TIME AND A WORD

We can clearly see that Yes improved their sound on this album. It's slightly better than the debut album. And we can't forget that this album is orchestrated, something unusual for an early 70's album. Some songs are ordinary, some are good and some are fantastic:

Then: Bruford shows us some of his skills. I can't say it is a bad song, but I don't like it very much. 3,55 stars.

Everydays: very influenced by jazz, it is a kind of a ballad, at least in the beginning. After 2 minutes, the song takes an entirely different course and becomes aggressive and fast. 3,6 stars.

The Prophet: it has good rhythm, melody and lyrics. For me, it's very melancholic. In some parts, it is very catchy. 3,85 stars.

Clear Days: at the beginning and end, the violins remind me of Ray Shulman's violin riffs, from Gentle Giant. It is the calm and melodic song of the album. The lyrics are beautiful. I sympathize with this song... It reminds of a girl from the old days? 4,2 stars.

No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed: I don't know the original song, so I can't say if they did a good cover, but this song is amazing. Powerful, I'd say. Full of energy, mainly by the fast drums and rhythmic bass line. 4,3 stars.

Astral Traveller: very mystic song, it also is powerful. Jon sings through a Leslie Speaker, which gives a special effect to the vocals. The solo is really powerful and just shows us how good Mr. Banks was. Bruford once again has fast fills on drums. I really like this song. 4,5 stars.

Time and a Word: it deserves to be the album title. Well orchestrated, this song has good lyrics, rhythm, melody and is beautiful. The chorus is memorable ! 4,65 stars.

Sweet Dreams: when I listen to this song I feel like the band is trying to pass me a message: 'bye 60's, hello 70's !'. It is VERY melancholic. I haven't lived the 60's or the 70's, but I feel very melancholic ! Undoubtedly the best song on the album, when I listen to it I get into a trip, a long journey. Powerful, beautiful, magic, pure feeling. Listening to it, you'll have SWEET DREAMS. 5 stars.

Yes, a great album to enter the seventies. Highly recommended to Symphonic Rock lovers. 4 stars.