CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Close to the Edge is one of the most accessible prog albums, and just generally enjoyable. It mixes great rockability, musicianship with profound, emotional segments. This definitely isn't the greatest prog album, as many have dubbed it, as it lacks a spice, an experimental/exploratory/unique nature.

The celestial sounds in the title track's intro and outro is very tasty. The instrumental section at the beginning is very interesting and talented, but a tad chaotic. The soft interlude is astounding. When the organs come in, goosebumps ensue. The whole song is very moving: a prog classic. The second song, And You And I, is also very beautiful, and focuses on Yes' symphonic direction. The acoustic parts are genuine, though the rest is also great. Siberian Khatru is a great Yes rocker, but a shame it had to end on this song, because really, this is the weakest song on the album. It would have been nice if the track's order was reversed, that way it builds up to the end. But regardless of track order, this album still misses the slightest je ne sais quoi.

Due to its huge popularity in the prog world, it should probably be essential, but it's really not perfect at all, and many more atmospheric, touching musical journeys can be found.