“Our Song,” the B-side to Yes’ mega hit “Owner of The Lonely Heart” is the weakest track on 1983’s 90125. However, even this tune fares well against contemporaries on the charts at the time.
In fact, “Our Song” reached No. 32 on the U.S. rock charts. Perhaps this is a testament to the irrefutable back beat provided by Alan White and Chris Squire. The two could bring out the best in any track, and contribute to the few progressive rock elements here. It’s also hard to fault Trevor Rabin’s irresistible stadium-rock guitar intro, which leads in to a tight and not overly flashy lead guitar riff.
Jon Anderson, who wrote this with Rabin, Squire and White, delivers a rock vocal like only he can. Lyrically, “Our Song” – partly about a touring experience in the city of Toledo, Ohio – is good rock fare and is only interrupted by a lyrical Rabin guitar solo reminiscent of Brian May.
What doesn’t work for me is the keyboard sound, which was appropriate at that time for other artists but not for the world’s greatest progressive rock band. Let’s blame programmers Dave Lawson and/or Jonathan Jeczalik for that. Equally pedestrian is Trevor Rabin’s synth playing, which overshadows his tasteful piano on “Our Song.”
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Different strokes, I love the accessible sound and driving beat of “Our Song”, to me it could have possibly been a single; but then my tastes have always run off course from the mainstream. I have had a video for this song percolating in my head since 1983.
It’s a fun song and was a rock chart hit. With an album full of strong songs it’s my least vaforite, but I still like it.
“Our Song” was an important milestone in my bass education, ever since the Guitar Player review of 90125 called it a “one song electric bass primer”. It was the first or second bassline I ever learned in full – the other was Rush’s “Grand Designs” – and I’d advise any adventurous bassist to give it a go.
I need to try that on bass. It does have multi layers of good stuff.