CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Prog nirvana.

This is the greatest album ever made in my opinion. Almost all of the credit is due to the title track. Being one of epic size, yet seeming to be so unforced to be that long, a song of ever constant change and the extension of so many ideas. 'Close to the Edge' starts off with a celestial opening, then crafted with the sound of birds and then a full instrumental blow-out akin to that of Mahavishnu Orchestra, because of Bruford's jazz leanings behind the kit and Steve Howe's electrifying chops. The instrumental section is broken into two, by Jon Anderson's cresendo'd voice, producing a truly epic feel. The verse pieces all have a similar structure, yet have their own ability to sound completely different and varied, necessitating the want to create an ever-changing piece. This song has it all, some of the finest breaks like the blissful church organ from Rick Wakeman, before the song finally closes itself out. Possibly the best track to be offered in music.

The next pieces were of a different flavor, yet each brought some great ideas forth and executed them brilliantly. 'And You and I' is a wonderful acoustic track with some of the most beautiful leads by Steve Howe accompanied by very insightful lyrics by Jon. 'Siberian Khatru' is a great rock song, of course, taken into the progressive form. A quirky guitar intro and catchy choruses makes this another great asset to one of the best albums conceived by man.

5 stars and nothing less.

Share this YES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ProgBagel
• Report this review (#184222)
• Buy YES music online with PA partners
• Show all YES MP3/Stream
• Go to YES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Close to the Edge page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for YES related discussions