CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Dedicating my first review to the greatest album ever made! Yes' undisputed classic remains as one of the finest works in modern history, and its influence is unimaginable. Notable for its complex and colossal compositions, Close To The Edge is also the second Yes album with legendary keyboardist Rick Wakeman.

The line-up of the band is flawless, Jon Anderson providing his memorable and recognizable vocals, Bill Bruford giving out amazing and flawless drum work, Steve Howe making quite possibly the best guitar work of his career (doubtful? Listen to the first three minutes of the album!), Chris Squire with his memorable bass work (which was by the way mixed very well), and Rick Wakeman providing majestic organ sections and keyboard solos.

As I said before, the three tracks are colossal. The title track which opens the album is in my opinion the greatest progressive rock track ever made. It's the embodiment of the genre and a perfect definition of prog! It's divided into four movements, two of them instrumental and two with vocals, and the song is very cohesive, retaining and changing previous themes.

And You And I is the second track exceeding the ten minute mark. It works as a much softer and lighter track after the insane track that comes before it. It has a wonderful build-up than gives you an awesome sense of tension, the melodies are my personal favorite of the album. It works as a wonderful break for the album.

Siberian Khatru is one hell of a rocker! Some of my favorite Yes solos and guitar lines are in this song. As you would expect, the melodies are memorable and catchy, the instrumentation is flawless, and in my opinion the best solos are in this specific track. It's a super solid track, and it's surprisingly the track I find myself coming back to the most.

Impossible to not give it five stars, it's a truly essential record not only for any prog rock collection, but to any rock collection in general! A flawless masterpiece!