distinctly his own, infusing it with his signature vocal flair. Some fans on X have shared love for its upbeat energy, with one user calling it “the edgiest from the Rabin era.” However, not everyone was on board with its synth-heavy sound—critics like Preston Frazier noted the keyboard tones felt out of place for a prog rock titan like Yes, blaming programmers Dave Lawson and Jonathan Jeczalik for the dated vibe. Still, the track’s charm lies in its tight structure and those progressive undertones that sneak through, thanks to Squire and White’s rhythmic magic.

Now, let’s rewind to how Yes got their start. Formed in London in 1968, the band came together when vocalist Jon Anderson met bassist Chris Squire at a Soho bar. According to their bio on Yesworld, the two bonded over music and recruited guitarist Peter Banks, drummer Bill Bruford, and keyboardist Tony Kaye. They began gigging around London, playing a mix of original tunes and covers of rock, pop, blues, and jazz, as seen in their debut albums Yes (1969) and Time and a Word (1970). Their early sound was raw but ambitious, setting the stage for their 1970s progressive rock masterpieces like Fragile and Close to the Edge. Over the years, Yes became known for their complex compositions and stellar musicianship, with lineup changes—like Steve Howe replacing Banks and Rick Wakeman joining on keyboards—pushing their sound to new heights. Despite breakups and reformations, Yes’ ability to evolve kept them relevant, with 90125 marking a pop-infused rebirth in the 1980s.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Yes, their official website is Yesworld, packed with tour dates, discography, and news. You can follow them on Facebook for updates and throwback photos, or check their Instagram for behind-the-scenes shots and tour highlights. On X, they share fan interactions and milestones, like celebrating 90125’s release anniversary. Fans can dive deeper on sites like Prog Archives, a hub for prog rock enthusiasts, or join discussions on the Yes Fans Facebook Group, where diehards swap stories and debate albums. Another great spot is Reddit’s Yes Band community, perfect for connecting with fellow prog lovers. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let "Our Song" keep the good vibes flowing!