Close to the Edge - Yes - Summer of Prog

Extended version on Patreon: / jtcurtis
Continuing Summer of Prog, JT Curtis reviews what many consider to be the greatest Progressive Rock album ever made: Close to the Edge by the band Yes released in 1972. The album contains the epic title track, And You and I and Siberian Khatru. But is it truly the greatest prog rock album ever?
Special thanks to Nick Patrella.
#yes #closetotheedge #progressiverock #historyofrock #summerofprog #rock #albumreview
Despite the band being one of the most loved progressive rock bands ever, The history of Yes in very complicated. The band began in 1968 with singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire and drummer Bill Bruford along with original guitarist Peter Banks and keyboardist Tony Kaye. Their influences ranged from rock, folk, jazz and even classical. Signing with Atlantic records, they released their debut album in 1969 and Time and a Word in 1970. The later featured a full orchestra which alienated guitarist Peter Banks. Steve Howe took over on guitar for 1971's The Yes Album which featured classics like "Yours is No Disgrace" and "I've Seen All Good People." It was also their first collaboration with engineer / producer Eddie Offord. The album gave the band some notoriety on both sides of the Atlantic. Another lineup change came when Tony Kaye was replaced by virtuoso Rick Wakeman who could play piano, organ, mellotron, and synthesizer, sometimes two or three at once. With the lineup established, Yes recorded Fragile which included the epic "Roundabout," a surprise hit for the band, even considering its 9 minute length. "Heart of the Sunrise" was also 11 minutes long. Their complicated arrangements and desire to expand their sound could lead to disagreements over the band's trajectory. In September of 1972, the band released Close to the Edge, their magnum opus. Roger Dean, who had designed the cover art for Fragile, returned to design Close to the Edge. The title track originated out of Jon Anderson reading the Herman Hesse novel Siddhartha, and including its themes of spiritual enlightenment "down by a river" and coming of age. The piece was difficult to work on considering the complexity of the title track, recorded in segments and stitched together through Eddie's brilliant editing work. The B-side included two shorter epics: the acoustic driven And You and I and the funk-style rocker Siberian Khatru, featuring some of Steve Howe's best guitar playing. However before setting out on tour, Bill left the band to join King Crimson and was replaced by Alan White. Songs from this tour were included in the live album Yessongs. December of 1973 saw the release of Tales from Topographic Oceans, a double album. Rick Wakeman felt alienated from the album's concept and would eventually leave the group. 1974's Relayer featured Patrick Moraz on keyboards. After working on solo albums, the band, now with Wakeman back in the group, released Going for the One in 1977. Tormato was released in 1978 and saw the departure of Eddie Offord and was not as well received. The band was divided between more commercial material or more artistic so when Drama came out in 1980, Anderson and Wakeman were replaced by Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes of The Buggles. Yes disbanded in 1981 but would regroup in 1983 with Chris Squire, Alan White, a reunited Tony Kaye and guitarist Trevor Rabin and set to record a new album with Trevor Horn producing. Jon Anderson was invited to join the project, which became a Yes album called 90125 and featured their hit "Owner of a Lonely Heart". Over the 80s, the band once again came to disagreements, even leading to a separate Yes group called Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe named after their respective members. But the 1991 album Union would see the many members all come together for a reunion. Over the years, the lineup would continue to change. Chris Squire died on June 27th 2015. Alan White died on May 26th 2022. Members of Yes continue to tour and perform their material in multiple incarnations, Close to the Edge remaining one of their crowning acheivements.

[@KenSwanson-p4i]

Lots of people have said lots of nice things about this album. It seems to find a place, deep inside, for me. It doesn't get old.

[@TheProgCorner]

The time is ALWAYS right for Prog Rock!!!!❤❤❤

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Love your channel!

[@Yesenjoyer]

Are you tracking all Yes videos?

[@stevenbuck07]

I was glad to hear you say that Close to the Edge could be the greatest album ever made bc I have believed that since April 8th 1973. While in 10th grade I saw that concert tour and then played the LP so many times, I swear the needle must have wore through the vinyl and you could hear the songs on the other side. As you might think I worshipped that recording and group. What a great analysis you did in this video, thanks.

[@thekivster]

It’s hard to not call this the greatest prog album of all time

[@jimnewl]

It's easy for me. I don't think it is.

[@thekivster]

@@jimnewl Then what is

[@stevenbuck07]

@@jimnewl Cynical, aren't you? I'll bet you're reluctant to tell us all what you think is the greatest, for fear that it would be sooooo silly of a pick. yeah, that's it, right?

[@hyoidhornsstudio]

I went to the Tales show in San Diego Ca in 1974 at 14 years old. Anyone there would remember the nude dancers during the encore that stormed the stage, doing the Can Can. I was 10' from the center stage and saw it all. I wasn't yet familiar with Yes, besides Roundabout on my AM radio. Months later I heard Close to the Edge at a friends house. I was so taken by it, I was an instant Yes freak. Bought the album saving my allowance, as a poor kid, it took months, worth every dollar. I also saw them for Relayer, Going for the One and 90125 shows in S D. Tales and Edge led me to read Autobiography of a Yogi, Siddhartha and the Bible. Steve Howe became my main idol and inspired my guitar habit over the years. Over riding Page. I saw Zep '73, my first concert at 14 years old S D, also '75 and '77. I was 10' from the center stage for the '75 Graffiti show ! Those albums were some of the greatest music to date. Edge is playing on a loop in my mind daily. I tear up every time I listen to it. Now that you find, now that you're whole...

[@wendellwiggins3776]

No dancers at my TALES show at 17 with the elaborate Dean Bros Set design on Ellis D. after seeing both their pre-elaborate CTTE stage concert in 72 & them on a small barren stage in 71 opening for Jethro Tull at 15 where my life was first changed. But I am one that will take up arms against anyone who intellectually attempts to criticize the masterpiece & groundbreaker that is TALES simply because they don't 'get it' fully! For me, it's like diminishing Beethoven, Einstein or Picasso because of not understanding their genius.

[@hyoidhornsstudio]

@@wendellwiggins3776 The dancers / Streakers as they were called, was likely a stunt by Wakeman. The San Diego newspaper article days later my mom clipped had a pic and it referred to them as Streakers. I was scolded and told I wouldn't be going to any more concerts for a while. I think it angered Anderson the most as one of the girls put a chrome top hat and feather boa on Wakeman, I could see the shock on Jon's face. It was a random event, likely staged by a local strip club ? Maybe drove a bigger wedge cause Rick left shortly after, who knows. Oh the 70s, what crazy fun I used to have...

[@wendellwiggins3776]

@@hyoidhornsstudio LOL!

[@supermariofan772003]

Oh man, what can I even say about Close to the Edge? This was the album that got me into Yes and was my gateway into more experimental and progressive music. Pink Floyd were my first prog rock band, but Yes was what made me really fall in love with the genre. Jon Anderson has been a major influence on my vocal style, having somewhat of a higher voice myself. The thunderous bass of Chris Squire and dynamic drumming of Bill Bruford made up a rhythm section rivaled by very few bands. Steve Howe's guitar playing is majestic and soaring, and Rick Wakeman's keyboard runs are out of this world. Like you said, that church organ on the title track sounds MASSIVE. I think what I really like about this album is how deceptively complex it is. While Yes certainly had a pop sensibility to them, these are NOT simple pop songs. They go through multiple different keys, tempos, and time signatures. I think my favorite piece is And You and I, but all three are flawless masterpieces that don't waste a single minute. That's a rare quality in music. There is absolutely no downtime here. Every single minute is essential. And unlike Dark Side of the Moon (which I've gotten kind of sick of to be brutally honest), I can listen to Close to the Edge over and over again and have a blast every time. Also, you did mention that the Buggles briefly replaced Jon and Rick in 1980. As weird of a combination as it sounds, I actually think Drama is one of their best albums! It has a much darker sound than previous Yes albums. And while it definitely has some new wave influences, it doesn't sacrifice complexity or great playing. Chris and Steve really shine on there. I highly recommend it!

[@carraigroche9663]

Fragile will always be my personal favourite yes album but damn if close to the edge isn't an incredibly close second

[@thekivster]

Wrong opinion

[@philflower7778]

Wow!! This is great!! Love Yes music so much!! So interesting to hear how this epic song came to be! Great job!!

[@Dinerboy11]

And You and I may be my favorite Yes song of all, and that's saying a lot.

[@therocknrollgamer9572]

I think Yes are great. Listening to them makes me aware how joyful 1970s rock was

[@DinoCovelli]

This was my first Yes album, handed down to be by my dad after I had just joined my first rock band as the keyboard player. My dad overheard me trying to learn a John Lord solo, and he said "if you think he's good, you need to hear Rick Wakeman." I became obsessed with CTTE and quickly become a massive Yes fan, but this album remains my favorite. There really isn't a single dull moment on the entire thing, I think it's a masterpiece. Siberian Khatru is also my favorite, and for the exact same reasons you mention. But I count it in 15/8!

[@TomFoti]

Whenever I say, "They don't write 'em like they used to," Close to the Edge is the song that comes to mind.

[@user-otzlixr]

John Anderson is one of the few singers that has a speaking voice that matches his singing voice.

[@redpig6878]

YESSSSS I’m so glad you’re doing this this summer, cuz prog is soooooo good and my favorite subgenre of rock

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I also wanted totally to agree that CTTE and PF's Dark Side of the Moon are two of the Rock genres greatest albums of all time!

[@nothing-b2n]

Yep..they were from another world way after 2024

[@seansheppard8635]

Yes ia my favourite band ever (along with the Beatles). Close To The Edge is probably their most perfect album. Fragile is equally great though, in my own opinion.

[@LSUfan]

You are correct!

[@AudioAl5195]

The YES Album is looked over so frequently I think it is an incredibly strong album that doesn’t get it deserved praise.

[@williamlangan5902]

This was one of those albums I bought from Caldor. I really hadn’t heard it but a lot of friends loved it. I put it on my turn table. Like you said, JT, it started with the birds and the stream. It’d grow and grow until Howe’s guitar burst onto the scene! I Get Up I Get Down calms everything down. Wakeman’s organ sounded like church leading into Seasons Of Man. Jon sings his highest ever, so much it had to be taken down 2 keys when performed live. The needle returned to the beginning and I enjoyed another listen! And You And I was so ethereal. Btw, I liked your imitation of Howe’s “Ok.” The Eclipse is such a buildup and The Teacher The Preacher calms it all down. The Apocalypse sums it all up. Listen for Howe’s cosmic final riff. Siberian Khatru is the most fun song. Squire must’ve had fun playing it on bass! I guess because it lacks no energy is why it opened for many concerts. Not sure what the outboard River means but I guess it doesn’t matter. Your friend who called got the album spot on even if he drove you crazy with the phone calls! Much like Bruford complained he was driven crazy during the production of this! I look forward to the next album, Mr. Curtis! I think you should have the Summer of Prog every year!

[@timothygibbs8037]

You're right, when I get to the end of Close to the Edge, I need a nap!

[@Local_PepsiOfficial]

Boy am I excited for In The Court Of The Crimson King. I do feel like maybe next years summer of prog could feature Moving Waves by Focus

[@thomasoconnell2150]

I have seen Jon with the band geeks twice and I can say without a doubt in my mind…… holy shit close to the edge sounded so damn great live.

[@RadagastBrown420]

Yup

[@brooklynlotus]

Yes!

[@AndrewAmbrose]

Very nice to see Nick again. 😄 Definitely gotta give the album a listen sometime.

[@AndrewAmbrose]

I've now listened to it, and it's great!

[@JeremiahPickardMusic]

Yes are my personal favourite band of all time. My favourite album is the follow-up Tales From Topographic Oceans but Close To The Edge is still magnificent. I saw them earlier this year on their tour for Mirror To The Sky and the only disappointment was they didn't play anything from this album. Hopefully when I see Rick Wakeman later this year (front row too!!!) I might get to hear some of his beautiful piano renditions of And You And I or Close To The Edge.

[@lamecasuelas2]

Yes! Siberian Khatru Is the top 10 songs for me. Also, i don't even think that Close to the edge Is their Best epic, which speaks volumes of Yes and shows How amazing they can be This is a neal little series mate. I can't wait for you to get to Cardiacs

[@billjones8503]

Close to the edge is epic Yes!

[@zakolompe5659]

My favourite yes album

[@wendellwiggins2900]

OK, I just wanted to mention a couple of misnomers that you stated. I've heard from a source that it was EDDIE OFFORD'S voice at the start of AND YOU & I. Also nowhere will you find that KHATRU is a Yemeni word or Jon saying that. When asked in an interview, Jon said, "AS YOU WISH", meaning "Interpret it as you wish". Unfortunately, since someone put that on Wikipedia or somewhere, everybody like you keeps repeating it. Finally BS about TALES. TFTO is absolute perfection. Sorry that some dont have the patience and will never understand it. Otherwise great REVIEW. and for sure, SIBERIAN is an awesome quintessential YES masterpiece! ❤

[@JTCurtisMusic]

I don't think that's Eddie's voice saying "OK." It sounds too close miced to be coming from the control room unless Eddie just happened to be standing right there where Steve was and someone else was manning the console. The quote about "Khatru" being a Yemeni word comes from a 2012 interview with Music Radar (which was a great source for researching this video). The entire quote is "“I was playing this on acoustic guitar the other day. ‘Khatru’ means ‘as you wish’ in Yemeni. When we were working on it, I kept singing the word over and over again, even though I had no idea what it meant. I asked somebody to look it up for me, and when they told me the meaning, it worked for the song." Wikipedia also cites this as a source. It's possible Jon was misquoted or he's just flat out wrong, but this is why I said "According to Jon." Tales from Topographic Oceans for sure has some great musical moments but it doesn't all come together for me like Close to the Edge, Fragile, or even Relayer. Still I can see why it has its fans.

[@wendellwiggins2900]

@JTCurtisMusic After a deeper investigation, I concede on Khatru and may have been mistaken about the interview I heard, which may have mentioned that Eddie suggested keeping Steve's voice on the final print. Nevertheless, regarding TALES, I can't imagine any moment of it not absolutely brilliant. Each side instrumentality is a deeply emotional & impactful vivid & visceral depiction of the poetically metaphoric lyrical narractives. Side 1 magically reveals the Dawn of existence & takes me deep within Man's gradual awkening awareness through the evolution of life. Side 2 with its ebbing & flowing dreamlike sensibilities and delicate undulating currents sonically can take me to the same level as their AWAKEN & Side 3 impactfully sends me right into the depth of a darker yet mystical & tribal primal journey deep within the Ancestral psychedelic past. Side 4 is pure gratification for life's journey through a ceremonial celebration of existence itself. Diminishing TALES is analogous to criticizing Beethoven, Einstein, or Picasso for not understanding the brilliance of their geniuses. CTTE, TALES, RELAYER are the wholy trinity of YES. Each is uniquely different, and each takes me to another place, like comparing the Himalayas to Bali or Brazil. One's preference doesn't mean another is better. I prefer each at different times. 😂

[@RadagastBrown420]

​@@JTCurtisMusicYou might want to read, " Yes - But What Does It Mean".

[@doodlebob3758]

I like to think all of us here have gone through our "memorizing Siberian Khatru's free-form section (doo-dah-dah-do-dah!) near the end" phase. I use it to annoy my girlfriend while I drive!

[@anthonyblakely399]

♥♥♥The Members of YES and many band were stoned or high or drunk 24/7 which is very difficult for following generations to understand....they were all genius and fought a lot....because they were messed up and everyone wanted to showcase their talent on every song.....when Steve Arrived and argued to produce Fragile and the music critics went wild about the arrangement of the songs and the production of the album...he had established himself as the primary producer of YES!!! and he had put it in contract too.Jon was very stubborn about the way his songs were meant to be orchestrated and presented this stubbornness made drove other members of YES CRAZY because no one was sober enough to make a coherent decision except Steve Howe and his decisions on the music were always right and the results was increasing fans who reflected their devotion in sells and concert participation. Bill Bruford get fed up and left the band because he disagreed in the direction of the band and it's philosophy and so did Rick Wakeman and others.....and as fans at the time in the 60's 70's and 80's we knew that! We knew what was going through music magazines who had reporters spying on the band and of course, the e volume of arguments in the studios and outside the studios was pick up on and reported...so we knew just like we knew about The Beatles.....we knew!!!! Good report btw!

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@anthonyblakely399 I hate to tell you this but following generations are just as stoned or high or drunk 24/7

[@teddyfurstman1997]

I enjoy Close to the Edge so much! I also like Fragile and The Yes Album. Also, Tales from Topographic Oceans and Relayer. ❤

[@kevhead1525]

Jon Anderson's voice tends to rate as love it or hate it. But with all the interesting things and virtuosity going on here, his uniqueness blends perfectly with the rest. An instrument that would be sorely missed.

[@ChromeDestiny]

Nice with the mention of the first two Yes albums before Steve Howe joined. There are tracks on there that point the way towards the Close to the Edge title track, Harold Land on the debut with the symmetrical arrangement structure and the cover of Everydays on Time and a Word, the crazed intro to Close to the Edge is loosely based on the jamming they did during later live versions of Everydays. There is definitely a Folk influence in Yes that sometimes comes through, And You And I is a prime example along with the first half of All Good People and some passages on Topographic Oceans and Relayer and much later Final Eyes from 1987's Big Generator. Steve's guitar intro on Siberian Khatru is according to him a little tribute to Jimi Hendrix who had recently died at the time with references to Red House and Jimi's version of Hey Joe.

[@RadagastBrown420]

Looking Around

[@RadagastBrown420]

Yes is not merely prog rock. They are prog, psychedelic hippie rock.

[@madman666alive4]

Probably won't be able to get to it but highly suggest checking out Eloy, the prog band that didn't make it but should've

[@TheAmazingSpaghetti]

They are the best, what can I say. Interesting how when Yes fans say what their fave album is, a lot say CTTE, but many including me say Going For The One, many say Relayer, some, including Billy Sherwood say Tales, and some people who prefer less proggy stuff say The Yes Album, an some even say 90125 or Talk.

[@kevhead1525]

Funny you mentioning Howe leaving space at the beginng of And You and I. See Steve. You can leave space! 😉

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

Masterpiece.... Close to the Edge came before Dark Side of The Moon so Yes' Eclipse was first.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

Technically Pink Floyd had already been performing Dark Side of the Moon live since early 1972 (which was actually called Eclipse at the time).

[@Yes_Jorge_Yes]

@@JTCurtisMusic yes started writing Close to the edge in the Fragile tour September 71

[@mind_flowers]

Indeed a prog masterpiece just like Dark side. Those who dig stewe howe should really check out Tomorrow and their self titled album from 1968. Especially if youre a Piper Floyd fan.

[@porflepopnecker4376]

Saying that "Tales From Topographic Oceans" is overblown and pretentious is like saying that Beethoven's Ninth Symphony is overblown and pretentious.

[@36inc]

ah yes the band i looked up too as a kid. and its the reason i like jojo i actually got that love before seeing the show i dont even think the ova was avialable here till i was like 8 or 9 anyway but yeah. of course the villian being DIO is highly ironic cause real life dio was kinda just chill XD and deceptively small. I got to see him with iron maiden after motorhead in 2003 when i was 13 so both of my inter ests at the time 70s music and anime folded in on it. despite that ive only watched up to season 3. with 4 and the rest juust being too much anime to get through.

[@willwalters8391]

I’m not gonna lie. I’m a die hard King Crimson fan. But I think close to the edge might actually be THE prog album.

[@RadagastBrown420]

Yes is more than a mere prog band, they are also a psychedelic hippie band.

[@mikemoritzgamer]

I always felt daunted by this album. The songs were so long and there was so much going on. I found Fragile more accessible, but just gravitated to Floyd. Might give this a spin, have another go at it.

[@mikemoritzgamer]

I tried it a few times - I think it just isn't for me. The music is nice and excellently performed; but I'm struggling to connect to it emotionally like I do with Pink Floyd. I find it easier to get my hooks into Fragile, but CttE just feels out of reach to me.

[@thekivster]

There’s no point in trying to analyze the lyrics of this album

[@LSUfan]

True, but they sound good when sung.

[@thekivster]

@@LSUfan Yes. That's the main point.

[@RadagastBrown420]

Not true. I know exactly what all the lyrics from Close to the Edge mean , even if Jon Anderson doesn't.

[@thisworldiscreepy2510]

It’s actually brat summer, sorry JT Album still a 10/10 tho

[@RadagastBrown420]

😂

[@wr7662]

I'm still waiting to find a better piece of music than the title track.

[@EtonDG]

First

[@luizjose778]

Mano,não entendir praticamente nada do que você falou pois sou.da América do Sul "Brasil",mas as imagens falam por se só,parabens e obrigado por isso!❤❤❤❤

[@bradduenweg7356]

Drama is not a bad Yes album. Check out Machine Messiah.

[@scottyvalero3691]

When are u gonna talk about Gabriel era genesis

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@scottyvalero3691 when they stop being so strict about their music being used in youtube videos…

[@scottyvalero3691]

@@JTCurtisMusic that’s valid lol

[@Austin-31557]

I still prefer relayer but close to the edge I feel is the reason that for all of its wackiness prog rock is the greatest genre of music ever

[@JTCurtisMusic]

@@Austin-31557 Relayer has some great moments!

[@RadagastBrown420]

​@@JTCurtisMusic Yes is no mere prog band. They are prog but more importantly psychedelic hippie rock.

[@kevhead1525]

At least once, Jon confessed that many of his lyrics were just stringing together words that he thought sounded smart and cool. But, like with many bands, the music came first. Words were just an afterthought. Heh. But if you find yourself singing along, you will find yourself uttering nonsense. 😜

[@RadagastBrown420]

Not always. Most of the lyrics do have meanings, especially the Close to the Edge track itself.

[@joshmcmillan348]

I’ve tried so hard love this album but it’s never compares to my favourites (fragile, the yes album and especially relayer). I seen yes play this album for its 50th Anniversary and frankly I was so bored for the first 20 minutes. Close to the edge is so boring to me, and you and I and the one I can’t pronounce (Siberian kublakhan or something) are great tracks. But that side one is so repetitive, I feel like long for the sake of it unlike something like 2112 or echoes where it keeps my attention all the way through.

[@1adneumann]

A perferct record....but oh, how the mighty have fallen....

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

Rolling Stone's lists are always garbage. That is all.

[@JTCurtisMusic]

... you're not wrong...

[@RadagastBrown420]

Except when they have Yes ranked high 😂

[@patrickmcevoy5080]

@@RadagastBrown420 A broken clock is right twice a day.

[@pinkraven4402]

Personally I usually listen to just the title track, I feel like the other two aren't nearly as genius and to me, personally, they feel like unnecessary add ons, I don't care much for them

[@azureblue1442]

Waters is EVIL, ruined the greatest rock group on the planet 🌎

[@josephst.george7841]

Cool opinion but it has nothing to do with Yes

[@DWHarper62]

Waters was also the reason they were the greatest rock group on the planet... Everything Pink Floyd did after was elevator music...

[@RadagastBrown420]

​@@DWHarper62Pink Floyd is for depressed teenage boys.😂

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Okay. You have said that some of Pink Floyd albums are not great. But you like this album. It is unlistenable

[@scottscottsdale7868]

But your video is great actually.

[@RadagastBrown420]

😂😂. There's just no accounting for some people's tastes. Pink Floyd is for depressed teenage boys 😂

[@Kouros-t6d]

Best Yes album is Going for the one

[@RadagastBrown420]

Awaken and Turn of the Century are strong. The title track is awful.