What makes Chris Squire's Swiss Choir by Chris Squire notable?

This album is notable for its innovative blend of traditional Christmas carols with progressive rock elements, establishing a distinctive sound within the genre. It received positive critical reception, highlighting Squire's ability to infuse classical choral arrangements with his signature bass work and songwriting style. Released in 2007, Chris Squire's Swiss Choir marks Squire's first solo project after the dissolution of Yes' classic lineup in the late 1990s. At this point in his career, Squire was exploring new musical avenues while maintaining his progressive rock roots, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

How many songs are on Chris Squire's Swiss Choir?

Chris Squire's Swiss Choir has 13 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Chris Squire's Swiss Choir

Chris Squire · 2007

55 min · 13 tracks · progressive rock

A lush tapestry of choral harmonies and progressive rock sensibilities intertwines to create a unique holiday experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Silent Night/Night of Silence — This track seamlessly melds the serene melodies of 'Silent Night' with an ethereal arrangement, creating a meditative listening experience that showcases Squire's mastery of layering vocals.
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Gaudete — 'Gaudete' stands out for its energetic tempo and rich harmonies, reflecting Squire's progressive rock influences while celebrating the joy of the holiday season.
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I Saw Three Ships — This rendition features innovative instrumentation and vocal arrangements, transforming the traditional carol into a vibrant piece that highlights Squire’s creative approach to familiar material.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album blends choral music with progressive rock, showcasing distinct arrangements but with moderate replay value.

What we noticed

The album features choral arrangements that alternate between traditional Christmas carols and progressive rock instrumentation, creating a unique sonic landscape.
The use of layered vocal harmonies is prominent throughout, with multiple voices intertwining rather than following a single lead.
The final track serves as an instrumental outro, contrasting with the preceding vocal-heavy pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Adam Lay Ybounden 4:49
2 I Saw Three Ships 4:06
3 O Come o Come Emmanuel 4:31
4 Silent Night/Night of Silence 5:17
5 Ding Dong Merrily on High 4:36
6 The Three Kings 4:41
7 Sans Day Carol 4:06
8 Personent Hodie 3:00
9 Sussex Carol 3:48
10 Gaudete 3:13
11 In the Bleak Midwinter 4:36
12 Past 3 O’Clock 5:05
13 Run With the Fox 4:09

What to play next

Go back to

Fish Out of Water

1975

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