CLOSE TO THE EDGE

I have always considered Fragile a slightly flawed Classic but a Classic, nevertheless. Close to the Edge in comparison is a close to perfection as Prog Rock can get.It may lack those hair raisingly exciting flashes of brilliance on the previous album eg the opening few bars of "Heart Of The Sunrise" but the sheer elegance of this album is irresistible. The Epic side long title track is beautifully melodic and complex and memorable."And You And I" is simply gorgeous and has one of the greatest mellotron passages I think ever recorded. It is truly transcendental. I saw Yes perform this at a concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and when Rick Wakeman did that solo at full volume-all I can say is the sheer power and beauty was overwhelming. The closing track "Siberian Khatru" is a great Prog Rocker with suberb rififfing from Steve Howe and beginning to end so full of energy. A great way to end the album.I honestly think Yes perfected this particular style of highly complex yet highly accessible music with this album.It is not my favourite Prog album but I still think it is an absolute masterpiece

5 stars