What makes Open by Jon Anderson notable?

Open received positive critical reception for its spiritual themes and melodic craftsmanship, highlighting Anderson's influence on the progressive rock genre. It is noted for its return to form after years of collaborative projects, reaffirming Anderson's status as a visionary songwriter. Released in 2011, Open marked Jon Anderson's first solo project in over a decade following his departure from Yes. This EP came after a period of personal reflection and artistic exploration, showcasing his continued evolution as a solo artist while drawing on his rich legacy.

Open

Jon Anderson · 2011

4 tracks · progressive rock

A serene blend of ethereal melodies and introspective lyrics, merging progressive rock with soothing acoustic elements.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Sun Is Calling — This track opens the EP with airy vocals and lush instrumentation, encapsulating the album's overall theme of hope and renewal.
→
Who Better Than Love — The song features intricate harmonies and thoughtful lyrics, showcasing Anderson's ability to intertwine personal storytelling with universal themes.
→
Sun It Sings You / Given Chase — This closing track combines dynamic musical shifts with reflective lyrics, embodying the journey of self-discovery and connection that defines the album.

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 EP showcases thoughtful melodies and cohesive themes but lacks broader recognition.

What we noticed

The first track features layered vocal harmonies that build gradually, introducing acoustic instrumentation halfway through.
Each song maintains a consistent tempo, with the final track incorporating a shift in dynamics that creates a meditative atmosphere.
Lyrically, the EP explores themes of spirituality and introspection, with each track presenting a narrative arc that connects to the next.

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

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Tracklist

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

1 Sun Is Calling
2 Please to Remember
3 Who Better Than Love
4 Sun It Sings You / Given Chase

What to play next

Listen next

Survival & Other Stories

2011

Go back to

The Living Tree

2010

Full Jon Anderson discography Where to start with Jon Anderson Artists like Jon Anderson

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata