Complete List Of Jon Anderson Solo Albums And Songs

Released: May 1988

“In the City of Angels” is an album where Jon Anderson embraced a more mainstream, pop-rock sound, diverging from his progressive rock roots. The album features several songs that are more straightforward and radio-friendly, showcasing Anderson’s versatility as a songwriter. Themes of love, hope, and spiritual awakening are prevalent throughout the album.

Notable musicians on this album include Toto members like Steve Lukather on guitar and Jeff Porcaro on drums. The album was produced by Stewart Levine and recorded at The Complex and Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, during late 1987 and early 1988.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Hold On to Love” – 4:46
2. “If It Wasn’t for Love (Oneness Family)” – 4:27
3. “Sundancing (For the Hopi/Navajo Energy)” – 3:17
4. “Is It Me” – 4:22
5. “In a Lifetime” – 4:13
6. “For You” – 2:51
7. “New Civilization” – 4:31
8. “It’s on Fire” – 4:11
9. “Betcha” – 4:01
10. “Top of the World (The Glass Bead Game)” – 5:26
11. “Hurry Home (Song from the Pleiades)” – 3:10

Deseo

Released: July 1994

“Deseo” is an album that highlights Jon Anderson’s exploration into Latin American music styles, blending them with his signature progressive and new age influences. The album features a wide range of guest musicians from various Latin American countries, contributing to its authentic and diverse sound.

This album was recorded in several locations, including studios in Brazil, Argentina, and the United States. It was produced by Jon Anderson and features contributions from musicians like Milton Nascimento and Eduardo del Barrio. The album’s themes revolve around love, cultural unity, and spiritual exploration.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Amor Real” – 6:52
2. “A-DE-O” – 4:03
3. “Bridges” – 5:35
4. “Seasons” – 3:22
5. “Floresta” – 4:50
6. “Cafe” – 4:59
7. “This Child” – 4:19
8. “Dança do Ouro” – 4:51
9. “Midnight Dancing” – 4:30
10. “Deseo” – 3:38
11. “Latino” – 5:08
12. “Bless This” – 3:15

Change We Must

Released: October 1994

“Change We Must” is a unique album in Jon Anderson’s solo career, as it blends new material with re-arrangements of some of his previous works, including songs from his time with Yes. This album is notable for its orchestral and choral arrangements, giving a new depth and richness to Anderson’s compositions.

The album was recorded with the London Chamber Academy, featuring orchestral and choral arrangements, which adds a grand and expansive quality to the music. Produced by Jon Anderson and Garry Mouat, it includes a mix of personal, spiritual, and environmental themes.

CD Track Listings:

1. “State of Independence” – 5:35
2. “Shaker Loops” – 5:25
3. “Hearts” – 5:03
4. “Alive & Well” – 4:47
5. “The Kiss” – 3:18
6. “Chagall Duet” – 3:33
7. “Run On, Jon” – 4:37
8. “Candle Song” – 3:29
9. “View from the Coppice” – 2:03
10. “Hurry Home” – 4:59
11. “Under the Sun” – 4:30
12. “Change We Must” – 3:35

Angels Embrace

Released: September 1995

“Angels Embrace” is an ambient album by Jon Anderson, showcasing a more meditative and contemplative side of his musical repertoire. This album diverges from his usual progressive rock style, instead offering a soundscape that is soothing and ethereal.

Recorded primarily at Jon Anderson’s home studio, the album features Anderson using synthesizers to create a peaceful, immersive auditory experience. It was self-produced and is characterized by long, flowing instrumental pieces intended for relaxation and introspection.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Angels Embrace” – 19:17
2. “New Eire Land” – 4:02
3. “Bless This” – 4:04
4. “Sound & Color” – 3:24
5. “Effortlessly” – 5:10
6. “Harmony” – 3:04
7. “Far Far Cry” – 5:28
8. “Deeper Understanding” – 3:18

Toltec

Released: January 1996

“Toltec” is another experimental album by Jon Anderson, where he explores themes related to the ancient Mesoamerican culture of the Toltecs. The album is a blend of progressive rock, world music, and new age sounds, with an emphasis on spiritual and historical themes.

CD Track Listings:

1. “The Book Opens” – 4:49
2. “Quick Words (Talk-Talk)” – 2:54
3. “Shall We Play the Fests” – 3:43
4. “Semati Siyonpme” – 3:15
5. “Good Day Morning” – 2:03
6. “Leap Into the Inconceivable” – 3:49
7. “Song of Home” – 1:10
8. “Building Bridges” – 5:53
9. “Sound and Color” – 3:15
10. “Longwalker Speaks” – 3:23
11. “Maazo Maazo” – 1:35
12. “Enter Ye the Mystery School” – 7:53
13. “Ave Verum” – 6:14

The Promise Ring

Released: May 1997

“The Promise Ring” marks a return to Jon Anderson’s more traditional and folk-inspired roots. This album features a blend of Celtic, folk, and new age sounds, creating a serene and uplifting listening experience. The album’s themes are heavily influenced by love, nature, and spiritual connections.

Recorded in various locations, including Anderson’s own studio, it features collaborations with artists like Jane Luttenberger Anderson. The album was produced by Jon Anderson and combines traditional acoustic instruments with subtle electronic elements, providing a fresh take on folk music traditions.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Born to Dance” – 4:26
2. “Flowers of the Morning” – 4:24
3. “Timing of the Known” – 4:06
4. “True Hands of Fate” – 4:23
5. “The Promise Ring” – 4:45
6. “O’er” – 4:00
7. “Chagall Duet” – 3:38
8. “Are You?” – 2:49
9. “My Sweet Jane” – 4:54
10. “True Life Song” – 3:52
11. “Shaker Loops” – 4:10

EarthMotherEarth

Released: April 1997

“EarthMotherEarth” is a unique album in Jon Anderson’s discography, primarily because of its acoustic and nature-centric theme. This album was released almost simultaneously with “The Promise Ring” and shares a similar folk and world music influence. The album is a celebration of the Earth, featuring songs that are both reflective and celebratory of the natural world.

Jon Anderson collaborated with his children—Deborah Anderson and Jade Anderson—on this album, adding a familial touch to the music. It’s known for its use of natural sounds and acoustic instruments, creating a very organic and earthy feel.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Harmony” – 3:34
2. “Father Sky” – 4:07
3. “Standing Still” – 4:49
4. “Bring on the Day” – 4:13
5. “You Lift Me Up” – 4:11
6. “Longwalker Speaks” – 3:17
7. “Maazo Maazo” – 1:04
8. “Entering (The Door to the Heart)” – 3:57
9. “Forgive” – 2:57
10. “Whalewatching” – 3:41
11. “Earthmotherearth” – 3:46
12. “Yours Is No Disgrace” (Live) – 5:07

The More You Know

Released: April 1998

“The More You Know” is an album where Jon Anderson blends pop, rock, and world music elements, creating a vibrant and eclectic sound. This album features a range of songs from upbeat pop tracks to more contemplative and introspective pieces, reflecting a diverse array of musical influences.

The album features contributions from a number of musicians, including Ian Bairnson on guitar and Milton McDonald on bass. It was produced by Jon Anderson and Francis Dunnery, and was recorded at various studios in England. The album’s themes include love, understanding, and spiritual growth, continuing Anderson’s trend of uplifting and positive lyrics.

CD Track Listings:

1. “Magic Love” – 3:40
2. “Maybe” – 4:34
3. “Say” – 3:50
4. “The More You Know” – 3:50
5. “Praise” – 4:02
6. “True Life Songs” – 4:57
7. “After the Storm” – 3:03
8. “Sundancing (Take the Time)” – 3:20
9. “We Make Believe” – 5:05
10. “Tell Me” – 4:19
11. “True Hands of Fate” – 4:32
12. “New New World” – 4:09

Survival & Other Stories

Released: June 2011

“Survival & Other Stories” is an album that reflects Jon Anderson’s ongoing journey in music and spirituality. The album was created through an interesting process where Anderson invited musicians from around the world to collaborate with him via the internet. This approach brought a variety of styles and influences to the album, making it diverse and eclectic.

The album was recorded in various home studios of the contributing musicians and was produced by Jon Anderson. The themes of the album are centered around survival, hope, and spiritual connectivity, with a strong emphasis on positive and uplifting messages.

CD Track Listings:

1. “New New World” – 4:12
2. “Understanding Truth” – 2:21
3. “Unbroken Spirit” – 3:58
4. “Love of the Life” – 3:34
5. “Big Buddha Song” – 3:04
6. “Incoming” – 5:58
7. “Effortlessly” – 4:45
8. “Love and Understanding” – 4:04
9. “Just One Man” – 4:28
10. “Sharpening the Sword” – 3:53
11. “Cloudz” – 4:01