CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Every opinion has been stated about this album. Each reviewer has taken notice of this, but everyone assesses it anyway. I know I am only reviewing Close to the Edge out of a desire to express my love for roughly all 38 minutes.

The title track is an admirable illustration of progressive rock. Moreover, it is a perfect model of how a prog epic should be. Someone new to the genre could not possibly be scared away immediately. It is all very inviting, never boring. What's more to say?

And You and I is gorgeous: more down-to-earth, symphonic, acoustic, melodic, powerful, and softly instrumented at either end of the song .all that good stuff. If the world really did end with Yes' version of the Apocalypse, I would die happy. Although Close to the Edge is the ideal epic, And You and I is my idea of the stronger of the two.

I say the two because Siberian Khatru is entirely different. It has that upbeat, funky riff punched out aggressively, constantly, similar to the much quirkier one in Roundabout. No doubt it is the most energetic, but perhaps that is why it is the least effective? It's just not as dynamic, therefore not as appealing.

On the whole, CTTE is very efficient, and almost flawless. I could listen to it every day if it weren't for a fear of wearing out the enchantment. Without Khatru, I would try for 5.5 stars. With, it is 4.5 (rounding upward to 5). I considered putting "Not a second wasted." as the tagline, but the third track is exceptionally duller in comparison to the others. Not to overanalyze an excellent album. Never the less, Close to the Edge is essential if you are going to call yourself a prog fan. Its magic doesn't affect every person, but at least give yourself the opportunity to experience this classic.