Yes
Close to the Edge

As always, before starting this review, it’s important to clarify that this album, like the entire Yes discography, is not for everyone. But above all, it should be emphasized that if you only appreciate this band when Jon Anderson is the lead singer, I’d have a lot of questions for you—most importantly: are you truly a fan of Yes? Because, as far as I’m concerned, the answer is no. For example, I allow myself to say that I enjoy their albums both with and without their legendary singer.

That said, before getting to the actual review, I’d like to state that I bought this album several years ago, back when I was still listening to the legendary Jethro Tull (another band whose discography is not for everyone). At the time, it was hard for me to imagine that there might be a single note or soundscape that could testify to the existence of a completely different musical world, even while staying within the context of my beloved progressive rock.

The other important premise is that this album features the classic lineup: Jon Anderson, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Steve Howe and Bill Bruford. It’s also necessary to point out that after this album, the lineup would change. In fact, Bill Bruford left the band to join King Crimson, another hugely important progressive rock band, who have produced legendary albums—just think of In The Court Of The Crimson King, their very first record (a truly explosive debut), considered a classic of the genre, Red and Islands. In his place came drummer Alan White, and… the rest is history. That’s right.

The album at the center of this review is Close To The Edge by the mighty Yes. Considered one of the classics of prog, it’s a fundamental record, especially because it helped to codify this musical genre. And it did so with great authority. As is the band’s tradition—and according to an unwritten rule in the world of progressive rock—the album I’m reviewing contains two long tracks and one shorter one, a formula that makes this record an immense masterpiece.

The album opens with the title track, Close To The Edge, running for almost nineteen minutes… BAM!… what a bang to start! This is truly a face-punching track! Here we encounter a classic characteristic of Yes: starting the album with multiple voices singing simultaneously. This is not unique to this record—you can also hear it in Drama, and especially in Tales From Topographic Oceans, which is probably the band’s ultimate masterpiece. This long suite has four interconnected sections:

The Solid Time Of Change

Total Mass Retain

I Get Up I Get Down

Seasons Of Man

At a certain point, there is a much calmer and more relaxed section, but it’s only an illusion, because as soon as that part ends, a theme from the opening is reprised, this time with truly face-punching instrumentation, especially keyboards and drums standing out. Then comes a blazing solo by Rick Wakeman, leading into the final part, where we find the original time signature, but with much richer instrumentation.

The album continues with And You And I, a suite lasting 10 minutes and 09 seconds. This piece, too, is made up of four parts:

Chord Of Life

Eclipse

The Preacher The Teacher

Apocalypse

In this context, we get to glimpse a musical side of the band. This track, in fact, has a delightful country flavor, which allows us to appreciate Yes’ great musical sensibility.

Finally, the album closes with Siberian Khatru, 8 minutes and 57 seconds long. This track is in classic Yes style, and lets us enjoy the great chemistry among the musicians.