You are not going to find any sense in this album; lyrically it's very complicated, philosophical and a senseless progressive mess. Now you're probably wondering what's the purpose then? I can tell you, Close to the Edge is one hell of a journey through a spectrum of exhilarating musical moods. You have to be ready, pay attention and you will never know what's coming next. This album sounds so fresh and very innovative and it's from 1972, keep that in mind.
The album only contains 3 tracks with a running time about more than half an hour. Not much, however, be ready to be challenged!
The album starts out with the title track
Close to the Edge, which is divided into 4 parts.
The Solid Time Of Change is the first part and is very mystical. A storm with the sound of Eden gets nearer and nearer and when you finally are in the middle of this storm and feeling totally relaxed, then suddenly you are caught! The threatening bass breaks in and scares you, the guitar and the keys try to confuse you and brainwash you and then it all suddenly sets . . .
In the 3rd. Part
I get Up, I get Down you drift into a very dreamy mood and feel totally at peace. You will be completely mesmerized by the "
I get up I get down" followed by the keyboard which unexpectedly turns into a church organ and you are once again in another state of mind. The keys are so far out, very playful and the solo by Wakeman is highly impressive. There is structure all over the place, everything doesn't fit and yet it just fits so damn well together.
The song
And You And I is more light and "straight" forward. It's the weakest song on the album, however, it's not a filler, it's just the song that manages to impress me the least - maybe because of the high standard on the album. The song starts out with some finger play on the Acoustic guitar, and then it melts into some very spacey keys creating a cozy and uplifting atmosphere.
Siberian Khatru is defiantly the best song on the album. I Love the opening guitar intro, Steve Howe is one truly amazing guitarist and the main riff is also very catchy. He owns big time with the many cool guitar riffs in this incredible rocker! You get the feeling of he is one with his jazzguitar which has a great round and vivacious sound. It's so exciting listening to each respective instrument - all the way through.
The sound on this album must be commented. It's very unique, and there is nothing that should be lower or higher, every instrument shines on this album. The bass from Chris Squire is very much in front. It's groovy and working in perfect harmony with the many different musical moods created by the dreamy mystical keys and the spot on guitar along with the solid drums. All these elements characterize Yes. And not to forget Jon Anderson's vocal. He is an amazing singer with a very special high pitched voice that fits wonderfully into the special musical landscape.
What this album suffers from is the fact, that the lyrics don't give any meaning at all, makes it hard to get touched. I'm very impressed by their skills and their way of putting things together and making everything go smoothly, however I'm not touched in a way which would make this a phenomenal album.
Some says that
Close to the edge is the best progressive symphonic rock album ever made. Technically it may be it, however, it doesn't have the ability to reach for your heart and soul. There are many layers, structures to be discovered, but if the lyrics were more understandable, and if there was something in it, it could reach for a higher rating. On the other hand the lack of understanding gives the music another dimension; you get high on the Yessound. You are allowed to just focus on the music.
What you will get is an album with many creative arrangements that takes more than just a few spins to get into, I've lost count! It's impressive, captivating, mysterious, playful and it has a very unique sound. You will be amazed over and over by the depth and all the musical greatness. I just can't get over that it's from 1972, it sounds so inventive and it certainly was at that time and still is today, a timeless record! This is ear-candy for musical nerds.
To sum up: Progressive symphonic rock at its technically best, but emotionally it lacks.
Written by
Sandra Saturday, December 5, 2009
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