Reviews (page 2 of 8)
It’s my birthday and the 1001 Gods have really come up trumps with this selection. Just checked back and saw the last year I got The Yes Album the day after my birthday and complained that I should have had it the day before on my birthday. So does someone read and actually watch these ramblings? Certainly my favourite Yes album and in my top 5 of all time. The nature of my top 5 is such that each one of them at one time or another occupies the top spot. Back in 1972 this was the greatest album by far. This was groundbreaking Prog, is still and will always be a Prog classic. The album means a lot to me and is the backdrop and soundtrack to a lot of significant events in my life. I was a young policeman when the album was released, posted far from home in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, an environment very alien to a wet behind the ears 19 year old. These were the days even before personal cassette players so music consumption was done solely at home cramming in every note so when I was away on duty I was able to recall the music albeit in my head. So when trudging around Mexborough on night duty the sounds of Rick Wakeman’s soaring and climatic keyboards on I Get Up, I Get Down filled my head. I recollect once stood at the top of Wath Road marvelling at the nighttime view of the mining pits and related industries lighting up the sky with the sound of the majestic Mellotron and superb guitar work on And You And I recreated in my brain. An image I will never forget and alas due to the de-industrialisation of that area never to be seen again. Nevertheless due to in part this music, something that will always live with me. Just a small but one of many memories I have associated with Close To The Edge. An album I have been so lucky to have in my life and which I celebrate on my 73rd birthday. 5/5 4/5/26
Det er lite som er bedre enn et godt prog album, og dette er en av yes sine beste, kanskje bare slått av relayer
The gold standard of progressive rock.
Good stuff! As I have now said many times here, I tend to appreciate it when a song is longer as it gives space to really live in it for a while, and this album certainly delivers on that possibility. This is prog rock at its finest. Favorite track: "And You and I"
Masterpiece of prog rock with elements of punk, jazz, funk, folk, and church organ.
5/5
Legendary prog rock. And Jon Anderson's voice is exquisite.
Got this on cd. Perfect classic prog record. 5/5
An absolute masterpiece of progressive rock. Long-winded gorgeous songs with so many moving parts. It's not for everybody, but it is most definitely for me. 5⭐️
an absolute classic prog rock album. The harmonys and melodies here are so uplifting and enchanting and bring me happiness whenevr i listen to this album. The instrumental perfomances are absolute peak aswell. 9/10 Favourite: Close to the Edge Least Favourite: None
This album might be the best prog rock album from the classical age overall. While there might be others that have more to offer in specific songs, but some lesser tracks, this here is all perfection. And I'm not just talking about THAT organ moment in rock history.
Probably the best Yes album we have done, and I’ve really liked them all. I am very ready to become a middle aged prog fan.
Great album! Great lyrics and engaging last song.
I'm such a sucker for prog rock. This music is the wind beneath my wings.
This one's a masterpiece. If Chris Squire doesn't have the best bass tone ever I don't know who does. Albums like this are why I enjoy prog so much. Long tracks that go different places and excellent musicianship. This is probably their best album overall for my money.
It seems pretty rare for an album to be so innovative yet so immediately engaging and fun. How Yes managed to strike that balance here I don’t know, but I do know this is a phenomenal album.
I love prog!
One of the best prog rock records ever
Probably the best Yes album ever.
Wow... it had been many years since I'd listened to Close To The Edge. I have a particular memory of my first and only experience with a joint... it was while listening to this album. Maybe that's why all the nuances of the sound are still encrypted in my memory; I can literally hear this album in my head note by note. Don't do drugs, people, but this album is still fantastic, even more than 50 years later.
Seasons will pass you by... I GET UUUUUUUP, I GET DOOOOOOOOOWN
I like how it goes from really claustrophobic to spacey in a second flat. There were a lot of moments of virtuosity and moments that just sounded beautiful. I’ve never really listened to prog rock, but it’s always seemed like music made by and for people on the spectrum. I gotta ask my mom how much Tylenol she was popping in ‘92.
Just a day after Fragile, we get Close to the Edge. This is Yes's masterpiece and I'll brook no argument on that. Every moment of every long-ass song hits.
This one left a very strong first impression on me, however it's so dense and proggy that I thought it'd need a bit of simmering before I could accurately rate it. ...I ended up listening two more times today. Definitely enjoyed it more with each subsequent play. 3 tracks, 37 minutes, and it's a freaking journey! Having been blessed by Fragile yesterday, I have been heavily Yes-pilled in these past 48 hours, and I certainly can't complain. Standouts: Close to the Edge • Siberian Khatru
This album is just really good and I like it. The piano is so perfect and I adore everything. I can't really describe what it is but there is not a wasted second. Fantastic shit.
Outstanding prog rock album, wish I'd listened to this a lot sooner. Actually, my PhD advisor was really into Yes and I should've paid attention in class! 4.7
Masterpiece
I love old 70's prog and Yes is probably one of my favorites in that genre. Great album I feel like most folks consider this peak Yes but I am a bit more partial to fragile. Surprised I'd never listened to it before but definitely will listen to it again!
Ah my sort of music.
This feels like a step up from the other Yes albums on this list. Some great keyboard playing from Wakeman. I think this might just edge into five star for me.
This is a journey. The ones where you don't even sleep. 5/5
Yes’ fifth album finds the band on top form - performing at the peak of their abilities – Close To The Edge, indeed. While the playing is tight and lucid throughout, many of the arrangements are gloriously out there, Prog at its most ambitious and daring. The 19-minute title-track – in four parts – is a case in point. It’s uninhibited in its scope yet provides focus for everything that follows. “And You And I” – also a four-part epic – is rightly considered a classic of the genre – equal parts mystical folksong and bucolic progressive bliss. Ending with “Siberian Khatru”, a galloping rocker, that builds and builds until its brilliant wiggy finale. There’s no doubt, Close To The Edge is one of the great Prog records, and essential listening for fans of the genre. 10/10
For hard-core Yes fans. This is one of those albums that defines Yes as a Prog Rock leader and also shows their diversity with "And You and I" and "Siberian Khatru". Definitely worth a listen even if you're not a Yes fan but a must if you are.
I know prog isn’t for everyone but this is one of the very best albums the genre has to offer back to front, all over the place stylistically and it all works.
One of my all time favorites, the band's best album in my opinion. It was good to revisit.
The rhythm…Sounds to DANCE to! Music that makes you MOVE! It’s a great journey listening to this album. I haven’t had a good sit down to a long song in quite some time, so this was a refresher and an energizer. I love long songs for the space that they create and how a specific sound navigates that space as a complete experience (which is also part of the overarching experience that is the full album.) These songs were dynamic and filled with so much change. For my zoomer attention span, it was also an enriching album to see as a “challenge.” Much longer than the two minute singles we’re used to, these songs really make you sit down and listen. You have to sit with and digest each parts of a song and then the song as a whole. This album is just a blessing to your ears and your brain. I will have to continue to pour over these songs and reconstruct them in my head over and over. Faves: All of em
Fabulous album. Love it. Own it.
These guys are legally allowed to make a three track album of absolute bangers.
Whirlwind, but a delightful one. Holy hell this was great! Despite the diversity of the instrumentation, everything flowed so cleanly. Each track is divided into it's own sections, the lyrics of which, while not the most profound I've heard, are certainly some of the most interesting I've heard in a while. By far one of, and even possibly the best Progressive Rock album ever!
There's only 3 songs on this record, but all 3 of them rule, so easy 5 stars. Prog is awesome.
Great! Fun and full of different sounds and noises that, just like the genre indicates, progress through the songs. 3/1/26
first album i bought on vinyl, a prog masterpiece. probably the best album in this list, fuck it best album ever recorded
I love Yes, but if I’m being honest, I would have swapped out this album for 90125. It’s definitely more of an acquired taste, but it’s a fantastic prog album. Some of their most grandiose ideas are on display here, and the execution is flawless.
ohhhhhhhh
A classic! There is a reason you don’t hear bar bands playing Yes songs. The musicianship is unmatched.
A personal favourite.
Goated prog vibes
one word: yes
Yes give me more 10 minute songs! With only 3 songs you get the full quality of what Yes could do in their prime. Big organ sounds, sharp rhythm work from the drums, guitar parts that cut through without showing off and a bass line that refuses to sit still. Slaps, runs, weird accents, all of it. For early 70s rock this is absurdly tight. "Close To The Edge" feels like five or six ideas smashed together in the best way. Great lyrics, sharp shifts from loud organs to slap heavy moments to bright synth lines. It never drags. It just keeps unfolding. "And You And I" opens soft with that calm guitar part, then drops in those strange talk box textures and warm synth layers. It stays peaceful but never boring. "Siberian Khatru" hits immediately. Funky bass, fast riffs, synth and guitar parts that almost sound like trumpets. The whole thing shows why Yes had such an impact. A lot of these sounds are still copied today. Strong album. 9/10.
# **Close to the Edge** – *Yes* (1972) ## An In-Depth Review of Lyrics, Music, Production, Themes & Influence --- ### 🎵 **Album Overview** Released in September 1972, *Close to the Edge* is the fifth studio album by British progressive rock band **Yes**. Widely regarded as a **masterpiece of the genre**, it marks the peak of the band’s creative powers and the end of the classic lineup before drummer **Bill Bruford** left to join **King Crimson**. The album consists of **three epic tracks**, with the 18-minute title track taking up the entire first side. It’s a **symphonic, spiritual, and technically dazzling** journey that helped define what progressive rock could achieve. --- ## 🎼 **Music & Composition** ### **1. Close to the Edge (18:42)** - A **multi-sectional suite** that flows like a classical symphony. - Opens with **ambient nature sounds** (birds, water), followed by a chaotic, polyrhythmic explosion of sound. - Features **shifting time signatures**, **modal harmonies**, and **counterpoint** reminiscent of classical and jazz fusion. - Highlights include: - The **syncopated vocal section** (“I get up, I get down”) – a spiritual and emotional climax. - Rick Wakeman’s **church organ solo**, which feels both majestic and transcendent. - Steve Howe’s **eclectic guitar work**, blending rock, country, and classical styles. ### **2. And You and I (10:08)** - A **folk-infused, acoustic ballad** with a cosmic and emotional tone. - Divided into four parts, it builds from **gentle acoustic guitar** to **soaring Mellotron and Moog solos**. - Thematically, it’s about **human connection, love, and transcendence**. - Wakeman’s **Mellotron and Minimoog** textures are especially lush here. ### **3. Siberian Khatru (9:00)** - The most **energetic and rock-oriented** track. - Driven by a **groovy guitar riff** and complex rhythm patterns. - Features **oriental-sounding scales**, **harpsichord**, and **blistering solos**. - Lyrics are **cryptic and surreal**, but the music is tight and propulsive. --- ## 🖋️ **Lyrics & Themes** - **Jon Anderson**’s lyrics are often **abstract, spiritual, and poetic**, sometimes bordering on **nonsensical**. - The title track explores **spiritual awakening**, **existential struggle**, and **transcendence**. - “And You and I” is more **intimate**, focusing on **love, unity, and cosmic harmony**. - “Siberian Khatru” is **mystical and imagistic**, evoking **nature, myth, and ancient lands**. > While some fans find the lyrics **pretentious or incoherent**, others see them as **evocative and emotionally resonant**, especially when paired with the music’s grandeur. --- ## 🎛️ **Production & Sound** - Produced by **Eddie Offord**, who was instrumental in shaping Yes’s **layered, pristine sound**. - The album is **technically flawless**, with **clear separation of instruments**, **dynamic range**, and **stereo panning** that was **ahead of its time**. - Wakeman’s **organ and synth tones** are **rich and analog**, Howe’s guitars are **multi-tracked**, and Squire’s **bass is punchy and melodic**. - The **nature sounds** and **ambient transitions** add a **cinematic quality**. --- ## 🌌 **Influence & Legacy** - Considered **one of the greatest progressive rock albums ever made**. - Influenced countless bands, including **Dream Theater**, **Tool**, **Opeth**, and **Porcupine Tree**. - The **title track** is often cited as the **quintessential prog epic**, alongside Genesis’s *Supper’s Ready* and Pink Floyd’s *Echoes*. - It helped **define the symphonic prog subgenre**, blending **rock, classical, and jazz** into a **cohesive artistic statement**. --- ## ✅ **Pros** - **Musical virtuosity** without sacrificing emotion or cohesion. - **Flawless production** and **innovative arrangements**. - **Spiritual and uplifting** tone that resonates deeply with listeners. - **Timeless appeal** – still sounds fresh and powerful decades later. - **Peak performance** from every band member, especially Wakeman and Bruford. --- ## ❌ **Cons** - **Lyrics** can be **inaccessible or overly abstract** for some listeners. - **Length and complexity** may be **intimidating** for casual rock fans. - **Repetitive motifs** in the title track may feel **overstretched** to some ears. - **Lack of traditional song structure** can make it hard to connect with on first listen. --- ## 🏁 **Conclusion** *Close to the Edge* is not just an album – it’s a **spiritual and sonic journey**. It represents the **pinnacle of progressive rock**, where **technical mastery**, **emotional depth**, and **artistic ambition** converge. While its **lyrical abstraction** and **musical density** may not be for everyone, those who connect with it often describe it as a **life-changing experience**. > If you’re a fan of **ambitious, genre-defining music**, this album is **essential listening**. --- **Rating: 5/5 – A Masterpiece** **Recommended for fans of:** Genesis, King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Gentle Giant, early Rush
HELL YES
Probably the greatest progressive rock album ever recorded. 5/5
O fechamento da tríade de obras primas da maior banda de Rock Progressivo, em termos de representatividade do conceito, iniciada com "The Yes Album" e "Fragile", ambos de 1971.
pure iconic genius. once in a lifetime stuff
Simply one of the best prog rock albums I've ever heard, and probably the earliest example of it I know. I love it. The opening of Siberian Khatru is my favorite.
I was never a huge fan of Yes when I was younger. I had a cousin who was a big fan but I never really listened to them. I always thought they were a bit pretentious. And this album does reinforce that a little - the title track (suite?) starts with a freeform, cacophonous band improvisation, reminisent of the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and ends with a Rick Wakeman solo played on the organ in St Giles Church in the Barbican. It is also a great album. I grew into Yes, particularly this and the two albums which preceded CTTE. The lineup is probably their best - Jon Anderson's folky falsetto, Steve Howe's excellent guitar, Rick Wakeman, Bill Buford's amazing drumming, and Chris Squire's trebly, melodic, lead bass playing. Things would get really pretentious later but this is excellent stuff.
Prog hasn’t aged well with me, usually it just feels like too much, but this certainly isn’t. Every minute is well spent, the fantasy is still beautifully there. If you didn’t enjoy it, I think you literally need to take a hike with this album, preferably somewhere with mountains and oceans.
Yes fucking rules
I debated 4 and 5, heavily. I’ve always really enjoyed this album and appreciated it even more after running through their whole discography last year in chronological order. Ultimately landed at 5 as this is really a durable album. It stands the test of time still sounding fresh, adventurous, and grounded. I love that “And You and I” got a refresh and their version of “America” has captivated me since first hearing it in high school. The epics are also EPIC and this collection of musical superstars doesn’t hold back one bit. Powerful stuff. 5 stars.
Everything it was made out to be! At first I thought it would be 4 stars for me because it felt like a work in a genre I didn’t understand. Then I picked up on the continuity with more recent trippy stuff I like. Then I fully committed when the choir came in. And the riff of Siberian Khatru won’t be denied.
Absolute masterpiece. I don't listen to this one as much as Fragile, but I will take it out more often now after listening to it more closely. It's so moving to hear a group of musicians performing in sync at the peak of their ability.
Very fun listen, beautiful, unique album
Such a ride. This is very, very close to peak prog. To me prog has always been about struggling through protracted periods of complete nonsense, but with the payoff being incredibly sections where everything works. This album has all of it, but despite the overly long tracks, there is less of the wank.
One of the best prog rock albums hands down.
Probably the greatest Prog album ever made.
hear me out - what if we did the coolest thing, all the time, for 40 minutes
Legendary prog rock. The title song is a masterpiece but otherwise this whole album sounds like life itself; messy, weirdly connected but often incoherent, a real journey. The only thing I do not like and which really impact the listenability is the production quality.
Unequivocally the greatest progressive rock album of all time and a massive triumph of musicianship, songwriting, and orchestration. Even if not your thing, you have to be impressed by the sheer ambition of it all. One of the great albums in rock music history.
A fantastic follow-up to Fragile and coming in at under 40 minutes, this album is a ripper. Classic 70s prog rock, the swelling crescendos and tight musicality are killer. Huge fan of prog and a huge fan of this album.
Daunting to put up at first, being a 3 song 40 minute album, but actually very enjoyable to listen to. This album is full of memorable moments and brilliant playing. It's amazing just how fast this goes by. Easily one of the best prog albums ever made.
Прекрасный альбом! Ранее я не слушал yes, потому как мне не нравится голос вокалиста, а также мне больше по душе симфонический прогрессив. Но "And You and I" изменила мое мнение об этой группе, и укрепила моё первое впечатление "Siberian Khatru". Мне чрезвычайно нравится работа с басовыми партиями в этом альбоме, местами напоминает мне "Discipline" от King Crimson. Но заглавная композиция меня не сильно впечатлила. Лишь отдельные её части были интересны для меня. P.s. Послушав второй раз я распробовал заглавную композицию, и да, она тоже шикарна
Good The only reason I write these reviews is because my stupid 12 year old ahh did and I want to keep it consistent
Absolutely mental prog rock album, I loved this. It's hard to pick a favorite song because it's pretty much packaged as a full listening experience. I do know that as Siberian Khatru was fading out I wanted more. Great prog is always as fun as it is pretentious, and this was very fun.
Close to the edge is an all time banger, no notes. Every track is unique and complete. Maybe the instrumental stuff can drag, but it all works in the focused listen. Close to the edge the track is of course stand out, but Siberian Khatru and the cover of America are stellar shorter tracks to listen to with less commitment.
Really one of the best ever. I <3 Yes!
Disneyland for the ears
An absolute worldie, no question or much elaboration needed here. How do you follow up two stone cold classics (released in the same year as each other)? By creating something arguably even better the following year. For my money, this is their apex and essential listening in every sense of the phrase.
2/5 I like prog, but this is a bit long-winded for me. However, I did enjoy some sections of the songs a lot.
Classic Yes. I'm a big fan of the band and know this album very well. Brilliant musicianship as always. It's a 5 from me.
I can't believe I actually enjoyed an 18 minute long song. The final two songs are definitely weaker than the first, but they still hold up. There is no filler, only beautiful rock. If you enjoy complex instrumentals, beautiful soundscapes, and being taken away by an album, this is the place for you.
I've held off on rating this one, because I didn't know if I wanted to write a long review, or just say - One of my tip-top favorites of all albums, 5 stars easy... As a child, I...jkjk. But seriously, I'm not sure where to start with this one - I know every note, and still find new things within this masterpiece. Sure, it is over-the-top, but what's prog without grandiosity? 'And You And I' is rarely my choice for best song ever. But not never! I could go on and on, but this is my top album so far, with very few coming that could surpass it. It's not for everyone, but it is for me. One of my tip-top favorites of all albums, 5 stars easy
2 in a row??
didn't realize how formative these guys were in established the kinda psych rock i love
Can't go wrong with some prog rock
hell yes, it's.... yes! you know a prog album is going to be amazing when the album only has three long tracks spanning an almost 40 minute run. yes swings into this list with a small yet HEFTY set complex symphonic rock compositions. this album is simply jawdropping. the main track is literally structured like a classical piece with multiple movements. it's progressive, but despite how bonkers it gets, it's very accessible. it's BEYOND pretty, puts you at the top of a mountain, the wind blowing in your face. it's prog rock from the gods.
Brilliant, was fun listening to it, need to listen to more from them... It is a strong 4.5
The boffins at Prog Archives consider this to be the best prog album ever made and it's easy to see why. It exemplifies the genre. For that reason alone it's an obvious inclusion on this list, but it also helps that the music is exceptional. 5.0/5.0: Iconic
this is what im talking about. this album is a masterclass in writing music that keeps you interested the entire time. its so easy to get lost in this that i put it on and the first time i checked my phone i had 3 minutes left of the last song. incredible album
Wow. Never heard before but this is a fantastic album. Prog rock. Sounds of Boston and CSNR and Mars Volta. Heard the deluxe version and the cover of America by Simon & Garfunkel was also fantastic.
Brilliant!!
Each song takes you on a wild journey without failing to be surprising and also pleasing to the ears.
Yes!
just so good
Didn't go in expecting to love this as much as I did. But honestly, it was fantastic. 5/5
166/1089 - There are only three good songs on this one ;) I don't usually like a lot of prog rock because it usually sounds like almost-classical music and kinda misses the mark for me. This Yes album is clearly more jazz influenced and the solos and riffs are really cool.
This is the probably the greatest prog rock album. Only 3 songs, but it’s just musically perfect. So many good riffs and melodies. An album for any mood
Ambitious
Klassi
Extravagant
One of my top 10 Prog lps!
Instant 5 bro, this album is insanely good from start to finish
A progressive rock masterpiece. 5/5
What's so special about this album is not solely the great virtuosity of the musicians but the way they build textures and melodies so seamlessly. There is a little instrumental section during the third track in the 4th minute where all the instruments come together with such force and beauty that my jaw drops every single time. There are actually many such moments throughout the album.
vraiment cool
I was really into prog in high school and I don't listen to it near as much as I used to, but I still love coming back to classics like this. The 'down by the river' refrain has been in my head for over a decade Chris Squier's driving bass might be my favourite thing about Yes, it really helps set them apart from their contemporaries by adding a greater feeling of energy and intensity It's a real skill and a testament to their abilities as songwriters to write such long songs that move through several phases and moods, but still fly by Highlights: Close To The Edge, Siberian Khatru, And You And I
One of my favorite albums ever. I don’t know how they made this. They are mad wizards. It shouldn’t work. It shouldn’t be melodic. It should just be chaotic musical ravings. But no, there are some of the most beautiful melody, harmony and resolves of all time on this album. The “I Get Up I Get Down” phase of movement of Close to the Edge rivals ANY song as the most beautiful thing ever recorded. The climax of And You And I makes me weep. Every player is at the absolute peak of their powers. I am deeply grateful to my dad for introducing me to this album.
yes yes yes!!! me🤝800 minutes long songs
Title track is one of the three best, and most cohesive of, the best progressive rock tracks of all time
the first track is genuinely mind-blowing
Easily the greatest prog epic of all time.
Good
Fantastic. no notes
Far be it from me to pass judgement on prog royalty
Well, damn, there it is: the best album Yes would ever make. I mean, let's not even waste any time here. And, y'know, sure, I've yet to peruse the entire Yes discography; I haven't even heard the one with "Owner Of A Lonely Heart", or the one that I've heard everyone loves, UNION. But I don't think I needa dive too deeply to know that in the pantheon of prog rock albums, this is sitting right up there on Mount Olympus alongside stuff like WISH YOU WERE HERE and IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING. Honestly, I'm not sure if I even have the words to explain why this album is so great. Like, if there's any prog album where I feel like I could just gesture to it and go "Yeh, roight?"... It's, like, this and DARK SIDE OF THE MOON, y'know? I mean, these are just three of the best things this band would ever compose and perform. Melodically, it's so fuckin' good. Jus', ahh. AHH. There's passages in here that are damn **beautiful**. I could listen to them forever, I swear. Particularly the part of the title track that goes "I get up, I get down" and... Y'know, jus', so much of the track "And You And I". That might be the best track on the album, by my measure. Goodness me, I swear. You know what this album is like? If you're not aware, this was originally released in a gatefold vinyl. See, y'might've looked at the cover and gone, "That's it? It's just a green gradient?" Well, that's not all. You're supposed to open this album like a book, and inside you'll find this inner spread illustrated by Roger Dean, depicting this fantastical landscape... This music feels like you're exploring that. Like you're living in that little house you can see, and y'take your boat out on the water, close your eyes, and slowly breathe in the fresh air, at peace with everything around you... Maybe that's a bit hyperbolic, but that's seriously close to how I feel listening to parts of "And You And I", so it's not like I'm bullshitting you here. And I could go on, I really could. But seriously, words can do nothing that just listening to this album wouldn't. I mean, if you're not a fan of prog... Well, I doubt anything was gonna do it for you, so, y'know, sorry about that. For anyone else with a bit more of an open mind for this kind of music... Believe me: it's not just indulgences. It's not just wankery for the sake of showing off technical profession. It's just a simply amazing album, lacking even a single wasted moment. Do yourself a favor: go grab a PNG of the inner spread, put some headphones on, and just explore. You will not be sorry. To all the people whose review of this album is just "No" (so clever, by the way)... Why you gotta be negative? I say, give "yes" a chance! It's a word with a glorious ring! A true universal, utopious thing! Engenders embracing and chasing of blues! The very best word for the whole world to use! In short: great album.
I’m at a 10. I’m just speechless, really. I know Yes is good, because they’ve gotten 5’s from me for each of their last two albums, and I know this album in particular has high acclaim, but fucking hell, I still wasn’t ready for that to be as stunningly intoxicating as it was. It lived up to the expectations & more – that is 38 minutes of electric prog rock, without a single dull moment at any point, or even a single wasted beat or measure. I don’t want to make whoever’s reading this waste any time; if you’re somehow reading this without having listened to it, go listen to it, right now, and if you’re reading this after you’ve listened to it, go listen to it again, right now. Get your headphones in, turn them up to max volume, and just let the sweet, sweet sounds of Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman & Bill Bruford wash over your ears and bask in it. It is a 10, through and through. I hesitate to say “perfect album”, but it’s about as sinless as Jesus was. All-timer stuff.
This fucking rocks. The break in the title track with I Get Up, I Get Down was genuinely perfect. This is one of the only albums on the list that I listened to multiple times purely because I needed to hear it again and again. Every time you think "wow that track was amazing, I bet the next one won't be as good", it always is.
This is the best Yes album. It is not my favorite Yes album. That would be The Yes Album. The title track alone would give this five stars. The absolute euphoria of the finale. They went 3/3.
When I decided to dive into prog rock and really try to understand the genre, this was the first album I listened to. My initial reaction was how different it sounded from the Yes I thought I knew. The Yes I always associated with was more of an 80s synth rock band, mainly because of “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” The first time I heard this album, it was a lot to take in, and I needed some time to absorb it. After a second listen, I realized I needed more context and listened to other prog rock artists to get a better grasp of the genre as a whole. Now, six months later, I’ve returned to it, and I love it. I played it three times in a row. There’s so much going on in this album that it’s hard to break it all down, but I love how it has an experimental edge. Thanks to @Lyieru for telling me more about Rick Wakeman, it gave me something solid to connect with. And of course, his organ anthem toward the end of “Close to the Edge” really stood out and gave me something to hold on to.
great album
One of the most genre defining records ever. Nothing more to say.
The grandees of progressive rock! The best album of this group. I like it. Masterpiece.
Not my favorite Yes album but, WOW, do they take you on a magical music journey on this album! Amazing creativity and musicianship - I had a number of goose pimple moments listening to this - the towering church organ, the glissando guitar accents - it is all so awesome. Bravo!
4.5 stars
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT
Just call me Jim Carrey, because apparently I’m a Yes Man. This one didn’t connect with me like Fragile, but it was great nonetheless. Yay to Yes.
Is Yes my new favorite band? No. Has this project made me a fan? Absolutely. They might be my new favorite band.
10/5 probably one of my top three albums of all time. Excellent!
4.5/5
The best of 70s prog rock opera
Great album
nice
even siberia goes through the motions ‼️
Listens: 4 and an increasing amount since hearing it. Added to Library: TRUE First, I didn't have an opportunity to give a proper review of the album when I first listened to it. Second, the album has really grown on me. I've listened to it a handful of times since I first heard it and I find myself coming back to it now with somewhat regularly. I fucking love the organs (I think they are organs) in Close To The Edge part III: I Get Up I Get Down. I love how the music shifts seamlessly between each part of the 18+ minute song. Majorly upgraded to 5. Easily my favorite newly-discovered album since starting this.
I was exposed to this album not too long ago. An 18 minute song sounds crazy, but it's truly a treat to listen to. Fun instrumentals and vocal work! 'Close to the Edge' is my fave, but out of the 18-minute behemoth, the organs around the 12 minute mark are just amazing.
Good album. The trick with any good Progressive Rock composition is to make the listener wanting more despite the fact that song takes up a third of the album. Close To The Edge definitely left me wanting more.
me when the rock progs or something
I genuinely think that Close To The Edge might be the greatest song ever written. I don't think there's another song that combines four separate prog masterpieces into one mega epic that never drags or gets stale. One of the most satisfying musical payoffs by the end, and that's not even mentioning the grand organ interlude. Side B is also excellent, and manages to not feel tacked on despite Side A being the obvious star
Took me a couple of listens to feel like I understood it in the slightest, but this is prog-rock if I've ever heard it. I wasn't even all that surprised to learn that it was inspired by Sibelius. Choosing a favorite track is weird, because this doesn't really have tracks in the traditional sense, but I guess I'd just say Side A? Favorite Track: Close to the Edge (I. The Solid Time of Change, II. Total Mass Retain, III. I Get Up, I Get Down, IV. Seasons of Man)
This album needs a 10 star option. This is THE ALBUM OF MY YOUTH, which I still revere as one of my fav albums of all time. Never get tired of listening to it and it always feels fresh and vital. 10 Stars!
Best progressive album ever.
Another great album by this group. I can definitely recognize where some of my favorite bands got their influence.
Hmmmmmm, I started listening to this - deluxe edition, and something was off. So I went to the original from 1972. 3 songs. 37 minutes, 42 seconds. Now THAT'S the way I remember it. Beautiful from beginning to end. Saw them at the Aire Crown in Chicago on this tour, and it was magical. Thank you Randy Kolb for introducing me to this band, way back when!
A prog classic! I was originally introduced to Yes via radio in the 80’s during their pop phase (90125). I always loved hearing “Owner Of A Lonely Heart” when it came on my little tape player/radio. Little did I realize what a long wild musical ride Yes had been through to get there. As a young musician starting out in the 90’s, I began hearing the old heads of that time speak about the prog genius that was 70’s Yes. I remember thinking, the ones that did “Owner of a Lonely Heart?” Eventually, when I started down the prog journey from “The Yes Album” to “Tales From Topographic Oceans” my musical brain exploded. “Close To The Edge” is the center piece of this 5 album run of incredible prog installments and it might be my favorite. To this day I still find new things to love about this album and Yes in general so for me this is an easy 5.
Im rating the standard edition album- What’s not to like here? 18 minute songs? Well that’s fair, but let’s just pretend there are multiple songs and that this is like any other concept album. The original version is only 37 minutes, and in those minutes you get some extremely over-produced and over-worked prog rock. Only, as with most music that is touched too much that it turns to dust, this comes across as meticulously polished. It’s an adventure of sound, a foray into so many elements and themes, but stays true to its quirkiness. The production is spectacular and the fidelity is high. I am reminded of Crime of The Century in so many ways when listening to Yes. Both bands just explore their sounds so deeply. Giving us fun and unique music. True gems.
Wow. Quite different and interesting prog rock. Just 3 v long tracks (18, 10, 8 mins), first couple kind of broken down into a few parts/movements (but v much all flows as one track). Some crazy instrumentation - just track one features a crazy keyboard solo and some phantom of the opera style organs (amongst so much more). My fave completely new discovery since starting this (about 10 albums in).
The most prog that ever progged.
Welp, it's time for my final Yes review. And would you know it, I happened to close things out with their best album! Well, best album I've heard, that is. Close to the Edge is amazing! This is far and away the most cohesive Yes experience I've gotten thus far. Everything that I loved about Fragile and The Yes Album is even stronger here. I think what really makes this album work is that there really isn't any filler. There's only 3 songs, all of which are excellent. Compare this to an album like Fragile which had some smaller, less interesting ditties in between the big masterpieces like "Roundabout". Given the low song count, I might as well say something about all 3 songs here. The album starts with its centerpiece, the title track. Yeah this song is a masterpiece. If you wanted to play one song to someone to show them what makes prog-rock so special, "Close to the Edge" might be a good pick. Everything just works, and the 18 minutes are absolutely warranted. I love "And You And I." This one's just such a pleasant listen. I wish I could say more, but I think it really speaks for itself. Finally, "Siberian Khatru" is the album's closer and it's also great. It's probably the most fun song on the album and it serves as a great way to end the album. Jon Anderson's vocals add to the wonder of the instrumentals perfectly. The instrumentation is so technically impressive it's almost unbelievable. The pacing is really good somehow. Albums like this are why I love prog rock so much. There's so many crazy ideas at play that shouldn't work, and yet they do. And it's amazing! This is the kind of album that changes a person's perspective of what music can be. It's not that for me because I've already been exposed to these kinds of songs, but there's no denying that Close to the Edge is an absolutely mind-blowing album that I can't help but love. 5/5.
I’ve really enjoyed the music of Yes that I’d heard before this one, so I went in with some optimism. In a classic prog manner, this is three tracks with a total runtime of 38 minutes. It’s a really journey though, starting pretty frantic, but soon finding the mellows and areas to rock out too. There’s certainly a place for music that easy to listen to, but it’s great when you come across something like this where they clearly wrote things very differently to most musicians. I quite loved this. It’s hard to pick a favourite track out of the three. It’s great as a whole package.
Yes!
tämä albumi oli niin hyvä että porukka loi uuden genren nimeltä punk joka yritti tasapainoittaa hyvän musiikin sellaisella määrällä paskalla että koko ala ei koskaan palautuisi.. kyllä, sanon minä tälle albumille. edge on the edge kokoajan niin lähellä origasmia.. poppistara kuulee tämän pää räjähtää, pää ei kestä tämmöstä musiikkia . järjetöntä sanoo, täysin järjetöntä. nyyh nyyh, nyyhkyttää vaan.. nyyhkyttää menemään.. mahdotonta ymmärtää käsittää m-mit- mitö t-t-t-tapahtuu samalla jon anderson: i get uuup. i get doo oouwn, i gt uup. i get dooown. (doesn't give a shit) nykyään on hiphop, Ennen oli tämä!!! close to the edge
Quizas el mejor en su género
GOAT
Here we have an album that will make you feel like you're journeying through a secret, funky world in the clouds, with build ups and payoffs that stick with you long after you're done listening. Easily in the top 5 prog records of all time, and undoubtedly the best Yes record.
Close to the edge, down by a river is where you’ll find a quintessential prog rock spirit journey that sounds and feels like an endless freefall into enlightenment.
This is my favorite Yes album and probably my top prog album—if I don’t count Floyd as prog. Sure, a lot of prog can be self-indulgent and excessive—something fans love and everyone else loathes—but this album, aptly titled, stops just short of crossing that line.
Gave this an honest focused listen while raking leaves. And I was a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this record when I could give it the attention needed. The intricacies of the arrangement and harmonies are captivating. A totally different and more enjoyable experience than just “having it on”.
1977, and my school buddies were aligning themselves with either punk or heavy metal. Not me... I was getting into punk....and Yes. And Close To The Edge was the album that grabbed me. OK, it was everything that Punk was rebelling against, but....man... the masterly musicianship, the fourth dimensional lyrics, the sprawling expanse of music. Can't they both co-exist? Like Sweet and Sour? Listening to it again in 2024...it's still activating those thoughts...but, bygod, it's overly pretentious. Thoroughly enjoyable, but like a Sticky Toffee Pudding, there's just too much in there.
But never at the edge... At the edge you fall.. Said a dark voice appearing from the dark abyss... The voice was..... syd barret who made this album... His soul... his vision of psychedelic rock is the reason we are standing here at the edge.
Not my favourite Yes Album, but that's like saying chicken is not your favourite pizza topping. It's still pizza.
Probably the best Yes album and probably the best Prog record too
Even if it was just the title track it would be a 5, the other two are just a bonus. This is why i'll always love longer songs, you just get to fit so much in, it becomes a real journey rather than just a quick little musical fix. Prog at it's peak.
Si on m’avait donné un bidou à chaque fois qu’un excellent album prog de Yes avait été généré directement après un autre classique de prog rock, j’aurais deux bidoux, pis je serais très satisfait de ma situation
Yes Extremely original and beautiful and meaningful music for me. I used to listen to these Yes albums from 71-74 religiously. I got into this in middle school and it was one of the first things that really blew my mind and opened me up to what music can be and what a band can do. Each song is such a journey. The composition and playing are incredible and also the mix and production. Love all the peaks and valleys and textures
Opening track is seriously amazing, one of the best prog tracks of all time in my eyes. The rest of the record is great too but that opener still manages to blow them away, which makes this album a fantastic listen.
This is an absolute masterpiece of progressive rock. It's not only incredible as an album, but also important for what it meant to the genre as a whole, and how it inspired the albums that followed. It's meant to be listened to as a whole—it doesn't work any other way, in my opinion (although the first track is a mind-blowing on its own as well). 5 stars
Their greenest. Features probably the best song of all time, and two more songs that are also most likely in the top 50. Undoubtedly a 10/10 album - an absolute masterpiece.
Yes and King Crimson are my two pinnacles of a genre that has I think has incredibly high highs and not a lot else that I really have clicked with. I’ve also only listened to a small sample size of both of their vast discographies. But the albums I like of them both, I think I could listen to forever. This album specifically goes to so many fascinating places. I love the organ and bass sounds specifically on the first sprawling song and I love the way that song shifts to highlight different sounds. It’s pure sci-if!
97% Fav: Close to the Edge; Siberian Khatru Must-Hear? Hell yeah
Everything that's right and wrong with prog, except all the wrong things are somehow right. It's preposterous, pretentious, ridiculous and whatever other -ous word you wanna throw at it, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The title track is so over-the-top that it would be laughable if it weren't so damn sublime. It is the best prog song that can ever possibly exist. The fact that this was a massive hit, and that these guys sold out stadiums playing this cacophony blows my mind.
If I could pick one album to erase from my memory just so I could experience it again for the first time, it would be Close to the Edge.
An all time great - needs to be listened in its entirety. One from Peter collection
Here is Yes' most ambitious album to date, with two multi-movement songs and one regular (9-minute) song. The result is an album that feels larger than life, and perhaps the greatest prog rock album of all time? It gives Pink Floyd a run for their money, I'll say that much.
Another classic YES album. Loved it.
My favorite Yes album, Rick Wakeman is absolutely mental in this
One of the iconic albums of Progressive rock. If you look on the internet for “best prog albums”, this will be in almost everybody’s top 3. For good reason. It is my #1 prog album, certainly top 10 overall. I’ve had this album (in multiple formats) since the 70’s, it is an old friend. We don’t get together as much as we used to, but it’s always a good time when we do. Stick to the original track list (1st 3 songs), the way it was meant to be presented. You can listen to the bonus material independently, their version of “America” is worthy. This is an easy 5/5.
Now back to your regularly scheduled prog I love '70s prog and this is a high watermark of that era. Easy five for me.
Omg I LOVE this album. I never knew I liked prog until I heard Yes. And maybe I don’t so much like prog as much as I just love Yes.
This album withstands the tests of time!
Hell yes. This has set the mood for the whole day and I'm so excited for it. Prog for focus and relaxation and profit.
I have no aversion to progressive rock with its 10+ minute tracks and 9/16 timesignatures, quite the contrary, but if this album is the definition of it... Hear me out. Sometimes musical genres are like people. They get thrown into the world and spend a few years in playful innocence, childish and a bit dumb, maybe mimicking their parents for a while. And then they become teenagers, clumsily stumbling onto their own paths, full of occasionally cring– ... initially, I had yapped on for a bit and you might extrapolate where I was going with this but somewhere along crafting my witty comparison I discovered the Steven Wilson remixes. Seems like what bothered me greatly was the original sound which made the album a fairly disjointed, shrill experience, to my ears. Now it does not. Which leaves me with something that's sometimes more over-the-top, baroque weird than great, but there's plenty of great. It's weird, somehow I can't quite commit to loving this but as a matter of fact, I've been listening to this all day long, sooo...
no comment
A wild ride
It's the master piece of Yes and probably of prog. I can see how some people will hate it bit its pretty much perfect is its scope ambition and influence.
Sometimes albums are so tightly constructed, so gorgeously written and performed, that they zip by in the blink of an eye. So it is with Close to the Edge, a contender for Yes’s greatest work that takes three songs and presents them as a mindbending suite.
Good. First track sounds like phish
holy shit
Close is undoubtedly one of the most engaging prog rock records if only for its incredible and sprawling opening self-titled track that features everything from the fast and aggressive guitar, bass, and drum playing of Steve Howe, Chris Squire, and Bill Bruford respectively, the beautifully played church pipe organ in the third part of the song by Rick Wakeman, and an infectious chorus that is delivered throughout the track by the whimsical Jon Anderson. "And You And I" is one of the sweetest and most endearing prog rock tracks to be written, containing a wonderful opening part featuring Howe's 12-string acoustic guitar and a lovely refrain from Anderson, the spacey and almost otherworldly feel of its second part courtesy of Wakeman's keyboards and the guitar playing of Howe and Squire alongside Anderson's drawn-out vocals, to the graceful allusions to religion in Anderson's verse in the third part in an almost folk-like delivery before being capped off by Anderson singing the beautiful refrain one last time. Siberian Khatru is certainly the most straightforward track here, but even then it is a complete rocker, thanks to its upbeat instrumental featuring a killer bassline from Chris Squire, some great and intricate keyboard passages from Wakeman, and a catchy chorus delivered throughout the track. The only real nitpick I could make about the track is how it just fades out with the main melody in the end after the final part where the band starts to do a sort of chant. In short, Close to the Edge is one of the prog rock greats, and that is something that cannot be taken away from Yes, no matter what they did before or after this record. "And you and I climb over the sea to the valley And you and I reached out for reasons to call"
i feel like i'm being pranked but the prank is just some excellent music
One of my favorite bands, a pioneer band in the progressive rock scene along with early Genesis and King Crimson. I have loved this album since I was a teenager. This album along with, "The Yes Album" and "Fragile" are definitely on my desert island list, as masterpieces of prog rock.
YES!!!
Beautiful album all around!
Album opens with a whole-sided, multi-part title track in the purest of prog spirit. Initially we are presented with almost no noise, before the bass and guitar rip in without warning and with so much pent up energy. Other than a few brief vocal interludes, there is no relief until almost 3 minutes when it gives way to a more traditional form. Love the bass groove we enter around the 6 minute mark. Speaking of grooves, Siberian Khatru might be one of my favorite melodies Yes ever put together. Such a quality piece. I was distracted during most of this listen, but I love this album through and through. It gets in, gets out, and is chock full of complexity. Beautiful layering and multi-part orchestration, not to mention the meaty bass and colorful guitar work. This is a low-end 5 for me.
Crazy how 3 songs can contain so much
This is Yes' magnum opus. 37 glorious minutes of prog mastery, and yet still filled with catchy choruses
Ziemlich fettes Album! Musikalisch ist yes natürlich auf höchstem Niveau
This is probably one of my top 20 albums of all time and it took lockdown for me to finally get it. And its important that the deluxe edition is highlighted here because the original vinyl only included three tracks, the wonderful cover of Simon & Garfunkel's 'America' has only been added to more recent versions although I think was released as a single at the time. Frustratingly this deluxe edition has an edited single version of 'America' rather than the many more minutes full version. In fact, the casual listener may be best to jump straight to track 4 onwards for edited versions of the best bits. Not the same as the real thing but more palatable for the first time listener. To the casual listener the first three minutes may, on first listen, appear a cocophony of noise but is, in fact, as technically proficient and avante garde as modern music has ever been. The title track was heavilly influenced, I believe, by Sibelius and doesn't really fall into the category a thousand albums to listen to you in your lifetime. Moreso even if you listen to this track a thousand times in your lifetime you'll still hear something new. Some versions willl break the track down into mini segments which really show its melodic and pop sensibilities. The hammond organ solo halfway through is beyond grandios and was written, unfathomably, by the guitarist and only offered to Rick Wakeman for his instrument later down the line. The 'I get up get down' section builds tranquilly into the aforementioned and is one of post-war music's most singe tingling moments. 'And You and I' is just lovely whilst 'Siberian Khatru' has a niggling melody once you get in your head you can't lose. Finally, if you want a cover version that is totally original yet - just about in there - you get the lovely melody the writers created, 'America' is that track. This is challenging music and , like I say, took me a couple of decades of regular listening to get into it properly. But I think its actually the true link between classical and modern music, Yes at their very peak.
Yes, thank you.
There's a notable lack of traditional music structure to the songs which increases immersion for me. Feels more like a concept album although if I'm being honest I had a hard time making out the lyrics so if there was a story I couldn't follow. I did enjoy the sound of the lead vocals. It gave off folk vibes. The solos on this album are very impressive. All around this album was interesting, enjoyable, and well executed.
Close to the Edge is a prog rock masterpiece. The open track, Close to the Edge in earlier days took up an entire album size and is a sprawling suite more akin to a symphony than a rock song. That's followed by another long form piece, And You and I. The latter is often excerpted for the radio or playlists and represents a mainstay of classic rock to this day. Siberian Khatru is a tour de force of amazing guitar playing. Despite all the long pieces and virtuosity, Close to the Edge is still an amazingly accessible piece of prog rock. The deluxe edition doesn't extend the album in a meaningful way. The alternative version of And You and I is not that alternative, and the studio run through of Siberian Khatru is only of interest to musicians. Neither add much tot eh listening experience.
When I saw this was the album of the day I was like YES! If you don’t think that’s funny, my fiancée didn’t either
Yes
Yes, this album isn't for everyone, but it is for me. The opening (and title) track is an adventure, with some beautiful textures and vocal harmonies in part 3. The two other songs aren't as impressive from a structural view, but are often just as exciting. Overall a great prog-rock album, with a lot of value to unearth on repeated listens.
One of my favorite Yes album.
I say this a lot about many artists and many albums, but once I got The Yes Album, I eagerly waited, counted the days almost, until I was given the opportunity to talk about Close to the Edge. The Yes Album was my second review ever. It’s not great. But now, nearly 6 months later, I can form words in a way that can somewhat express how important this is to me. But I want to do something. I’m going to talk about each song in reverse order, starting with Siberian Khatru. This is most definitely the simplest and most rock forward song on the record. But that is not a bad thing at all. They manage to make it sound just as epic as the other two songs, and it still has one of the catchiest main riffs they ever wrote. It honestly makes me want to dance around furiously, especially with how the synth and guitar initially are synced up, and then break away to follow different melodies. Absolutely love this song for all it is. And You and I begins with Howe playing harmonics on a 12-string, and it instantly makes it clear that this song is a different beast. It’s so strikingly beautiful from the very beginning, and the way this song flows feels like the ascension to heaven after you have died. It’s serene and genuinely a very pretty sounding song, and is by far the least intense song on the record. But I just really love that section at the start. It’s so spacey, and I get this image in my head of Howe playing a 12-string guitar made entirely of glowing crystals. It’s so delicate it sounds fragile like glass. And then there is the title track. Of the numerous hundreds of songs I absolutely love, few can still to this day leave me as astounded as this one does. Even after countless listens, it still isn’t even close. If Wish You Were Here was the album that helped me ease into listening to very long songs, this song is the one that made me fall in love with them. I truthfully feel this is objectively one of the greatest, if not the greatest song ever written by any rock band. It’s both intense, but also gorgeous and magnificent in scale. It’s a multi phased movement of music that took me multiple full listens to fully digest. And every member of the band gives the best performance they ever recorded in their careers on this song, especially Wakeman, Bruford and Squire. The keyboard solo that happens after the church organ is my favorite solo of all time, and one of my favorite moments of music in general. I don’t necessarily believe in perfection, but Yes probably got closer with this one album of only three songs than any band ever did before or after them. It’s just another tier of genius, and I can’t even imagine being capable of creating something at this level. Rating: 10/10!
One song is 20 minutes long. Prog rock meets 80s was a chefs kiss.
first listened to t his a bit ago and thought it was good, but not great. this listen changed that. what a blast.
Some of the greatest rock musicians in pioneer mode.
My 100th! Cool! Sublime. My favorite Yes album. \"Fragile\" has the greater hits, but this is a much better listen and tight. Deluxe edition is great. Sit back, toke up if you like, and enjoy.
Great album! Have loved it for over 50 years.
Yes is a fabulous band and I booed this so much.
holy shit.
So good. I've been meaning to listen to more Yes!
I’m up then I’m down. That was my initial thoughts on this record. It’s impossible to overstate the immense complexity and achievement of human performance and composition of this record. While I think fragile will always be my favorite, this definitely seems like their greatest work as an overall album experience
Class
Wow what an album just sounded like an epic. Just production wise this was incredible well deserving of a HARD 5. I can’t wait to listen to this again and pay attention to the lyrics this time I was too blown away by the instruments on my first listen I couldn’t even pay attention. Would absolutely love to have this on vinyl -B
Best one yet. I have heard of Yes but I don’t think I’ve every actually listens to a song until now. I can’t even tell you how many times I listened to this album today. The first song on the album, close to the edge, is incredible. The song begins and I feel like I am a marble going down a marble track with all of the other marbles. I mentioned it in the group chat but I feel like this album has so many different sounds. It’s like a weird blend between Rush, tame impala, the animals, and sublime. Kinda all over the place but it blends together so naturally. That first song SHOULD be a hit classic that every dad drills into the ooey gooey minds of their impressionable sons. The whole album was terrific but that first song took me to another dimension and fucked my whole shit up. Will 100% be listening this album again.
Prog bliss. A tight 37 minutes of soaring symphonic rock, and not a dull moment present. *Heard before
A prog magnum opus.
A 10/10 album for me for about 20 years, I'm not always in the mood for the opening track but when I am it is sublime. Nearly always in the mood for and you and I. Surprised to see other reviews lament this album as all theory/technique no emotion, as this album feels very emotive to me, lyrically and in its shifting dynamics and chord changes. One to listen to often as you find new things, immaculately max intricately made just like aja by steely Dan, and a great album to own on vinyl
Close to the Edge might be a pefect album. There are no wasted seconds. Every peice of sound has a function and tells part of the overall musical story. Close to the Edge is the example of the best of what Progressive Rock can be: complex, inspired, taking you on a long journey of discovery, and rewarding to hear again and again. Each member of the band is doing their best, and playing together rather than a group of solos tacked together for individual agrandizement. The instruments and vocals are all creating a larger whole. I do admit that this album can take some commitment to listen to. The first side of the album ("Close to the Edge") is less likely to be music that you would have on in the background, but if you let yourself listen to side 1 it is worth your while. I love seeing others listen to this album for the first time. I like seeing them move from confusion about a start that can feel chaotic, to surprise (at the first bursts of vocals), and then there is a realization that the opening was not just chaos but was the intentional building of a larger world. You can see a new listener go from confusion and curiousity to satisfaction and comfort as they settle in to be carried along the journey of the first track. "Close to the Edge" was written with multiple movements, which are identifiable, but the transitions make sense and create a coherent single work. Yes is one of my top 3 favorite bands of all time. This is might be my favorite album from Yes, because there is no wasted space. It wasn't always my favorite, but I've come to appreciate this completeness of the record over the years. Side two of the album has a more traditional structure and reliance on medlodies, but side two has not abandoned reaching for an epic structure in the music composition. For this re-listen, I listened to the deluxe edition in order to hear Yes's cover of Simon and Garfunkle's "America", one my all-time favorite tracks from Yes. Even if you've heard the original version of "America" multiple times, Yes brings something new and is an example of the great music that Progressive Rock can produce.
A superb album, one of the great albums or all time and to my mind the best prog album ever. It fizzes with energy, invention, imagination and the virtuosity of messrs. Wakeman, Howe, Squire and Bruford. Who cares if Jon Anderson's lyrics are incomprehensible, when music is this good? The high point for Yes and for prog
Classic prog rock. Genre-defining album. Don't miss.
An iconic album from an iconic band. What sets Yes apart from all those other legendary prog rock acts from the seventies (Genesis, Jethro Tull, ELP, Gong, Gentle Giant and the likes...) is their groove and energy. Only King Crimson could rock that hard--well, depending on which "period" from their very long career is concerned, at least... *Close To The Edge* was a reputedly difficult album to record, but Yes managed to convey said live energy throughout the complex instrumental interplay in it. Jon Anderson's moving falsetto voice also brings a lot of soul to the proceedings. I admit I've always prefered his live performances, because they were "less perfect", and therefore sounded a little less "distant" to my ears... But this is admitteldy a very minor gripe of mine. And there are enough stellar moments in this magnum opus to make up for Anderson's mannerisms anyway. The melodies are catchy as f*ck, for instance, just as they were in many parts of *The Yes Album* and *Fragile*--patchier affairs for sure, yet ones that are still worth visiting today as well. I remember my review for *Fragile* a year ago being a little severe, by the way. I would probably add another star to my grading of it if I could have a say about it now... Speaking of the band's discography, the very first Yes release I owned was an excellent compilation (*Yesstory*), spanning the band's whole career. Of course, it included the epic title track taking up the first side of *Close To The Edge*. But "Siberian Khatru" was *not* in this compilation, which was a bummer for sure. That's how I ended up buying *Close To The Edge* as well. I don't have much room left in my small prog rock shelf, but I'll probably acquire *Fragile* or *The Yes Album* soon. And I'm pretty sure other seventies albums released by this band harbor many treasures I haven't listened to yet... One of the problems of so-called "progressive rock" is that you need to find the time and mindset to discover its gems (a common point it has with jazz). And it's a dynamic that's increasingly hard to reach in this day and age, sadly... 4,5/5, rounded up to a 5/5. Next, please. Number of albums left to review: 494 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 240 (including this one) Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 115 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 148
masterpiece
A masterpiece.
One of the most perfect albums of all time
legendary album, perfect length for prog. Bill Bruford goated behind the kit
immaculate positive vibes
Brilliant album, technical, emotional, a masterpiece
First off, I get it. I know prog rock is a divisive genre. I know there will people who will hate this album and I get it. That being said, this is brilliant! Just a superb slice of 70s prog. Rick Wakeman's church organ solo in the title track gives me chills.
'Close To The Edge' is everything that people hate about prog rock. 3 tracks, 38 minutes. Love it. Chris Squire is an absolute beast.
If you’re not into progressive rock this album is a nightmare. Opening with an 18+ minutes title track in four parts, odd time signatures, eccentric and extended instrumental sequences, lyrical material concerning literature and mysticism. There’s a lot to swallow here. Which is exactly why Close To The Edge, and Yes in general, is among the greatest 70’s music you will ever come across. Anderson is arguably one of the genres best singers and the rest of the band delivers incredible performances with every note. You can literally sum up the idea of progressive rock with Close To The Edge.
I love this record so much :) Favorite Tracks: ALL OF THEM! But And You And I is my absolute favorite 5/5
Love that album. It’s so beautiful and dreamy 9/10 Fave: and you and I
I'm edging
Great Album
The vague religious mantras and positively nerdy sound is absolutely what you would expect out of prog rock but c'mon. The first four minutes of the title track. You can barely tell if they're playing the same time signature. It is so mind bogglingly bizarre it should not work. Everyone is in their own world until they all magically fall into place and stop playing at the exact same time as someone exclaims AHHHH. And then they do it all again 2 seconds later. These four minutes will forever be perhaps the greatest moment in prog rock. Perhaps rivaled by the introduction to 21st Century Schizoid Man. And the middle of the song is like being born again so yeah. Other two tracks are good.
BEST ALBUM EVER MADE
"Close to the Edge" is the fifth studio album by English progressive rock band Yes and progressive rock it surely is. The album contains three songs, two with fours parts in them. It was last album with drummer Bill Bruford who would leave for King Crimson. He was also the person who coined the album title for the tedious process and the state of the band while recording. Other band members included Jon Anderson (lead singer), Steve Howe (guitar), Chris Squire (bass) and Rick Wakeman (keyboards). This album was their biggest commercial success at the time reaching #4 (UK) and #3 (US). The album opens with the self title "Close to the Edge" which takes up the whole first side and has four parts. The song was inspired by "The Lord of the Rings" and composer Jean Sibelius' "Symphony No's 6 and 7" and is quite the prog journey. Part I : "The Solid Time of Change" starts with running water, wind chimes and birds and then goes into jazzy, proggy chaos. Complex everything-drums, guitar and bass. The vocals findly come in at the 4:00 mark. Part II: "Total Mass Retain" is faster pace and is highlighted by Squire's bass and Wakeman's pyschedelic organ. Part III: "I Get Up, I Get Down" slows things down. Wow! The "Soft Bulletin"-era Flaming Lips must have been in the room: a dead ringer for that album. And the song ends with Part IV: "Seasons of Man." Now this is the Yes I know. Excellent drums, bass and a fade out. "And You and I" begins side two and also has four parts. It is a folk-oriented song and a tale of the search for purity between two people. Part I: "Cord of Life" has acoustic guitar strumming and a melancholy feel. Part II: "Eclipse" is slower and a waltz. There's a mellotron, minimoog and steel pedal guitar. Part III: "The Preacher, The Teacher" is highlighted by the chunky bass of Chris Squire and almost a souful organ of Rick Wakeman. Part IV: "The Apocalypse" ends the song with more of a lullaby. The third and final song is "Siberian Khatru," a more straight-forward rock song. It's about dreams of a clear summer day. The title meaning "as you wish." There is a part of the song that made me think I was listening to a proggy Grateful Dead. More great Squire and Wakeman. The song kind of strangely ends with an orchestral background. This is quite the album. Prog music of the highest order and the best album that I've heard in that genre, by a mile. No wasted notes. Fantastic and extremely complex musicianship. Sometimes Aderson's high-pitched can irritate me. Not here. At times the music is just exhilarating and never, ever boring. A must listen.
Så dette er altså Yes! Progrock med mye, mye spennende. Tidlig progrock, baner nok vei både innenfor egen sjanger og andre
Quite enjoyable for a band I've literally never heard of. Singer gave me some Rod Stewart vibes I think?
Fantastic! And You and I is up there man... Really loved this.
Oh hell yeah. While progressive rock was (and still is) seen as the most pretentious form of rock that has ever existed, one would be amiss to look at efforts like Close to the Edge and dismiss it outright. The title track, depending on how one will tolerate its length, would be more than enough to convince the skeptic to at least consider the genre's charms (if not set them down a path that would make them a full blown proggie). Close to the Edge may very well be considered progressive rock's finest moment and Yes' masterpiece, besides Fragile. If they had ended things here, their legacy would be more than assured.
fuck, it’s so hard to choose which of these three songs is my favorite flawless album - 10/10
Another classic Yes album! This one and Fragile are my favourites
Love it.
GOD
Prog rock goats
Awesome! One of the best prog rock albums of all time.
Always hear something new in this every time I listen. One of the greatest albums of all time, and one of the most important albums in my favorite style of music, prog.
One of the best prog albums of all time. Never fails to impress me.
I'm admittedly a bit surprised this album is on the list. I'm familiar with it and know that as much as I loved it growing up... it's definitely not gonna be for everyone, and even might be tough for some who casually enjoy some old Yes. You're getting through an 18 minute song right off the bat - it'd be hilarious if someone got Close To The Edge right after The Ramones, say. It's an adventure though, and if you're not inclined to listen to long songs give it just one legit chance, and the best way - only way, really - is to immerse yourself. i.e. don't have it on your phone as you're making dinner - sit and listen or put on headphones in bed. The title track has considerable dissonance until the band locks in to a few themes so it's not an easy entry but absolutely worth the trip; "And You And I" is the highlight and was always a favourite song of theirs - to me it never seems as long as it is; that's at least one you can play for company :D In the end though, I can't ever properly conceive how anyone could even write music like this - this album is like a 40 minute dream world and to this day every time I listen to it I hear something new. That's probably why I'm still mesmerized by it. TL;DR: Unlike anything else I've ever heard. Put headphones on and get lost. 9/10 5 stars.
One strong Yes album, easily in my top 5.
Another masterwork by Yes. It has all of the bombast & pomp associated with prog, but is as accessible as anything.
Dad loved it. I’m wasn’t so sure. Loved it 🥰
Spectacular
Brilliant piece of music. Close to the Edge is an 18 minute long masterpiece, almost like a symphony with movements and changes, all variations on the main theme. And You and I is the same way, 10 minutes long, a symphony as well, the last track Siberian Khatru is the shortest song on the album, still clocking in at 8 minutes and great as well.
Unapologetically prog. I like a lot of the transitions here, it goes all over the place but never feels off.
Yes!
A masterpiece by one of the quintessential prog rock bands of the 70s.
Okay, this is really good timing. Saturday after next I'm going to see Yes's 50th anniversary tour for this album. I'm not super super familiar with this album like I am with Fragile, so let's give it another whirl! The opening title track is a right proper prog epic, with movements and subsections, leitmotifs and everything I want. Second track is also really catchy and proggy, but the bass stands out a lot, and I like that. So far, not really a bad song on the album. Good stuff!
The first song is utterly brilliant and that alone makes this a five for me.
Best Prog Rock, neo-classical, early synthesizer
5/5. A wild and musically expressive album. There was no filler and each song stands out on its own. The lyrics don’t quite make sense but the voice is beautiful. It feels like I’m listening to a feeling.
Killer album. I love Bruford's work here and in King Crimson. Progggggg
Not the first time listening to the whole album. Not going to be the last.
Not first time listening to whole album. Not gonna be the last.
Varför spelar inte jag i Yes?? Allt jag vill är att vara en progrockare med blommor i håret
This is my jam. Timeless progressive rock.
I typically get sick of albums if I listen to them to often but Close to the edge is an exception, probably due to the fact that it’s so multi-layered and complex, and EVERY single band member is on top of his virtuosic game on this album. I wish I had some sort of counter so I could keep track of how many times I’ve played this since I discovered the band in the 70s. The 18 min opener is probably Yes’ magnum opus, it’s so chaotic yet so magnificently coherent when it gets going, and the climactic singing near end at the 17 minute mark never fails to give me goosebumps, every single fricking time! The other songs are all very solid, Siberian Khatru. This is Peak Prog and Peak Yes folks.
This fucking album got recommended to me in 2008 from a guild member in World of Warcraft. We used to sync up music and shit in our spare time. This album came up, I think it's peak old man rock. Not to confused with Dad rock or butt rock.
I love this album!! Already listened to it
amazing!
probably the best prog album there is
oh holy shit 3 songs, 37+minutes. what in tarnation? Close To The Edge is heckin rad! woah what an incredible album
Wonderful!
Really liked this, the transitions especially some of them in "Close to The Edge..." were very unexpected but brilliant, I really enjoyed this.
I could throw so many adjectives at this album: lush, intricate, melodic, ambitious, funky, brilliant. They are of course amazing musicians, and this is them at their best, with songs that do justice to their ability. My favourite prog album.
A masterpiece
the rhythm changes!! the vocals!! the organ!! the synergy!!! the guitar!! the drums the bass!!! the damn organ!! i feel enlightened.
Reminds me of high school. I wasn’t even alive in the 70’s (or the 80’s and most of the 90’s for that matter), I’m just a nerd.
A prog masterpiece. The opening track especially just has such a drive to it and is constantly evolving that it's 18 minutes fly by. Various genres and styles are executed pretty perfectly and blended together seamlessly across the entire album. It's a real highlight of the prog golden age, and the best record of Yes' discography imho
Be sure to check out Steven Wilson's recent remastering of this album!
that was actually really good. Listened to the deluxe edition cause that’s what it showed, which added some cool songs and alternate versions. The first song felt like one large build, and the pay off made the strange guitar parts well worth it. Didn’t care for the third song as much as the first two but overall a great album.
5.5….classic of classics ,cut my rock and roll teeth on this album when it came out…awesome
Ótimo
Great, very remeninscing dont know from what though
Ok, progressivo!!! Muito bom mesmooooo!
Good
The best prog-rock album ever made. Brilliant writing and instrumentation across the album. Just overall brilliant album.
Such a perfect, beautiful, creative, and progressive album that you’ll feel like you’re tripping even when you aren’t. This album turns your mind inside out. The first track, “Close to the Edge”, in its four part composition, might just be the greatest prog rock composition ever penned.
Absolutely enthralling. This album grabs balls and never lets go as it shifts from delight to delight.
5/5. Holy cannoli, I kinda slept on this one. Might actually be better than ITCOTCK
Rad
A classic piece of prog.
best prog
Amazing and the type of 80s rock i love
Nice
Bangers 10 min long jam
Epic.