Time and a Word Songs Ranked
Time and a Word is the second studio album by English rock band Yes, released on 24 July 1970 by Atlantic Records. It was put together several months after the release of the band’s 1969 eponymous debut, during which they continued to tour heavily and recorded Time and a Word during gaps between shows. Yes continued to follow their early musical direction of performing original material and cover versions of songs by pop, jazz, and folk artists. A small orchestra of brass and string session musicians was used on most of the album’s songs. Time and a Word received mixed reviews from critics, but became the band’s first release to enter the UK Albums Chart, peaking at number 45; however, it did not chart in the United States. In 2003, the album was remastered with several previously unreleased tracks.
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8. No Opportunity Necessary, No Experience Needed
“Organ intro then swirling violins, then brass…could almost be an intro to a disco song! (maybe I have in mind songs like Gloria Gaynor’s version of “Never can say goodbye”). Chunky bass sound; a Hendrixy guitar solo; a Western sounding bit with guitar and violins…a la the theme from the tv show “Bonanza” or some such. Mid-tempo track, with some widgy-widgy sound effects at times.”
7. The Prophet
“Wikipedia lists this as the single version. “Roxanne”/reggae-ish guitar strums; Latin jazzy percussion sound re metallic sound. Violins, organ, electric lead guitar, drums, bass, jazzy guitar sound at times for the lead, some rock rhythm guitar at times. Maybe the song has a new verse to it.”
6. Then
“Deep Purpley organ, jazz style electric guitar, violins, viola (?), bass, brass, marching band drum tone and drumming at times. Some of the singing bits are catchy. Last part of the song is mellow, as far as the vocals and jazz guitar sound goes. One bit with the bass reminds me of Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4″, I believe.”
See more: Yes Albums Ranked
5. Clear Days
“Mellow piece with violins, cellos and piano. A chamber piece type track. Yes has been categorized into the genre of Symphonic Prog, but, ironically, “symphonic” is not the accurate word to describe their music.”
4. Everydays
“Liked this song more on second listen…might just scrape into this section…not sure. Brush percussion; organ; bass; violins; electric lead guitar…which plays notes from “Jesu joy of man’s desiring” I believe. Song has a jammy middle bit. Very mellow sound and vocals (pretty much bookends). Not sure if the vocals are overdubbed or someone else is singing.”
See more: Yes Songs Ranked
3. Astral Traveler
“Interesting guitar tones on the bookends… scratchy guitar sound. Interesting percussion too…Latin beats? Bass; Hammond organ (?); some marching band type percussion; some dainty electric lead guitar (jazzy? It has a tight tone too, like the first string is being used or something); rock lead guitar sound is used too. Has hippie lyrics.”
2. Sweet Dreams
“Got a question mark next to this song signifying I’m not really sure it belongs in this section. Big, bassy drum, interesting guitar tone, electric lead guitar, very deep bass, organ, piano, backing vocals. Repetitive lyrics. Percussion seems to include those sticks you hear Aboriginals use in traditional ceremonies. One bit of this song reminds me of Cockney Rebel’s “Make me smile (come up and see me)”.”
1. Time and a Word
“Nice tone to the semi-acoustic (?) guitar strums. Electric lead guitar, boofy bass, backing vocals, Hammond organ, brass later. Poppily melodic, maybe strays into Family Of Man territory…gosh, just tried looking up that band…memory must be going…no such band, apparently…if that’s the case, perhaps I have in mind very poppy bands like The 5th Dimension…maybe.”
