Close To The Edge

not for me

Definitely dated, especially the idiosyncratic lyrics of Anderson, but there’s a joy in the indulgence of it. This is especially apparent at the end of And You And I, just an uplifting feel to it, like you’ve accomplished something by getting through it. Definitely prefer it over the Yes album.

Although 90125 was one of my favorite albums, I wasn't so familiar with the older work of Yes, so I was glad to spend some time here. Generally, I've found I'm not so fond of the long form 70s progressive rock pieces structured in movements, finding them somewhat noodly and pretentious. This was definitely that. But there was also a lot I liked, with random church organs and harpsichords in there. Was that a Moog synthesizer?

The beginning of the first track was a little too zany for me and I thought that this would be a terribly rough ride. After the first few minutes, it settled down and I started to find some enjoyment. It is still a little at arm's length for me, but I listened to it twice while I was working and was always surprised, and maybe slightly disappointed, when it ended.

I hadn't heard this one before. Lots of spoodling and those high Yes vocals. I enjoyed it just fine.

I seem to have a soft spot for progressive rock, even though - or maybe because - it’s always on the edge of crazytown. Looking at these lyrics I am lost, so instead I just let the music flow and try not to think about it too much. Maybe someday I'll spend more time figuring out what this is all about... I listened to this first while driving around in a not-so-stellar car audio environment, and this left me quite cold. Then I listened on some high quality headphones and was in love with it. A third time I listened on some studio monitors and again really enjoyed this. I guess all the intricacy demands better equipment to be fully appreciated. Fun!

Yes? No.

i liked yes, i thought it was rad. do they sing about faeiries and bilbo baggins? i dont know, probably, they are prog rock boys after all. honestly, i like complicated song structures that go all over the place. they open this album with experimental lite arpeggio shit and drop into some normy stadium rock. but its big as a building and falls just as hard. why do prog guys all sing with high pitch falsetto whine? anyway, rules. track three siberia kilimanjaro has a bad ass riff. yeeeeeaaaaahhh.

There are so many things to dislike about this album. Ridiculously long songs, Anderson's helium-infused vocals, the sheer wankery of some of their vocals. Yet I really like it and it took me a while to realise why. When they get in the groove they rock! Somehow they stay in the groove even through all the key and time changes.

As suggested by the title, this album is a bit edgy. It's only three songs, with the first song being 18 minutes long. I like Yes, I think they do a good job of melding experimental sounds with melodic pieces, and their long songs don't offend me. But this album is edgier than later works, and a bit harder to follow. But, holy noodles, there is some great guitar work here. Whoa. I have mixed feelings - it's not the most cohesive album, it's weird and only borderline listenable, but it IS borderline listenable, and there is some great stuff there. Going with 4/5 despite some uphill slogs because it's cool.

Not really my cup of tea, but decent enough background music

Prog rock is just so weird. Sometimes I’m really grooving to it, and other times I’m rolling my eyes

Is this the ur-rock opera? If someone asked me what a rock opera is, I would tell them to listen to this. Best one I’ve ever heard too!

Очень приятный олдскульный рок.

Almost unlistenable. Every prog rock cliche squeezed into one album. Like Genesis on steroids, but without the benefit of melodies. Pointlessly mad time signatures, aimless faux avant-garde guitar rambling, just hopeless. It's a shame - in amongst the silly material, they occasionally came up with some real gems - but not on this album.

Very good. Would like to listen more

Some parts were too experimental and some parts were really nice. Let's meet in the middle

Think I enjoyed the first suite the best, church organs, cacophony & all. My favourite 70s, prog, non-Floyd album is between this and the Court of the Crimson King now. November 23, 2022 (late night)

A bit too artsy for me.

Its technically good, but a lot of it just sounds like some dudes fucking around on their guitars. 3/5

37 minutes long...with three songs! First one is 18 minutes! I imagine this band stuck in Spinal Tap style "jazz odysseys". The drummer Bill Bruford found the album so laborious to make that he quit the band to join King Crimson. Interesting album.

I like Yes a lot. I don't mind weird time signatures or key changes. But the parts where it didn't even sound like they were playing a song, or the same song, just didn't do it for me. The saving grace is that when this album in good, it's very very good.

38 minutes. 3 songs. But it was ok! I think someone just forgot to put breaks in Between the songs tbh, it didn’t feel like 3 massively long songs 😆

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.

Well, this is prototypical proto-prog, and all of the album's three songs sound like it, but at the same time the songs or their individual, proggy parts are not really that interesting. Seems that this the general problem I have with Yes; the playing and singing is top notch (if you like Jon Andersons voice, that is), but the music fails to reach me completely. Which is a shame. 2.5/5

This CD really dials up the prog relative to some of their earlier work. I love Yes and enjoyed this one too (if not quite as much as Fragile, Yes Album, and Time and a Word), but this is getting close to the limit of what I can do prog-wise. The first song is 19 minutes long, and it does a lot of the stuff Yes does so well (lovely backing vocals, lush instrumentation, motifs quoted and requoted in many different contexts) but also does a fair number of things they don’t do as well. In particular, not all of the dissonance works well, although it runs the gamut. The dissonant opening passage is a slog, the color on the “I get up…” piano section is nice, and then the dissonant instrumental interlude at roughly the 15-minute mark is somewhere in between. The title track is both literally and figuratively the majority of the CD- but since there’s only 3 tracks, I’ll mention them all. “And You And I” is actually more like classic Yes and is of a piece with their earlier work in terms of quality. The contrast in tone between the super-bass-heavy and acoustic-and-vocals sections is really nice. And “Siberian Khatru” is the rocker on the CD (they all have rock sections, this one just more consistently), and also very much in the style of classic Yes. Consistent with a lot of similar prog, I liked this more on repeat lessons. It’s well put-together, ambitious, diverse, and at times very beautiful. I gave Yes Album a 4 on my other list I think- that was probably too low. This is a 4, their earlier CDs 5s.

Unapologetically prog. I like a lot of the transitions here, it goes all over the place but never feels off.

At the beginning I thought to myself "what's this?" later on it got better but as far as songs by yes go I really prefer songs like owner of a lonely heart and roundabout over any of these

Some parts were to weird/crazy, some parts were excellent, most parts were OK. Was considering 2,3 or 4 stars during the listen, but 3 seems the most appropriate.

A bit better than the last Yes album we had (the Yes Album). That one started decent and went south, this one starts terrible and becomes decent. Still not my cup o' tea though.

Yes!

A masterpiece by one of the quintessential prog rock bands of the 70s.

18 minute song… no one has time for that mate. It’s a no from me

Could have been higher but the songs are all too long

Kind of just blurred together really

Didn't feel like a lot going on but was fine

its very similar to Boston and rush 3 songs but each last 13 minutes 2.5

Insanely weird for my tastes but I still kinda enjoyed it

One of my favourite albums already so I think you know what the score will be! This is dad rock and I stole it out of my dad's record collection..... These musicians were at the peak of their trade. It's a pleasure from start to finish. If some people want to pigeonhole this and close their ears that is their choice but this is pretty damned near perfect. Constantly changing and reinventing, never dull and played, produced and sang with a skill beyond 99% of todays wannabes. That slow building opening leading the the explosion of sound is like no other. It never lets up and stays with you for the rest of your life if you open your soul.

Was an interesting Prog Rock Album. Not going into the normal rotation though

There are only 3 songs on this album. Apparently it's supposed to be a story. This is an experimental album by Yes. I have a feeling I would like their earlier stuff, but this is too weird for me to get into.

Mystical hippy dippy music from a band that when they were hot, they were HOT.

LP

Klassískt progg. Ekki mikið af lögum sem eru þekkt utan proggheimsins, en mér finnst þetta skemmtilegt. Platan er 10 dögum eldri en ég!

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.

I already know I like prog rock, so I was excited for this album. It was a joy to listen to. It's nice listening to more Yes. I don't like it enough for 5 stars, but it's pretty close. My favourite song was Siberian Khatru.

Best Prog Rock, neo-classical, early synthesizer

No

No.

No

no

I really liked this, having not heard much of the band. A good complement of vocals & music. However, the sting of the songs gets too leeched across the length of each track.

I love three song albums

This is utter wankery. I can appreciate the technical musical skills, but it’s a fucking mess and so far up it’s own area that it can see the sky. So many different elements and yet none with memorable hook or moment.

Prog widdling and noodling dreadful but some of the more conventional song sections almost Steely Dan-esque so an extra star for the yacht rock elements

They’ve gone for epic, and A for effort, but to my ear it’s a gratuitous mess. Lead singer sounds like Sting, which in itself is extremely off putting. Hate the omnipresent slappy bass. Having listened to the whole thing, there’s not a single hook I could recite back. Not for me.

I only knew Yes’ Sweetness (which I like) before listening to this album. This is a lot more chaotic and dissonant in a stereotypical prog-rock way. Some good bits, some painful bits. But enjoyable enough to give it 3 stars.

Christ

Nah.

Sounds like a group of middle aged men jamming in a shed in Surrey. Just wangs off into sweeping solos for no reason.

Still figuring out how I feel about prog. This one had a few enjoyable moments, but they're lost in all the clever noodlings and whacky time signatures (which never feel out of place with eg Tool, FWIW). And I couldn't stand the empty sounding, high-pitched vocals. Not doubting the musicianship, but I preferred Rick Wakeman's work in the dictionary corner on Countdown.

Can't give proper review due to lack of time. The first part of the first song intrigued me though. Very proggy. Will need to listen at a later date (no score)

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.

One word - Yes! This started off a bit weird, not to mention overwhelming. I mean, kicking off your album with an 18-minute song isn't exactly the standard, is it? But before I knew it, I was jamming along. Being very long songs, there were moments where I felt like the music took a dip, but it always recovered. I don't know much about progressive rock but this album is a great introduction. Highlights are And You & I, and America from the deluxe edition. I will be revisiting this. In fact, I've just finished it and already I'm compelled to go back and listen again - the first album so far to have that effect!

A ratos épico, a ratos medio de flojera. No hubo una canción que me volara los sesos, sino pedazos buenos y pedazos malos, aunque es de esperarse en canciones tan largas. 3.5 que consideré mucho y tengo que bajar porque este disco en particular no me quedaron muchas ganas de volverlo a oír.

No creí que me fuera a gustar; canciones extra largas, presunción progresiva, etc, etc. Pero la verdad es que el disco se va rápido y tiene pedazos en los que realmente capturó mi atención. Tal vez no se quedará como algo fijo en mi librería musical, pero al menos es algo que al escucharlo, lo disfruté.

Knowing this isn't my usual genre of music, I really tried to go into this listen with an open mind after seeing the reviews. 'And You and I' saved it from a one-star. Not for me.

The rock ballads of the decade don’t appeal to me some of the songs are good but the overall album was just too much instrumental

musically impressive . also long

A single listen does not do it justice. There are so many layers happening in these songs! Drugs and more listens would help!

Didn’t listen

Has its moments

To be honest I found this heavy going at times

It didn’t really speak to me, but I didn’t get a chance to listen to the whole album

Good, classic prog-rock. Can’t go wrong.

Pretty good album. Prog rock, long songs.and you and i

listened to it twice!

Had optimism that it would be good, since I like many Yes songs. Guess it didn't hit me right. It was definitely Yes style, but nothing said "this is good".

Getting through this was a drag. Don't get me wrong, it had some good moments. Some of the organ parts were cool, and there were some neat guitar and bass moments in the first track. Overall though, the songs are too long and I don't enjoy them from an emotional point of view.

Every now and then there's a good bit, but just as you start enjoying that it changes, so it's a No rather than a Yes for me.

100% dad roadtrip music.

Long songs. Kind of weird,

From reading about it, already have some preconceptions about how i’m going to receive it. Mentions of Siddhartha and King Crimson sway me as the book and the band are both things I have enjoyed in the past. Very cool so far, love the build ups and harmonies, composition, intstrumentation etc. By the end I was less into it as the novelty kind of wore off. Still the unique musical choices persisted as well as cool themes in the lyrics and such.

Killer album. I love Bruford's work here and in King Crimson. Progggggg

I thought it was all going to be very smug, self indulgent, unlistenable prog rock after the first few minutes however it soon mellowed into quite an enjoyable experience.

Yes

Very compelling

Unverkennbar Yes Anfang der Siebziger. Muss man wohl öfter als ein Mal hören. The Yes Album gefällt mir, glaube ich, besser.

3 very long songs I hope this turns out well… The album opens really interestingly with the title track it’s weird seamlessly weaving through multiple sections keeping the listener engaged for 18 minutes and 42 seconds the only bit I wasn’t too sure of was the middle bit where it just goes really slow ( but the church organs at the end of the section make up for it). And you and I is again a brilliant song with multiple parts to carry it through a very long time but this one doesn’t feel as epic it’s not as interesting but still good. The albums closer siberian khatru is the only song that doesn’t go through any elaborate multi parting meaning it can get boring at spots but it’s still a great guitar track. It’s a good album 4/5.

Prog rock royalty. Niet zo wauw maar voor prog heb ik vaak meerdere listens nodig.

Veel toffe geluiden. Fan van het orgel enzo

Nope

good.

26th August 2022 Listened on the Monday as we had Sav and Sally with us all weekend. I can hear where Tame Impala take a lot of their inspo from on this. I’m not a prog rock fan but this has some funky elements in it which raise it above some of the other albums on this list.

Wonderful album, really enjoyed this. Tons of complex layers of sounds; from guitars and drums to harmonized vocals and synths. Shades of King Crimson and Pink Floyd. Really enjoyed this album, didn't notice it was only 3 tracks until I went back for a second listen.

Nothing bad to say about it. It was fine.

pretty good, experimental. I like some of Yes' songs.

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.

Really enjoyed this album. The instrumentals and the progression is nice to listen to. Can't say I enjoyed any of the original tracks more than the others. The 'alternate' version and extras on the deluxe album were not as good as the three before them. Not a massive fan of the vocals but all the interesting stuff in the background makes up for it.

i think it's ok

off brand pink floyd

Varför spelar inte jag i Yes?? Allt jag vill är att vara en progrockare med blommor i håret

Yes? More like no

Not much of a prog rock fan and this isn't my favorite Yes album, but remarkable writing and musicianship.

Definitely one of my favorite Yes albums. 100% essential progressive rock!

Okay. 3 tracks. The first one is 20 minutes long. Okay. Opening up my mind and heart. Let's do this. I hate that I sound like a broken record, but this is another one that doesn't grab me. I'm not in a headspace to go on a sonic journey with Yes right now. The playing is great, lot of talent here. And I was never annoyed by it, but I can't remember anything I heard in it and I listened to it twice. I star for each track.

The guitar in 'Siberian Khatru' is sick as fuck

I get up! I get doooown!! One of my favorite records ever and maybe THE definitive headphone album of all time. (Pink Floyd doesn’t have a pipe organ, sorry.) I haven’t listened to enough prog to really say this is the high mark of the genre, but it sure as shit feels that way. I really think it has so much to do with Jon Anderson’s voice. The rest of the band all go ten directions at once, but that voice - it always cuts through the mix and invites me in. In some ways, it’s a really sweet record; the main melody of “And You and I” feels like it could be a Cat Stevens song sung in a higher register. I think that’s what makes Yes the G.O.A.T. When they’re at their best, the vocals and melody isn’t there just to support the progressiveness of the composition of what the other instruments are doing. It soars above all that. But goddamn the instruments. Insane. The synthy moment in the 2nd movement of “And You and I” always makes me think of 2001: A Space Oddysey. It’s transportive and catharsis in such a specific way. Ditto that pipe organ in the title track. Craig, I’ll recommend finding a clip of them playing the title track live back in the day. They’re on YouTube. You kind of have to commit to taking in that song without doing anything else for it to click, but if it clicks look out. Also, you know damn well that a bunch of teens saw these dudes playing twenty minute songs while literally dressed in capes and were like, “Yeah, fuuuck that.” And thus punk was born. Which is awesome! But so is Yes.

Yes

I really like Yes and prog rock, but this was just an average to below average, kinda bland offering. Just nothing but endless songs with little redeeming value. 2/5

interesting take on America, otherwise not much else there

This is my jam. Timeless progressive rock.

WOW. Was not expecting this at all. I knew they were prog, but I thought it'd be along the lines of Rush. This is a melodic Beefheart or Zappa at double tempo, and clearly influenced bands like Mars Volta and Black midi. Unreal for 1972! Though I will say the vocals are not really to my taste.

Meh

I wanted to hate this album so much. In principle, it’s the absolute antithesis of everything I love about music - overblown track lengths, virtuoso wankery and unbearably indulgent lyrical content. But I simply could not deny this album it’s classic status. Most of my enjoyment of this album boils down to one facet: Steve Howe. His guitar playing is undeniably brilliant, balancing virtuosity and innovation whilst also serving the actual songs. It’s a balance which definitely falters periodically, but this is true of the album as a whole - particularly on the first and last tracks. The second track was unquestionably my favourite, with a folk-infused opening which I absolutely loved. There are moments in which the production conforms to the cheesy archetype of prog rock calcified in my thinking. But even then, there are some sounds on this album which really are ahead of anything I’ve heard in the genre. Testament to this album’s intrigue for me is the fact that I actually listened to it a second time in the same day just to make sure I wasn’t imagining things, desperately scrambling for a reason to take a couple more stars off. But alas…

Well I don't hate it. It sounds like perhaps the most proggy that prog rock could be.

I had the live album Yessongs which was released one year after Close to the Edge and had all three songs from that album. Years later, at a used record store, I found a copy of Close to the Edge that had my name written on it - literally. I can't make this stuff up. So, wtf, I bought it even though I already had the three songs on vinyl. This is Yes' best stuff. Rick Wakeman is in prime form as his solo around the 15 min mark of Close to the Edge shows. Steve Howe is also peaking. My challenge with Yes is their lyrics are so deep I doubt the authors even understand them. This album starts with "A seasoned witch could call you from the depths of your disgrace . . .". The words Depths of Despair" fit with the song's / album's title. OK I get it, I think, but by the 4th / 5th lines of the song I'm scratching my head. Howe and Wakeman are in such fine form. If there is a Yes album that can get a 5, this is it.

I think if you had to put one song in a time capsule so future generations would know what prog-rock was, it would have to be "Close to the Edge". I like the way it starts off cacophonically and takes a few minutes for the different themes to unfold. Listening to it now I find the sound more guitar-oriented than I remember, though Chris Squires on bass has very active fingers. Rick Wakeman is surprisingly in the background but when it's solo-time he makes a big splash. The intro to "And You and I: is promising but the rest sounds too much like an attempt at a mid-seventies folk-rock radio hit. Siberian Khatru could be my favorite. It's the most melodic, with catchy harmonies and a dazzling (but short) harpsichord solo at ~3:00. Anyway it's good to have an album with only 3 songs to review. I find this LP more consistent than "Fragile".

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.

pretty good, can hear the influence on flaming lips

If I could only listen to 1 yes album, this would not be it

Initially I didn't enjoy or pay attention to the Side 1, but did more or less immediately enjoy Side 2. Several repeat listens and I do quite like the majority of the album. Obviously prog organ and guitar noodling, but more accessible than I would have imagined.

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.

Bit too boring for me

Not bad. Prog is back baby! Pretty groovy as well

2/5 nothing much

I love this album!! Already listened to it

Your Honor, in the case of The People vs Prog Rock, allow me to present Exhibit A.

I listened to this album three times so you don't have to. (standard 3 track release).

more of that 70's rock I dont like

There’s an emotional element to this album so my rating is skewed. I’m hesitating between 4 & 5 but I’m going to go high 4*

This is actually the one Yes album I owned. Maybe I wasn't in the mood but it was fine without being any more than that... I think probably its one of those lie in a darkened rooms prog albums.

Chaos at the start, really neat organ work. Couldn't get into "And You And I" "Siberian Khatru" is peak Yes

amazing!

probably the best prog album there is

I was not a fan of this. Three overly long songs doth not an album make. I didn’t find the songs interesting or engaging. I didn’t hate it, but I was glad when it was over.

A good listen. I didn't hate it but Im in no rush to listen again.

Nikad nisam previše volio yes ali ovaj album zvuči kao da su se beach boys najeli prrviše gljiva

What an amazing piece of music. I have tried to take this record in a couple years before but it didn't resonate with me at all. I guess the rock was too progressive for me to comprehend. The unsung hero of the album is definitely the bass player. Chris Squire's tone is on another level. So gritty and raw. Absolutely loved the grooves that he came up with.

Essential album within the 70's symphonic rock landscape. A master piece of this genre. Musically complex, hard to digest.

I'm just not a fan of prog rock. Feel like I should like it, but I find it boring.

Started off very strong but weakened a bit in the back half. I like the mixture of prog and blues elements.

oh holy shit 3 songs, 37+minutes. what in tarnation? Close To The Edge is heckin rad! woah what an incredible album

Legal para alguns momentos, bem diferente.

Rating: 7/10 Best songs: Close to the edge

Yes packs more punch than most progressive groups, certainly more than Emerson, Lake & Palmer. If you’re a fan of progressive rock, you’ll love this record, and even if you tend to be wary of its eccentricities, like me, you’ll find plenty to like about it. Standout Tracks: Close to the Edge, Siberian Khatru

And You and I is the standout track. 3/5

Wonderful!

This had none of the famous yes songs on it and was more prog rock than anything. Wasn't super memorable

Much more accessible than I expected. If you told me these guys had been listening to Coltrane and Bitches Brew when they were making this I’d totally believe it. The cover of “America” was an unexpected oasis of popcraft. Still not my favorite genre but I could add this to my collection for sure.

I didn't listen to the version of Close To The Edge with the bonus tracks, just the original release, and it's more miss than hit. The title track doesn't do it for me, And You and I has its moments, as does Siberian Khatru. Don't think I enjoyed it enough for a 3 so it's a 2/5.

Yes? No! Well, not really. I quite enjoyed the first track, felt very Genesis, but it doesn't quite have the energy to get you through 18 minutes - it's got some at the beginning, and kicks into gear at the end, but slows down a bit too much in the middle. I think I will listen again, feels like the sort of thing that will grow on me, but the thing really putting me off is the nasty Simon & Garfunkel cover (the original is a song that I really like). I think I'll give it a 3, just.

The 18 minute opener for me is just too long, too fusion in style and just plain TOO MUCH! Ends up clouding my opinion of what comes after which has some fine moments. 2.5 stars

Rock progresivo

Progressiv rock, 70’er lyd, langeee numre, rimelig nice

Really liked this, the transitions especially some of them in "Close to The Edge..." were very unexpected but brilliant, I really enjoyed this.

Outside of two songs I just don't like Yes. The prog rock thing doesn't work for me I guess.

Technically excellent but it didn’t grab me. I generally like Yes and I respect the skill in this album, it just didn’t make me want to put this on my list to listen again.

A solid record, made even better by my personal love and nostalgia for 70s prog rock. If you asked my 15 year-old self to review it, you'd probably hear nothing but praise. Myself now? I still think it's pretty good, and I'm glad I listened to it.

First song is great, love the creativity on the album. Strong three

It is a short album but is not memorable in any way. One song is over 18 minutes which is half the album. I did not skip any songs but I wasn't entertained. I will not be listening to it again.

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.

Progressive rock seems a bit controversial in spite of how populous the middle of the road is in terms of opinion. The reason, one thinks, is that people are divided in what they like or dislike about prog-rock as a whole. Some may love the frenetic, experimental and jazz-like chaos, where some might find the melodically mundane to be more their speed. Prog-rock definitely incorporates polar elements, and it is especially on display in this album. The title track opened with that frenetic and jazzy composition where it seemed like everyone just mashed together a bunch of solo efforts, but by Acts II, and III the band slowed things down and started to make a play to sensibilities here. Overall, the album is actually good even with their experimental disruptions since the latter seems applied with some moderation. To say this album is tolerable is a fair assessment, but so is saying that it is barely tolerable. Progressive rock is a definite veer off a well-beaten path and it works in some places and seems to not in others. This vague and indecisive journey of love and hate towards the genre is the likely prognosis.

A masterpiece

Not a prog guy, as I think things start to blend together rather than individually standing out on their own, but this album was fine.

the rhythm changes!! the vocals!! the organ!! the synergy!!! the guitar!! the drums the bass!!! the damn organ!! i feel enlightened.

Yes is the sort of band that I always assumed you had to be stoned to enjoy. Since I never was, I have never enjoyed them. They are also prog rock, which, like Rush, I am not smart enough to enjoy. I have a friend who is a musician and bass player and he *loves* Rush. Maybe he loves Yes, too. It is very similar to noise for me.

This took me back to the first time I listened to Supertramp's "School." I can't believe I haven't heard of this band sooner. I love this kind of meandering prog rock. The instant the organ kicked in during the first track, I was smitten. I'm being stingy with my final star for my absolute all-time favorites, but I came pretty close to giving five stars to this album.

I enjoyed the listening experience a lot but don't think I'd go back and nothing in particular made a strong impression.

Very funky, loved the instrumentation. sort of wish the songs weren't so long so that i could add some of the shorter bits to playlists, but alas

Good stuff but knocking stars because this album doesn't include "Roundabout"

4, This is my favourite prog rock I have heard so far

I like the “I get up I get down” bit but the songs drag on a bit too much for me. Not too bad though 4/10

It's ok.

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.

Super cool album, v interesting sounds. A bit weird and distorted at times, and some of the guitar bits mean absolutely nothing to me, but overall it was a good time.

Cool and classy

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

Let down by its frequent forays into gibberish

Awesome, classic

3 is generous. This is really just a mess.

Be sure to check out Steven Wilson's recent remastering of this album!

Now they don’t make music like that anymore, do they?

“I say right around minute 11 we get into a Beach Boys thing and then.. well, I don’t know, full on cathedral organ?” “Yeah let’s give it a go.” Or at least that’s how I’d like to think these things come together.

Assurément un classique du prog. Si ce n’était que du côté A occupé entièrement par la pièce-titre, on crierait au chef-d’œuvre. Or, le côté B n’est pas aussi fort. « And you and I » s’étire et offre quelques moment sirupeux et « Siberian Kathru », bien que très solide, est moins marquante que les deux autres pièces.

I HATED this. Three songs in 38 minutes. Talk about a meandering mess. Not for me.

After two other "Yes" albums, I kinda like these long experimental songs. Nothing much special about this specific, but I believe that now I'm almost understanding all the hype around the band.

I was ready to say no but I'll say a tentative YES. Prog rock fans claim this is one of the best of the genre, and who am I to disagree? It's odd to hear Jon Anderson's voice when I was only familiar with later Yes from the 80s like Owner of a Lonely Heart.

It was groovy sometimes. Prog rock

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.

What do you get when you combine the most creative and deft drummer in rock, the most phenomenal bass player in rock, the most nimble and unique guitarist in rock, the most masterful keyboardist in rock, and the most pure and beautiful tenor to ever front a band? You get Close to the Edge! What a soaring triumph of an album! :) Seriously though, these guys are all complete MASTERS of their craft individually. It's ASTONISHING! The fact that they all managed to be in the SAME BAND is practically a miracle. Yes' bassist was more integral to the band's sound than any other bassist of the 70s; the sound he got out of his bass is unreal; so visceral and punchy. Steve Howe's guitar work is insanely original; he plays so swiftly in a way I have never heard any other guitarist play, and I listen to a lot of guitar! Bill Bruford could play ANYTHING on the drums. Sure, he wasn't as loud as other famous 70s drummers, but he could play more intricate, complex rhythms than all of them by FAR. The keyboardist has literally written symphonies, so that should tell you something lol. And who in rock could belt out high tenor notes so beautifully and sweetly as Jon Anderson?? No other band of the 70s of the world could've written this album. None! The sheer creativity and technical skill it must've taken to write this album boggles my mind. As someone who plays several instruments and knows a good amount of music theory, this album dazzles me. This album is rich in complexity, and each new listen unearths new secrets. Even if you don't like it personally, if you are not exceedingly impressed by this composition then you aren't paying attention... While Yes, for some, symbolizes the excesses of progressive rock, I truly think the highs of Yes' music are among the very highest in ALL OF MUSIC. Period. I never knew how magical music could be until I found this group.

A struggle beyond the first track

ugh. Prog. Why do lists like this rate prog so highly? prog often forgets to just rock, you know? Too much talk, not enough trousers. Some terrific moments, but just too clever clogs for me. (Interestingly, the deluxe version I listened to had the studio run-through guide track for Siberian at the end. I MUCH preferred the more straightforward playing approach)

Dross

5.5….classic of classics ,cut my rock and roll teeth on this album when it came out…awesome

Ótimo

Too much prog, not enough rock. Three songs for a whole album?!? No thanks! Even the extended version is only 7 tracks (but still over an hour long!)

Great, very remeninscing dont know from what though

Première écoute back to back de ce classique prog. C'est prog! J'aime bien le son bien dirt de la rickenbacker, moins les voix et le too much organ par bout. À go on fait des harmoniques sur une 12 cordes😆

AAAAAH ! C’est surement pas une découverte pour personne, mais cet album est selon moi le meilleur à date. Une bonne balance d’inventivité et d’accessibilité. Chaque chanson a son lot de surprise et chacune est différente de la précédente, sans nuire à l’unité du tout. Chaque instrumentiste apporte un son caractéristique personnel, sans empiéter sur les autres. C’est aussi plutôt technique, mais ça respire et on n’est pas submergé sous une trop grande quantité de notes (contrairement à Todd Runngren par exemple).

Ça faisait longtemps que je ne m'étais pas replongé dans cet album. Je l'aime moins qu'à l'adolescence. Yes est peut-être le groupe qui fait en sorte que les gens n'aiment pas (voir détestent) le progressif. La voix de Jon Anderson n'est vraiment pas évidente et les thématiques fantastiques à la Lord of the Ring (inspiration justement pour la pièce titre) n'aident définitivement pas. Les harmonies vocales aussi ne sont pas intéressantes. Je préfère de beaucoup King Crimson et Genesis (époque Peter Gabriel). Par contre le lineup de musiciens sur cet album est mon préféré avec Bill Bruford au drum, Chris Squire à la basse (avec son son emblématique de sa basse Rickenbacker), Steve Howe à la guitare et Rick Wakeman aux synthétiseurs. Si tu aimes le genre, Close to the Edge et Fragile sont les 2 albums à avoir de Yes.

Ok, progressivo!!! Muito bom mesmooooo!

This one a little more Prog than I generally tolerate in my Rock. Obviously created by very smart, very hardworking souls but for me, listening feels like a bit of a chore, or at least a Project.

3.5/5 Good album. Nothing more to add. Just a nice listen, not my all time favourite but I enjoyed it. Favourite song: - Close to the edge

Not a fan

Less self involved noodling than in some of the other yes albums.

This Yes album sounds fresh and tight compared to the first one that was on this list, this may have to do with what appears to be the best line-up of Yes to-date, I also read that they had just come off the road and had recorded this live in the studio which would create some tension but also allow for expansion of their sound. Being on the road may have been responsible for the tight sound. Good listen and good example of Prog Rock, intertwined with other genres, the first song creates a good listening experience. Would give this 3.5 stars bump up to 4. Favorite song: Close to the Edge

It's rare that an album starts with an 18 minute opener and still manages to maintain a coherence and progression throughout the record. The transition between movements within these lengthy prog-rock tracks work so well, I can see some influence on bands like Sigur Ros here. Fav Tracks: And You and I

This is our second Yes record out of our first 100 or so. I was really surprised by how much better this one held together for me. The intricacy of the arrangement feels much more melodic and restrained than Fragile. It's like they toned down the goofiness and came out the other side with a much more cohesive and moving record. Now I see what all the fuss is about. Favourite track: Close to the Edge

The thing about Prog rock is that while the musicianship is quite amazing, it too often requires one to put up with over indulgence. This is pretty self indulgent.

No.

Symphonic rock.. Not my kind of thing. There are moments of beauty but mostly I find it too arranged and calculated, and weird.

Its fine but don't know if I would really listen again.

Not bad.

It's ok... a bit boring, bloated and self-indulgent.

I was ready for this to be over with 10 minute left in the first song. I did not dig it

This sounds like good musicians made songs to prove they were good at music. Not for me.

1.5

I've only really heard of Yes in passing and I was so glad to say I really enjoyed this. It's certainly foundational to prog rock as a genre and was a great listen.

Good

Multiple 10+ min songs (one that's 18!) typically means overstaying its welcome, and "yes" it happened here too. Was fine at first but I was ready for it to be done.

The best prog-rock album ever made. Brilliant writing and instrumentation across the album. Just overall brilliant album.

Very good Yes album, 3rd only in my eyes to 'The Yes Album' and 'Relayer'

bit close to rush. annoying. some great musicianship and vibes, but its the vocals that turn me off.

Long songs, not bad background music but couldn't finish

Yes is one of the few bands who can pull off an 18 minute song. This album is lush, very well constructed and contains moments which sound surprisingly contemporary. With its use of unusual rhythms and jazz fusion like melodic lines, this album pushes hard on what it means to be a ‘progressive rock’ band. At points this album sounds like contemporary indie folk before dropping into a fusion groove. The harmonies give a CSN vibe within a completely new format. Simply put, this album shouldn’t work, but it just does

Close to the Edge by Yes (1972) I didn’t have time to seriously listen to this progressive rock album when I was young. Most people I knew who did have the time to develop an appreciation of Close to the Edge did so due to (1) the strength of Yes’s earlier works, and (2) the ready availability of mind altering substances. For sober me, it was too complex. I was rather interested in more accessible music like Dieterich Buxtehude, Anton Bruckner, Leonard Bernstein, and novels by Herman Hesse, like Siddhartha (which is ironic, since I now discover that many of the images and metaphors on Close to the Edge come from that book). And now, listening in my twilight years, I find the complexity of Yes’s fifth album Close to the Edge (1972) to be unnecessary. The recording is primarily a collection of standard Yes lyrical and compositional tropes from their first three albums, but immeasurably enhanced (and given its coherence) by the superlative keyboard contributions of Rick Wakeman (who had an integral role in their immediately preceding fourth album, Fragile [1972]). The inexhaustible Wakeman did all this 1972 work while touring and cranking out The Six Wives of Henry VIII. There’s no gainsaying the artistry of Anderson, Howe, Squire, and Bruford. But Wakeman is the musical star of this group. In my view, he edges out Keith Emerson as the greatest progressive rock keyboardist of all time. Listen to Wakeman’s extended interlude at 12:10-15:53 of the first track “Close to the Edge”, with pipe organ that becomes doubled with synthesizer at 13:54, followed by a glorious synthesized romp to the end. Drummer Bruford struggles to keep up. This snippet is music for the ages. Ethereal. I want Rick Wakeman on my team. Close to the Edge is good, but overall, as an album, it’s far from a classic. 3/5

I don't understand prog rock

Not bad! I’d listen to it again

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.

If yes is the answer then the question is 'would you like to never have to listen to yes again?' Fucking tosh.

Still no

If "Yes" is the answer, what is the question? Is this the last time you ever want to hear an album by the prog rock band Yes?

Never been a fan of progressive rock... Never been a fan of songs longer than 5 minutes either... This album isn't for me. There are some good moments but for the most part, meh... The only song I knew by them beforehand is Owner of A Lonely Heart which is a delight. I was excited for this album but you know. 2.3/5

I'm not sure why, but prog rock doesn't really get me in the same way other genres do. I think it's a good album, but it didn't really resonate with me.

Absolutely enthralling. This album grabs balls and never lets go as it shifts from delight to delight.

More of this? What even is the difference between this and Fragile? I'm just glad I could put it on in the background and get through it. Sounds like an uninterrupted continuation of all their albums. *shrug*

I guess I have respect, but not major love, for Yes' music.

Prog can often tread the line between excruciating and exciting. Fortunately , this album is far more the latter. Even if it’s not as dynamic as Rush (missing the gigantic feel of Neal Peart’s drumming) - I still enjoyed it. Fave tracks: “America” “Close To The Edge”

Only 3 songs, how tedious could it be to sit through 35 minutes of classic 70's meandering prog rock? Hitting fast forward quite a long while then realizing, "Mercy, I'm still in the middle of the first song." I get it, Yes exemplified breaking out of rigid rock conventions and setting free with dream-logic compositions. Still, this free expression is lost on me, is more aloof than adroit at lyrically/rhythmically/melodically connecting with anyone. Like I divulged in an earlier Yes review, "90125" is more my style, which probably shouldn't count as being the same band. That was the first record I ever heard from them. Imagine a fan of this "Close to the Edge" style of Yes hearing "90125" and thinking it was horribly self-antithetical.

Not bad. Yes has a neat sound that I like that isn't straight-up trippy. Not an incredible album but not bad.

Vähintäänkin outo levy jota on vaikea arvioida yhdellä soittokerralla, mutta toista kierrosta ei taas halua ottaa. Kakkosen ja kolmosen välistä.

Ei jääny mieleen ja ku näin jälkikäteen arvostelee, nii kakkonen?

Hated it

A landmark prog LP - songs with many different parts, switching time signatures, organ fugues and jazz breakdowns, with those singular Yes melodies

Track 01 - 1.5/5 Track 02 - 2/5 Track 03 - 1.75/5 Track 04 - 2/5 Track 05 - 2/5 Track 06 - 1.75/5 Track 07 - 2/5 Overall: 2/5 Album Art: 1.75/5

Its not that it isn't good - just not the biggest fan of progressive rock...I appreciate the album though

5/5. Holy cannoli, I kinda slept on this one. Might actually be better than ITCOTCK

Not musical way to experimental and all over the place

Rad

Does everything right I'd expect out a prog album. Three highly impressive tracks tied together by a central philosophical theme. Probably Yes's best album. Title track is divided in four movements. First movement is a perfect opener, which spiritual nature noises immediately setting off into insane guitar work that sounds so disjointed until abrupt breaks show they know what they're doing. It's symphonic and atmospheric, placing the audience in a position with any number of instruments and noises to shift focus on at any given moment. Vocalists are great, constantly shifting and matching the music. Good pacing, knowing exactly when to change in style to keep the music engaging while still retaining aspects like the chorus to maintain consistency. Geesh, when that organ hits in the third movement, swapping back and forth with the melancholic chorus. Love how the fourth movement largely reverts to the first but ties together the other two movements as well. Everything is tied up nicely in those last two minutes. It's a perfect track with no weak points at any minute in the song. The other two tracks on the second side also have good pacing and follow up on the themes discussed in the title track. "And You and I" is a mellower track, becoming triumphant in the middle. My favorite part in "Siberian Khatru" are the brief instruments about a quarter in, and also the vocal noises later. I don't how they're making many of the sounds in the album, but whatever they're doing it's working, drawing my attention while also being pleasing to hear, never overstaying their welcome.

Classic Rock. Enjoyed it quite a bit.

8/10 cheesy at times but pretty cool

8/10. Yes. Manageable length, and sounds good throughout.

I like corny-ish prog rock. 8/10

I can't say I know a lot about Prog rock, but a quick scan through my record collection reveals I have more than I remember. I only own two Yes albums and both of them I would consider essential, but this is my first listen to Closer To The Edge start to finish. The first thing I noticed is that there are only 3 songs on the original record and the opener, the title track spans over the full side one. Their follow-up album, Tales From Topographic Oceans was a double album with 4 songs, one per side (yikes!). The songs are actually songs within the songs and there is lots going on and in the hands of other less competent musicians this could have been challenging, instead my tastes have evolved and it was not boring and was an enjoyable listen. I will say, yes to exploring other Yes albums in the future.

Nop para mi

A classic piece of prog.

I hate to admit it, but each of these Yes albums I've actually enjoyed. Maybe I should just embrace my secret inner Yes fan and start dressing up as a wizard, writing in Elvish and talking about how Tolkien is the greatest writer of all time. To Prog and beyond! Best Tracks: Close To The Edge; Siberian Khatru

This album is pretty good. If you're going to organize your songs into movements and tell a bunch of tales out of school about being inspired by studying a symphony, you better be breaking some new ground. Like I said, this was pretty good. It might have been a good move to find somebody who can sing. Best track: And You And I

Fantastic prog wibble.

Rock psicodélico setentero. Ni fu ni fa.

Puf, sin pies ni cabeza. Puf, encima tienen una versión de América de Simon and Gartfunkel ... que no mejora nada la original.

First listen. I like Yes, first I heard of this album though. After listening to it a few times, I'm not feeling it yet. 2/5 for now.

prog that doesn't make me want to die

a full length album with only 3 songs was a red flag, and so it turned out. Too much trying to be clever, not enough balls out rock.

There's an awful lot of prog rock on this list. It would take a lot of effort and concentration to have a chance of enjoying it, and even then it might turn out to be rubbish, so I don't think I can really be bothered. This album seemed better than most in the genre and was enjoyable in places, particularly the last of the 3(!) tracks which had some nice harmonies, guitar and turned into a cool jam at the end (it also a Tudor thing going on about 1/3 of the way through). However, it still didn't grab me or inspire any interest to dig into the album, band or genre further. 2/5.

An interestingly formatted album. The songs are long but they’re just segmented into different parts. Overall the music itself wasn’t anything amazing. At times it was ok but with the few amount of songs it’s hard to decipher what was good and what wasn’t. Overall it felt like it tried to be something bigger. 4.4/10

Say what you want about prog, but no other subgenre can produce sprawling yet intricate tracks like this. Squier keeps the band locked in with a boisterous yet precise bass tone, and from there the band builds into massive melodic structures that can stop and turn on a dime. Docking two stars as the middle track feels somewhat listless (and eats up nearly a third of the runtime!), but the other two tracks could stand as EPs in their own right.

combines a voice i'm not really a fan of, with insanely overcomplicated time signature changes

It's certainly a compositional and recording feat. I just didn't find it very interesting.

The fifth album by the band Yes released in 1972, and became their most popular album up to that point. It was certified platinum in 1998. Production on the album was turmoil and caused the drummer to quit the band after release. Even with the troubles, the band made an amazing album. Praised as a flawless masterpiece, it's a long winded symphony of progressive rock. I enjoyed this music in the background while I worked.

I normally listen to these albums on the drive home. I got halfway through this one before getting home. It's very big, very indulgent and deserves more time than I had for it this week. I'm a big Yes fan but Close To The Edge is a bit too rich for my tastes. I'm feeling Fragile...

J'ai écouté cet album dans le train qui allait m'amener au Generator Hostel. Autant vous dire que j'en avais la boule au ventre et que je n'ai pas pu pleinement apprécier son contenu.

Album incroyable, je n'aurais pourtant pas misé un copec dessus, ce qui me rapelle une anecdote que je vais vous partager. A l'époque où je passais mon examen du permis de conduire, j'ai proposé une très mauvaise performance face a mon examinateur. Le stress de l'examen me poussa a faire une erreur qui semblait éliminatoire. Je rentrais chez moi très déçu, et l'annonce du déroulé de l'examen à mes parents fit l'effet d'une bombe. Ils etaient fous de rage, me repprochant de ne pas avoir assez exercé la conduite avant de passer l'examen. Cependant, quelques jours plus tard, le resultat me parvint sous la forme d'une lettre recommandée. J'apprennais alors que j'avais réussi mon examen d'une courte tête, et était ainsi l'heureux titulaire du precieux sésame, au nez et a la barbe de mes géniteurs. Ceci prouve donc bien que cet album était excellent, et si l'on lit bien entre les lignes, on peut même deviner la note de 4/5.

this record blew me away in a way i was not expecting. 5/5

Never listened to Yes before. Was kind of dreading this because for some reason, I assumed this was an 80's hair band - I guess their name is pretty generic sounding. Turns out it's a 70's prog rock band - big difference there! lol The album is basically just two very long tracks. Enjoyable listening... some good grooves and interesting things happening. Some cool keyboards and organ stuff. But it doesn't have that kind of primal immediacy that tends to move me. I guess liked from a sort of academic perspective, if that makes sense. Can definitely see why it's on the list. Solid 3 stars.

Ok I guess. Two songs in the original album - epic and progressive and listenable. A little too pockmarked and nerdy for me to really be into. The America cover on the deluxe edition makes me cringe.

Good God, it never ends.

Yes are one of the cornerstones of prog rock. Makes we want to play a nice long game of Risk. Honestly the best track on the album is the cover of Paul Simon's America

it was... different. didn't love it, didn't hate it.

Add a star if you’re on acid

Seen this album cover floating about online a few times, good to finally hear this. The first track is amazing and definitely does not feel its length of 18 mins, i love the dark fantasy vibes the lyrics give.

This was pretty tough, can't lie. Alright as background music while working, but nothing to write home about. I found its attempts at being "experimental" to just meld into a wall of blandness. Sorry... Fav new track (I guess?): And You And I

Prog-rock is altijd wel wat apart. De orgel-solo in het eerste nummer is het soort van bombastische dat ik graag ik muziek heb. Maar de rest vond ik wat te eenzijdig

not for me.

Pretty darn good stuff here.

Bit much for me. Kind of like Queen and Led Zeppelin.

Un bon album de Yes, mais très progressif. 4.25

En blanding af sange i sange. En rodet affære med alt for lange numre og meget larm

I am going to preface this by saying I am really not a prog person. I don't have a lot of patience for overly ornate, concept driven, or long form music. That said, this album is really good. Whatever your taste, the musical prowess Yes displays here is undeniable. Steve Howe's guitar work is insane. Rick Wakeman's keyboards, just stunning. Jon Anderson has one of the more distinctive vocals you'll ever hear in rock music. They also showed a bit of restraint (!) in keeping the overall length of the album to 37 minutes, something I wish more artists would think about when attempting ambitious projects. I don't see myself coming back on my own to listen to this album much, if at all. But it was a good listen, glad I gave it a chance. Fave Song: And You and I

Masterpiece

10/10. Prog Rock gold.

3/5, nothing bad, nothing good

Weird feelings about this album. I hated the first half of the album, but I loved the other half...

good stuff, very psychedelic

No.

A 1 star - could not finish it on this occasion - this is how a Flaming Lips album must sound to some of us. Even got a copy of this album but it makes me want to clean up my record collection.