Yes (s/t) v. Time and a Word

[patrickq]

This is a hard one for me. It’s true that Time and a Word has overdubbed orchestral parts, and that’s a rock no-no. But TaaW is an upgrade in a lot of ways…

(I did a search and couldn’t find an instance of this poll question posted in the past.)

[soundchaser09]

TAAW is a 7 for me, Yes a 5. I just prefer the material on the second album:

Highlights: Everydays, Sweet Dreams, The Prophet, Astral Traveller

[Roundabob]

I really like both albums. I voted for Time and a Word, because “Then” and “Sweet Dreams” are great indicators of what the band’s future might sound like.

[Mr. Holland]

Voted for the debut album. Beyond and Before; what an entrance of one Mr. Chris Squire on the music scene, that thumping high bass note. I see You, great Peter Banks solo. Looking Around, that hammond from Tony is statement in itself. I don't hear and feel such intricate moments on the second album, plus the orchestra really feels tagged on and truly a part of the music.

[Susanne]

It's hard to decide. Survival is one of my absolutely favourite Yes songs (amongst various other obvious ones, but ahead of many others.) But I also like Then, a lot. I suppose Time and a Word overall, as long as I can still place Survival right up with the top songs! An amazing, energetic opening, with exquisite, calm lyrics then entering, and building up to something I'm not sure I can actually describe!

[soundchaser09]

pleasantly surprised by the results of this poll so far! TAAW deserves more recognition.

[pianozach]

While the debut album was a fine album, it was certainly not groundbreaking in the way the subsequent next half dozen were. It's also got some really dated sounds and styles. But even then the lead vocals and 3-part harmonies between Jon, Chris, and Pete were excellent. And the bass guitar was already bounds ahead of how anyone else was playing at the time.

But TaaW had better songs, and even the intrusive orchestral stuff couldn't ruin them. Actually, I like the orchestra, although not at the expense of the guitar and organ parts that were overwhelmed by those orchestral sections.

[Susanne]

While the debut album was a fine album, it was certainly not groundbreaking in the way the subsequent next half dozen were. It's also got some really dated sounds and styles. But even then the lead vocals and 3-part harmonies between Jon, Chris, and Pete were excellent. And the bass guitar was already bounds ahead of how anyone else was playing at the time.

But TaaW had better songs, and even the intrusive orchestral stuff couldn't ruin them. Actually, I like the orchestra, although not at the expense of the guitar and organ parts that were overwhelmed by those orchestral sections.

I like the orchestra on TaaW, too. But I differ in that I even don't mind it overwhelming other instruments. I just like orchestras - probably more than I like organs.

[brianos]

I love many songs on both albums, but give the edge to TAAW.

[JMKUSA]

The sound of the orchestra on TAAW is not the best. I’d be interested to hear a remix with new orchestrations, although I don’t expect that will ever happen.

One of the best things the current lineup has done is play songs from TAAW. I don’t think it’s likely, but a full album tour of TAAW would be cool.

[patrickq]

I voted for TaaW, but it’s very close for me.

[Old Frothingslosh]

Have to with Yes. Not a fan of the orchestra on TAAW.

[pjt]

Neither? I like some track on both, more on TaaW, but as albums they just don't hit it for me. Beyond And Before is a great Squire track, I love Every Little Thing, but the rest is still under construction for me. And I don't like Survival. I know, blasphemy.

On TaaW Then is good, The Prophet, but to be perfectly sincere, I prefer Sweet Dreams and the title track to anything on both albums.

[patrickq]

And I don't like Survival. I know, blasphemy.

I’ve never liked it much either. It’s too much of a stab at a Big Hit Anthem—kind of like “Time and a Word” in that respect. .

[Mr. Holland]

I just don't get it how 12 people can be so wrong....😛