TIME AND A WORD

And here, in comparison with their debut from 1969, we can hear a much more orchestral album with some really competent compositions and fine playing from all the members. They are not at the same level that they would reach years later with Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman in the line-up, but the musicianship is good enough to be surprising and interesting almost the whole record.

But of course, the best here is Chris Squire, being his bass simply spectacular in tracks like Astral Traveler. Jon Anderson also makes a fine job, demonstration what a great singer he is.

The rest of the album is a good example of early symphonic rock with tons of progressions but with a pop feeling that Yes would never abandon through their whole career.

Best Tracks: No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (fine homage to Jerome Moross), The Prophet (beautiful melodies in this one), Astral Traveler (the most instrumentally spectacular track of the album) and Dear Father (I really don't know why, but I always loved this little song)

Conclusion: in Time and a Work Yes was still experimenting in the search of their true personality, and despite some lackluster moments (the cheesy Sweet Dreams and the not so interesting Time and a Word) the result was a fine symphonic rock album influenced by The Moody Blues with beautiful orchestral arrangements and a pair of very good songs.

In The Yes Album they finally incorporated Steve Howe playing guitars, saying goodbye to Peter Banks. And the rest is just history!

My rating: ***

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