Live at Montreux 2003
Yes · 2007
128 min · 17 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant showcase of intricate musicianship and soaring vocals that captures the essence of progressive rock's live energy.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Siberian Khatru Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
-
→
Heart of the Sunrise — This track exemplifies Yes's complex arrangements and dynamic shifts, blending powerful instrumentation with emotionally charged vocals that define their sound.
-
→
Awaken — The epic length and intricate composition highlight Yes's hallmark storytelling through music, making it a centerpiece of their live repertoire.
-
→
Roundabout — A quintessential Yes track, its infectious melody and complex structure serve as a perfect representation of their innovative approach to progressive rock.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
This live album effectively showcases Yes's musicianship while balancing classic and newer material.
What we noticed
- Several tracks include extended solos, particularly from the guitar and keyboards, allowing for improvisation within the established song structures.
- The performance includes multiple medleys, such as the Rick Wakeman Solo Medley, which blends several pieces into a cohesive segment.
- The album captures the live energy through dynamic shifts in tempo and volume, with moments of quiet introspection followed by powerful climaxes.
- 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
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- dynamic live performance energy
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- soaring melodies for immersion
- extended tracks for deep focus
- inviting sing-along moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Yes's revitalization and ability to engage new audiences in later years.
- Themes
- Montreux Jazz Festival· progressive rock revival
- Career context
- By the time Yes released Live at Montreux 2003, they were in a phase of revitalization, following their 2001 album Magnification. This live recording marked a return to form for the band, showcasing their classic lineup during a celebrated performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. The album serves as a testament to their enduring legacy and musical prowess in the progressive rock genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Siberian Khatru Start here 10:11
- 2 Magnification 6:52
- 3 Don’t Kill the Whale 4:28
- 4 In the Presence Of 11:05
- 5 We Have Heaven 1:34
- 6 South Side of the Sky 9:35
- 7 And You and I 11:23
- 8 To Be Over 4:20
- 9 Clap 3:48
Disc 2
- 1 Show Me 3:44
- 2 Rick Wakeman Solo Medley: Catherine of Aragon / Catherine Howard / Montreux Jig / Jane Seymour 4:42
- 3 Heart of the Sunrise 11:17
- 4 Long Distance Runaround 3:46
- 5 The Fish 8:53
- 6 Awaken 19:20
- 7 I’ve Seen All Good People 7:09
- 8 Roundabout 6:44
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.