Reviews (page 3 of 9)
I'm such a sucker for prog rock. This music is the wind beneath my wings.
I was ready to hate this but damn, it comes out of the gate math-y as hell, but as quickly as it came it collapsed into its Prog Bullshit. Compared to Fragile, I feel like there's a lot more to like here. They stuck with having three songs and cut the filler, so much the better. They're experimenting with instrumentation and transitions, which, for better or worse, keeps it moving. Not sure how I feel about the pipe organ to super mario music, but hey, they went for it. The density here feels a bit more connected than Fragile (which is basically all I'm going to compare this album) to and despite the fact that it is ultimately 70s prog rock, there's no denying the great shit going on here.
Yes is one of the few tolerable prog bands for me
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.
I need more time on this, listened to it on the background
Pretty good. Obscure stuff but ok.
3.6 Some pretty decent early prog. Third (and final) track was my favourite. Started off slow but got better as it went on, nothing to really dislike about it.
Pretty cool prog rock. low 4/5
3 songs and 37 minutes. I am not hopeful. I hate music critics. Prog rock is trash. All Yes songs sound the same. The number of rock songs that are both good and as long as Close to the Edge that are good can probably be counted on one hand. It would not make the list. And You and I is starting out better, but the futuristic synthesizer sounds are too much. I could definitely do without the harpsichord.
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.
Is this a concept album about Bono?
Prog rock classic
3.5 - Good
not my favorite, but fine. i think if i had gotten more into prog as a teen i would love this. 3 stars
4.2
This started off rocky - in the sense that I didn’t like it - but it grew on me. Nice for zoning out. Very complex things happening with both vocal harmony and arranging.
That was mighty
I do like a bit of “Light Prog” for example Rush, Floyd. Turns out Yes are the Top Prog Gods! Haha. Very intricate and noodley. I have to admit that I have no idea what it was all about but it was fun to listen to.
When Yes hit the sweet spot of experimental they are so good and they were pretty close here. Not quite as good as Fragile but still loads to like here. Loads of parts that kept surprising me how much they sound like Battles, little choppy repetitive bits that fit together into something complex. The long song lengths generally means there's a bit of filler as was the case here but still a really good album.
Really nice album. Not as good as Fragile, mind. I didn't care for the stuff on the bonus CD, the strange version of America isn't my cup of tea. Long, experimental songs, singing that pierces through. Yes.
It's been nearly 3 years since our last Yes album on the list! This one was probably sparser than I remember. It is very good though, but I actually remember enjoying the other more. Still go back to that one sometimes. 3.5
I'm over 50 and have listened to music my whole life but still don't have a good understanding of 'prog.' I think this is. I like a lot of it, but find it a little jarring. I get into a flow and then it takes a hard left. I saw someone use the phrase head not heart, I think that applies a little bit. The one long song (ha) was good, the one in the middle I liked the best. I will give this another listen down the road when I'm in a different mood and see if it lands better. 3.5
It's not my favorite, but Close to the Edge sees Yes at their most expressive and their most artistic (from the albums I've heard, at least). "Close to the Edge" offers memorable and quotable moments that feel almost like pop songs, and not a monolithic 18-minute progressive sprawl. "Siberian Khatru" is the closest they get to a pop song on this album, and it's great and precise, with a load of funkiness that vaguely represents the sound on Fragile. There isn't a dull moment on here, just punch after punch of great ideas executed perfectly. Objectively, a pantheon of prog music.
Sadly didn't hit the spot for me
El pináculo del rock progresivo, sin dudas es de los álbumes más sólidos y solo tiene 3 temas, que son obras monumentales, sin dudas mi favorita es Close to the Edge.
I didn’t like this
I can tell that they are all amazing musicians but it’s a little too prog at times for me.
I love prog!
Hmm another Yes album that sounded a lot like the first one I had. I don't hate it, I appreciate the art !
When I first started this project, I had a real glut of prog albums at the beginning and I really enjoyed it. I’ll always be happy to see a Yes album come up. This one was good. I thought the three song format would annoy me but it works fine. What I’ve noticed about Yes is that I love when they get soft and sweet- the middle of “Close to the Edge” is a perfect example. It’s beautiful, and I wish they would do that more often. FOUR STARS
That was hard-fucking-work. The opening to the first track was so long and boring, and sounded so fucking bad that I thought it was the band warming up. It made me look at the track listing and there were 28 tracks, but a lot of them were sub-tracks like 1a and 2d etc. That immediately makes me think "what a bunch of up-yourself" cunts. Digging a bit deeper and the 28 tracks relate to reissues and super deluxe version - deluxe? fuck right off with that. Anyway, as a stickler for originals, I decided to only listen to the tracks that formed the original release - and I couldn't even manage that to do that because it was utter dogshit.
I seem to recall in Bono's book him saying that this was The Edge's favorite album at the time they started the band, yet I don't think that's why he's called the Edge. I've heard this before in the last couple years, and yet it all sounds new and strange. Not the worst music for getting through your day.
This was a better listen than I was expecting. This has aged pretty well, and if I had been into these guys back in the day, I would probably still be a fan now. I can't really get down with the vocals, but the music is great and I'll probably come back to this next time I'm in a good mood and making a really big salad.
If the 1,001 book's assertion is correct that this album is the apotheosis of prog, then I'm not as anti-prog as I thought. Throughout this project I've been far less hostile to it than expected, and Close to the Edge continues that shocking precedent. I mean, it's still not my thing. But I appreciate the artistry involved and find it surprisingly palatable. 3.5 stars.
love me some yes
One of the best prog rock records ever
Nicht gut
Like a lot of the prog stuff - fantastic playing, some really cool riffs, just lacks the vital edge. Little wimpy.
Probably the best Yes album ever.
Close to the Edge is a great album. The first song at 18 minutes would seem to be long but keeps your attention until the end. Prog Rock lyrics can be a little nonsensical and I really wasn’t paying attention but the musicianship on this album was top notch. I’m glad I heard it.
Damn good for a prof album
I usually start listening to the album with the Spotify-link, and then check track listenings on Wikipedia to see what songs were on the original album (many later versions have extra songs, remixes and so on that I don’t necessary want to use my time on) And I have never seen a bigger difference between the original album and what I started listening to: The opening track Close to the edge of 18.42 mins wasn’t even included! So I found another version and restarted my listen-through. This is definetly progrock. It varies from top notch, to a little too much to take in on one listening. I didn’t have time for a round two, though. So I’m giving it a 4* in good belief that it deserves that. Favourite song: And You And I
Good musicians and I’m glad I listened, just not for me.
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.
Some of my favorite prog rock I’ve had on here. That America cover ripped.
This has to be one of the best examples of 70's prog rock ever. If there is another one it would probably be another Yes album. Don't let the 19 minute long first track scare you it has a few movements so it doesn't feel long or heavy. It's a fun listen, well worth your time The band are insanely great musicians, Anderson's vocals are amazing. It's a great album. Now I am biased here, a friend of mine introduced me to them decades ago in high school and I fell in love with their sound. I regret not seeing them live when I had the chance to.
I'm always unable to remember the other tracks on this but the self-titled goes really hard
Seasons will pass you by... I GET UUUUUUUP, I GET DOOOOOOOOOWN
The Spotify link linked to a version that doesn’t have the title track on it so you will have to search if you want to listen to it, which I recommend as it is a great example of early prog rock. I was not expecting a Yes cover of a Paul Simon song and that was a different take on things. More pluses than minuses on this one.
Very wanky, like a bunch of virtuosos got together to show off their talent, but neglected to actually be creative about it. In the realm of show-off pieces the album is pretty good though
This is the worst kind of prog.
1972. Last album before the drummer Bill Bruford quit the band to join King Crimson. They found it challenging to record.
Ik heb dit album vaak in een bak met platen gezien, maar ik ben blij dat ik het nooit heb gekocht Ik hou van nummers die lekker lang zijn en niet refrein couplet refrein zijn, maar dit lijkt mij niet de manier om het te doen. Sommige geluidjes zijn leuk, sommige tenenkrommend. De baspartij was soms hard en niet echt fijn. De stem was ook niet leuk
Dit album van Yes klinkt alsof Meat loaf, sting en pink floyd een baby krijgen en erg ongelukkig precies van iedreen de nare eigenschappen erfd. Als muziek richting musical gaat begint het bij mij een beetje te jeuken. Alsof ik er een allergie voor heb. Ik kan mijzelf hier niet overheen zetten. Technisch heb ik er niks op aan te merken en hoor je dat het aardige muziekanten zijn. Maar ik wil die gozer zo graag in z'n gezicht stompen zodat het stopt en dan direct sorry zeggen omdat hij het eigenlijk niet verdient.
Ik was enigszins verrast dat dit dezelfde band was van owner of a lonely heart. Ik moest het even dubbel checken. De eerste keer luisteren wist ik niet zo goed wat ik ervan moest vinden, tis duidelijk een band wat wil experimenteren en wil laten zien dat ze meer kunnen dan pophitjes maken. Het is wel aardig maar ook heel hoogstaand. Na het een tweede keer te hebben geluisterd te hebben vond ik het eigenlijk minder leuk. Het komt bij vlagen een beetje Disney-achtig over.
Why so many 10 min long songs?
It was dope, but inconsistent.
Not impressed. Tiring
Yes has very distinct music that if you are in the mood for, can be quite good
Did not finish it. Really don’t listen to this type of music for fun. The sound itself is not pleasant.
I can see the appeal, but not my favorite. Didn't like the singer's voice, and the music little too trippy for my taste. Felt like if Pink Floyd and Rush were combined. I'm not just not the biggest prog rock guy, and I don't see myself returning to any of the songs from here.
I liked this more than I expected. Probably not something I'll come back to, but overall enjoyable.
I get the love. I get the hate. Ultimately it’s not my style of music. They are a very talented group for sure.
1 so awful
Yep pretty bloody good. Keen to give this one a few more listens
I feel like a broken record with all the “a highly recommended group that I’d supposedly like but just never got around to.” It certainly does have many ingredients that suit my palate; virtuosity, breadth of style, complex composition, looong-ass songs. And yet… it sounds so dated. Which seems like an idiotic critique. But I can’t figure out how to explain it any better. It’s like all the prog attributes are cranked to max. Maybe I prefer a little more variety there? I don’t love the vocal either. But that’s another criticism I usually hate. There’s def sthg here & I’m sure there’s some Yes for me. But this doesn’t seem to be it. I’ll say 3 &a quarter
Unfortunately, I was not able to listen to the whole thing in one go. Loved the first and third songs. I need to pay closer attention to the second one.
My mom used to listen to Yes growing up, the album with Owner of a Lonely Heart. I thought it was a pretty great song at the time. I think overall they make some really cool sounds, stuff that is in another world from what I hear today. That being said, this was not my favorite album
First track is an absolute masterpiece. All over the place in the best way. Second track holds up. Third one was not my cup of tea. Altogether, this feels like a band that should’ve been known for more than their biggest hit. This is a phenomenal record. 9/10
obviously they're very skilled players. kinda frustrating to start it off cause there'd be a couple minutes I'd really be into and then they'd lose me with the next couple minutes. enjoyed the second and third tracks more, but still this just veers a little too prog without anything else to keep me coming back. glad for the opportunity to finally check out Yes tho.
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.
Actually quite enjoyable although just stick to the original album rather than the deluxe set!
I turned my brain off and worked with this on and it got me in the zone. That’s about all I can say right now without a more focused listen but it was incredibly fun and stimulating start to finish.
esperaba algo progresivo, pero se borro, je mmm me gustó hasta ahí, es la voz de rush pero una instrumental mas progresiva, no me termina de gustar a pesar de q a mi en general siempre me gusto, masomenos, es como que divaga mucho mas de lo q deberia y se pierde en el intento de experimentar
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 was a neat journey! Made neater by the lyrics apparently being inspired by Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha. I was thinking 3 but Siberian Khatru was an awesome way to close it out soooooo here’s a 4 I guess.
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.
Boring
Prog I can do without
I didn’t like this one as much as the other two I’ve heard on the list. I know so little about Prog so can see my opinion changing on this one. It was just the elements of Prog I don’t like unfortunately. Rating: 1.9
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
mais do mesmo, muito longo para não apresentar nada de novo
Automatically adding stars based on the obvious passion and feeling behind the music. I didn’t listen to the lyrics very closely, but they come across with a lot more depth and meaning and intentionality than most other popular music. And stars for experimenting, expanding music, and weirdness. I would much rather listen to weird music nerds than people who think they’re super cool and badass but are actually just bland (Oasis). It’s definitely not boring. The production seems balanced, and the overall album feels balanced in soaring vocals and moments of stillness and quiet. I didn’t know what prog rock meant before I listened to yes. But I like it. I appreciate its place in music history and can now understand it as a bridge between ling 60s rock n roll and the harder, more experimental, rock and punk to come after. I also always appreciate musicians than can blend genres in ways that make something new, not just an homage or gimmick. They did it really well.
And You and I //
rock progresivo, un poco disco, piola
Album #36, Yes, Close to the Edge ⭐⭐⭐ Prog. I don’t know where I stand with prog. I used to hate it. I probably still do. The closest I get to prog is Can and Captain Beefheart and His Magic Band, two bands I absolutely love. I also like music that isn’t really prog but clearly takes influence from it, like Black Midi. But pure, on-a-drip straight into the veins prog, I don’t really know about it. So this was my first time listening to Close to the Edge. I’ve heard loads about it, and this is a review after just one listen. The good things are obvious. The musicianship is phenomenal. I know their bassist, Chris Squire, is considered one of the greats, and you can hear why. The rhythm section is spectacular. Some of the grooves they lock into are fantastic. There are also some really beautiful passages across the three tracks. There’s a lovely string section in the first track, and some cool guitar work in the third track. It’s hard to pick out individual moments, but there are definitely parts I enjoyed. I just don’t really care for this style of music. The constant segues into something else, the feeling of musicianship for musicianship’s sake. I need a bit more than that. I’m not saying the band doesn’t have more going on, but I just don’t get it. I don’t really get what the message is supposed to be or how I’m meant to feel listening to it. I don’t get much emotional weight from the songs. I’ve no idea what they’re about either. That’s fine in theory, but it just doesn’t resonate with me. I’m definitely more of a punk person. And to be fair to prog, we probably wouldn’t have had punk if it wasn’t reacting against this kind of music. So I do give it some credit for that. There are highlights on the album, but there are also a lot of moments that feel completely inconsequential to me. I don’t need a massive church organ solo appearing out of nowhere in the middle of a song. I just don’t really see the point of it. It gets three stars because there are some genuinely great moments. But honestly, I just prefer choruses.
Not my fave of theirs, but it is Yes
3.5
Feels fairly generic. Does not really move the needle for me. Decent sound at least. 2/5
Very good prog rock. Unfortunately I'm just not really into the genre. But it's not bad
Masterpiece
“Yes”? More like, “Okay, fine.”
There were some bits that I dug. It’s too bad their somewhere buried within a 10 minute meandering song
not for me
I had heard of Yes but hadn't ever given them a listen. It's interesting to hear another early pioneer of progressive rock. I think Pink Floyd regularly overshadows Yes and King Crimson probably does, too, at least in my experience but I think Yes should get more recognition outside of prog rock circles for what they can do. Overall, a super solid album with really interesting ideas and concepts throughout.
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!
This was not very good, and that cover of America was atrocious
Kul! Första låten meh, andra två sköna! Go musik att lyssna på!
Ah my sort of music.
Strange. Hard to get into. Made me almost quit this challenge.
One of the best prog albums out there
Favorite Track: Close to the Edge
To be listened to
Ok organ
I’ve found out through this that I really like Yes. I thought they were a bit more on the Dream Theatre side of prog, but this was great. Shockingly, I thought it was a little short! Would have liked a few more songs but yeah, solid.
While there are some masterfully crafted instrumental parts, which remind me of the later works of Casiopea and Japanese jazz fusion in general, I am not vibing with the vocals and overall product. Still, it's a great record.
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.
8/10 – Very Good
Nice listen but not something I need to listen to everyday.
so close to giving this a 5 but i don't know how to feel about everything being compiled into 3 tracks. i think it's a very cool concept, i'd just prefer to more easily listen to individual parts (I Get Up, I Get Down had me feeling like i was seeing god, for example), without having to skim through it all. but i had a good time and i really like Yes' sound! will likely relisten
Not bad at all. I like their music. Very well thought through and beautifully written. It ages well too. Not the most catchy or memorable but very solid piece of work. It takes some time to write music like this. Singing is not that good tho. I’m being very picky about his voice only because I think this album has the potential to be a five. It’s actually not too bad but not good enough to push the album to the next level.
prog rock isn't really my jam. it was fine though. not offensive to listen to, but nothing that blew me away.
After a few albums from Yes, I can certainly say I'm not a huge fan of the way they set up their albums. I would much rather prefer separate tracks instead of a handful of longer ones, but either way, I really enjoyed this listen. I also usually stick to the original release, but special shoutout to America on the expanded edition. Would be down to listen to this one again.
I'm just now realizing that Yes is an electronic jam band. Rather than a guitar, sax or banjo solo, they have synthesizer and keyboard solos. I'm starting to understand it now. The funniest thing about Yes is finding out that my father-in-law is into them.
This is a journey. The ones where you don't even sleep. 5/5
Bukv kao da slusam jednu pesmu od sat vremena. Nije lose.
I had no idea this album has so much lore. Takes repeated listens, but an indulgence for any prog fan (that would be me). Bruford's last stand, and though he's quite buried in the mix, some really compelling rhythms bloom from the classical miasma
Just split the tracks up Too long overall, why repeat a track? Some nice sounds
Some songs I enjoyed as Inused to like Yes and others seemed a repetitive line…I found unattractive g
I liked this album I'm just going to base it off what I was able to get through. If I end up listening to the other 4 hrs (!) worth of B sides and remixes included on the the super deluxe version and it's worth updating, I'll come back and do that. What I was basically able to do was disc one and half of disc 2, which is different versions of the songs on disc 1. I liked the songs, but the thing about prog rock that I don't like is that it gets to a point that I like what they're doing then switches to a completely different thing at the drop of a hat. This happens in other genres, but I feel like there's always more of a bridge or linking element in them. Overall had some really nice moments, but nothing to hang onto. 3/5
Going into this and looking at some of the track lengths is dread inducing for sure, but pleasantly surprised with this one. Great prog that keeps your interest and doesn't get too wanky.
Some of the worst/most ridiculous guitar riffs ever recorded. Still a really solid album Best Song: And You and I Rating: 6.5/10 Stars: 3/5
Correcto
#853. It's interesting, I'm just not interested. 3/5 fine.
I really enjoy Yes, but not so much this album. Too disjointed, noisy and all over the place. The introductory 4 minutes (of a nearly 19 min song) is too much to suffer through before you get to Anderson singing. It's like 12 songs, all with different soundscapes, mixed into one long track. Is that cool or not, I don't think so, it was like being trapped in one of those rides where centrifugal force slams you to the wall as you go around at mach barf speed. It has only 149K listeners in 50 yrs, there's a reason for that. The second "song" was 10 mins long and much easier to listen to but I'd never listen to it again. The final track "Siberian Khatru" showed glimpses of what they'd do in the future that was more mainstream and connected. 2 stars. I literally hated the entire first 19 minutes. Too artsy for this guy
This was a cool listen overall and I really enjoyed some of the moments. Wish it were in smaller song size pieces to really be able to appreciate those moments better. I feel like relistening would be a whole undertaking. But it was cool!
Absolutely essential prog rock right here. This album exemplifies the concept of music "taking you on a journney." Across just 3 tracks it achieves a hell of a lot with many highs and lows, and always changing things up to keep it interesting. To be honest I actually wish it were longer, being just over half an hour just doesn't quite feel like it does this album justice, I feel like a lot more could have been done with it. But what we do have of this album is still absolutely fantastic, and completely deserving of being hailed as one of the greatest prog rock albums ever made.
"This next one is the first song of our new album. It just came out this week and the song is...18 and a half minutes long." What a flex.
Homie’s voice is just grating to me. Undeniably good musicians, but not my cup of tea.
Yes somehow get a pass from my usual antipathy and anger for 70s prog rock. Getting mad at their songs seems too much like being worked up over Zippity Doo Dah.
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
Ah, los que garchan guitarras. Al menos al principio veo eso. Me gusta parcialmente, cuestión de ver dónde lleva. No parece tener mucha estructura (es progresivo?). Sí, es muy progresivo, está lindo, bah lindo es una forma de decir. Es su propia experiencia.
Its 70's prog. Its ok but not likely to be remembered by me tomorrow.
Three songs, 38 minutes, and approximately 400 ideas, none of which know when to leave. Prog’s original sin wasn’t ambition—it was bloat, and Close to the Edge treats the LP like a doctoral thesis defense scored for capes. The title track alone lumbers through enough time signatures to qualify as cardio, all in pursuit of a mystical revelation that sounds suspiciously like a warm glass of pond water. Jon Anderson chants, the band pirouettes, Rick Wakeman raids the keyboard aisle at Harrods, and somewhere a roadie is still untangling the Moog cables. Credit where it’s due: these guys can play, and when they lock into something resembling a groove, it’s almost human. Best of the lot is “Siberian Khatru,” where the CSNY harmonies collide with funky bass pops and a slab of rawk guitar—busy, yes, but at least it moves like it means it. If excess were enlightenment, this would be scripture. As it stands, it’s a very ornate door in search of a room.
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.
3.0
One of my all time favorites, the band's best album in my opinion. It was good to revisit.
I kinda liked this. I put it on for a long drive out to the exurbs and the 2003 remaster sounded great in the car. 3.5
very funny that we got this right after mars volta, an entry that called into question my standard position that prog rock is bad. normalcy has returned to my world, prog rock is still mostly bad over the top technical wankery.
I'm finished with prog rock thank you
there's so many different things going on (birds, melodies, voices) and i love it. it was really cool. at first i was intimidated by the 18 minute long song but ended up listening to something great! i think it's better to have on in the background than something to actively listen to but great tunes
This was fine. Very proggy. Very 70s loooooong songs and very unstructured but mathy.
The alternate versions were better
4.5/5 really good vibes
Even Yes know that they're taking the piss with a track that's almost 19mins long.....
No!
I’m very hit or miss with prog. This is a hit
Oh look, it’s album #150! That went by fast. Of all the big “milestone” albums so far, Close to the Edge is definitely the one I was most looking forward to checking out – I have a friend who’s a big Yes fan and this was the album he most strongly recommended listening to. I did enjoy this one a degree more than The Yes Album, but still less than Physical Graffiti. As with a lot of prog, these lengthier cuts struggle to keep my attention the entire way through – there are definitely some movements that did more for me than others. The more time goes on, the more I long for a progressive rock album that really blows my socks off. I’d love to get some Pink Floyd or King Crimson soon – Wish You Were Here is at just about the very top of my Generator wish list at the moment! Highlights: Close to the Edge, And You and I, Siberian Khatru
I'm not the biggest fan of loooong tracks. musically it's fine but i do wish it had been broken up into some shorter songs. the organ music bit goes pretty hard though.
Sounds great on vinyl, what a fantastic album. 8/10
It feels like flossing your brain. So many layers, such technical skill showcased, incredible melodies and counter melodies. Drums are absolutely insane which is why the drummer left after this album was released. Bass has amazing tone and is arguably the most complex bassline I've ever experienced. The synths and instrumental extras are also appreciated and utilized well. This is the epitome of prog rock and actually led to the rise of punk bands wanting simpler, dirtier, and less precise sound. Incredible album and the acoustic guitar halfway through "And You and I" is wonderfully beautiful. I'd rate it at the same caliber as Rush's 2112 album. 9/10
Found this a real struggle to break into with the 18 minute first track a mental block. Once you crack it open, it’s decent. Each of the longer songs feels like a journey and plenty of transitions into different styles and sounds, experimental without being jarring. Prog fatigue is real but this album was worth pushing through.
I am not a "yes" man!
I definitely vibe more with this flavour of Yes. Its a snapshot of pure prog-rock in a concept album which takes you on an interesting, psychedelic, sonic journey. I listened through twice and somehow transports me to a world of old school fantasy movie soundtracks. I still find the vocals a bit grating but they seem to fit nicely with the chaotic variety of music as it progresses through the album. I definitely respect what they were trying to do here and I wish more modern bands would take more risks and just be more weird and original. There was a lot more going on for me in this album than other Yes offerings but I found it more interesting than I did enjoyable.
non so se 3 o 4 ma comunque piaciuto molto
Mi è piaciuto, anche se meno dell'altro album loro, o forse lo devo solo ascoltare meglio
I hadn't heard this one before. I've loved "Fragile" for a very long time. This was the follow up. For an album by the band Yes, this is nearly perfect. The largest trade-off is that the friendly singles of "Fragile" don't get any musical attempt paid to that sort of direction on "Close to the Edge". What we get in return, however, is a much better deal. There is no filler of individual solo tracks. Even though the record as a whole is not of any one concept, the suite of just three songs comes through in concision. The ideas that Yes presents and validates here go on to be repeated by bands of many proggy-tending stripes. I'm not very studied on the history of British progressive rock, so I can't say how many of the time-bending stunts that Yes pulls off here were completely original to this record. However, to hear a propulsive rock groove turn around on a count of 15 without losing energy, or heavy whole-band-synchronized staccato dare-you-to-count stabbing, gives me a fantastic excitement to hear it with the possibility that this might be a conception point for ideas later repeated by Tool, the Mars Volta, Dillinger Escape Plan, Meshuggah, and many other bands who paint by numbers. This album was one of the rare few that I wanted to immediately play again, as it ended. So much in 38 minutes had passed through my ears and the music was so raw and fresh sounding that going back to catch the more fleeting moments was not a trial at all, but a necessary and thrilling archaeological dig.
What a ride. This album is all over the place, in the best way. At times frantic and odd, at others, melodic and blissful. 4/5.
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
Nice
Each song is a symphony with like 3-5 movements. Here’s the thing, it’s like queen-folk-funk mix with some experimental stuff that is a little questionable. Some of the movements I really like and some I hate, but the good ones aren’t good enough for me to justify listening to the whole like 10-18 minutes of each song.
Eh, I just didn't get it; it felt more like an explosion of sound more than a rock album to me.
Siberian Khatru, awesome! A great example of progressive rock from the 70s.
this is undoubtedly made with skill and parts of it are fun, but parts are also intensely pretentious. It’s less egregious to me that other prog, but it just doesn’t move me. I think the singing takes me out, as do the unnecessary music theory dalliances
I've got another great album today. "Close to the Edge" isn't as good as Megadeth's "Rust in Peace", my previous album. The 3 songs on this album are very long, but they never get dull. My favourite of the three has to be "And You and I". Let's hope I continue my lucky album streak. 4 stars for "Close to the Edge".
Not bad, pretty good.
Administrative point: the album listed on this page is the original release from 1972, but the image shows the deluxe edition. I listened to the original release (three tracks). The title track might be the longest running song I’ve ever heard, even longer than “Inagadadavida”. Hearing “And You and I” takes me back, although I haven’t heard it in decades. Of course the radio version was shorter than the 10 min album version. This record was another enjoyable listen, but the title track was too forgettable for me to warrant a higher rating.
Noooooo. I wasn't sure about an 11 minute song, but I AM sure about this 18-minute song: it's bad. I understand that people who play guitar might like to listen to other people jam out &c, but I am not those people. The 10 minute song is much better, but maybe that's just because it's 8 minutes shorter. The 9 minute song is bad. Just think, before I started this project, I didn't know a single thing about Yes. How good I had it then. Highlight: 'Cord of Life' (not a song, but a part of a song... OK Mozart)
Well, I already like this album. However, I do think "And you and I" drags on too long. Close to the Edge and Siberian Khatru are both excellent (I honestly like the latter more, especially the funk guitar and bass). Probably 4.5/5 - I'm giving this a 4 since I don't know how much I would choose to listen to this straight through.
I should've hated this. I don't tend to vibe with Prog Rock. Something about this album clicked, though. A very surprising 4 stars.
Wild, epic prog-rock! I respect the audacity of it. The music is constantly morphing and packs in a lot of sonic surprises. It’s sort of ridiculous at times, but I like that. These guys seem like eccentric music nerds who put all of their energy into the music. You can feel the passion. “Siberian Khatru” in particular is awesome! Also, I can tell that a lot of my favorite indie bands — Grizzly Bear, Dirty Projectors, Animal Collective — were clearly influenced by Yes. And for that I’m very grateful. There are a lot of words on this album too. I couldn’t absorb the lyrics in addition to the music on a first listen, but I’d be curious to know what they’re singing about so passionately.
When this first started, I was so excited to hear the ambient synth drone and the various SFX like birds chirping. I was sitting there, (a few minutes ago) with a large glass of water on a Monday morning just getting my day and week started, and I was thinking "man this is a nice way to start the week. I feel calm, I feel relaxed.". Now I know the band "Yes" and I know they are proggy classic rock, but I don't know this album and I guess I figured it wouldn't be that farfetched for them to have a song that is ambient drone, but I was pretty let down at the 1 minute mark when the band broke into their traditional sound. Which is pretty unfortunate, because I think it sounds really sick actually, like a classic rock version of Mastodon. But I guess that's just a lesson in experiencing music, and even when you are presented with something that you normally really like, you gotta be in the mood for it. After a few minutes though (3 minutes in) I feel more accustomed to the sound and I'm enjoying it more. By the end I like it, but it fits into this weird experiential bucket for me where I tend to listen to albums on this list while I'm doing something else and my attention is a little split. It won't be like 90% attention on something else and 10% attention on listening to one of these albums, but more like "I'm doing something with my hands like doing the dishes, while I am more intently listening to this album". So that's what's going on here, but more often than not with these proggy records I feel like I need to put headphones on and stare at a wall while ingesting the music. There's just so many changes and shifts in feel that it's seldom that you get a song that you can sink your teeth into and get comfortable with before it changes.. with this album I hear something that I start to like and then it changes, and then changes again, and then teases something else before changing in a completely different direction. The milieu and era of these albums is really important to note with this. In 1972, 8-tracks were just becoming an option for newer cars, so most people were listening to the radio... and many of these records / songs weren't being played on the radio that often, with their ~18 minute long epic single tracks. These records were meant to be listened to in concert, or on vinyl in your house while you sit and listen. It doesn't affect my rating, but it does color it a little I think. I really like the "Yes" font. It's really unique and I think you can really pick it out, even if it didn't say "Yes" there's a good chance you would be like "ah that's a font for a band isn't it".
Yeah, nah... Just too much.
I like Yes, well several songs by Yes anyway. I've always thought that prog rock was modern classical music. None of the Yes songs that I like are on this LP.
Not bad. But I think I get this fix from other places.
No. Far from the sweet spot. Siberian Khatru is tolerable, the other two are skippers. Luckily, it’s a short album. (1.3*s) It was the artwork that sold their albums.
Yes? No? Maybe...Close to the Edge is a less interesting Rush album. Like 2112, it drags on a bit too long with prog rock experimentation. I do like the usage of acoustic guitar on Side B though. I am not a huge Yes fan. They only have a few tracks that I like but those are strong ones. Not their strongest album but for the 70s, maybe it was cool. I think they peak in in the 80s and this record just edges in at 1.98 stars.
I wouldn't call Close To The Edge a miss for me, but I also wouldn't call it a hit or solid entry for 1001. As Close To The Edge wrapped up I was a pretty underwhelmed. The first side with the title track was a mostly empty piece-meal of a long jam prog rock song. It was disjointed and didn't really have any segments that stood out. I enjoyed Side B a little more. The folk-slanted first song was OK, the second more rock-oriented song was definitely the highlight of the album but even that was still middling. I was looking forward to seeing what Yes was about and didn't come away with much. In the wake of a couple Rush albums I enjoyed maybe I built up my expectations a little too high for another longform prog-rock album. Or perhaps Yes's Close To The Edge just isn't the best example of it. I guess we'll find out as I run into more of them but this one will go back to the shelf. 1.72 stars
Fabulous album. Love it. Own it.
Whoever thought combing rush and the greatful dead was so very wrong.
Fun, could have been weirder
Good shit, but didn’t get to listen closely enough for a review. Will definitely revisit.
kind of liked it. lots going on
Yes is a big no
These guys are legally allowed to make a three track album of absolute bangers.
got NO business churning out 8min songs who do you think you are
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!
I quite enjoyed Close To The Edge. It certainly has been a while since i last listened to Yes seeing as they were one of the very first bands i listened to on this whole project (In fact, The Yes Albums was only my 5th album on this journey) but i am still aware of how their albums are structured. They are typically these sort-of mini songs which are combined into one big song. I thought that this sort of structure still worked here and the songs themselves are all pretty enjoyable. Granted, they can get forgettable especially seeing as they can get lost in the shuffle with the other songs but i still enjoyed my time with this album, even more so than The Yes Album. Best Song: Close to the Edge Worst Song: And You and I
I know this is good quality music but I didnt enjoy it. 2 stars
I was curious to listen to CTTE afresh and in full, since this kind of music had been an anathema to me in my teens, yet I know it’s revered by many people. Well, I did try, but it just doesn’t work for me. A sprawling mass (mess?) of sounds overlaid with pretentious lyrics that take you nowhere interesting. If I didn’t know better, I could be persuaded that this is a very elaborate Spinal Tap-style parody of prog rock.
Way back this was an album I listened to a lot. I haven't listened to much Yes in recent years so listening again is a little surprising. I still enjoyed the music but I'd forgotten how tinny/high-pitched it was and not just Jon Anderson's singing. This is even with Chris Squire on bass. I'll listen again (and I'm going to see what remains of Yes in a few months) but I'll have to acclimatise myself to the lack of bass!
One of my favorite songs ever is Daydream/Wet Dream/Nightmare. So the title and first track of this album, Close to the Edge (I originally detailed all the subtitles, but my notes were erased and I dont have the patience at the moment), got me hooked. I was bought in for the rest of the album. I could have done without the full deluxe version, but would not have given up America in exchange. Songs this album made me listen to: The Edge by Panicland
I had a slight headache every time I listened to this album, and I couldn't tell if focusing on the music was alleviating or making it worse. This is a significantly more interesting project than I was anticipating from a 70's band just called Yes. There are quite a few parts of this album that I enjoy a lot, especially the third section of the title track; I would listen to that particular section a lot more often if it was its own track rather than packed into the middle of one 18-minute long recording. With that being said, that 18-minute journey is very well-structured for such an epic undertaking, flowing together as one compelling buildup to a satisfying payoff that feels earned and justifies the length, even if it's a hurdle to replayability or easier listening. The lyrics feel compelling if a little esoteric and heady; they're clearly getting at something a lot more detailed than I can fully wrap my head around on first go. I really like what's here, but this is one of the first times in music where I feel like I'm not enough drugs to enjoy this to its fullest potential. Highlights: Close To The Edge (I. The Solid Time of Change, III. I Get up I Get Down, IV. Seasons of Man), And You And I
prog is when the song long
Yes is cool but they tend to do a lot of nothing on a long runtime at their worst. The first song got really cool and grandiose but the others sounded like rejects from other projects. Disappointed as it could have been so much more than it is.
3/4
Better than ELP, but still not a fan of prog.
Oh great more prog rock. You cant beat an album where you have to wait before the music actually starts. When it does it’s the sound of instruments falling gradually down a winding apartment block stairwell, punctuated by shrieks. 3 minutes and something vaguely resembling a tune comes in, goes nowhere and then completely different tune comes in, this time with horrendous vocals. Around 9 minutes in it sounds like even the band may have given in. Frankly i wouldn’t blame them. 13 mins in, we get a load of wanky keyboards which eventually get even more excited and speed ip like a kid increasing the tempo button on their casio keyboard. Track 2 agains starts as if joining the band getting ready to start playing
Look, when Rick Wakeman is playing about 6 different types of piano, you know you’re into prime knob-twaddling territory. I suppose I tolerated the first half of “Close to the Edge” (please don’t try and make me pinpoint what act that was, I have no idea. Also, songs shouldn’t have “acts”). I also quite liked the almost funky undertones in “Siberian Kahtru”. Has I had to listen any longer than 38mins to this album, I suspect my tolerance of both of those things would have diminished. It’s sort of between a 1.5* and 2* but, seeing as I did tolerate-to-like small parts, it edges a 2*.
Third, and final for this project, Yes album. After getting over the shock of the extended version being over 4 hours, I listened to the first 3 tracks* of the Deluxe album so I could hear the album as the artist originally intended (and only have 37 minutes to get through). For me, it's very much like the other Yes albums on the list: I quite like the singing bits, I don't have patience for the non-singing bits. This album also didn't have the same nostalgia factor for me either, as there was only one part I think I recognised from my Dad playing it around the house. A chunk of the modern music I've been enjoying recently is being described as prog rock, which I find bizarre based on my complete indifference to 70s prog rock, but maybe that's what listening to a lot of my father's record collection in my youth has done for me. 2/5 * Which because it's Yes, are actually like 9 tracks squished together.
Brings back memories of discovering "Art Rock" in high school with the other stoners. Nice little nostalgia trip- didn't listen to the extended edition, 40 minutes is enough. These guys could play their asses off and they sure wanted everyone to know that.
Funky and loud
Half of this list seems to be prog and britpop. Anyway, I fully expected to enjoy this one, certainly more than I did Lamb, but I'm walking away with the same feeling. Incredible musicianship but just leaves me cold. There are some parts I enjoyed more than others but it's just not my genre. I'm officially that guy who only likes The Yes Album and Fragile (ok 90125 too)
Very nice
1st song banger
Just not for me. At first, the first song sounded a little like Squid and I thought they were going to be cooler than it ended up being. I know they’re prog staples, but it just sounded like a weird mix of 70s bands and genres.
More meh. Let’s get to the good stuff.
There's only 3 songs on this record, but all 3 of them rule, so easy 5 stars. Prog is awesome.
i fell asleep in the middle of the first sound
Over the top in places, but surprisingly very enjoyable.
expected more
Moments of jubilation. Moments of tedium.
No.
Opening track very ‘Phantom of the Opera-y’ but got better. Wouldn’t say it’s the best Yes album; meh. 2.5 rating.
Oooooh its a bit much for me
A good album I liked And You And I the most.
Was like Pink Floyd but longer songs and not as melancholy.
There is no reason why a twenty minute song should be on an album and then be followed up with a ten minute song. This album seemed to never end even though it only had 7 songs. When I finally made it to the good part in the music, I didn’t even care anymore. This is the kind of album that people say they love just so they can appear niche and interesting. I’m not buying it.
2/3. I knew the title track already, but had never listened to the other two songs. CttE is a prog classic for a reason, and that chorus at the beginning and end is so catchy and melodic. And You and I was a bit sleepy for me, might need a few more listens there, but Siberian Khatru was a fun discovery, pretty groovy.
Couldn’t finish it but would again listen to it in the bg
Two Yes albums in one week. This better be the last one. I'm so tired of this band.
Great! Fun and full of different sounds and noises that, just like the genre indicates, progress through the songs. 3/1/26
Ambitious, will need to listen to more.
Nice but it all sounds like the same song.
I actually really liked this one! Songs are long as hell but the overall sound is great. Very space-age 80s-esque.
No.
„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” - przyjemnie, ale slabo, ze nie jest to rodzielone na konkretne piosenki, chociaz daje vibe "chapterow", co jest niecodzienne i ciekawe. Swietne organy w 12 minucie, troche curch vibe. Update - czyli to zamierzony zabieg, bardzo ciekawe, bardzo fajne mmm, no mega niecodzienne fr i musze az poszukac wiecej takich utworow. Siberian Khatru - podobalo mi sie, mysle, ze sama z siebie bym tego nie znalazla. America - niezbyt mi sie spodobala, nie jest zla, ale nie dla mnie.
Muy buen disco, muy psicodélico y con mucho concepto. En general me gustó mucho y me pareció que tiene unos solos y arreglos increíbles, pero, considerando la duración de las canciones, veo difícil volver a ellas con regularidad. Pero sí, discazo.
first album i bought on vinyl, a prog masterpiece. probably the best album in this list, fuck it best album ever recorded
Jon Anderson's voice has always grated on me. I think given the instrumental talent this band had, they could have been much bigger with a better lead. That said, this album just strikes me as mostly experimental noodling and the brain child of someone way too high his own supply and overly impressed with their musical and compositional abilities.
It has an awesome opening and continues into a decent second track...then BAM way too much pipe organ.
Mostly didn't like, but there were a few little sections I liked. Prog rock is not for me.
Yes! No...still can't get into them. And this album has only 3 songs...
Cool psychedelic record
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.
I feel like this was one hour of the same song on repeat. It definitely sounds like how I would assume the 70s sounded.
Not their best album
Really enjoyed this. I found it very listenable as far as prog goes. The different sections of the songs were groovy enough to keep my interest even while listening to it sober.
Most often I want my listening experience to be a bit easier that progrock accommodates. Listening to this album really solidified this in my head. I guess I'm **capable** of thinking about what I'm listening to, but largely choose to let my mind wander. Yes, for me, demands full attention. Kind of exhausting honestly.
I loved listening to this album tonight. I never would have thought to your it on otherwise. Discovery is great, but it is also fun to be reminded of music that you've neglected. I dig this shit. It was a fun listen, especially after my vape little helper.
weird in a bad way.
Not my kind of music again, it's probably in the hippy category for me.
another classic album.
ohhhhhhhh
Don’t push me cause I’m
85/100.
Meh. Prog nonsense. Track 2 was OK, though.
7/10
looooong
After their self-titled "The Yes Album", can they get even better? It turns out, no, they can't. They stay about the same in quality. Which is a cool 4 stars, it turns out. The band here sounds like a slightly less polished, more progressive Rush. The singer is Geddy Lee-ish in timbre, but maybe a little more tolerable for the surprisingly numerous Geddy haters. The opener/title track, despite being almost 19 minutes long, never once gets boring. But this isn't that impressive, because its fast tempo is driving even through the lower-texture sections (e.g. at 8 minutes in). Tons of instruments being used, many of them high-pitched and either woodwindy or synthy, giving a glammy, fantastical, early-Queen-esque feel. Of course, this came out before any of Queen's studio albums, making it all the more impressive. I wouldn't dare to say that any of the song is "catchy" – because it really isn't – but it's goshdarn exciting, particularly in the first half. The entry of the vocals is a jolt of electricity into a section already packed with overlapping melodies and instruments coming in and out willy-nilly. The softer middle section maintains the same tempo but strips everything back to keyboard, vocals, and SFX. It's intensely adventurous, very much along the lines of Rush or the Who or especially King Crimson. I'm willing to bet Mike Oldfield took inspiration from this for Tubular Bells as well. The cut-in from the triumphant, final organs into the wacky swing melody that defines the final 5 minutes is quite bizarre, but also oddly fitting. Yes embraces their weirdness, that's for sure. And You and I starts off side 2 with something much more stripped back and less experimental. Very folky-sounding, actually, and uses essentially the same riff as the (later) song Summer and Lightning (ELO). The entire 10 minutes is very reminiscent of ELO at their peak, and I would daresay that ELO took heavy inspiration from Yes. (It's so cool how the world of music interacts.) Siberian Khatru is solid, particularly its bass part. The guitar riffs are unusually bluesy, reminding me of late-70s Eagles or maybe Led Zep. No clue what's going on in the song America, but it sounds pretty cool, if a little self-insistent. But then I guess all of prog does that. Ah, well. The guitars sound cool. Sue me. Total Mass Retain is a vocals-heavy closer that seals the deal nicely. Nothing amazing, but a solid performance. 8/10, might listen to again. 4/5 Key tracks: Close to the Edge
This is talent, but it's not for me. Pitchfork: 9.0 Rolling Stone: Top 500 Albums #445 Best Songs
Enjoyable enough. But also, like, these songs are too long? I know it's superficial of me, but I get annoyed with song lengths like this on songs that really could be split into multiple tracks.
A classic! There is a reason you don’t hear bar bands playing Yes songs. The musicianship is unmatched.
I'm not a prog rock girly. I tried so hard. Didn't hate the cover of S&G's America but the rest was a bit of a struggle. In the end, I fall much more on the Punk Rock side of the late 70s musical divide, and I'm okay with that.
= The Beatles
Siberian Khatru is a bop. The other two songs (yes, an album of 3 songs somehow made this list) are just... meh. It's an album that takes itself far too seriously for the first 2 tracks. If this album had just been Siberian Khatru, it's probably a 4 or 5 star affair. The first two tracks hurt it for me.
why is a song 18 minutes... these are excessive they were alright but the length is v offputting
The songs were not good and it sounds like all the band members recorded their parts separately and then mailed them to the producer to stitch everything together, doesn't feel organic at all.
A personal favourite.
Goated prog vibes
Unique, playful, I enjoyed it.
It's tough.
Grand, meandering, long form compositions that no doubt are dripping with my musicality and talent. There are definitely moments in here, it's just that you have to be willing to listen to 10+minute tracks to get there. Patience is the only way to approach this one, and if that's not what you're looking for, it's going to probably miss you
Boring
Listening to this list I came to the realisation that I really don’t, with some notable exceptions, like prog rock. Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, early Queen, Zappa, Rush are most of the exceptions. What they all have in common is songs. Sure there’s complex harmonies, obscure time signatures and diverse melodies but there are songs. You can sing them. You can dance to some of them. You can remember them. Yes should be one I dislike. I like Yes. I find that Yes has songs as supposed to onanistic ramblings. A magnificent rhythm section in Bruford and Squire. Great guitar playing by Steve Howe and exquisite harmonies by Anderson. Wakeman on keyboard and what more do you want? 4 stars with one taken off because I wanted to hate it.
I've always had a soft spot for Rick Wakeman. In 1974 Mr Eagan my Year 6 teacher (World War 2 vet with a three piece suit, all year round) had a student teacher who was straight out of Miss Honey central casting. Man how we loved her, and she would play Journey to the Centre of the Earth at the end of the day and we loved it. Do I play it now, in the depths of the horror that is the 21st century? Or do I leave it as a unsullied memory? Dunno. Meantime, as much as I love Rick, I just can't do this. The first track, 18 minutes of prog heaven (hell). Look if you are not into the genre, spare yourself, it's not good.
ugh. Prog. Why do lists like this rate prog so highly? It's because these lists are written by pretentious white-boy, pseudo-intellectual rock snobs who have blighted the pages of rock magazine and bookshelves with their critical musings on rock music for decades now. They love this kind of shit because it is sooooo clever and they are soooooo clever and if you don't appreciate prog then that's because you aren't clever enough to get it. This 1001 list, with its focus on 'albums' -- the preferred format of "we don't even do singles" pretension-- is inherently biased towards pompous white male and their musical wankery. Prog often forgets to just rock, you know? Too much talk, not enough trousers. Some good moments, but just too clever clogs for me. This album is the epitome of a too-clever-for-their-own-good band disappearing up their own orifice of self-indulgence. As the initial NME review said, this album is "an attempt to overwhelm us which resulted in only unmemorable meaninglessness". I would rather open a vein than suffer through the title track again. That is 19 minutes of my life I will never get back, even if it felt like hours. (Checks notes) I seem to own a copy of this record. I better give it to my son, Hal, who likes prog more than I do. (Interestingly, the deluxe version I listened to tacked on the studio run-through guide track for Siberian at the end. I MUCH preferred the more straightforward playing approach)
Fav Song: Siberia I can always trust Yes to be lost in the sauce (affectionately)
Solid no bullshit prog rock.
No
Knowing that Yes is prog rock, and that all their hits are on other albums, I was dreading this one. Started with great news: this album is only 37 minutes and change. Immediately hit with bad news: there are only 3 songs on this album. Hoo boy. It's not terrible. It's nowhere near as pretentious or annoying as say Genesis or King Crimson. But if grunge was the stoner kids starting a band in their parents' basements and garages, prog was the theater kids doing it, and theater kids are really weird, man. Influence 3, I guess. Quality 3. Intangibles (I hate where this is going) 3. Hits: the album charted with no single - wild 2. Again, I didn't hate it 3.
I'm not sure Yes is for me. There were bits that I appreciated. It's not a No, but a Maybe? 2.5 rounded down to 2 because it felt a bit longer than it was.
Litt for lange sanger for meg, de er flinke osv, men det passet meg ikke særlig. Var greit å høre på da imens jeg studerte
The first side of this record is a masterpiece. It exists at the crossroads of technical virtuosity and masterful imagery, perfectly understanding its own grandiosity without ever feeling pretentious. The rest of the album stands in the title track's shadow; they're good songs, but I resonate with them much less, which holds this album back for me. Standout Tracks: Close To The Edge.
It's Yes, thus hella prog, which indeed it is. I really enjoy the more ambient moments. There's excellent portions throughout. It's prog though, so it's always changing and doing too much overly-complex stuff all over the place. Plus some of the synths on here are straight dorky. I've always liked the singer's voice. The cover of "America" is an interesting take. "And You and I" is great. I like listening to Yes. I'll never be a full-on prog dude, but it's usually fun to listen to.
"Oh, another 1970s prog rock album. Great." Surprisingly I actually liked this one.
one word: yes
Great sound and groove. Love the epic songs too.
Experimental, kinda liked a few. Would be distracting in a bar but really neat to listen to on its own.
Bit odd
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.
If you're not into prog-rock or experimental jazz, the first three minutes of this record are going to be a real challenge for you. I don't think you'll like anything after that either, but those first three minutes are definitely going to take you "Close To The Edge" of your mental fortitude. The title track is eighteen minutes long and takes up the entire first side of the record, even though it feels like five different songs. Only "And You And I" and "Siberian Khatru" made up the original B side, and then there are four bonus tracks for anyone who still hasn't had enough. Those bonus tracks do contain a cover of Simon & Garfunkel's "America", which might be enjoyable for casual listeners. The instrumental landscapes are expansive and exciting, and the tempo stays pretty high so it really feels like you're on an adventure! However, the vocals start to wear on me after a while. It's like the adventure has a tour guide who keeps squawking facts and anecdotes over the PA while you're trying to look at the scenery and there's nothing you can do about it. I guess it's hard to plead for a "less is more" vocal approach in a genre built on ornate sonic excess. Prog rock is for nerds! But this is an important listen to appreciate context for the backlash that gave us a lot more low-brow rock and roll (and punk!) in the 70s. Ironically, I hear the roots of post-rock in prog too, but that won't develop until the 90s as a reaction to all the low-brow rock and roll (and punk!) of the late 70s and 80s. A fun ouroboros to explore in a (quite nerdy) future discussion!
There cant be more than one Yes album on this list, can there? Surely nobody would put multiple albums by Yes on this list of important releases. That would have to mean that more deserving albums wouldn’t make the list so that multiple albums by Yes could be on it. And that wouldn’t make any sense at all.
Prog rock gives me a headache.
# **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
That was just unnecessary. We've already reviewed albums from this era of Yes' catalog. No need to cram it down our throats. Maybe listen to their 80's mid-to-late-career megahit album, "90215" instead.
It's Yes. It's prog rock. If you like prog rock, you'll like this, and if you don't you won't. In all seriousness, I think I liked side 2's "And You and I" more than side 1's "Close to the Edge." But prog rock is really hit-and-miss for me.
Solid 3...nothing amazing, sometimes it feels like it is trying too hard but I think that is just part of the progressive rock vibe.
Yes is a good band. I’m not a huge prog fan, but I enjoyed this record quite a bit. It felt like a real journey rather than an excuse to randomly change things up every minute or two in the name of prog. Even their 80’s pop hits have been nicely cooked (umm…Owner Of A Lonely Heart). For a pointless yet apt comparison, I enjoy their peers Genesis FAR more as an 80’s pop band than I do for their 70’s prog (AND Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins’ 80’s solo for that matter). All outstanding songwriters when they are focused and concise.
It's hard for me to really get into prog rock. These songs were so long and kept losing me, but I appreciate the epic feel of it. There's a lot of heart here.
I enjoyed this. A Yes album that I don't own or have heard before. It did however deliver as expected. Proggy, technical and self-indulgent, which I'm OK with. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ✅️ ★★★☆☆ (6/10)
Our third yes album and they're still not a particularly standout band to us. This one did not start off strong but got better as we continued to listen and landed somewhere in fine territory.
Nothing redeemable about this one
This had me Close to the Edge
HELL YES
Just horrendous
Maybe I was just having a bad day when I listened to this but I found it less than what I expected, and a bit of a drag to boot.
I enjoyed this album but I’d put this below the other 3 Yes albums I’m familiar with ( fragile, debut album, and 90125). It’s just alittle too much. Like all of their albums are wild and overly complicated whether for good or bad. And usually I’d say it works and that’s part of their charm, but this album definitely challenges that. Mainly the song that really stands out the most, the opening track, has this repeating key progression in the background of like the first several minutes and it became grating pretty quick, but I did enjoy Siberian Khatru the most. Also this isn’t necessarily a complaint just an observation, there’s like several different versions of this album and each one is pretty wildly different which is kinda crazy. But I do believe this specific version with 7 tracks is my favorite version. But if you like yes this is a must listen, but if you already know u don’t like Yes than this will be torture cause it’s a lot even for them.