Live Timeline cover

Live Timeline

Wishbone Ash · 1997

5 min · 13 tracks · hard rock

A dynamic blend of hard rock and melodic harmonies captures the essence of Wishbone Ash's live energy.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lost Cause in Paradise Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
  • →
    The King Will Come — This track showcases the band's trademark dual guitar work and intricate melodies, encapsulating the spirit of their classic sound while resonating with both old and new fans.
  • →
    Throw Down the Sword — A powerful anthem that emphasizes lyrical storytelling paired with soaring guitar solos, representing the band's ability to blend emotion with technical prowess.
  • →
    Blowin’ Free — An iconic song from their earlier repertoire, its inclusion here highlights the band's legacy and connects past hits with contemporary performances.
  • →
    Wings of Desire — This track combines reflective lyrics with an uplifting melody, showcasing the band’s evolution while maintaining a connection to classic rock traditions.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100
Foothills
Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

The album showcases solid musicianship with varied arrangements but lacks a strong cohesive narrative throughout.

Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

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

  • fragmented energy with dynamic peaks
  • live performance excitement captured
  • nostalgic reflections on past moments
  • anthemic choruses for sing-alongs

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer smooth, consistent flows
  • dislike live recordings' rawness

Where this album fits

Themes
live energy· twin-guitar harmonies· lyrical storytelling
Career context
Released in 1997, Live Timeline is a significant entry in Wishbone Ash's discography, showcasing their enduring appeal after decades in the music industry. By this time, they had experienced multiple lineup changes since their formation in 1970, yet they remained committed to their signature twin-guitar harmonies and progressive rock influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult

Tracklist

  • 1 Lost Cause in Paradise Start here
  • 2 Standing in the Rain
  • 3 Strange Affair
  • 4 The King Will Come
  • 5 Throw Down the Sword
  • 6 In the Skin
  • 7 Why Don’t We
  • 8 Wings of Desire
  • 9 Time Was
  • 10 Living Proof 5:58
  • 11 Blowin’ Free
  • 12 Vas Dis
  • 13 Where Were You Tomorrow

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata