Rhythm of Love

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Rhythm of Love" by Yes from their 1987 album Big Generator, and Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its infectious energy. This track, one of the band’s more pop-oriented singles, was a notable departure from their progressive rock roots, blending slick production with catchy hooks. In a 1987 interview with Kerrang!, Jon Anderson described the song as an attempt to capture "a universal pulse, something that moves people emotionally and physically." The song’s polished sound was shaped by producer Trevor Horn, who had previously worked with Yes on 90125. Interestingly, the single reached #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its commercial appeal, though some longtime fans felt it strayed too far from the band’s intricate prog style. A tidbit from a 2017 Facebook post by the band revealed that the song’s iconic guitar riff, crafted by Trevor Rabin, was inspired by a spontaneous jam session during rehearsals, where Rabin was experimenting with a new effects pedal.

Another layer of trivia comes from a 1988 interview with Keyboard Magazine, where Tony Kaye shared that the song’s keyboard textures were built using a Fairlight CMI, a cutting-edge synthesizer at the time, which gave the track its shimmering, modern feel. On Instagram in 2020, Yes posted a throwback photo from the Big Generator tour, captioning it with a nod to “Rhythm of Love” as a fan favorite during live shows, often sparking massive sing-alongs. The music video, with its surreal imagery and neon aesthetics, was a staple on MTV and, according to a fan comment on the Yes official X account, was partially shot in a Los Angeles studio using early green-screen technology, giving it that dreamy, otherworldly vibe. For Zoo Freaks curious about fan discussions, the Yes Fans Facebook Group often buzzes with debates about the song’s place in the band’s catalog, with some calling it a guilty pleasure.

Yes, formed in London in 1968, began as a bold experiment in blending rock, jazz, and classical music. Jon Anderson, a former milkman with a soaring voice, met bassist Chris Squire at a Soho club, and their shared love for complex harmonies sparked the band’s inception. As detailed on their official website, the duo recruited Peter Banks (guitar), Tony Kaye (keyboards), and Bill Bruford (drums), naming the band Yes after deciding it was short, memorable, and positive. Their early gigs at venues like the Marquee Club built a cult following, and by 1971, albums like The Yes Album and Fragile established them as prog rock pioneers. The band’s intricate compositions and philosophical lyrics, often penned by Anderson, resonated with fans seeking music that pushed boundaries.

Over the decades, Yes evolved through lineup changes and stylistic shifts, with key members like Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman shaping their sound. Their biography on Facebook highlights their resilience, noting over 20 studio albums and a Grammy win for “Cinema” in 1985. Fans can dive deeper into the band’s history on sites like YesFans.com, a hub for discographies and tour archives, or join the Yes Fans Facebook Group for community discussions. Yes remains active, with recent posts on X teasing new music and tours. For the latest updates, Zoo Freaks can follow Instagram or visit yesworld.com to explore the band’s enduring legacy.