TIME AND A WORD

Yes' sophomore effort has better songwriting and musicianship but it is plagued by an unnecessary small orchestra that drowns the band. In a few exceptions (like the opening western sounding track, or the title track), the orchestra fills in nicely, but in songs like 'Then', it lowers the quality of the music. Highlights are the happy and melodic 'sweet dreams', the opener track with great bass playing, "Then" with its psychedelic style which is unusual for Yes, and of course the happy, optimistic, compassionate, and Beatlesque title track which contains some of the most catchy melodies Yes has ever done.

Good, but not essential at all. Recommended for Yes fans who are interested in hearing Yes in their early stages.

My Grade : C-