Together with Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon and Genesis' Foxtrot , Yes' 1972 masterpiece Close to the Edge It might be considered the most thoroughly developed album within the genre of progressive rock. This record encapsulates the band at their pinnacle moment of creativity, which was both remarkable and short-lived. The work embodies the ambitious aspirations and distinctive inclination toward fantastical and dramatic storytelling characteristic of the progressive rock era better than almost any other piece preceding or following it. In its prime, 1970s progressive rock sought to create a comprehensive musical vocabulary drawing equally upon classical music, the blues, folk tunes, jazz elements, psychedelic sounds, and spiritual influences from the East.
Similar to how The Beatles pushed boundaries, Yes expanded the horizons of what a pop song could achieve, venturing deep into uncharted territory. Their fifth studio album exhibits a clear, three-part harmony; the nearly nineteen-minute-long titular piece occupies all of side one of the initial vinyl release, echoing the framework of classical compositions—imagine the experimental discordances favored by vocalist Jon Anderson, akin to those found in Igor Stravinsky’s works, or the grandiose orchestrations reminiscent of Maurice Ravel. This epic track was assembled haphazardly, combining fragments from songs crafted by Anderson and guitarist Steve Howe, along with segments captured during a spirited ensemble jam session which starts with ambient sounds of water and bird calls before transitioning rapidly into psychedelic rock. During the poignant middle section, keyboard player Rick Wakeman emulates Johann Sebastian Bach using a pipe organ recorded inside a London church.
On side two, there were just two tracks: “And You And I,” a folksy lament exploring the quest for innocence and honesty, with Graham Nelson’s high-pitched vocals providing stability amidst serene guitar strums. Conversely, “Siberian Khatru” swings ferociously, driven by Bill Bruford’s nimble percussion work and Chris Squire’s powerful basslines. Today, alongside bands such as Tame Impala and Arcade Fire, these three pieces resonate strikingly—more vibrant and pertinent than one might expect from a musical relic now over five decades old.
This specific part of Yes' history has been thoroughly chronicled, making Rhino’s comprehensive edition cater primarily to dedicated collectors and music enthusiasts. Steven Wilson previously revised the album back in 2013, but this collection presents an entirely fresh remaster and remix, including support for Dolby Atmos. The instrumentals truly shine, particularly in “And You And I.” Without the multilayered vocals, Chris Squire’s dynamic bass work takes center stage where it belongs.
Sampling the full-album rehearsals from the studio sessions is incredibly enjoyable, with their sporadic imperfections and spontaneous vocalizations lending an authentic touch to the group’s relentless pursuit of excellence. In contrast, the radio mixes, single versions, and “Steven Wilson edits” come off as less significant.
Regarding live content, the collection features the band’s legendary December 1972 show at The Rainbow in London — several tracks from this concert were part of the original triple live album. Yessongs . Since the 2015 Progeny The box has already provided us with seven complete concerts from the same tour; another performance would be appreciated, yet it feels somewhat excessive.
If anything, the Rainbow recordings showcase how Yes blended their virtuosic inclinations with an unapologetic raw energy during live performances. The youthfulness and determination shine through in their rendition of "Heart of the Sunrise," the final track from their 1971 album. Fragile that signaled the impending peak of Close to the Edge Wakeman's individual performance – showcasing clips from his first solo release, The Six Spouses of Henry VIII — will put a grin on your face thanks to its grandiose embellishments.
Bruford left his previous band to join King Crimson just prior to this. Close to the Edge The tour started, likely leaving them drained following the completion of the quintet's demanding journey. During these performances, drummer Alan White showcased his skill in managing complex time signatures effortlessly. He stayed with the group up until his passing in 2022.
Following Close to the Edge, Yes couldn't reach such incredible peaks again. However, their subsequent three albums are must-listens: an underappreciated masterpiece from 1973 called " Tales from Topographic Oceans." Tales from Topographic Oceans is vast and grand. Horrified, Wakeman dashed away ("Understanding music is essential to playing it," he stated), and in response, the band cranked up the energy on their 1974 release. Relayer – a harsh dose of nearly metallic frenzy. From 1977's Going For The One honored the principles of form and balance, imbued with the subtle hint of a lasting goodbye. Except for the year 1980, Drama — a dizzying foray into progressive new wave — the group’s subsequent albums up until now resemble debris left after a shipwreck: an unsuccessful effort to rescue fragments from earlier times. Imagine this extravagant collection as a tribute to the instant when Yes stumbled upon a spark of pure brilliance and embraced it fully.
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