CLOSE TO THE EDGE

Close to the Edge is the fifth studio album from symphonic prog band Yes. Yes started their career making two not too well received albums before making The Yes Album and finally achieving the success they deserved. The Yes Album is a groundbreaking album in many senses and with the next album from Yes called Fragile Yes developed their new progressive and symphonic sound even further. Close to the Edge shows that Yes were not finished developing their sound and it´s even more complete than the two previous albums. Close to the Edge is one of the classic symphonic prog rock albums from the seventies. An album every prog head has at least listened to and most love.

The music on Close to the Edge is very symphonic with lots of beautiful mellotron and other vintage keyboards/ synths. It´s actually one of the album where the use of mellotron is in the right doses. The music is very dynamic and there are both quiet subtle parts and lots of grand symphonic parts. Yes had always been influenced by many genres but here on Close to the Edge all of their influences melted together and the result is a perfect album. Jazz, classical music and rock in perfect union.

The album consists of only three songs. The fist song which originally filled up all of side 1 of the original LP is the 18:50 minute long title track. This is a prog rock classic if there ever was one. The song has a complex structure, complex rythms, lots of different moods and both subtle and symphonic sections. The two songs on side 2 are pretty long too. And You And I is 10:09 minutes while Siberian Khatru is 8:57 minutes. Both are also classic prog rock songs of high quality. And You And I is the most symphonic while Siberian Khatru is the most rocking but both songs has lots of different sections like the title track.

The musicianship is astonishing and extremely tight. Listening to this album even seen from today´s perspective you just know that these five musicians were at the top of their game and that they were and are very unique. Jon Anderson´s voice is an aquired taste and a few reviewers have pointed out that they like the music but can´t stand Jon Anderson´s voice. Jon Anderson does have a very distinct voice and I understand the critics, but personally I must say that I really like it and I think it´s one of the defining things in Yes sound as well as Chris Squire´s loud bass, Bill Bruford´s jazzy drumming, Rick Wakeman´s virtuoso keyboard playing and Steve Howe´s original approach to guitar riffs.

The production by Yes and Eddie Offord is absolutely wonderful. Warm and beautiful.

This is one of those few albums we all have an opinion about. What can´t be discussed is the significance this album had in 1972 and still have today. Wether you like it or not this is one of the most important prog rock albums ever made and it fully deserves the 5 stars that I will rate it. This album is beyond recommendable. If you haven´t listened to it yet you´re not a prog fan.