CLOSE TO THE EDGE

(I hope someone hasn't already used that line in a review.)

Hard to believe it's been around thirty years since I first heard this album. I must admit that during the '80's I started to lose interest in Yes and this album along with the band. But, it came up in rotation Yesterday, I popped it into my truck's CD deck, and I was impressed first and foremost by it's timeless quality. It really doesn't sound like an album from 1972. Maybe it helps that I didn't hear it or get into it until 1978. Albums that are fresh out when I first hear them tend to remind me of that time.

I think the single most important factor that gives this album a timeless quality is undoubtedly Wakeman's keyboard work. Anderson's obscure lyrics also help a lot. Not to take anything from Bruford's, Squire's, and Howe's contributions.

My track by track impressions in brief: Close To The Edge - almost nineteen minutes in length, yet I never find myself wishing it would hurry up and finish. And You And I - a beautiful love song that probably could have been a radio hit if it weren't for plenty of Anderson's obscure lyrics and of course the ten minute length. Siberian Khatru - the shortest and most rocking piece on the album.

The musicianship of all is superb, the songs are all long, and the exquisite art in the middle of the gatefold by Roger Dean. What's not to like for the serious progressive rock fan? It will likely remain the highest rated Yes album and in the top ten prog albums of all time on this site and deservedly so.

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