CLOSE TO THE EDGE

This album is considered by many to be the greatest progressive rock album ever; an example for which to judge every progressive rock album after 1972. I am one of those many. This album is simply perfect. Nothing wrong at all, except that it is too short. "Close to the Edge" is a musical journey through the melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic prowess of every member of the band. Quiet rainforest sounds and Rick's ambient keyboards bring the listener to an erupting start unlike most of which on Yes' catalog. After a massive climax into harmonies, the actual song starts. I'll keep it short. The first part is the theme, the second part restates the theme in a more raucous and suspended manner. The third is a more soft and beautiful passage with mellow fills. A massive organ brings it back around to the theme. From there a climax builds to epic proportions, explodes, then comes back to earth with the same rainforest sounds from the beginning. "And You And I" is a beautiful slow song with a warm 12-string guitar fill at the beginning. Jon once said he considers this song the greatest on stage because they gel real easy. "Siberian Khatru" is more of a rocker than the others. A great way to end an album; a rock base with orchestral fills from Rick kicks off the song. Then the near-funky theme from Bill and Chris, (awesome rhythm section). More rock, more classical-sounding fills, and they bring it around like the beginning. Truly a masterpiece to be beheld by all. And a comment from one of the reviewers for "Dark Side of the Moon". Why can't good songwriters and composers exist nowadays? A Mahler Symphony is a grand piece of work, but there are composers around today using different instuments, simply. Don't downcast today's composers like that.