July 24, 1970 - Time And A Word

About three weeks since my last release, Yes released their second album "Time And A Word" on July 24, 1970. A small orchestra was used on several songs on the album, giving it a much different feel than their eponymous debut. Guitarist Peter Banks did not like the orchestra, claiming it only played parts meant for the guitar or organ. Tensions grew among him and the band, which led to him being fired in April before the album's release (he does still feature on this album). Similar to their first album, this one has two covers and six original songs. Let's see how they compare!

Side 1 begins with a Richie Havens cover, "No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed". It has an organ opening, but the orchestra quickly takes charge with organ and bass in the background. Jon Anderson sings in his classic style and Banks has a nice guitar solo between verses. After the 2nd verse there is some more cool orchestral parts and I really like it's addition on this first song. The next song is written by Anderson, called "Then". It's led by a cool organ riff by Tony Kaye and some quick snare from Bill Bruford and this song has a really great mix of all the instruments. Organ, drums, bass, guitar, singing and the orchestra: all together, but nothing is overpowering and everyone is contributing great stuff. There's an extended instrumental part with more great organ and then it gets very quiet. Anderson sings one more verse with some quiet bass and acoustic guitar to close it out. Track 3 is a Buffalo Springfield cover titled "Everydays", led by some more solid Anderson vocals. Chris Squire plays an excellent bass line with some trippy guitar and organ. The orchestra provides some trippy effects as well. Bruford has short drum bit that leads into a Banks guitar solo. There's another awesome instrumental part with guitar, organ and more orchestra; it really is everywhere. Side 1 ends with "Sweet Dreams" led by a very loud, cool bass line, with guitar and organ in the background. It's not like Banks doesn't have lots of great guitar parts, and everybody seems to be playing their role nicely to me; I can't see why he would get so upset with the band's new direction.

Side 2 starts with "The Prophet" which opens with a minute-plus organ solo. The orchestra joins in as does guitar and by the 2 minute mark they are off and running. More cool organ from Kaye and solid bass by Squire back Anderson's singing. There is tons of great orchestral parts in this song and hit has a pretty cool ending too. The next song is the shortest at just over 2 minutes, "Clear Days". It's a beautiful song with strings and piano backing Anderson's high voice. There's a cool string part at the end, but it fades out during it (always annoying I think). Track 7 is called "Astral Traveller", which is led by a cool guitar riff from Banks. Everyone else joins him, and once again Yes demonstrate being able to have several different instruments playing their own thing, combining to make this cool song. There's some great drumming by Bruford and excellent organ by Kaye throughout the song. Banks goes off for a great guitar solo, and the song ends with the opening guitar riff just refusing to quit. The final track is the title track "Time And A Word" which is led by Banks on acoustic guitar. Similar to what the Beatles told us 5 years ago, the word is love, and the time is now. It's a bit of a sappy love song and it has a slow tempo, but still has some great orchestral parts.

That is the end of "Time And A Word" and I thought it was a pretty good album. Yes wanted to stand out a bit from the traditional rock band and the use of the orchestra on almost every track certainly makes this album distinguishable. But how does it compare to their debut "Yes"? I believe it was a step up and a great progression for Yes. Their debut is a solid record for sure, but I think this one had more to offer. Will Yes keep this small orchestra around for their next album? We will have to wait and see. It's "a couple months" until my next release so enjoy the rest of the summer!

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