Search - Yes :: Close to the Edge

Justin E. (BarakTheRed93) from HONOLULU, HI
Reviewed on 2/11/2023...

What I regard as one of my top 5 albums, and likely my favorite Yes effort next to Fragile and 90125, Close To The Edge is the OK Computer of the progressive world. The fifth consecutive LP from these heroes may appear quite unassuming to the untrained eye (think people who like only whatever is popular), and even the cover is quite plain, but do not be fooled! This record is home to one of the best prog suites that has ever touched my ears. If you see this, anywhere, don’t even hesitate to pick it up before someone else does. I guarantee that you will not regret such a purchase! :)

1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.

Mark T. (BranddX)
Reviewed on 9/30/2012...

This is classic Yes. Anyone giving this less than 5 stars is just a buffoon.

3 of 8 member(s) found this review helpful.

Tim G. from MINNEAPOLIS, MN
Reviewed on 10/11/2009...

Hearing this album converted me into an instant Yes fan. As to whether it's their best album or not: it's a toss-up between this one and "Fragile". This is a timeless classic!

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Janna R. (lightworkermom) from KITTY HAWK, NC
Reviewed on 5/29/2007...

Atlantic Recording Corporation, 1972.

0 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Good entree into the world of SHM-CD

William R. Bettler | Indiana | 09/17/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you're like me (god help you) and you found the Led Z

eppelin box from Japan that came out two years ago in the SHM-CD format to be lackluster ("overly bright" is the phrase that comes to mind)this classic album by Yes might restore your interest in this format.



I won't go into details about the quality of "Close to the Edge"--for those who like 1970s prog-rock you probably already know that this was a high watermark.



What you need to know is that the SHM-CD is a revelation. The density of the original production of this album has led to some muddy-sounding Cds in the past, even the domestic releases of the early 2000s. I'm thrilled to say that this problem has been eliminated witht his SHM-CD release.



Individual instruments are clearly defined; textures can now be fully appreciated.



Further, this disc has an incredibly wide dynamic spectrum--the quiets are ultra-quiet and the louds are very loud (but not distorted). Also, the low-end is just superb. Chris Squire's innovative bass-work, long obscured by muddy mixes, is now glowing, funky, and radiant.



Another fun thing I noticed is that Rick Wakeman's stately pipe organ on the title track (long a demonstration disc dating back to the vinyl era) reveals that this disc is not only "wide" in its mix but "tall." The spatial qualities of a church/pipe organ are thrillingly recreated.



In summary, give SHM-CD a chance. I picked this up used on the Amazon Marketplace for about $25 and count it a real bargain. In the past I found a Yardbirds SHM-CD ("Little Games") and Emerson, Lake, and Palmer's self-titled debut for good prices ($16 and $40--ouch, that wasn't such a good price, but I do love the album). These are also good examples of how effective and magical the SHM-CD format can be.



I can't wait to try out the new SACD SHM-CD format cds but am waiting for prices to come down. In the meantime, you might want to treat yourself to this Yes classic."