Heaven & Earth
Yes · 2014
51 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
A lush tapestry of soaring melodies, intricate arrangements, and reflective lyrics that encapsulate Yes's progressive rock legacy.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Believe Again Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its uplifting themes and showcases Davison’s vocal range, establishing his identity in the band.
-
→
To Ascend — This song features rich harmonies and intricate instrumentation, illustrating Yes's trademark style while delivering a message of personal growth and transcendence.
-
→
Light of the Ages — With its expansive structure and philosophical lyrics, this track embodies the essence of progressive rock by blending complex musicality with deep introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Yes's signature sound with lush arrangements and reflective lyrics, though it lacks the innovation of their earlier work.
What we noticed
- The first track features a gradual build-up with layered harmonies and instrumentation, establishing a lush soundscape that persists throughout.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for intricate solos and dynamic shifts in tempo.
- The album closes with a multi-part suite that revisits themes from earlier songs, creating a sense of cohesion and resolution.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression towards closure
- lush melodies for reflective moments
- intricate musicianship detail hunting
- uplifting themes for introspective listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality in Yes's sound and features a new permanent member.
- Themes
- musical transcendence· personal renewal
- Career context
- Released on July 16, 2014, 'Heaven & Earth' is Yes's twenty-first studio album and marks their first release featuring singer Jon Davison as a permanent member. Following the departure of founding member Chris Squire, this album represents a new chapter for the band, exploring themes of hope and renewal amidst their classic sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
- 1 Believe Again Start here 8:02
- 2 The Game 6:52
- 3 Step Beyond 5:34
- 4 To Ascend 4:44
- 5 In a World of Our Own 5:20
- 6 Light of the Ages 7:41
- 7 It Was All We Knew 4:13
- 8 Subway Walls 9:03
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.