Live at Wrigley Field cover

Live at Wrigley Field

Dave Matthews Band · 2011

153 min · 20 tracks · rock music

A sprawling live showcase blending improvisation and heartfelt lyrics, capturing the essence of Dave Matthews Band's signature sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    You Might Die Trying Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    Two Step — Opening with an energetic instrumental section, this track showcases the band's improvisational skills while building tension before delivering its iconic lyrical themes of love and connection.
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    #41 — This performance highlights a fan favorite, intertwining complex musical arrangements with poignant lyrics about longing and existential reflection, making it a standout moment in the setlist.
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    Crash Into Me — As one of the band's most recognizable hits, this track combines melodic hooks with storytelling that resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing Matthews' lyrical craftsmanship.
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    Jimi Thing — This extended version exemplifies the band's improvisational spirit, featuring dynamic solos and a call-and-response structure that engages the audience, creating an unforgettable concert experience.

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 album captures the band's live energy and improvisational style, making it a solid representation of their sound.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for improvisation and exploration.
  • Tracks are often introduced with spoken interludes or anecdotes from the band, creating a conversational atmosphere.
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 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

  • wave-like dynamic performance energy
  • extended jams for deep immersion
  • sing-along favorites with friends
  • captivating live improvisational moments
  • uplifting anthems for celebrations

Maybe skip if you

  • dislike lengthy concert recordings
  • prefer concise, structured tracks

Where this album fits

Themes
Wrigley Field atmosphere· improvisational energy· live concert euphoria
Career context
Released in 2011, Live at Wrigley Field is a significant entry in Dave Matthews Band's discography, following their 2009 studio album Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King. This live album captures a pivotal moment in their career as they celebrated over two decades of music while continuing to evolve artistically and connect with their dedicated fan base.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 You Might Die Trying Start here 9:06
  • 2 Stay or Leave 4:13
  • 3 Seven 5:47
  • 4 Crash Into Me 5:39
  • 5 Good Good Time 2:00
  • 6 #41 16:08
  • 7 Tripping Billies 6:20
  • 8 Digging a Ditch 4:52
  • 9 Squirm 5:16
  • 10 Gravedigger 5:00
  • 11 Spaceman 6:27
  • 12 Stay (Wasting Time) 7:01

Disc 2

  • 1 Can't Stop 6:39
  • 2 Grey Street 5:47
  • 3 Jimi Thing 15:43
  • 4 Time Bomb 5:41
  • 5 Two Step 16:44
  • 6 Christmas Song 5:09
  • 7 Corn Bread 6:35
  • 8 The Last Stop 13:16

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata