TIME AND A WORD

The second album of YES, with the same line up as their debut album. The arrangement of the songs started to be more complex and has stronger rock feel, and the YES sound as we know in some of their next signature albums are getting more and more entrenched, particularly in rhythm section. The use of orchestra makes this album distinctive from others. In some tracks it adapts themes from classical piece or earlier movie soundtrack.

Among highlights of this album is off course the title track 'Time and a Word' written by Jon Anderson and late David Foster (British musician and songwriter). This song has a very nice hook in its chorus and has been becoming one of most frequently performed song in live, with several versions or as part of medley. The orchestra goes beautifully well with guitar, and the rhythm sections.

'Astral Traveller' has a nice complexity, catchy keyboard theme with great guitar and bass companions. Another showcase for the talent of the band members, and should be in YES essential catalogue.

'Then' is a meticulous composition built by contribution of each of band members, blended by the orchestra. Great performance and arrangement as a band. 'Sweet Dreams' has the same quality (with catchier melody) but a bit lighter 'The Prophet' has more influence from classical music (including adaptation of Gustave Holst 'The Planet Op.32 ? Jupiter the Bringer of Jollity' in the intro section). It is a catchy song, with complex drumming and good guitar fills. In my opinion, the orchestra part is too loud in this song, thus make the intensity of the band playing complex arrangement is a bit hindered.

YES covers two songs in this album. The opening track 'No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed' is a cover version from Richie Havens song (from 1968 album 'Something Else Again'). Orchestration part is an adaptation from Jerome Moross score for the movie 'The Big Country'. Chris Squire bass playing is fascinating,

'Everyday' is another cover version from Buffalo Springfield. The re-arrangement is for me a prototype of typical YES complex but artistic arrangement, that will be emerging as their core beauty in the next few albums. Bill Bruford drumming is really excellent and provide a great rhythm for Steve Banks solo (including a playful phrase from Bach's 'Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring).

In short, this second album is still not the band's masterpiece, but it was a great starting period to develop their foundation. Squire's dynamic and melodic bassline and Bruford's complex drumming are started to be unique features of the band. A step closer to their golden period.