Union (Yes album)

Union is the thirteenth studio album by English progressive rock band Yes, released on 30 April 1991 by Arista Records. Production began following the amalgamation of two bands that featured previous and then-current members of Yes: Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe (ABWH), consisting of vocalist Jon Anderson, drummer Bill Bruford, keyboardist Rick Wakeman and guitarist Steve Howe, and Yes, at that time comprising bassist and vocalist Chris Squire, guitarist and vocalist Trevor Rabin, keyboardist Tony Kaye and drummer Alan White. ABWH were already signed to Arista, with the other four musicians receiving permission from Atlantic Records (Yes' home since 1969) to join them in recording and releasing Union. ABWH had been struggling to complete a follow-up to their 1989 debut album, while Yes were struggling to complete a follow-up to 1987's Big Generator, as they were unable to settle on a new vocalist to replace Anderson. The resulting Union is a combination of songs from both unfinished albums.

The delivery of the final album was problematic from the start, including late-stage disagreements between some of the musicians regarding the "merger" of the two bands. ABWH had already been suffering from strained relations during the recording process for their second, ultimately unfinished album (which eventually made up the bulk of Union), and the production team of Anderson and producer Jonathan Elias had made the decision to bring in session musicians to re-record parts that Wakeman and Howe had originally completed, causing further friction and resentment. The Squire/Rabin-led Yes had little material written, resulting in some Rabin solo demos and a Squire/Billy Sherwood track being reworked as "Yes" work. Squire sang backing vocals on select ABWH tracks to provide a bridging factor.

Union was released to a decidedly mixed critical reception, and the majority of the band have openly stated their dislike of the material. Despite all this, it fared relatively well commercially, reaching No. 7 in the UK and No. 15 in the US. After two months, Union was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling 500,000 copies. The first single, "Lift Me Up", was number one on the Billboard Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks chart for six weeks. Howe's acoustic guitar piece "Masquerade" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Instrumental Performance. Yes supported Union with their 1991–1992 ‘Around the World in 80 Dates’ show that featured all eight members playing on stage; Bruford, Wakeman, and Howe left the band after the tour.