TIME AND A WORD

Like all the other orchestral experimentations during this period, the attempt to integrate orchestra and band failed. Nowhere is this clearer than in the otherwise excellent opening track, blessed with the cumbersome title 'No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed.' This is a persuasive attempt to render their dramatic skill at reinterpretation, but that central orchestral section is grafted in with all the subtlety of a third leg.

Aside from the unnecessary orchestration, the album suffers from too many inferior compositions, and generally appalling arrangements. It's telling that two of the three standout tracks are covers, which (given their later achievements) is more a matter of confidence than of lack of talent. The central section of 'Everydays' shows real promise, and it is a pity the band didn't build a more effective song around it. Other songs are simply a waste, including the execrable 'Clear Days'. There's nothing of the calibre of 'Survivor' on this album, nor is there much hint of what was to come within the year. 'Astral Traveller' is at least competent, while 'Time and a Word' is memorable if a little repetitive. And argh, that orchestra!

This is an album that cries out for a reinterpretation. It would be interesting to hear this without the orchestra and with more daring arrangements. Short of that, though, it is not a record to command repeated listenings. Pass on this and the debut and move on to their next album. Come back here at the end of your YES journey.

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