Is In the Present – Live from Lyon a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, In the Present – Live from Lyon is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. An electrifying live performance that showcases Yes's intricate musicianship and soaring vocals in a dynamic concert setting. In the Present – Live from Lyon marks Yes's first live album since their reunion in 2008. By this point, the band had solidified their lineup with key members like Jon Davidson and Chris Squire, revitalizing their sound while celebrating their extensive catalog. Released in late 2011, this album captures a significant moment where the band balances nostalgia and contemporary artistry.

Who is In the Present – Live from Lyon for?

In the Present – Live from Lyon works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on In the Present – Live from Lyon?

In the Present – Live from Lyon has 15 tracks, running approximately 129 minutes.

In the Present – Live from Lyon

Yes · 2011

129 min · 15 tracks · progressive rock

An electrifying live performance that showcases Yes's intricate musicianship and soaring vocals in a dynamic concert setting.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Siberian Khatru Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Yours Is No Disgrace — This track exemplifies Yes's trademark complexity with shifting time signatures and lush harmonies, delivering a powerful blend of melody and technical prowess that resonates deeply with fans.
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Heart of the Sunrise — The performance of this iconic piece reveals the band's dynamic range, highlighted by dramatic shifts in tempo and mood, making it a standout moment in their live repertoire.
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Owner of a Lonely Heart — Transformed into an exhilarating live anthem, this track stands out for its catchy hooks and rhythmic intensity, showcasing Yes's adaptability to both progressive and mainstream rock audiences.
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Roundabout — A quintessential Yes track, its intricate guitar riffs and seamless transitions are delivered with raw energy during the performance, embodying the essence of their live shows.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

66 /100

Alpine

Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

The live album captures Yes's intricate musicianship and dynamic performance, appealing to both fans and newcomers.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding eight minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
The performance incorporates dynamic shifts in tempo and volume, with moments of quiet introspection followed by powerful crescendos.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Fan Favorite — Captures a vibrant live performance, appealing to dedicated fans of the band's classic sound.
Themes: Lyon concert energy· nostalgic rock revival· progressive musical mastery
Career context: In the Present – Live from Lyon marks Yes's first live album since their reunion in 2008. By this point, the band had solidified their lineup with key members like Jon Davidson and Chris Squire, revitalizing their sound while celebrating their extensive catalog. Released in late 2011, this album captures a significant moment where the band balances nostalgia and contemporary artistry.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

And You and I

The lyrical shift from introspective verses to a soaring chorus creates an emotional climax that elevates the song's themes of connection and transcendence.

This contrast not only showcases the poetic depth of the lyrics but also highlights the band's ability to evoke powerful emotions through structural dynamics.