First Time Ever Hearing YES Close To The Edge (Reaction!!)

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[@poloreacts27]

Just want to say thanks for watching my crazy reactions! If you enjoy what I do on this channel consider supporting me. 70% of my videos are not monetized. Between setting up the studio daily, filming, editing, thumbnails, and research which all take away from my family, you guys motivate me to put out content daily. Consider buying me a coffee here www.buymeacoffee.com/poloreacts or my Patreon www.patreon.com/poloreacts PEACE!!

[@cam35mm]

For me every time I hear this song, I strap myself down for a ride down the Amazon River. At the beginning one is about to enter into the jungle, hearing the water and birds. Turn the bend and you hear the rapids approaching, then you are on the class 5 rapids. After the rapids, one turns the next bend and enters into different parts of the jungle. Around each bend a different world opens up, and near the end a beautiful meadow opens up with the sun rays beaming down on you as you lie down in your canoe staring at the clouds. And at the end, the river sums up the ride with the blending of the chaotic and the beautiful that you just experienced. You come full circle, and one exits the ride and there is Mickey Mouse to greet you and help you out of the ride. If Disney can build a ride like that, I would be there every year. I wonder if they got their inspiration from the it's a small world Disney ride?

[@chazwyman8951]

1) darken the room, 2) lay down on the bed, 3) Put on the cans, 4) Play at good volume and STFU. Repeat. No Record company is ever going to give a band like this another chance. So enjoy.

[@enoack1]

Great that you liked Close to the Edge. I've been going to Yes concerts for years. You have to typically have some patience at first listening to Yes music. Then it hits you how incredibly complex it is and enjoyable it is.

[@FerBolanos1966]

Following this album, Yes released their first live album “ Yessongs”, and Close To The Edge is included (actually the whole album). When listening, please considere the limitations on amplifiers and sound engineering of 1972

[@FerBolanos1966]

There are other live version in other newer live albums but I recommend the ABWH live version from their live album “An Evening of Yes Music”

[@hans-petterbjrneset3411]

There are only two kinds of people on this earth.. Those who have heard Close to the edge, and those who haven’t. Welcome to the right side!

[@michaelescareno7048]

That is one of truest comments I have ever heard!!

[@peterlennox4828]

There are those who have listened carefully to Tales of Topographic Oceans.

[@DaBigRMV]

@@peterlennox4828 “...getting over over-hanging trees...”

[@lambchop330]

@@DaBigRMV “clearly to be home”…

[@wolf7379]

I'm glad to say the band 'Yes' belongs to my generation. Everytime I listen to 'Close to the Edge' it takes me back to my teenage years experiencing the season of Spring.

[@chriscatherine5151]

Yes, it is an awesome journey to listen to. They don't sound like anything you have experienced before, and you can appreciate the artistry each member brings into it. Simply in a class of their own.

[@adamschaeffer3614]

The entire album from start to finish is a masterpiece. Its so rich, and moving, and powerful. The musicianship is at the absolute highest level, but balanced with such a depth of emotion that somehow transcends their insane technical abilities. Its a must-own record, desert island top five, one of the singular gems.

[@harlandcamley3996]

Very True., We need to listen to this entire album with a great bourbon.

[@thomasmacdougall6530]

@@harlandcamley3996I don’t think alcohol is the substance that they envisioned listeners enjoying while taking this journey.

[@RabbiSteve]

I agree with the OP here.

[@RabbiSteve]

Thanks for sharing your reaction to this with us. It is like reliving what many of us experienced when we let the needle drop back in 1972 on this record. Since this was 8 months ago, it is likely you have listened to it all again. And by now you probably know that if you start and stop it, it’s like a bunch of greatest hits strung together in a medley. And I realize that part of the reason you do that is to prevent copyright strikes. But if you get to listen to the entire thing all the way through, you may pick up on that this is meant to be heard more like a long unbroken work of art. Like a symphony and that all the little pieces build to a whole that cannot be broken and should not be. This was the height of Yes IMHO. Though I like their next album even more, TALES FROM TOPOGRAPHIC OCEANS, nevertheless, CLOSE TO THE EDGE, is where it all came together and that was the best version of the band ever. The drummer, Bill Buford left after this album, and although the next drummer, Alan White (who just recently passed away), was a great replacement, Bruford was my favorite. And went on to do a lot of other great progressive rock (aka “prog”) after this with King Crimson, UK, various versions of his own bands, guesting in some Genesis tours etc. This is a great journey you’re on. Thanks for sharing it with us.

[@stevemd6488]

Love this side but side 2 is my all time favorite recording of all tiime.

[@GWGuitarStudio]

Thank you! I am 63 and I have listened to this song and this genre over the decades. It does my heart good to see a younger generation discover this piece and others like it. Good music, regardless of genre is about universality and speaks to the soul.

[@PanheadJeff58]

Agreed!

[@MrSheepytoo]

I had two older brothers, seven years between the oldest and myself..... In 1972 I was ten, my peers were getting the Osmands, Baycity Rollers and the like... I was getting this, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple and ELP.... I think I won 😎

[@hummingbirdhemminghaus1221]

I totally agree, the younger generation to hear some yes

[@alextheskaterdude07]

Amen. I'm 56 and have loved YES since about 1980. You may not understand the lyrics, but the music and overall feel is just perfect. RIP Chris Squire and Alan White.

[@lapdawg60]

It's orchestral and cinematic. It's a short film for your ears. Epic.

[@welcomemachine6580]

1976. 14 year old me, living a pretty good life in rural Kentucky. My brother was a student at Georgia Tech. He comes home on Christmas break and, as always, he had something new for me to listen to. I could not take my headphones off! Every listen gives something new to hear! He ended up leaving that copy with me because I couldn't find it anywhere in our shit-hole little town. Still the greatest rock song ever, and I will fight someone over this.

[@JasonSmith-jr7jh]

Thanks so much for sharing. My experience was very similar (except I was in the sticks in middle Tennessee) and I was ALSO 14, and a couple of years later than yours.

[@Splitshot1]

Lol,,when you believe that much in something, it must be true...I agree!

[@stoneman29646]

Same here. I am from rural Southeast Kentucky and my Big Brother introduced me to a lot of hard rock beginning with his eight-track tapes. I spent countless hours in his room when he wasn’t home with the headphones on and he didn’t mind a bit. The first album he bought me was Thick as a Brick and I became a lifelong Tull fan. My best friend in college (1976-80) introduced me to Yes and I grew to appreciate them as much as JT. Still listening to both after all these years.

[@patrickdevine1085]

I must have listened to this album and this song a thousand times or more, each and ever time I feel like there is something new to be heard weather it be the music or the lyrics.

[@G_Demolished]

I think you’re wrong. This is the greatest 5 rock songs ever!

[@toddfrank3344]

The thing I love most about progressive, or "prog" rock, is that the people who created it showed that music could really take you somewhere. Nothing epitomizes that more than Close to the Edge. 50 years later it's still an absolutely amazing piece of music. I'm glad you think so too.

[@alanparsonsfan]

@Todd Frank Don't know what we did to deserve progressive rock, but am very thankful it was created. Got to grow up with it.

[@davidthompson7817]

I just saw an interview with Jon Anderson. He’s a little older than me and since my face is almost unrecognizable to myself in the mirror I looked at him and went ‘oh,yeah’ we all turn out that way,ha ha! He still impresses me even to this day which makes me feel young at heart.

[@t.seank.529]

I read an interview with Bill Bruford, drummer, who left after “Close to the Edge.” When asked why said something along the lines of “there was nothing left to do…”

[@markmissildine8345]

Growing up with all these bands (im 66), never knew it was even called Prog Rock. Yes, ELP, Pink Floyd, Hawkwind were just a different type of rock than Zep, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, etc. fantastic musicians making fantastic music

[@toddfrank3344]

@@markmissildine8345 Everything has to have a name. I don't know when the name "prog rock" was dreamed up..and it's been applied to all kinds of different stuff that's seemingly unrelated. But agreed,,great music played by fantastic musicians.

[@kiviuq3495]

I grew up with this and played it to death as a teenager. It's been a while since I've listened to it, but hearing it today brought tears to my eyes.

[@edwarddearlove7093]

me too!!!! keep on trucking

[@staratlas7778]

This song is one of the most influential pieces to ever be created! If you think about how many time signatures, from song structure, lyrics and simply masterful musicianship, and the fact that you have multiple genres of music all wrapped in one song!? And released in 1972! This song changed not only the rock/progressive genre, but influenced countless musicians for decades to come! We will probably never have anything like this again, so thank you Yes for blessing us with this Masterpiece ❤️

[@Sonny_Eclipse]

In 1972 when I was 19 I saw Yes in concert from the 3rd row sitting right in front of Steve Howe. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. I’ve been a yes fan for more than 50 years. I find it so interesting to see someone discover music that I’ve enjoyed for what seems like forever.

[@donnaconnell]

Me too! So great to see people appreciate my music!

[@JAM715]

I was 4th row. 😂

[@echoridgedrive]

My first concert...in 1974 at the Broome County (sp) arena in Binghampton NY.

[@jamesallen278]

You can’t imagine what it was like to grow up with this music. I was 13 when I saw them live in 1976. I really feel sorry for todays youth to not have this as a foundation in their life.

[@rayr5950]

Yep, they were something to experience live back in the 70's.

[@ronaldsaleh8309]

Why do we all feel this way? Because Yes was truly great. I mean the kind of greatness that is rare and only appears on time scales measured in thousands of years.

[@BritIronRebel]

The YesSongs double LP is a masterpiece also! Actually, every Yes LP is a masterpiece come to think if it ........

[@jonsheik3060]

I think That's the tour I managed to get to. Was it Tales From Topographic Oceans with green lasers?

[@thomasroutte8942]

I was 16,born in 60

[@stevesheroan4131]

My favorite song ever by my favorite band ever. And now one of my favorite reactions ever to the song. It truly makes a lot of us old cats well up to see people discover the music we’ve loved so much for so long. It’s also very rare for people, especially younger folks, to hear music this complex and adventurous and LONG for the first time and just “get it” immediately. These kinds of reactions absolutely make my day, so thanks for posting if you happen to read comments!

[@tronlady1]

My thougts too……exactly! Music has become so dumbed down that people now JUST DON’T EVEN REALISE that music can be like this. A journey, a trip, an adventure for the soul. The FEELS I get watching this are unreal. My sister passed away last year and she’s the one that got me obsessed with music generally, especially PROG. I remember her saying that she’d been listening to CLOSE TO THE EDGE for 50 years and it still made her feel like she felt listening to it the first time. This album has shaped my entire soul.

[@stevesheroan4131]

@@tronlady1 Very well said, and sounds like you had an amazing sister. I bet she’s listening along with you every time you are hearing those songs she introduced you to!

[@guidenredhawk]

YES is my favorite band, and got me into prog rock! I feel blessed to not just appreciate this music, but LOVE it. It’s like the best of symphonic music and modern music.

[@danloughran4993]

Well said... me too. It takes times and focus to get it.

[@patriciaauerbach2597]

Watched u til the end. Beautiful. Thank u

[@ricobonifacio1095]

I've been moved to tears by this song before, not ashamed to admit it. That final few minutes is so moving.

[@stevemd6488]

Now that's it's all over and done, now that you find, now that you're whole, seasons will pass you by

[@williamsporing1500]

“Soon” is the one that brings me to tears, even at 65 years old.

[@3262jackie]

This band was formed in my mother's living room in London. Jon Anderson is my first cousin.

[@megmodaff5989]

😮

[@PeterJVogel]

Amazing! 😮

[@michaelbeerbados3291]

and I flew to the moon with three monkeys and invented ice cream whilst there.

[@AlanWeisssaltz]

I hope you invented a good flavor😂😂​@@michaelbeerbados3291

[@johnhicks2974]

Wow

[@jimralston7562]

So glad you reacted to this! My favorite band, album and musical piece. I first heard it in 1976 at age 15 and saw Yes perform it live several times. The "flip side" is just as amazing! And You and I, and Siberian Khatru. I'm convinced Yes CttE will be revered for centuries. Like Mozart and Bach!

[@phantomreg]

The same for me wss in Great Britain at 12 y/o when it came out yes has always been in my top 2 bands

[@davidkyle2073]

Engineer Eddie Offord had a huge part in editing, arranging and mixing this masterpiece. Spiritually, this work reaches heights unmatched by any other prog song. Sublime.

[@timrinn3916]

Good call....Offord also engineered some of the Emerson Lake & Palmer LP's....They paid omage to him on the Trilogy LP with the song "Are You Ready Eddie"

[@eefvreeland9472]

Thanks! Finally someone who also credits the extra-member of the band. Without Eddie, no Close To The Edge!

[@damienthorne861]

Musical sublimity indeed !

[@worldmenders]

The genius of Steve Howe (Guitar) is that he plays a mind melting patch of speed notes, then slows down just enough that you can catch up with what just happened, then he does it again. And again.

[@cindymoore7905]

Totally amazing in concert ❤ one never forgotten ❤

[@franknoge]

Speaking as someone who used to be in a garage band, even more incredible than the creation of this song is the fact that they could pull it off when playing LIVE and make it sound just as awe-inspiring as the studio version. Their musicianship was off the scale. I loved the analogy of a Greatest Hits montage, that feels perfect. Most successful bands would need an entire career to come up with the musical moments that YES put into this single song. Peace!

[@stevemagnone8368]

Night after night!

[@z-man2343]

Oh, and as hard to believe as it is, they did indeed perform this live, very faithful to this epic studio version. I saw them live "in the round" during their '75-76 tour and this was their opener...still in my top three all time concerts.

[@milton1448]

Also saw the "in the round" tour. Also a top 5 for me.

[@walterstowe7384]

I saw the "in the round" tour at the Forum in LA as well. One of my all time fav concerts as well.

[@mikec9729]

I saw them in Oakland California I don't remember if it was 1976 or 1977 when the concert was over my three friends I was with were in a band and Yes was their Heroes we chased their limos all the way to the San Francisco Airport and they had to stop at a gate and that's when we jumped out and we all got their autographs.

[@frankmarsh1159]

In the round was 78-79. 74-75 was the Relayer tour.

[@Adam_The_Archivist]

Wow! What a show that must have been!!

[@BritIronRebel]

They have live videos of this on KZbin. And it's as outstanding as the studio version. They don't miss a single note!

[@Relayer6a]

I remember when Close to the edge was released. Imagine hearing it in '72 when nobody else was doing anything like this. Even today it's unique. Keep in mind there was no digital anything. Synthesizers could only play one note at a time, Synthesizers had no presets, you had to dial in every sound. There was no tap tempo for the effects, etc...

[@benjaminroe311ify]

Yeah incredible...sounds like something no one could even produce in 2022 and they did THIS in 1972. Incredible.

[@stevemagnone8368]

And then they'd Play It all, Live, night after night!? Astounding Musicians.

[@cmr7854]

Glad you posted your first-time reaction. I have always said their music represents what joy feels like. I've been listening to YES for 49 years.

[@stevedrums1675]

These guys were in their 20’s. Let that sink in. Merry Christmas to you and yours!🙂

[@kimmorrill7060]

13 yrs old when this came out. STILL LOVE THEM.

[@clivefrost3495]

I am 68 and saw this live in 1972 at Belle Vue Manchester,all I can say is from that moment on my life changed in a way that is undescribable and absolutely no sound on earth has EVER been able to come anywhere close. This and "Yours is no disgrace" will be played at my funeral and both tracks have been always been and always will be my "Go to" sounds whenever I need direction in life I am serious when I say I couldn't live without them .

[@johncoppinger3208]

It’s hard to appreciate someone listening to this for the first time when I’ve heard it hundreds of times but you’re doing a great job conveying the wonder we all felt the first time 👏👏👏

[@pinkraven4402]

Ye, when I was a teen I had to listen to that like 7 times to even start getting it

[@marksmith1597]

My friend from high school showed me this gem in high school, about 12 years ago.. This song changed my life and look on music. At the time I never knew music could sound this way. This song is hands down one of my favorites.

[@dylanmurphy4342]

The final few minutes are some of the greatest minutes ever in music

[@realbser1956]

Lead Vocals-Jon Anderson Bass-Chris Squire Drums-Bill Bruford Guitar-Steve Howe Keyboards-Rick Wakeman This is Prog Rock, and yes everything but the kitchen sink is in there: Jazz, rock, orchestral, funk, classical, folk. Yes was always a bass driven band and Chris is a legend, copied by many but never equalled. Prog Rock was born in the late 60’s/early 70’s and Yes was one of the pioneers of the genre along with King Crimson, Genesis, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Pink Floyd, Supertramp, and early albums from American bands such as Ambrosia, Kansas and Styx. I’m sure I’ve left many out. Tool is a descendent of those bands with its own sound as you have been discovering. CTTE is regarded by many fans of the genre as its crowning achievement but to be fair there are many great songs by many great bands so to pick ONE is very subjective. There are many live versions of this epic and you should definitely react to one, but I’ll leave that for others to recommend to you. I’m a big studio version guy, with some exceptions. I’m glad you loved this as I knew you would based on your Tool reactions. There are so many great songs in their catalog that I could not even begin to list them. Keep up the great work. 🔥🔥✌️

[@p-Nitti]

These are all master musicians each with successful career all inducted into the hall of fame

[@ker3917]

Chris Squire was an amazing, excellent base player. His solo album is fantastic. 🎸 🎵 🎶

[@ker3917]

Don't forget Gentle Giant

[@lsswappedcessna]

Lot of those guys influenced Rush, which is probably my favorite band. And it shows. The sheer talent of Yes and others is obvious in everyone they've ever influenced, everyone knew their part and played it perfectly, to create an absolute masterpiece. CTTE. A magnum opus of progressive rock as a genre. Maybe even THE magnum opus. The instrumentation is just impressive, and it'd take a Jon Anderson to make word salad as meaningful as it is in this song. I can say, confidently, there will be no other band like Yes. No band with as many influences that themselves turn out to be great.

[@scottcortmeister4164]

That was so much fun my friend, I'm just never going to get tired of cool people reacting to awesome music. Instant sub... Yes has so many great songs, another all-time favorite for me is their version of Simon and Garfunkel's big hit "America". Take care my brother, and thanks for taking us all on this musical journey with you.

[@sigil5772]

Great reaction. And the joy of this song is that - if you remember your first reaction here while you do - listen to it again, and again, and again, all the way through. Because it is absolutely the gift that keeps on giving.

[@SoulCage9]

The use of the Moog synthesizer changed music forever, Rick Wakeman was at the forefront of that revolution. Yes is iconic.

[@jimchaffee7943]

yes Rick Wakeman with yes and Kieth Emerson with Emerson Lake and Palmer

[@colindelaney4013]

It wasn't just rick what about Keith Emerson 😊

[@SoulCage9]

@colindelaney4013 yeah, you're right!

[@goldenruletv7301]

I saw Yes on the 90125 tour, and I was a young teen and I have to say these guys are incredible live. So much talent and Chris Squire (R.I.P.) is one of the best bass players to ever live.

[@Adam_The_Archivist]

I’m glad you stuck it out!! 70’s Yes, ELP and King Crimson. Dang throw in 70’s Genesis and you will hear the greatness of Progressive Rock! I know you love Rush and Tool take a step into what inspired them! And keep doing these videos, I love watching the next gen (damn I must sound old) but seriously glad you’re bringing this music back to the forefront where it needs to be! Sincerely Thank You!

[@DebraPowell-pl3cu]

Yes is such an awesome band. They went in a more pop sound in the 80’s, but in the 70’s they were on fire. I’m glad Polo loves them as much as I do ❤

[@gpg9516]

Your reaction is what it is, feel what you feel with the music and just continue to be honest about it. Yes is an amazing and constantly surprising band. It takes some concentration and repeated listenings for some of their music to start to make sense. But the rewards are beyond measure. They are the best.

[@suzie4211]

The sound track of my life.! My favourite song by my favourite band. Every time I listen to this track, my hairs stand on end. This album was the very first album I’d ever purchased. I was 16 years old. My friends at school were listening to radio pop.. while I was listening to this album. I know all the lyrics to this album. I played it to death. The live version is amazing. I’ve been blessed to have seen Yes in concert numerous times. They were phenomenal live.! Thank you for sharing your reaction to this masterpiece.❤️

[@zazune56]

Their most popular song was Roundabout. Crazy good!

[@allencarlson6128]

I have seen Yes three times in concert. Yes they play this song faithfully to the studio version...and even better. If you EVER get a chance to get tickets to one of their concerts, you must go. (Hopefully they still are touring.)

[@carlburke1625]

I think there will be two different versions of the band touring this year: the version still called Yes, with Steve Howe as the surviving member from this album, and Jon Anderson with the Band Geeks performing Yes music. Unfortunately there are a few no longer living, others no longer touring, and some personality clashes that keep it from being a single band anymore.

[@indierockyhockey]

I just float away to I don't know where when I hear this. No drugs or booze needed. So many styles of music all in one place. The lyrics I well just don't know what is going on, in a great way, and love that this one song takes up a full album side. The harmonies are beautiful. Chris Squire sounds so good backing up Jon's vocals. I get up, I get down... This song never get old and you hear something different each time you listen... texture.

[@ScottM-mds1hb]

Imagine some kids came here from another galaxy and they have complete mastery of every earthly instrument we possess, but then they say “enough of this tame sound by the rules y’all… let’s just bang around and have some fun!!” ❤ Yes!! 👍🏼

[@mhlevy]

One other thing to realize, is that they other 2 songs on this album are every bit as good as this song! They're just very different, each showing the incredible range and talent of the members of Yes.

[@stevemuhlberger]

I'd yay And You and I was better.

[@AquaticDot]

​@@stevemuhlberger I'll go a step forward and say the hard thing: I'd argue Close to the Edge is the weakest song on the album.

[@georgeroche58]

A masterpiece of musical artistry forever engrained in my being..On the same level as Bach and Beethoven..

[@rubydube7280]

There really is a harpsichord feel to Wakeman's organ and Howe's mandolin.

[@kenmathis9380]

Welcome to one of prog rock's greatest achievement! This album is widely regarded as the high water mark of the genre. You should give the two tracks on side 2 a listen as well. You will love them (and they're shorter!) Great reaction video! You have a new subscriber!

[@davidmarrero-iu6ol]

I saw yes at the Boston garden in 1973 it was my first concert (relayer tour) it was on a school night and promised my mom that I would be on time and focused I’m almost 62 and can’t remember what I had for breakfast but I remember everything about that night, YES forever!

[@Sigma1_969]

I was 15 years old and my friends and i were about to go on our very first acid trip, double barrel mikeys.. there were several albums we lined up to listen to, Dark side of the moon, Balack Sabbath, Tommy, Led Zeppelin IV, Moving Pictures, Sticky Fingers and a few others.. i had my apartment set up with strobe lights and speakers hidden throughout.. we tripped out for around 7 hours.. it was the best concert we ever went to..

[@onsenkuma1979]

I got this album on release in autumn '72. I was 17 and basically wasting time (and smoking a lot of good hash) in my last year of high school. I think I must have listened to this at least twice a day for months. Fifty years later and I still can feel a rush hearing it. It's always a revelation watching someone experience this piece for the first time. Cheers...

[@milesawaygirl7923]

It was an honour to see Chris Squire live many times, no one comes close to his bass sound, he is very much missed. Especially his harmonies with Jon 😢

[@jamesburnett6247]

Chris Squire was the foundation of the beautiful chaos which was Yes. Their music was cinematic in scope. He could somehow tie the seeming randomness of Steve Howe’s guitar & Rick Wakeman’s virtuoso keyboard riffing & the unorthodox vocal melodies of Jon Anderson… and then he could wrap it all together with Bill Bruford’s insane drum work. Check out Chris Squire’s solo Fish Out Of Water. Displays his creative genius in highlight.

[@WailinMusic]

Boomer who saw these guys in concert a number of times. Still one my favorites.

[@zimbo65a]

YES was one of the greatest live bands over decades and I loved every song live performed more than the studio versions-but "Gates of Delirium", a studio masterpiece, unable to play it better live. I hope you are gonna react the other masterpieses of YES, too.

[@avantprog6902]

Gates has been my favorite for years, since the 70's now I'm really blown away by," Awaken ".

[@avantprog6902]

Yes, this was a high water mark. You still have," The Gates of Delirium", and," Awaken ", to blow you away.

[@bookhouseboy280]

I'm with Squire on preferring Gates live at Cobol Hall 1976 as heard on Yesshows.

[@avantprog6902]

@@bookhouseboy280 That was my favorite for years. Steve Howe's solo. "Awaken ", takes me into God's thoneroom.

[@virginiealix2543]

Yes, there is a live version (from the album "Yessongs" 1973) and it's SO MUCH BETTER than the studio version! I would love to see you react to it!

[@Alphadawg3571]

I also liked the Yessongs version better, that was my intro to Yes, +- 1976.

[@worldnotworld]

Been listening to this for forty friggin' years, and you're right, there's always something I've never noticed before.

[@ArtofDreaming1]

Great reaction, you have what musicians refer to as big ears. A real gift!!!

[@mattleppard1964]

Ah another newbie. 38 years on since this first fascinated me. It is pure celestial magic ❤ For me the best live version is the Symphonic Live 2003 version: For more, Awaken and Gates of Delirium are wild rides 🙏❤️ Yes this is the greatest song or even work of art of all time.

[@robertforsythe3280]

This song describes a NDE and realization of the place we reside. Awaken your mind to the origin.

[@Uuuuutuuuube]

Great reaction! You’d really like Heart of the Sunrise by these guys too

[@Rabessey]

The song gives me a 'Fellowship of the Ring', epic journey through New Zealand vibe. Yes - first band I ever saw - July 23rd, 1976 Seattle - good times!

[@DustySoul257]

That was my third concert. The two previous shows I saw, also at the Seattle Center Coliseum, were Lynyrd Skynyrd / Montrose / The Outlaws on 3/16/1976 and Blue Öyster Cult / Bob Seger / Mahogany Rush on 6/12/1976.

[@romeoalphafoxtrot9517]

The talent of those guys was insane! Mind blowing!

[@mikec9729]

I've seen them three times back in the 70s one of the few bands that can play the song live just like the studio recording but better.

[@gregsegal3753]

I'm really glad you posted this! Your reactions weren't crazy, they were honest, and that's exactly what the channel is about. The thing about this kind of music is that it's made for repeated listenings, in that it makes more sense every time you listen to it. You can hear all the themes, the variations, and how it all fits together. And yes, this is one of the most amazing things in late 20th century music, I think. My first concert was in '75 seeing Yes at the Hollywood Bowl, touring for their "Relayer" album, which to me is one of the greatest albums ever made. I was 11! Not a bad way to start. But this was unlike anything anyone had done up to that point. So glad you enjoyed it, and got to hear it at all. The reason you didn't before this is that radio was hostile to anything this long, and that only got worse with time. Now it's all word of mouth. Welcome! So much more good stuff awaits you!

[@davidbryan4732]

You can't imagine being 17 years old and grooving to music like this all the time and then watching it all getting destroyed by disco .

[@williamsporing1500]

I’d love to know how many hours I spent in the 70’s, stoned with headphones on, listening to this and Tales. I’m so glad I grew up in the 70’s…..

[@baborak1]

Thank you for your video. It's the music of my youth. Your words touched me my friend. Thank you.

[@josegf.s.7958]

Piece i have ever heard. And I discovered it when I was 19. It changed my life because I think about the fact of the idea of composting something like that. That's why I love YES over every other options of music with ant kind of doubt. Nobody can do it. Not even conceive it..!!

[@zaran1]

A seasoned witch has called you from the depths of your disgrace, your liver has now been re-arranged with music that came quickly from afar. Welcome to Yes, just like countless youtubers who listened to that old old song before you, and like you, couldn't believe what they just heard. Your musical perspective have now expanded tenfold, at least.

[@peterramsay4674]

One of the best bass players I’ve every heard Chris Squire was ( RIP ) a major part of the success of Yes. And to their credit Chrises bass was elevated to the foreground and played like he was the lead singer. Bringing him to the forefront was a brilliant decision. Geddy Lee had a similar stature in the Rock Legends of bass. Listen for Chris or Geddy from Rush. You won’t be disappointed

[@lsswappedcessna]

Chris Squire influenced some great bassists. Shame he passed away before being inducted into the Hall of Lame (Geddy stood in for him)

[@mrssmallhold]

Pure genius is an accurate description.

[@bennettsmith136]

You are right. “This is amazing”. I’m glad that you got to hear it.

[@danmaxwell8668]

Yes, there is a great live version from the album Yessongs, as well a Live video as well!

[@johncharlton]

Thank You. Thank you for your wonder. I am all abuzz. Haven't listened to this in years. Forgot just how important it was to me at the time. Headphones in the dark. The soundscape of my youth. So powerful. So sustaining. What a trip back in time. Seasons have passed me by. I got up. I got down. I came of age. For me.

[@rickhaigwood1079]

I was fortunate enough to have seen this live when it first came out in Houston at the Sam Houston Colosseum back in 1972 while a junior in high school.....It was incredible....still is every time I hear it.....Glad you got to hear it.

[@StarvedForTime]

There's a reason Yes is my all time favourite band.

[@LifetimeWW]

It was fun watching you listen to this for your 1st time and loving it! 🎉 Yes was a amazing band! I saw them live in 1972 along with The Allman Brothers Band. Cost: $3.50 for both bands!😀 A lot of good music back then. I must say I still listen to Yes on many of my walks. I hope you tune into more Yes music. The musicians were top notch. In fact, I am seeing Jon Anderson in spring 2023. Guess that will be my 50th year celebration of Yes.

[@Roberttimestwo]

That you did a reaction to an 18 minute art rock song totally earned you a follow - that you love it as much as I did 50 years ago now I'm a huge fan of Polo

[@indierockyhockey]

Agreed!! Yes is an investment

[@dylanmurphy4342]

One of the greatest pieces of music ever recorded

[@z-man2343]

The drummer for Yes during this most creative and prolific period is none other than the incomparable Bill Bruford, a percussive genius and prog trailblazer. Without his syncopated, polyrhythmic stick work, Yes' music during this phase would've been nothing but chaotic, pretentious noise. For a shorter, more accessible yet just as musically stimulating track of theirs, take a listen to Roundabout...perhaps the ultimate example of radio friendly prog rock.

[@gpg9516]

@@Dave-hb7lx even more impressive is that aside from a ‘handful’ of lessons with Louis Pocock, percussionist for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bill Bruford’s technique, style and sound are his own doing. His impeccably crisp and precise work was crucial to much of Yes’s most respected music. When he left they were already poised for massive worldwide success.

[@mikedonoghues4018]

@@Dave-hb7lx King Crimson’s percussionist was Jamie Muir, who I think ended up in a Buddhist monastery. His work on “Larks’ Tongues in Aspic” is incredible. Bruford described leaving Yes and joining King Crimson as like “going over the Berlin Wall…into East Germany”!

[@douglasgonzalez7561]

@Z-Man Bill Bruford did something I would never have thought possible. He took the “My favorite drummer” spot from Jon Bonham of Led Zeppelin! Some 20 years later the impossible happened again. Danny Carey took the spot. There will ALWAYS be a special place in my heart for Bonham and Bruford!

[@lsswappedcessna]

I feel like people sleep on Bruford. Couldn't have had the pure face-melting glory without him.

[@jeremyrose2044]

I'm recalling 1973, as a 13year old hearing CTTE for the first. I saw it live the following year & many times, still play it frequently. I've a tear in my eye watching your reaction to this, & remembering mine 💙❤️ Thank-you from this 62 year in Wales; I think what I'm trying to say is "it's dope" 😉 Merry Christmas, Happy New year & happiness to all xx

[@Professional_Victim_H8er]

“This is another one of those songs, when you listen to it your credit score goes up.” 😂 My guy, you had me LOLing at that comment, but it is spot on! It take a keen ear and real musicianship to appreciate the genius of Yes, and this song in particular. It truly is a masterpiece.

[@VaughnM11]

Isn’t this stuff wild?? Sooo GOOD! ❤️❤️❤️

[@direnova6284]

The amazing thing is that Jon Anderson, the singer, sounds as good if not better now, 50 years later in his 70's.

[@edflava4121]

Late 70s at that!

[@tronlady1]

@@edflava4121 AND HE WAS THROWN OUT😮😱🙄

[@Acoustict]

My favorite song of all time. Happy you could appreciate it. This very nice commentary. All the best!

[@ilovelar]

There is nothing like watching someone fall in love with music you've loved all your life and appreciate it as wonderfully as you do. Thank you so much for your heartfelt wonder. :)

[@mars.359]

Progressive rock Yes, it has been said that they didn't invent progressive rock they defined it.

[@psbarrow]

I heard this song when it first came out, so here's my take on the lyrical/musical message of the song: Anderson said the lyrics were inspired by Hermann Hesse's 1922 novel "Siddhartha", which charts a journey of self-discovery, so... It opens with the peaceful sounds of nature, followed by the chaos of individual life in human society, the search for spiritual enlightenment, the notion that it cannot be found in human society ("Then according to the man who showed his outstretched arm to space, He turned around and pointed, revealing all the human race, I shook my head and smiled a whisper, knowing all about the place"), and ending with the sounds of nature one again (the Buddhist idea of enlightenment as being one with nature). The end of the journey was thus there at the beginning, all along. Released in 1972; 50 years after the novel, and now 50 years ago, but still timeless. It’s widely regarded as the best progressive rock song ever, and yes, you can watch them do it live on YT in the “YESSONGS” film.

[@judihicks2716]

Saw YES at a midnight movie in the early 80's. The lights went out,the room started smelling funny and I learned the magic that is YES.

[@FredJ.Thompson]

I have seen YES in concert from 1974 in Madison Square Garden, through 28 other appearances, including Universal Amphitheater in CA, Las Vegas multiple times, Iowa, North Dakota, and as recently as last week in Salt Lake City. It always amazes me that no matter the lineup, their music endures and always sounds just like the record. Truely musicians ahead of their time. I even met Jon Anderson once in a casino in Vegas. Always has been, and will be, my favorite band. As others gave suggested you should check out their usual encore number, Starship Trooper.

[@preprapro]

Thanks for making me relive listening to that song like it was the first time!

[@samtatge8299]

I love to see music affectionados who are uninitiated get blindsided by by this masterpiece

[@michaelkav6345]

Pure magical genius. Nuff said…

[@christianswain4884]

Imagine being fifteen and hearing this for the first time! Always will be one of the most head exploding moments of my life. And yes, they pulled it off live time and again. If the birds ever flowed from the speakers, my tears would flow knowing what we were in for with this song.

[@Insolation1]

This is progrock at it's best; in the early 70s it reached it's zenith point with bands like YES, ELP, King Crimson and Pink Floyd, you could also include Mike Oldfield, there were many others but these acts standout as the masters of that craft and none of it could be described as easy listening.

[@bookhouseboy280]

Gentle Giant are prog masters. Jethro Tull have a few top prog albums.

[@JacobBailey]

Camel, too😊

[@michelcolmant1714]

Don’t forget Genesis please 😊

[@ker3917]

@@bookhouseboy280 Gentle Giant Forever ❤️ 🎵🎶

[@jlcutright0723]

If you appreciate their harmonies, consider giving a listen to the acappela version of "Leave It" from their 1983 album, 90215. They harmonize so well that it's hard to believe there aren't string instruments mixed in! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2a1lXl4rq6Efpo

[@chaberger]

Amazing piece, amazing reaction!

[@Kotic1959]

I saw this concert the only time I ever heard this song live. Saw them 8 times Heart of the Sunrise and Starship Trooper are my 2 favorite songs but so many more

[@davidw.hulbertiv5211]

I was 17 when I first heard this... Juneau, Alaska... so many memories...

[@cindydahl9635]

You said you would listen to the song again but you won't you will listen to it again and again and again xcetera😊😊😊😊😊

[@TheAmazingSpaghetti]

Among serious Yes fans, this seems to be the fave Yes song, and I love it, but my fave Yes song is Awaken. This band os off the hook amazing, they have so many amazing songs it's hard to boil it down to a few, but a good place to start next is Roundabout, then And You and I, I've Seen All Good People, Gates of Delerium will blow your socks off, then everything on the Going For The One album.

[@joelclark4081]

Thanks for taking the journey.

[@clay-tw5gc]

Great reaction, thanks for posting. Since my first listening to this song, I have always viewed it as a fusion between classical music which in general has several movements, chord changes and timing changes and rock. It didn't take much for me to deeply appreciate progressive rock in my youth because I got bored with the top forty format songs that I heard on the radio. I wanted to hear something significant and groups like Yes, Jethro Tull, Pink Floyd and others gave that to me. I am thankful that I did get to experience this kind of music growing up. It helped me to understand that as a person, don't be superficial; be real, explore life, experience life.