August 18, 2015 by

Yes, “Clear Days” from Time and a Word (1970): YESterdays

Jon Anderson has written a few classic Yes songs by himself. A couple that immediately come to mind include “Astral Traveler” — from later in this sophomore 1970 release, Time and a Word — and, much later, the title track from 1977’s Going For The One.

Sadly, “Clear Days” is not a high point for the world’s greatest progressive rock band.

<<< BACKWARD (“The Prophet”) ||| ONWARD (“Astral Traveller”) >>>

In fact, there is nothing progressive about the track, which is weighed down by a dirge like orchestral arrangement, flower-power lyrics, and a sappy vocal arrangement. “Clear Days” underscores just how much Yes was still struggling with its identity.

Actually, there are very few Yes-type elements, with just Tony Kaye’s piano making an appearance with Jon Anderson’s vocals. As such, “Clear Days” may be an interesting signpost for Yes, but little else.

Perhaps this is what drove the late guitarist Peter Banks from the band.

Preston Frazier’s YESterdays is a song-by-song feature that explores the unforgettable musical legacy of Yes. The series runs every other Tuesday.

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One Comment

  1. Olaf says:
    August 23, 2015 at 1:16 am

    …yeah but it’s a great string section, doing that Copland/Bartok thing. Give the devil his due on this one