In direct contrast to the prior Jon Anderson-penned track, “Astral Traveller” rocks as hard as anything on Yes’ ‘Time and a Word.’

Jon Anderson has written a few classic Yes songs by himself. Sadly, “Clear Days” from the 1970 release ‘Time and a Word’ is not one of them.

When a reworked Yes issued ‘Drama’ on August 18, 1980, it divided the loyalties of a stunned fanbase. Geoff Downes saw things differently.

Billy Sherwood had huge shoes to fill as he replaced the late bassist Chris Squire for Yes’ Aug. 12, 2015 stop at Pier 6 in Baltimore.

Yes’ “The Prophet,” the lone Jon Anderson/Chris Squire collaboration on ‘Time and a Word,’ is a strong track hampered by heavy-handed production.

Jon Anderson and Jean-Luc Ponty’s long-awaited collaborative CD/DVD is coming soon. We’ve got details on tour dates, too.

Yes’ “Sweet Dreams” may have a decidedly non-progressive rock feel, but it is one of the stronger compositions on 1970’s ‘Time and a Word.’

Talk about a buzz kill. Yes’ cover of Stephen Stills’ “Everydays,” though situated between two of their best early songs, just doesn’t work.

It had been 35 years since I’d seen the quintessential prog-rockers Yes, led by the recently departed Chris Squire. They didn’t disappoint.

This Mid-Year Best of 2015 list also includes Emerson Lake and Palmer, Gov’t Mule, Jeff Beck, Lead Belly, the Knack and the Staple Singers.