Live at Radio City cover

Live at Radio City

Dave Matthews

147 min · 26 tracks · rock music

An exhilarating live performance that captures the raw energy and emotional depth of Dave Matthews' signature sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crush — This track exemplifies the band's ability to fuse intricate guitar work with heartfelt lyrics, creating an immersive listening experience that resonates deeply with fans.
  • →
    Bartender — The performance of Bartender showcases Matthews' vocal range and emotional delivery, bringing new life to this fan-favorite track through extended solos and audience interaction.
  • →
    Lie in Our Graves — This song is a testament to the band's improvisational skills, featuring dynamic shifts that keep the audience engaged while highlighting Matthews' evocative storytelling.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The live reinterpretations and improvisation highlight the band's strengths, creating an engaging but uneven listening experience.

What we noticed

  • Many songs are reinterpreted from their studio versions, with altered arrangements and additional solos that create a fresh experience.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 3/10

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

  • exhilarating live performance energy
  • long-form journey of emotions
  • cathartic crowd sing-alongs
  • dynamic shifts in intensity
  • reflective moments amidst excitement

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, standalone tracks
  • seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2007, Live at Radio City showcases Dave Matthews during a resurgence in his career following the commercial success of Stand Up in 2005. This album features a collection of live recordings that highlight the band's improvisational prowess and deep connection with their audience, solidifying their reputation as a leading force in rock music.
Stylistic neighbors
Jack Johnson· John Mayer· Dispatch

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Gravedigger

    The narrative shifts from a personal reflection to a broader commentary on mortality and legacy, evoking a contemplative mood.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Bartender 8:28
  • 2 When the World Ends 4:13
  • 3 Stay or Leave 4:09
  • 4 Save Me 4:41
  • 5 Crush 7:54
  • 6 So Damn Lucky 6:51
  • 7 Gravedigger 4:19
  • 8 The Maker 5:16
  • 9 Old Dirt Hill (Bring That Beat Back) 5:49
  • 10 Eh Hee 5:00
  • 11 Betrayal 5:31
  • 12 Out of My Hands 5:23
  • 13 Still Water 2:21
  • 14 Don’t Drink the Water 6:09

Disc 2

  • 1 Oh 5:07
  • 2 Corn Bread 4:36
  • 3 Crash Into Me 6:05
  • 4 Down by the River 5:45
  • 5 You Are My Sanity 5:58
  • 6 Sister 3:44
  • 7 Lie in Our Graves 8:53
  • 8 Some Devil 5:11
  • 9 Grace Is Gone 4:12
  • 10 Dancing Nancies 9:03
  • 11 #41 5:48
  • 12 Two Step 6:29

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata