I’m really looking forward to sharing my reaction today. I’ve been enjoying my journey with progressive music, and this song gives me a chance to see a different side of the band.
Most of the time I just listen to the music, but this time I get to watch the video too, which makes the experience feel fresh and new.
As a guitarist, I also pay close attention to the playing and how each musician adds their touch. It’s fun to notice the details, compare them with what I know from other songs, and reflect on how the band’s style shifts over time.
Key Takeaways
- I share my first thoughts and reactions to the song and video
- I focus on the music and the band’s performance from my perspective
- I reflect on how the sound and style feel different but still enjoyable
About Yes and ‘Love Will Find a Way’
Band Background
I’ve spent a lot of time listening to Yes, mostly just the music without the videos. I recognize Jon Anderson’s voice right away, and I also noticed Chris Squire on bass.
Steve Howe wasn’t part of this lineup, which surprised me since I usually expect him there. Even without him, I could still feel the strong musicianship that makes Yes so unique.
Song Overview
The song runs about four minutes and has a very 80s sound with synths and a polished style. I heard some progressive touches, especially in the drum entrance, which felt a little offbeat and interesting.
The bass stood out with some cool moments, even using harmonics in a way that caught my attention. I also noticed the use of different instruments, like what looked to me like a Puerto Rican cuatro.
That gave the sound a different flavor compared to the Yes I’m more used to.
1987 Era Context
This track came out in 1987, the same year I was born, so it feels kind of special to me. The band seemed to be experimenting with new sounds during this time, which gave the music a more modern feel for that era.
The video itself looked very nostalgic, with the quality and style that scream 80s. Even though it’s not the Yes I usually listen to, I still enjoyed how they carried their sound into that period.
First Impressions
Initial Thoughts
I felt excited to watch this music video because I usually only listen to the songs without the visuals. It had been a long time since I reacted to a Yes video, so this felt fresh.
The sound struck me as very different from what I expected. I noticed right away that some familiar faces were missing, like Steve Howe, and that gave the performance a unique feel.
The style leaned more toward the 80s sound, with strong use of synthesizers and a polished video quality that felt nostalgic. I liked how the bass and guitar worked together, especially during the solo sections.
The harmonica-style sound on the bass caught my attention too—it stood out as something unusual and creative.
Expectations for the Video
Before starting, I thought I would see the classic progressive style I usually associate with Yes. I expected complex rhythms, guitar-driven sections, and Jon Anderson’s voice leading the way.
The video gave me some of that, but in a different form. I saw a mix of familiar band members with a few changes in the lineup.
I also expected a more traditional progressive rock sound, but instead, I heard an 80s-inspired style that still kept some prog elements, especially in the drum patterns. I went in ready to enjoy the musicianship, and the video confirmed that.
Music Video Reaction
Visual Elements
The video looked very 1980s with its style and quality, which gave it a nostalgic feel. I noticed bright colors, classic stage setups, and outfits that fit the time.
It felt different from the Yes performances I usually watch, but still fun to see.
Performance Highlights
- Bass: Chris Squire stood out, especially with the way he played while adding harmonica.
- Drums: The entrance of the drums caught my attention with its unusual timing.
- Guitar & Vocals: I saw the guitarist also singing, which gave the performance a different feel compared to what I’m used to.
Notable Moments
- The mix of instruments created a strong choir-like sound that felt unique.
- I thought I saw a Puerto Rican cuatro being played, which added an interesting texture.
- Watching them experiment with 80s sounds, like synths, made the performance enjoyable in a new way.
- The bass and harmonica duo moment was surprising and very fun to watch.
Musical Analysis
Instrumentation
I noticed the bass stood out right away, especially during the solo. The bass and guitar worked together in a way that felt very different from what I usually expect from Yes.
The drums had an entrance that caught my attention. The rhythm felt a little offbeat at first, almost like it was playing against the time, which gave it a progressive touch.
I also picked up on the synthesizer sounds that made it feel very 80s. The mix of electronic textures with the band’s playing gave the song a unique character.
| Instrument | My Impression |
|---|---|
| Bass | Strong, melodic, even playful at times |
| Drums | Interesting entrance, added variety |
| Synth | Gave it that classic 80s sound |
| Guitar | Different from what I expected, but blended well |
Vocal Performance
I recognized the singer right away, and his voice sounded clear and steady. The style leaned more toward a choir-like delivery instead of the solo-driven vocals I’m used to hearing.
At one point, the guitarist also sang, which surprised me. It gave the performance a different flavor, and I liked hearing that mix of voices.
Unique Sounds and Techniques
One of the most interesting parts was when the bassist used the harmonica while still holding down the bass line. Watching him do both at the same time felt unusual and creative.
I also thought I heard a Puerto Rican cuatro being played. The sound was bright and distinct, and it added another layer to the arrangement.
The band seemed to be experimenting with their sound here. The mix of instruments and techniques made it enjoyable in its own way.
Band Lineup and Members
Missing Members
I didn’t see Steve Howe in this lineup. It felt strange because I usually connect him so much with Yes.
From what I understand, he wasn’t part of this version of the band in 1987.
Featured Musicians
I clearly recognized Jon Anderson on vocals. I also spotted Chris Squire on bass.
The drummer seemed to be the same as before, keeping that familiar energy.
Instrument Roles
- Vocals: Jon Anderson
- Bass: Chris Squire (he even played harmonica while holding the bass at one point, which was fun to watch)
- Guitar: A different guitarist sang as well, not Steve Howe
- Drums: Came in with an interesting entrance, adding a unique rhythm
- Other Instruments: I noticed what looked like a Puerto Rican cuatro, which gave a distinct sound to the music
Classic Guitarist Perspective
Guitar Work
I noticed right away how different the guitar felt in this performance compared to what I usually expect from Yes. The sound leaned more toward the 80s style, with clear tones and a polished mix.
I kept looking for Steve Howe but didn’t see him here, which made the guitar style stand out even more. It wasn’t the same progressive flair I’m used to, but it still carried nice energy.
The guitar lines blended with the synths, giving the song a smoother texture. It felt less experimental but still enjoyable in its own way.
Bass and Harmonica Collaboration
The bass grabbed my attention, especially when paired with the harmonica. Watching that moment felt unique because the two instruments created a playful back-and-forth.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what I noticed:
| Instrument | Role in Collaboration |
|---|---|
| Bass | Held steady rhythm and groove |
| Harmonica | Added melodic color on top |
That duo surprised me. It was unusual but worked well, keeping the performance lively.
I enjoyed seeing how they managed to keep the balance while still making it sound natural.
Personal Reflections
Connection to Progressive Music
I noticed some progressive elements, especially in the drum entrance. It felt a little out of time, but in a very interesting way.
Even though the sound leaned more toward the 80s style, I could still hear that progressive influence in the structure. I enjoy how the band experiments with different sounds.
It shows a different side of their music while still keeping some of the qualities I love.
Nostalgic Elements
The video quality and the overall sound gave me a strong 80s feeling. That era has a very distinct style, especially with the use of synthesizers.
It also struck me that this song came out in 1987, the same year I was born. That detail made the experience feel more personal and nostalgic.
Favorite Aspects
- Bass playing: I loved how the bass stood out, especially during the duo parts.
- Unique instruments: I noticed what looked like a Puerto Rican cuatro, which added a special sound.
- Harmonica effect on bass: The way it was played almost like a harmonica was surprising and fun to watch.
Even though it was different from the Yes I usually listen to, I really enjoyed these details. They made the performance memorable and fresh.
Community Engagement
Playlist Recommendations
I’ve built a playlist of Yes songs that you can check out anytime. It’s a big part of my journey with progressive music, and I keep adding to it as I go.
If you want to explore more reactions, that playlist is the easiest way to find them all in one place.
Patreon and Early Access
I share Early Access videos on my Patreon. That’s also where you can send in song requests and help guide the direction of the channel.
Supporting me there is a great way to be more involved while also getting extra content before it goes public.
Viewer Participation
I see everyone here as part of the community just by watching and joining in. You can share your thoughts, let me know what you think about the instruments, or even point out details I might miss.
That kind of feedback makes the experience more interactive and fun for me.
Conclusion
I enjoyed watching this music video because it showed a very different side of the band. The sound feels more 80s, with strong use of synthesizers and a style that is not what I usually expect from them.
Some things stood out to me:
- Lineup changes: I noticed not everyone from the classic group was there.
- Instruments: The bass and guitar work caught my attention, especially the part where the bass player mixed in harmonica sounds.
- Style: It leaned more toward a choir-like singing rather than the usual lead vocal focus.
| Element | My Reaction |
|---|---|
| Guitar & Bass | Very creative, enjoyable mix |
| Drums | Interesting entrance, unique timing |
| Vocals | Different style, more layered |
| Overall Sound | Very 80s, but still enjoyable |