YES’ 90125 is an impressive record, not only for the tidbit it contains but for the overall quality of the work. The album was released in 1983, marking the band’s return after a six year hiatus. Its release reintroduced the band to a new generation of fans and helped to boost sales.
Its biggest success was in the U.S. where it sold over 3 million copies. The album also spawned a number of hit songs. One of its biggest hits was the single “Owner of a Lonely Heart”, which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It also won a Grammy award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
The album also made waves in the UK. It was released in November 1983, and reached number sixteen on the UK Albums Chart. It also proved to be the band’s most successful studio album to date.
The album was produced by Trevor Horn, who left the band in 1981 and pursued a full-time production career. Horn was also responsible for producing the “Frankie Goes to Hollywood” song. He also did some recording and production work for R&B singer Seal.
The album’s other big hit was the single “Cinema”, which earned the band a Grammy award for Best Rock Instrumental performance.
The album’s name is derived from the album’s original catalogue number. Its cover was designed by Garry Mouat of Assorted Images. It also had the bling bling bestie: a computer generated graphics sleeve.