Review
"Close to the Edge," the fifth studio venture from Yes, released on September 8, 1972, stands as a monumental achievement within the realms of progressive rock. At its core, the album's title track, an 18-minute magnum opus, is a prime exhibit of the band's unparalleled artistry and profound lyrical vision. This track, segmented into four distinct sections, weaves a narrative that transitions from an ethereal genesis to intricate, dynamically charged instrumental episodes, embodying the very essence of compositional sophistication.
The flip side of the album presents two stylistically divergent pieces: "And You and I," a folk-tinged serenade marked by its exquisite melodic contours, and "Siberian Khatru," a more transparently energetic rocker propelled by an infectious guitar riff. These tracks collectively highlight Yes’s capacity to traverse a broad musical spectrum while maintaining a cohesive auditory identity. Produced with meticulous attention to detail by Eddy Offord, every instrumental and vocal layer is masterfully balanced, further elevated by Roger Dean's emblematic cover design featuring the band’s iconic "bubble" logo. With the album hitting No. 4 in the UK and No. 3 in the US charts, alongside a marathon tour introducing drummer Alan White, "Close to the Edge" has earned its place in the pantheon of progressive rock, its legacy cemented in accolades such as its ranking on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Albums of All Time". - Orson
