Time & A Word - YES*****

No Opportunity Necessary No Experience Needed/Then/Everydays/Sweet Dreams/The Prophet/Clear Days/ Astral Traveller/Time & A Word

Time & A Word, the follow up album from progressive group Yes, maintained the high standard of its predecessor. However, they had yet to establish their trademark sound which would emerge with their next album. (UK:45)

"Time And A Word progresses the songwriting with Yes moving forward another few steps towards their distinctive sound that would come to full fruition on the next album. The songs on here are still very 60s sounding but the band is more adventurous. They keyboards are much more lively as are the other instruments. They lyrics are more cosmic and fantasy based. "

"Time And A Word is, in many ways, typical for a band's second album. It takes the successes of the first album and matures them, adding fresh elements when possible. In the context of Yes' career as a whole, Time And A Word is a transition piece, elevating the band from the psychedelic organ rock of the self-titled into something more ambitious and nuanced."

"Yes leaving psychedelic (and light jazz) excursions behind and coming into a symphonic prog monster. In heading for a horizon, it's also a direction they would continue to grow with and refine on later albums, writing even better and more memorable songs/suites. It's almost as good as their debut, which I prefer a tiny little bit, like a different psychedelic flower."

"This is a killer album. It's definitely not as progressive as their later works, but is still a psychedelic drive and one hell of a ride. Astral Traveller and Sweet Dreams are nice high energy licks, and it gets real mellow with Everydays and the title track."

"Everything about the music on this album is so perfect, the complete package, the total realization of the musical art form. The depth and breadth of this music is untouchable. Melodies and songs stay sharp in the mind for a lifetime. Such overwhelming beauty, it is nothing less than amazing on this album. I couldn't pick a favourite because the level is so high."

"These songs are very beautiful with catchy and memorable choruses and lyrics. The album as a whole expresses technical ability in guitar solos and riffs, amazing piano parts, quick and creative drum fills and beats, and lastly Jon Anderson's beautiful, angelic voice."