CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Yes, this is my first ever review on PA and, yes, I am starting with an album that has probably been reviewed more times than I have listened to it, but how could I not begin with the most celebrated album from my favourite prog rock band?

What new insights can I add to the reams and reams that have already been written about this seminal album?

Probably none. But I can talk about my own experience of listening to this album for over 30 years.

For me, this one of the greatest albums ever made. Flawless in its composition and execution, all of its parts fit together perfectly and the whole album flows seamlessly.

I have played this album so many times over more than 30 years, and I never get bored of it. In fact, I constantly find new elements to enjoy.

This is an album that I could play several times a day and still want more. In fact, I think that, if I lived for a thousand years and played this album every day, I still wouldn't get bored of it. That's how good this album is.

You cannot be a serious prog rock fan and not own this album. It is beyond essential and is arguably prog rock's greatest masterpiece. 5 stars is not enough.