Is Europe '72 Volume 2 a good place to start with Grateful Dead?

Yes, Europe '72 Volume 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Grateful Dead listeners. A sprawling tapestry of improvisational jams and heartfelt storytelling, echoing the vibrant spirit of the early '70s concert scene. Released in 2011, Europe '72 Volume 2 comes as part of a retrospective celebration of the Grateful Dead's legendary European tour. This album follows the original Europe '72 live album, which was pivotal for cementing their reputation as improvisational rock pioneers. By this time, the band had already established a robust fan base and were exploring the depths of their live performance flexibility.

Who is Europe '72 Volume 2 for?

Europe '72 Volume 2 works well if you're into extended jams for deep immersion, heartfelt storytelling through improvisation and wave-like pacing for relaxation.

How many songs are on Europe '72 Volume 2?

Europe '72 Volume 2 has 22 tracks, running approximately 158 minutes.

Europe '72 Volume 2

Grateful Dead · 2011

158 min · 22 tracks · psychedelic rock

A sprawling tapestry of improvisational jams and heartfelt storytelling, echoing the vibrant spirit of the early '70s concert scene.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bertha Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Dark Star — The extended jam on this track exemplifies the band’s improvisational prowess, seamlessly blending psychedelia with intricate musical conversations.
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Good Lovin’ — This energetic rendition captures the essence of Grateful Dead's ability to turn a straightforward rock song into an exhilarating communal experience through extended solos.
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Sugaree — A highlight of Jerry Garcia's emotive vocals and expressive guitar work, this track showcases the blend of folk and rock that defines much of the band's sound.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and distinct transitions, characteristic of the Grateful Dead's live performances.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, particularly in tracks like 'Dark Star' and 'The Other One', which stretch beyond typical song lengths.
Several tracks incorporate varying tempos and dynamics, such as the shift from the upbeat 'Good Lovin’' to the more contemplative 'Sing Me Back Home'.

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

Influence 4/10

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

extended jams for deep immersion
heartfelt storytelling through improvisation
wave-like pacing for relaxation
for late-night exploration
live concert energy captures spirit

Maybe skip if you

prefer concise, structured tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — Highlights the band's live legacy but is not a primary entry point for new listeners.
Themes: European concert scenes· psychedelic improvisation· post-hippie exploration
Career context: Released in 2011, Europe '72 Volume 2 comes as part of a retrospective celebration of the Grateful Dead's legendary European tour. This album follows the original Europe '72 live album, which was pivotal for cementing their reputation as improvisational rock pioneers. By this time, the band had already established a robust fan base and were exploring the depths of their live performance flexibility.
Stylistic neighbors: Phish· The Allman Brothers Band· Jefferson Airplane