CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Ah Close to the Edge. Why is it the greatest album in the Yes catalog and arguably of the whole progressive rock genre? Simple. Yes put out an album that was extremely complex, had long, structured songs, and showcased some amazing musicianship, yet at the same time at the end of the day they knew they had to make SONGS. This was what kept Tales from Topographic Oceans from being the masterpiece they had originally envisioned.

The album is accessible enough that most non prog fans would probably be satisfied with Close to the Edge (the song) until the keyboards/organs towards the middle, and definatly with Siberian Khatru (since it picks right up instead of having a minute or two of white noise and ambience to set the mood). Yet their is still enough to keep the hardcore prog fans happy because of its complex, layered compositions and truly beautiful moments (such as the climax to the title track).

A great album that anyone can appreciate. They stay true to prog rock, yet it isn't extreme enough that it shuns outsiders. Close to the Edge indeed.