The final inductee from the 2017 class of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is Yes, a band for which I have a total blindspot.
The only Yes song I know — or at least the only one I can actively identify as a Yes song — is ‘Owner of Lonely Heart,’ from the band’s top-selling album, 1983’s 90125. That album, I learned today, was the band’s first after they broke up and reformed with a new lineup. It also marked a change in sound toward pop and away from progressive rock.
The London-based band has had 19 members during its 50-year run, something that might have delayed their admittance into the Hall of Fame. They have been eligible since 1995 and were one of the most notable snubs for two decades.
They were first nominated in 2014, then again in 2015, before finally making the cut in 2017.
Wikipedia describes Yes as one of the most “successful, influential, and longest-lasting progressive rock bands,” and who am I to argue with that?
I skimmed a few of their albums before writing this post and couldn’t get into any of it. Just not my style. I do like this song, though.
That concludes my roundup of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2017. Stay tuned in future weeks for a look at the 2016 inductees.
Move yourself
You always live your life
Never thinking of the future
Prove yourself
You are the move you make
Take your chances, win or loser
See yourself
You are the steps you take
You and you, and that’s the only way
Shake, shake yourself
You’re every move you make
So the story goes
[Chorus]
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
(Much better than a)
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart
I know (x3)
Maybe there’s another way to do this
{Music Video – Break}
[Verse 2]
Say – you don’t want to chance it
You’ve been hurt so before
Watch it now
The eagle in the sky
How he dancin’ one and only
You, lose yourself
No not for pity’s sake
There’s no real reason to be lonely
Be yourself
Give your free will a chance
You’ve got to want to succeed
[Chorus]
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
(Much better than a)
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
[Bridge]
After my own indecision
They confused me so
Owner of a lonely heart
My love said never question your will at all
In the end you’ve got to go
Look before you leap
Owner of a lonely heart
And don’t you hesitate at all – no no
Yow!
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
{Instrumental}
[Chorus]
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
(Much better than a)
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
(Much better than a)
Owner of a broken heart
Owner of a lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
[Outro]
Sooner or later each conclusion
Will decide the lonely heart
Owner of a lonely heart
It will excite, it will delight
It will give a better start
Owner of a lonely heart
Don’t deceive your free will at all
Don’t deceive your free will at all
Owner of a lonely heart
Don’t deceive your free will at all
Just receive it
Just receive it
(Owner of a lonely heart)
Meet Me In Montauk 
Before the massive success of 90125, the only Yes song I recall knowing was “Roundabout,” which was in the rotation of classic rock stations.
In addition to the hit you featured today, one of my favorite Yes songs in high school was “Leave It.” The vocals and production on that track always impressed me. It was a pretty big hit, so you might recall it if you heard it. https://youtu.be/8-hJFoSgXfM.