Time and a Word by Yes

Yes's 1970 album, Time and a Word, excellent.

Their second studio album, the last with the original lineup of Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Peter Banks, Tony Kaye, and Bill Bruford, was dropped from the band due to disagreements during recording before its release.

A beautiful album that, for me, is truly great from the very first notes.

The sound is more mature than their first album, and the melodies are compelling and engaging. Even without Wakeman or Howe, for me it's undoubtedly very close to the greatness of The Yes Album, Fragile, and Close to the Edge.

Without any weaknesses, the songs are fantastic, albeit short, and perfectly executed. There are emotional moments and moments of total transport.

Anderson has an absolutely "angelic" voice and orchestral arrangements that are nothing short of spectacular. The blues exudes a progressive mood and doesn't diminish its beauty one iota.

Bill Bruford is particularly inspired in a rhythm section with Chris Squire, once again exceptional, displaying superpowers and power.

Tony Kaye overwhelms us with his distorted Hammond with classical elements.

The orchestra, which for many is what diminishes the album, in my opinion is the true key, to the point that imagining the same album without it is impossible.

An album that never bores me; it's always an exciting and captivating listen.

The best tracks on this album, in my opinion, are the title track, Time and a Word, the sweet "Clear Days," "Sweet Dreams," and the beautiful "Astral Traveller," but in reality there are no lesser tracks on this album; they are all perfectly enjoyable.

Excellent ideas, great compositions, excellent musicians who will mature over time into exceptional performers, for an excellent album that I highly recommend to anyone who hasn't yet heard it.

The Tracks
1. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed (4:47)
2. Then (5:42)
3. Everydays (6:05)
4. Sweet Dreams (3:48)
5. The Prophet (6:32)
6. Clear Days (2:04)
7. Astral Traveller (5:50)
8. Time and a Word (4:31)
Running Time 39:19

Line-Up
- John Anderson - lead vocals, percussion
- Peter Banks - electric and acoustic guitars, vocals
- Tony Kaye - piano, Hammond organ
- Chris Squire - bass, vocals
- Bill Bruford - drums, percussion
Featuring:
- David Foster - acoustic guitar (8), vocals (4)
- Tony Cox - orchestral arrangements