Yes - Close to the Edge

Atlantic

September 13th, 1972.

The progressive output of 'Yes' reached its summit on this day 50 years ago. 'Close to the Edge', the bands fifth studio album, saw the formula peak in proficiency with an end product of sheer classic stature. 'Close to the Edge' is a reference to the state of the band at the time of recording the album. You wouldn't know the band were at boiling point while breezing through the record. Tension leads to interesting results - make or break type moments.

Close to the Edge reaches a pinnacle of efficiency in musicianship and moments of magic distilled into sonic soothings. The band, who were firmly at the height of creative endeavors, seem to find yet another gear and kick up the quality to surpass previous efforts. Consistency being the only characteristic missing from their earlier works, Close to the Edge closes the gap on perfection and their ideal sounds/soundscapes. The partnership of Chris Squire and Bill Bruford, as usual, finds its feet at the heart of Yes' sound, while the band simultaneously find comfort in supplying sufficient breathing space - for example, the 'I Get Up, I get Down' passage of album opener and title track - for the material to come full circle and somewhat sentient. Close to the Edge is a living, breathing artifact. It feels things. It understands in a mysterious way. It is a celestial being.

As with all timeless material, Close to the Edge feels like it was unearthed rather than created. The sounds found within have always been here, they just sat back waiting for the right spirits to portray their message through.

September 13th, 1972.