Is Keys to Ascension 2 a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Keys to Ascension 2 is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. Epic progressive rock journeys intertwine intricate melodies and philosophical lyrics, showcasing Yes's signature complexity and musicianship. Released in 1997, Keys to Ascension 2 was the follow-up to the band's previous live studio album, Keys to Ascension, marking a significant period of resurgence for Yes. This album came after a series of lineup changes and a decade-long hiatus from new material, capturing the band re-establishing their presence in the progressive rock scene.

Who is Keys to Ascension 2 for?

Keys to Ascension 2 works well if you're into gradual build to powerful climax, lyrical depth for reflective moments and immersive headphone listening experience.

How many songs are on Keys to Ascension 2?

Keys to Ascension 2 has 11 tracks, running approximately 101 minutes.

Keys to Ascension 2

Yes · 1997

101 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

Epic progressive rock journeys intertwine intricate melodies and philosophical lyrics, showcasing Yes's signature complexity and musicianship.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move – All Good People Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Mind Drive — This track exemplifies Yes's ambitious songwriting with its expansive structure and intricate musical themes, embodying the essence of their progressive style.
→
Close to the Edge: The Solid Time of Change / Total Mass Retain / I Get Up, I Get Down / Seasons of Man — A reimagining of one of their seminal pieces, this track showcases the evolution of their musical ideas while retaining the spirit of their earlier work.
→
And You and I: Chord of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher the Teacher / Apocalypse — This medley highlights the band's lyrical depth and harmonic complexity, creating an emotional resonance that reflects their artistic maturity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

Yes blends new and classic material with complex arrangements, showcasing their musicianship but lacking full cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate multiple sections that shift in tempo and mood, such as 'Close to the Edge' which transitions through distinct movements.
The use of layered harmonies and intricate instrumental interplay is prominent, particularly in tracks like 'Mind Drive' and 'And You and I'.
The final three tracks create a reflective atmosphere, gradually reducing intensity and complexity as the album concludes.

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

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

gradual build to powerful climax
lyrical depth for reflective moments
immersive headphone listening experience
ideal for long, focused sessions
explorative journey through sound

Maybe skip if you

prefer short, standalone tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Late Career Highlight — Shows Yes's resurgence with new tracks and reimagined classics, bridging past and present.
Career context: Released in 1997, Keys to Ascension 2 was the follow-up to the band's previous live studio album, Keys to Ascension, marking a significant period of resurgence for Yes. This album came after a series of lineup changes and a decade-long hiatus from new material, capturing the band re-establishing their presence in the progressive rock scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer

New to Yes? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

1 I’ve Seen All Good People: Your Move – All Good People Start here 7:15
2 Going for the One 4:58
3 Time and a Word 6:23
4 Close to the Edge: The Solid Time of Change / Total Mass Retain / I Get Up, I Get Down / Seasons of Man 19:40
5 Turn of the Century 7:55
6 And You and I: Chord of Life / Eclipse / The Preacher the Teacher / Apocalypse 10:50