CLOSE TO THE EDGE

As good as the Yes album and Fragile were, Close to the Edge is where Yes finally gets it right. It takes everything that was great about the previous two albums and concentrates into 35-minutes of great prog. The album has a perfect combination of upbeat melodic moments, and slower atmospheric moments. Compositionally, everyone is at the top of their game here, and although very capable, none of the musicians overdo it.

The album begins with the title track, 'Close to the Edge, (10/10) which by many accounts is Yes's best song (though I prefer Gates of Delirium slightly). The song is beautifully structured into distinct sections, but the sections seem to flow into the next seamlessly. The beginning is a dissonant noodle-fest but it gives a rather uneasy vibe that contrasts the next section, which has some nice riffs and free-flowing bass. My favorite section though is I Get Up, I Get Down. It's very atmospheric, and Jon's vocals are truly great here.

And You and I' (10/10) is also great. It builds with acoustic guitar until the really nice melody on keyboards comes in. The Mellotron use in this song is spot on perfect, and really helps bring out the atmosphere.

'Siberian Khatru' (10/10) is in complete contrast to the previous song, as it is upbeat from the beginning and never lets up. The main melody itself is awesome, but how they build and create a 9-minute song off of it is truly amazing.

Usually I try to have a lengthier conclusion, but what can I say, Close to the Edge is as perfect an album as you can get.

10/10