October 2, 2018 by

Yes, “Walls” from ‘Talk’ (1994): YESterdays

“Walls,” the first single from 1994’s Talk, is easily the album’s most commercial song – but that doesn’t make it a stand-out track.

Co-written with Roger Hodgson and Jon Anderson, “Walls” cruises comfortably down the center of AOR boulevard, with few progressive elements and few hooks. “Walls” makes “Love Will Find a Way” from 1987’s Big Generator sound outright adventurous.

The song did make a small dent on the mainstream rock charts, peaking at No. 24, but it quickly vanished – signaling Yes’ declining stature with Billboard and radio. Sure, the angular 12-string electric guitar with Trevor Rabin’s strong vocals are professional, but “Walls” is just not memorable. It also differs little from the demo version included on Rabin’s own 90214 album.

I’m guess we’re lucky Roger Hodgson said no to replacing Jon Anderson as Yes’ vocalist. Too bad the band decided to include this on Talk.


YESterdays is a song-by-song feature that explores the unforgettable musical legacy of Yes. The series runs every other Tuesday.

Preston Frazier
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