TIME AND A WORD

Yes' second album is a bit of a mixed bag. There are a few moments of brilliance (such as 'Then', which you'll find on most Yes compilations) but otherwise the album is fragmented and inconsistent.

The use of orchestra with band is, in my opinion, fairly ineffective - the simple orchestration not helping matters - with Banks' guitar almostly completely lost in the mix. Kaye's heavy organ is extremely prominent throughout though, and compliments the bass brilliantly. The rhythm section are in fact in the stars of this show, with Bruford and Squire on top form, extremely succinct with Chris' punchy low-end sound and Bill's very fast precise drum-work.

I see this album as a transition, although confused by the use of orchestra. Songs like 'Sweet Dreams' with their simple lyrics and catchy melodies are clearly looking back to the debut, while 'Then' is a much more complex almost symphonic affair, with a more poetic effort on the part of Jon Anderson - the lyrics are thought-provoking and extremely intelligent - a complete contrast. Still a good album, however, with musicianship (as a whole) better than the debut. Recommended especially for Yes fanatics and bass fans - this is after all Chris Squire's favourite album.