CLOSE TO THE EDGE

I know that everyone has done a review for this album, and everyone knows what it is. But yet somehow, I feel it my duty as a prog reviewer to review this absolute masterpiece.

Any prog fan knows the band Yes. On this album, the lineup was Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford, and Rick Wakeman. They all have incredible talent on their respected instrument, and it really shows here especially.

The title track is an 18-minute epic that stands up with the best of them all. It starts out with a really complex opening with odd time signatures and Rick Wakeman plays some really tough stuff, while Steve Howe solos. Next is the nice guitar riff that is one of the themes to the song. It contains some nice vocal parts by Jon Anderson, and has some nice music. The dynamic church organ solo defines Rick Wakeman as a keyboard player, and has great chord changes. They then do a little jamming, and then reprise the section titled "I Get Up, I Get Down". This is one of the best songs ever.

And You And I is the first song on side two, and is obviously one of the bands favorites. Even when they tour for another album, this almost always makes the Setlist on a tour. Why? Because this song's so awesome! Not much more to be said. Just listen to it, and you'll be happy.

Siberian Khatru is a less emotional song than the others, but still is a great, more upbeat, song. It is kind of a Yes anthem, only because people who don't normally like Yes tend to still like it. It's a great song with great guitars, and a nice keyboard sound.

Almost all prog fans own this album. It's a masterpiece that almost every man should own. If you're new to prog, all I can say is start here. You won't be disappointed.

5/5 without a question.