CLOSE TO THE EDGE

By 1972, Yes had four albums finished and packaged out for the world to listen to with Fragile being the strongest effort up to then, then... then... came Close To The Edge. This album, is personally my favorite Yes record it has everything that the band was known for at this point in time, but they turned it up a notch with this one. They included nothing but epics on it, it only has 3 songs but it feels like it's more than that. As I mentioned this is my personal favorite Yes album every album afterwards(Topographic Oceans, Relayer,) followed this same template. This album has everyone in the band at the top of their game. Jon, Chris, Steve, Bill and Rick are in top form here. The classic line-up is back at it for another record. So much so that Bill Bruford left because he thought that it will not get any better this.I tell you people Prog Rock in particular the more symphonic Prog Rock cannot get any better than this album. This album exemplifies a masterpiece, perfect in every way. Roger Dean's art work propels this wonderful album into the stratosphere:

Here is the track listing for it

1. Close to the Edge- This piece is along with "And You And I" are almost arranged like classical music. I will be talking about the individual movements within this one and the next track

I. "The Solid Time of Change"- This starts off with the sounds of nature, the foundation for the song is laid down here, it's sounds rather chaotic with everyone going crazy with their instruments then we hear an "Ahh" and we are in for a ride.

II. "Total Mass Retain"- The Total Mass Retain sends chills down my spine and that says a lot since not much music does, I like how everyone is involved with the choruses, it's sounds so emotionally poignant.

III. "I Get Up, I Get Down"-With this part of the song you know that what you are listening to is not just music anymore it's more like a spiritual experience, again it sends chills down my spine, that organ that Rick plays is simply haunting to say the least, that solo that Rick plays has me saying "what the hell am I listening to"(in a good way, obviously).

IV. "Seasons of Man" -This portion of the song goes back to the verses of the Total Mass Retain and The Solid Time Of Change but it comes off as powerful than ever, it's just so emotionally driven it's crazy. 'I get up, I get down" is just so magical. This piece is along with "And You And I" are almost arranged like classical music.It is inspired by Hermann Hesse's book Siddhartha which I believe is about finding spirituality.10/10

2. And You and I- This piece along with "Close To The Edge" are almost arranged like classical music. I will be talking about the individual movements within this one song

I. "Cord of Life"- This portion of the song gets the vocals and the verses in and it sets you for the next portion of it

II. "Eclipse"- This one is yet another piece that sends shivers down my spine, I like the solo that Rick is playing very much, this portion came from the Heavens above us.

III. "The Preacher the Teacher"- This one is my personal favorite movement of the piece it has that signature Steve Howe acoustic break, I love it and it simply is music perfected, this is musical bliss at its best, I cannot stress enough how much this portion of 'And You And I" touches my very soul. I love it, its so powerful, majestic and beautiful all at the same time.

IV. "Apocalypse" - This portion is just as poignant as the rest of the song, it's short and sweet. This song yet again gets a perfect score from me. 10/10

3. Siberian Khatru- This is the rocker of the album, it's a perfect way to end it, it's so funky and great along with that great solo from Steve(what chills). Steve Howe shines most on this piece. The guitarist in me loves the heck out of Steve on this piece, I love how Bruford goes bonkers on his drum set a little towards the end. Though a little repetitive for my liking it still shines on many levels, it has enough to send chills down your spine(I keep saying that but I really mean it!!). This song is my least favorite on the album but still really really good. I have to give it 9.5/10

Overall Close To The Edge gets a 29.5/30 which is pretty much darn near perfection. This album is a spiritual experience, you will never be the same person again after you are finished with it..!!!THE QUINTESSENTIAL YES ALBUM, THEIR MAGNUM OPUS!!!

I have to rate it a 5 star release. Peace out !!!!!!