CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Water. Singin' birds. It seems the heaven. Then Wakeman starts with his keyboard following the sweetness of the beginning. But the situation is been growing. "The solid time of change" is beginning. In fact the volume grows since a powerfull attack by Howe guitar, Squire bass, Bruford drums and, of course the throbbing synth of Wakeman who plays a fast riff without problems. Howe is really great in his wah solo. Really only a few guitarists are great like him. Then the first change of time, with a sweet moment guitar leaded that brings us in the singing moment of the song. The wonderful voice of Ion Anderson reaches expressive in harmony with the beautiful instrumental part. Then the rhythm changes again, more slow but also great in voice and instrumental parts. Then follows a really prog moment called "Total Mass Retain" with Bruford and Squire that plays in countertime in wonderful way. Rick Wakeman is so silent since here, but will explain soon what he have to say. Continue changes of rhythm caracterize the song. The third part is "I get up I get down" finally keyboard leaded. This is a sweet ballad with extraordinary vocals by Anderson. Unexpected screams Wakeman organ after a growing in pathos. But all returns like before, more slow than before, but only to became another time the beautiful organ by Rick Wakeman. Synths joins the song in this moment and all becames so psychedelic, with great drums and bass. Finally Wakeman has his space to "destroy" the organ in a wonderful solo. "Seasons of man" begins with a returning of the beginnig chords and melodies. But all more sweet then before, thanks to the great performance of Anderson and the beautiful chords by Wakeman. It ends like the beginnig. Water. Singing birds. Ladies and Gentleman this is "Close to the Edge", the song who named this masterpiece by Yes. But also the other two songs are great, but not to the same level of the first.

"And You And I" is the second track, with wonderful Howe acoustic guitar arpeggio. The beginning is sweet and Anderson great voice emphasizes the moment. But all becames a little more fast afrter three minutes, maintaining to the sweetness and the perfect harmony it begins them. Then Wakeman mellotron joins the melody with a perfect taste and choise of the moment. The rhythm becames more majestic and powerfull, since Howe's acoustic guitars plays alone again, but caught up soon by synth and voice. The melody is the same of the beginning, but with different chords and the result is wonderful. The sweetness becomes majestic and returns acoustic for the end of the track. A Masterpiece.

Steve Howe guitar introduces "Siberian Khatru" but soon the sound will be full of instruments. Then the time becomes 13/8 and, after a little introduction, Anderson begins to sing. The rhythm is fast and lively. Really a good song, with great vocals harminies and clavinet solo by Wakeman. The composition is good, but not so progressive like the previous two song. Is more a rock sincopato song, like in "The Yes Album" record: is prog but not so experimental.

To conclude, this is truly a masterpiece. Buy this album.