50 Live
Yes · 2019
111 min · 13 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling tapestry of intricate melodies and virtuosic musicianship that showcases the band's legendary progressive rock legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
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Close to the Edge: i. The Solid Time of Change / ii. Total Mass Retain / iii. I Get Up I Get Down / iv. Seasons of Man Start here — As one of Yes's most iconic pieces, this track represents the pinnacle of their progressive style with its complex structure and thematic depth, making it a centerpiece of their live repertoire.
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Roundabout — This track is perhaps Yes's most recognizable song, featuring intricate guitar work and harmonized vocals that encapsulate their signature sound, showcasing why they remain influential.
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Awaken — A powerful composition that stretches over eighteen minutes, illustrating the band's dynamic range and lyrical profundity, often regarded as a highlight in their live shows.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This live album captures Yes's technical prowess and classic repertoire but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.
What we noticed
- The album features extended versions of classic tracks, often stretching beyond their original lengths with improvisational sections.
- Several tracks include intricate instrumental passages that showcase the band's technical proficiency, particularly in guitar and keyboard solos.
- The setlist is arranged to highlight both well-known hits and deeper cuts, creating a balance between fan favorites and less frequently performed songs.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic progression with peaks
- patient exploration of themes
- immersive live performance energy
- wave-like pacing throughout album
- ethereal vocals and intricate musicianship
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Captures the band's legacy and is cherished by fans for its live performances.
- Themes
- progressive rock legacy· 50th anniversary celebration· live performance artistry
- Career context
- Released in 2019, '50 Live' commemorates Yes's 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the band. This album features live performances that encapsulate their storied career and demonstrates how they have evolved while remaining true to their progressive roots. It follows their previous studio album 'Heaven & Earth' from 2014, highlighting a moment of reflection and celebration.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Close to the Edge: i. The Solid Time of Change / ii. Total Mass Retain / iii. I Get Up I Get Down / iv. Seasons of Man Start here 19:01
- 2 Nine Voices (Longwalker) 3:45
- 3 Sweet Dreams 5:25
- 4 Madrigal 2:53
- 5 We Can Fly From Here, Pt. 1 5:51
- 6 Soon 7:36
- 7 Awaken 18:16
Disc 2
- 1 Parallels 6:17
- 2 Excerpt from The Ancient 5:05
- 3 Yours Is No Disgrace 11:58
- 4 Excerpt from Georgia’s Song and Mood for a Day 4:02
- 5 Roundabout 9:14
- 6 Starship Trooper: i. Life Seeker / ii. Disillusion / iii. Wurm 11:40
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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