SHAZAM

Yes already had a box set in the first great rush of rock boxes in the late '80s/early '90s. Although it was pretty good, YesYears felt like it was lacking something -- it either needed more rarities, or it needed to tell the story better. Rhino's 2002 box set In a Word takes the latter approach, choosing to present the band's history (including selections from Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe) in a logical, leisurely way over five discs, sequencing them like one long, cohesive album. The sound is better than YesYears, but not drastically better than the Atlantic reissues of the mid-'90s. There are some rarities, but not many, and nothing of real note to anybody outside of the devoted collector. Its true strength is that it tells the story exceedingly well, with all the chart and radio hits accounted for, along with significant album tracks from their baroque early recordings to their records from the '90s. True, you do need to have a deep interest in Yes to get this -- and, if you do, you'll likely have much of this material already -- but if all you want is one comprehensive Yes album in your collection, this suits the bill. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rovi