CLOSE TO THE EDGE

The title track is literally Prog-Rock at its best: virtuosity, innovation, and versatility wrapped up in a sophisticated, mature production. The range from mellow to rockin' is here, and the themes are woven well throughout the whole track. An amazing composition that truly takes 18 minutes of varied, complex-yet-simple music, and never has a dull moment.

"And you and I" is less versatile, but that's because it is more of a ballad. It still has an excellent and dynamic nature, and explores different aspects of the band's talent.

"Siberian Khatru" is also simpler than the title track, but behind it's simple themes is a remarkably robust and energetic performance. This is Yes at their tightest, and man, do they hang together!

The only earlier album that comes close is "Fragile," which, while excellent, lacks the revolutionary spirit and maturity that makes "Close to the Edge" a true masterpiece. After "Close to the Edge", Yes became too self-indulgent and less collaborative, perhaps carried away by the ego-trip of making what could be called Prog-Rock's signature album (if that isn't a contradiction in terms). "Tales from Topographic Oceans" and "Relayer" both have excellent Prog-Rock ideas and themes, but neither are woven together as seemlessly as "Close to the Edge."

So if you want the quintessential Yes, this is it. This is Yes at their peak of maturity, and working together as a whole, rather than a collection of remarkably talented individuals.

Share this YES review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Wormboy
• Report this review (#35696)
• Buy YES music online with PA partners
• Show all YES MP3/Stream
• Go to YES page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Close to the Edge page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for YES related discussions