Released 5 years ago this October
The Quest
Yes · 2021
61 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A grand tapestry of melodic complexity and layered harmonies, intertwining progressive rock with symphonic textures.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Ice Bridge: a. Eyes East / b. Race Against Time / c. Interaction Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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The Ice Bridge — This multi-part track encapsulates the album's thematic journey, blending dynamic shifts with lyrical explorations of time and existence, making it a centerpiece of the record.
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Dare to Know — With its introspective lyrics and rich instrumentation, this track captures the essence of searching for truth, resonating deeply with listeners navigating modern uncertainties.
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Leave Well Alone — This expansive composition showcases the band’s signature style, featuring complex arrangements that evoke a sense of both nostalgia and forward-thinking artistry.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and layered harmonies typical of Yes, though it lacks some cohesion.
What we noticed
- The album features multiple tracks that are divided into distinct sections, creating a sense of movement and progression throughout.
- The use of layered vocal harmonies is prominent, with multiple voices intertwining to create rich textures in the choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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 journey with emotional peaks
- wave-like pacing for deep focus
- intricate melodies for attentive listening
- immersive experience across two halves
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- dislike complex musical arrangements
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues Yes' evolution, showcasing vitality after a long hiatus.
- Career context
- Released on October 1, 2021, The Quest is Yes' 22nd studio album, marking a significant point in their ongoing evolution as a band. It arrives after a decade-long hiatus since their last studio release, Heaven & Earth (2014), showcasing new material that reflects both continuity and growth within the band's sound and lineup, including longtime member Geoff Downes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 The Ice Bridge: a. Eyes East / b. Race Against Time / c. Interaction Start here 7:02
- 2 Dare to Know 5:58
- 3 Minus the Man 5:35
- 4 Leave Well Alone: a. Across the Border / b. Not for Nothing / c. Wheels 8:07
- 5 The Western Edge 4:24
- 6 Future Memories 5:09
- 7 Music to My Ears 4:40
- 8 A Living Island: a. Brace the Storm / b. Wake Up / c. We Will Remember 6:50
Disc 2
- 1 Sister Sleeping Soul 4:50
- 2 Mystery Tour 3:34
- 3 Damaged World 5:19
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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