CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Close To The Edge is, without a doubt, my favorite Yes album and one of my all-time favorite progressive albums. The title track, in particular, is one of the most beautiful pieces of music I have ever had the pleasure of hearing; from its eclectic introduction to its triumphant finish ("I get up, I get down" surely will forever be immortal in the world of progressive rock), the passages are saturated with some of the finest examples of musicianship on record. I find myself consistently lost in its majesty and form; it is definitely my favorite song on the album. To me, the album seems to get weaker as it progresses; "Close To The Edge" is the best track, followed by "And You And I", followed by "Siberian Khatru". However, saying that the latter two songs are worse than the first is like saying that "8 1/2" and "The Deer Hunter" are worse than "The Godfather"; not only is it a matter of opinion, but every song is an amazing one. The atmospheres presented to us by Anderson, Howe, Wakeman, Bruford, and Squire are indefinitely absorbing. It well deserves its current rating on the site and the ubiquitous accolades directed towards it. It really has all been said before, but I simply adore this album and it would be a crime to not include it in any record collection, let alone a progressive rock collection; Close To The Edge is a true masterpiece of the genre.