CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Close to the Edge is without question Yes' peak and a masterpiece of progressive music. Rick Wakeman's arrangements, Steve's versatile guitar, Chris' springy bass, Bill's beautifuuly brutal drums, and Jon's soaring voice all come together and produce what is in my opinion the greatest prog album of all time. THe album opens with soft sounds of nature that lure into a feeling of comfort. That feeling disappears about 30 seconds later when the band comes in ferociously. The near 20-minute epic has all the twists and turns that have become a staple of prog. The great thing about the song is that there is no standout player; everyone works as a cohesive outfit and feeds of the others. There is no weak link in the band.

After the alternately beautiful and cacaphonious title track comes And You and I. The band eases off the power and delivers a stunning ballad with Jon's beautiful voice propelling the song.

Siberian Khatru cranks things back up to 11 with a great solo from Steve as well as one of his best riffs. Steve's flirtations with the country style picking of Chet Atkins are incredible. If you want to learn where Steve Morse, the famed Dregs guitarist, drew his inspiration, look no further than Howe's finger picking prowess.

Though the album has only three tracks, each one is a classic and the album will leace you panting. No one can call himself a prog fan if he doesn't own this album. Along with In the Court of The Crimson King and Foxtrot, this album helped to forge progressive music.