REACTION TO Yes - Close to the Edge | I Feel Like Meditating...

[@SalvoG]

This song demands your full attention, somewhere quiet. I will be listening again, and again!

[@txhesser]

Listen to both sides, like Dark Side of the Moon, it is best as one and not broken up. Great reaction but now this opens doors for more progressive artists.

[@spawn4582]

Listen to this song, performed by the German progressive space-rock band Eloy. You'll like it! Have a good mood! kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZrNnIKYj7WbhKs

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

'72 was the year I graduated high school. On weekends, my friends & I used to dim the lights a bit and settle into the comfy chairs in the living room or basement of one of our parents' homes and listen to entire albums like Yes and Pink Floyd and Jethro Tull, from beginning to end and it *was,* in a sense, very like meditation. I'm one of the luckiest people on Earth to have memories like that and as an "elderly elf" I can honestly say that it's a pleasure to have the ability to share this music with reactors and their audiences and enjoy it all over again.

[@retiredslamjamm]

I agree, You don't know if you want to concentrate on the keyboard-synth, drums or the amazing bass, then the vocals come in.

[@Rabessey]

YES and Pink Floyd require your full attention and an altered state of consciousness to really appreciate all the various layers their music contains. Their music can be a religious/soul cleansing effect if you are willing to let it take you there....Just my 2 cents.

[@ericanderson8886]

Yep, the studio version of this song is unmatched, a masterpiece of prog rock. Best musician lineup ever and best prog rock ever. What else needs to be said. The two songs on the other side are classics as well.

[@tomhenninger4153]

ABSOUTELY!

[@cronejawford978]

Nah ... the Yessongs version is superior.

[@MJM1309]

The Holy Grail of YES Also the BEST Lineup Anderson Bruford Wakeman Squire & Howe

[@gistechrep3816]

Close To the Edge is the Gold Standard of Progressive Rock. It just doesn't get any better than this.

[@mattleppard1970]

It truly doesn’t

[@vicprovost2561]

I go for Close to the Edge more often but love Tarkus by ELP, too.

[@bookhouseboy280]

@@vicprovost2561 Tarkus is right up there for me too.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

That chaotic intro gives you a real good feel for the genius that is Yes. Squire is going nuts on bass, Bruford builds his own path on those drums, Wakeman adds his own chaos on the keys, while Howe on the guitar just jams like a mad man. Yes has always been known as a group of some of the most talented players/songwriters ever. In my book, one of the greatest bands ever formed in any genre.

[@stevedotwood]

The best way to enjoy harmony is after dissonance. There is no harmony without dissonance. The opening (nature and chaos) always reminds me of The Rite Of Spring by Stravinsky. And the "cave" part is indeed beautiful, it pulls you in.

[@mattleppard1970]

Well said and they were fans of Stravinsky. As fans of the live shows will know ❤

[@lesblatnyak5947]

​@mattleppard1964 and don't forget Chopin

[@glenndespres5317]

@@mattleppard1970The classic Firebird Suite!

[@mattleppard1970]

@@lesblatnyak5947 Thanks and, as always, hi Les!

[@curtisduncanmusic7645]

Yep; tension...resolve -- tension...resolve -- tension...resolve;

[@Kae6502]

I bought this album when I was in Junior High School back in 1975. It changed my whole musical landscape from that point on. I love watching first reactions to this song, as it's the closest I'll ever get to reliving that moment. Thank you for this!

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

I couldn't have put it better! I heard this within days of it being released in 1972; a friend brought it into the 6th from common room. Later I had a chance to listen to it alone, and it moved me so greatly. It has remained my favourite song ever since.

[@TigerMtnKing]

You've just listened to the greatest song ever written by the greatest band to ever do it! This song will take you on a journey every time you listen to it.🤩

[@kokomojoe6552]

I will be 70 years old in October and was around when it first came out. It still gives me Goosebumps and Chills. One of my all time Favorites. It surely is a Masterpiece.

[@gazric]

Just behind you in age...we were so lucky...the soundtrack of my life is full of amazing music. But if there has to be one..just one..this is it...I could spend eternity with this album and be content

[@yeshayahuhomberger2079]

Yes 👍💪🤙

[@FireMunki63]

As a 11 Year old I stayed at my older cousins home and looked through his record collection which was full of Yes, Status Quo and Queen. The cover of Close to the Edge caught my eye and I listened to Side 1, wow was totally blown away as never knew music like this even existed. I thank my cousin David for introducing me to the rabbit hole of Prog.

[@scifimonkey3]

The connection of the two main themes as the song comes to a climax is genius.

[@sandraandmichaelfield1602]

"Close your eyes and listen." As most of us Yes fans well know, Yes music requires the listener to immerse themselves, with repeated listenings, and within the privacy of one's own head; therefore to allow the music to carry you on a journey within one's own soul. With Peace and Love to all! (Michael)

[@wendellwiggins2900]

I guarantee the more you listen, the more you hear. Eventually, you dissect all the incredible interconnected interwoven mastery and the links within the entire composition. 50 years later, I still notice new wonders. I listen to it regularly and never tire.

[@michaelyork4554]

I first heard this in '74 when I was 12 on my brothers stereo at 1500 watts, I was wiping tears from my eyes, as Jon was telling me his deepest thoughts, and I was experiencing Gods composition.

[@bélalugrisi]

Great reaction! This one truly does bend space and time! Thanks~

[@michaelescareno7048]

Great to see your appreciation for this!!! I was fortunate to Yes on this Close to the Edge tour in 1973. An experience of a lifetime!! Again, great reaction!!

[@krisdoggett483]

Glad you got around to this one. Definitely follow up with side 2 either all in one take or separately. The whole album is a vibe. A true prog classic 💚

[@glenndespres5317]

Hey Salvo, loved your reaction and definitely agree that meditative part is sooo transporting. When you hear the single drops of water like you’re in a cave. As a youth I loved this album. Never understood the lyrics but was sure they hinted at something profound and deep. Each additional listen will bond you to this masterpiece. It was so satisfying for me to have listened to it enough times where I knew it well before seeing the band perform it live and being able to anticipate and follow along perfectly! Incredible music and experience!

[@glass2467]

One of, if not The most wonderful masterpieces by Yes.

[@RMForbes505]

I didn't find out until recent years that Jon Anderson was inspired by Hermann Hesse's book Siddhartha which is about the life of Buddha in writing this song. That made a lot of sense to me because I had just read Siddhartha a few weeks before I bought this album and heard it for the first time. I too find this song puts me into a meditative state.

[@TheProgCorner]

The greatest song ever written.

[@mrnobody3161]

I first listened to this song in the dark with headphones on almost 50 years ago. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the perfect time. Words would only degrade the impact this song had on me. I return to it often and it has always given me peace and serenity. One of my favorite things to do is to watch someone listen to it for the first time. Salvo, you were fascinating to watch. This song never gets old.

[@jellyrollnorton]

Love that you’re back to Yes! The best prog song (from your live poll last spring) should’ve been CTTE, in my humble opinion. I understand Roundabout’s appeal though.

[@joelliebler5690]

I really like this though my favorite is And You And I!

[@paultrouskie1825]

@@joelliebler5690 Turn of the century does it for me.

[@bookhouseboy280]

Bruford: "[“Heart of the Sunrise”] was the template from which grew 'Close to the Edge' ... It had all the bits and pieces in place. Some would say maybe “Roundabout” was a better example, but we were finding our legs with both of those two."

[@joelliebler5690]

@@paultrouskie1825 Also one of my favorite compositions!

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

Chris Squire's bass is absolute perfection. I remember the first time I got to watch him live in 1974 in Milwaukee, he was mesmerizing! You are so missed, Chris, but God must have needed a kickass bass player for Heaven's band.

[@johncheney950]

I love this album. It's in my collection. I've seen YES 4 times. They put on an excellent show.

[@mattleppard1970]

Finally! I’ll be all over this once the kids are asleep. I knew you’d get here. I hope you like it once I can hear it ❤😊

[@GTO4now]

The beautiful thing about YES music is that each time you listen to a song, you get something new from it. Loved your reaction...look forward to more YES classics! Greatest prog group ever!

[@ryanr5319]

Thank you sir for patiently waiting to react to this wondrousness. :-) You put a good amount of listening in to these chaps. Way more rewarding I think. Thanks again!

[@stevennovakovich2525]

In 2027 I will have been listening to this and all the other Yes songs for 50 years. Have also seen them live in one incarnation or another since 1978. I heard the 'Going For The One' album in its entirety on KMET (Los Angeles) in 1977. I ran out and purchased it immediately. Purely pleasurable and awesome experiences in every way.

[@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 and spiritual realisation, 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 (as you alluded to) was thus there at the beginning, all along. Yet although the author has attained that higher spiritual plane, they are still physically bound to the material reality of their lower, Earthly existence; so as seasons pass by: I get up, I get down.

[@fernandotor3266]

Best prog rock album..ever

[@matthewmille]

I saw them in concert in 1984 with the 90125 tour at 18 years old. It was the first concert I ever went to. I really only knew a couple of their popular songs at that time. During the concert, I realized that I had heard a lot of their other songs, and really liked them. That started me down the rabbit hole. When I sat down and really listened to Close to the Edge, and I was blown away. I love watching reaction videos of people hearing this song for the first time. People that I would never expect are seriously moved by it. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

[@JimReem]

A lot of Yes songs have the same build, they state a theme and then explore that theme multiple times, changing time and adding instruments and additional orchestration, to finally arrive at the final product, the ultimate version of the theme.

[@nancymjohnson]

YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES !!!!!!

[@randy3907]

My 1st of 20+ Yes concerts was in 1972 when Wakeman's keyboard made it rain dust in the Spectrum...Culminating with meeting Chris Squire in the parking lot of a concert of a local park in 2013. He invited me to sit onstage!

[@mmoura1104]

Yay! My favorite yes song. Of course, I say that about a lot of their songs. This is epic. Live and recorded versions

[@JJ8KK]

Repeated listenings are a must! Much of rock music you can enjoy without paying much direct attention to it. In contrast, YES sought to produce masterpieces that are so densely packed with complexity, you really must listen again & again to hear all that you missed in previous listenings. The complexity they were always so bold as to attempt is featured in Wakeman's final organ solo (which you replayed) where Squire & Bruford are laying down a groove that grabs your soul while at the same time Wakeman is flying through one of his most impressive organ solos ever. Because of the way Eddy Offord mastered the mix, you are forced to listen to both simultaneously with your jaw dropping down to the floor. They did the same thing in Roundabout after they drive into Wakeman's (& Howe's) final solos but both are set against another melodic & monstrous Squire/Bruford groove. Every time I listen to those sections, it blow me away how they actually pulled off blending together two different melodic presentations at the same time A couple of yrs ago, another popular reaction dude Jamel AKA Jamal declared CTTE to be the greatest song he had ever heard, & even produced a special VID declaring his discovery to his audience, some fifty years after it was recorded. *One hundred years from now* first listeners will have the same reaction because it really is a timeless masterpiece. Thanks for checking it out! (& yes, that opening dissonant section was all to set up the listener for the *release* they'll feel when it suddenly gives way to melody. As you've noticed, one of the things those guys sought to do was create moods/emotions in the listener as they take you on a journey. *The Gates Of Delirium* is yet another outstanding example of this...)

[@bélalugrisi]

Eddy is a genius, who loves what he does and was like a sixth member of YES. He was really good at rolling the "tapes"! Here's an interview from last year you might enjoy: Yes Interviews: 5/26/22 - Eddy Offord with Rick Rees: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmTQkIqea5uXos0 Best to you, JJ8KK~

[@Jack-D-Ripper]

I totally agree with you, I love the ambient section in the cave. I see shafts of light punching through the darkness and hearing those drops of water falling, is amazing.

[@rustyknyffe88]

YES paved the way for so many, many other artists. I feel that "Progressive" is a misnomer. Each of these amazing people heard things that we didn't and they brought those sounds to life. Having had the privilege of seeing them in concert back in the day gave me a clear understanding of what they were all about.

[@williamschrom1584]

Music can paint a wonderful picture in the minds eye... go with it & explore the emotions on display & invoke.

[@brendamilloy2557]

This is meditation. Your mind, soul, spirit. This is a direct line to you and you will listen to it again and again, finding more of yourself each time. Enjoy the journey.

[@yammerrryeet511]

I will never forget listening to this song in full on a ten hour drive. I swear to god I listened to this song three times in a row to pick on every minute detail. It’s just that good.

[@MisterWondrous]

To me, fresh classic prog was mother's milk. But one day, circa '75, I had what I call a near-life experience where I found myself close to the edge of life and death, and there was a river which flowed on to who knows where but which was somehow a source of life and creativity and the wonders. I felt I could surrender to the river, but would have to leave this world and chums behind, so I turned to a chum and said I don't want to go, and he said: You don't have to go. And another in the circle of friends, said, "You look different. There's a glow." Or something very similar. The Seventies were like that. In time I would associate it with the Tao and other vibes, and only later realize its connection with this song, Nodi Re, the river, and Siddhartha. Great song, band and review.

[@glenndespres5317]

Love your story. I remember reading Siddhartha after taking a journey and found that River sequence to be mind expanding. This album took me places too.

[@MisterWondrous]

@@glenndespres5317 kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnnQdWt7btOdlZo

[@MisterWondrous]

Bengali lyrics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKimcoCMoMuAgKM

[@dface6447]

Great reaction 🙂,both visually and audibly 👍 🤔 1st listen is like a man’s life,then as you delve it’s just stunning really.

[@deanmccartney5021]

I used to listen to Close to the Edge out i the middle of the woods tripping back i the 70s.

[@bradthomas3374]

When they played the part you describe as "in a cave" live. There was fog rolling off the stage that made it look like they were standing in a waterfall. Amazing show. Greatest band ever!

[@irmaoksanen6830]

Never heard this song before. You must have some musical genes in you to appreciate this kind of music. Thank you.

[@tomhenninger4153]

My FAVORITE YES song! The whole album is amazing! So glad you listened! So beautiful and complex! Love it! Thanks!

[@mikemichaels5302]

Thanks to two older brothers, I grew up listening to all this music. It was a great time to be alive, musically. As to you comment about meditation, imagine smoking a joint or maybe partaking in some mushrooms to acid., sitting back and listening to Close to the edge. Some might say such music is designed for such experiences. Peace!

[@jimralston7562]

Great reaction! And YES do re-listen. I've been re-listening to CTTE for 45+ years. Lol. A masterpeice! Side 2 is spectacular too...

[@bélalugrisi]

💯Well look! It's Jim! Hi Jim~ Sha 🎹

[@rodneygriffin7666]

You have graduated! This song is my mantra.

[@jairoethielpmorales8522]

Exactly it's a piece of art!!!

[@bookhouseboy280]

Steve Howe: We were quite fortunate in that we could do whatever we wanted. We didn’t really have any kind of outside pressure to follow up a hit. I think, fundamentally, we were helped by the fact that Yes wasn’t a singles band. Obviously, ‘Roundabout’ launched our previous album, and that was all well and good, but we seemed to disregard that fact. Yes were now established, and we felt like Close to the Edge didn’t need a single. If we wanted to do a 10-minute song or even something that was longer, we could do it. And as it turned out, there were stations, particularly in America, that would play the longer songs. We lucked out. Yes had done some shows with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Jon and I were knocked away; we felt they were the most remarkable band since the Beatles. They were totally different, and nobody can really top the Beatles, but as far as pure musicality goes, Mahavishnu was just so impressive. That’s why Close to the Edge starts with a kind of manic presentation. You wouldn’t expect a song or album ranting and blaring away for three or four minutes. I can only look back in amazement that we were able to do some of that. But we did ... So that intro then spawned the whole idea of a thematic approach-the musical themes that come in and out of the track. The lyrical phrase ‘Close to the edge, down by the river’ was originally about the River Thames! But Jon converted that into the river of life, which was a wonderful thing ... Jon and I really had a certain magic going on at that time. Of course, a lot of credit goes to the general collective of the arranging style of the members of Yes when we were together ... we had a good idea of what the group was about and this was one of our most cohesively recorded albums ... and dare I say, I think we broke new ground. You never know how something is going to be perceived as you’re recording an album. So 50 years on, it’s incredible to see the long life it’s had ... and to see it being voted best prog album of all time, it’s all very delightful. - GuitarPlayer and Guitar World

[@RobertApril-tw8on]

ROUNDABOUT! One of their best!

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

This album should affect the rest of your life. Once listened to, and again and again until you have the lyrics pretty well down, you'll never forget it. I first heard this in 1973 when I was in high school, and it's been with me for 50 years now. Which pretty much blows my mind. And, 50 years from now it should still be a part of Your soul. The interpretation and lyrics are based on a 1922 novel called Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse, about a young man in India who leaves home to find meaning in life. Actually, I just bought the book, it was delivered two days ago. I hope to start reading it this week. Everyone will have suggestions as to to what to listen to next, personally, I think you should start out with something like Fragile, even Close to the Edge can be intense for the uninitiated. However there is an album called Relayer, and the song is The Gates of Delirium, when you're ready - where a gentleman in Russia named Igor Kovtun, has done a lyric and visualization video that absolutely blew my mind. It is about war, so it is violent, but then, so is the music. He also did a video for Close to the Edge which I thought was superb. This band has very deep meaning for more people than I imagine they ever expected. They are not listened to, but experienced.

[@mattleppard1970]

Gates indeed is the logical next step ❤️ And it is based on the novel about the Russian revolution of course

[@CuzKatieSaysSo]

​@@mattleppard1970 The video done by Igor Kovtun for The Gates of Delirium used film clips from various War & Peace, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Waterloo (I Thought I saw Christopher Plummer!) and various other sources. I hope you can check it out! His Close to the Edge visualization and lyrics video was powerful too.

[@Nutty_commenter]

I re-read Siddhartha a few months back, as a result of hearing a reaction to this song.

[@BroadwayJosh]

All right! Some Yes!

[@britannicvalente]

Awesome reaction man! I'm not sure if you may have done this one already, but the last epic the classic Yes lineup wrote was "Awaken" off the Going for the One album in '77. CTTE is my favorite song but Awaken definitely rivals it. Would love to see your reaction to it!

[@matthewmille]

The craziest thing about this is these guys were in their mid-20s when they wrote and first performed the song. I’m with you. I can’t put it into words, but the song really does something to me. Some parts really challenge you and are almost difficult to listen to but some are the most beautiful sounds I’ve heard. I think of it as like life. As a baby, everything seems chaotic since you can’t control anything. Later, you see beauty, have hard times, have pleasant times, and in the end, return to nature.

[@gmanvidz]

You should sail on to the "Tales from Topographic Oceans" next! The soundscapes that YES create are like no other. 😀

[@stephenhopkins6514]

So glad you reacted to this. Its epic and magnificent ❤

[@festidious2644]

We had a mall open in 1972 and I got a few albums at the Woolco store for $1.72. Close To The Edge, Fragile, Guitar Man, Harvest and Seventh Sojourn. I got to know this album very well and it is great! 'And You And I' is also a great song.

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

"Season's will pass you by......" They sure do. :D

[@vicprovost2561]

They don't make music like this in this century, that is for sure. Prog Rock classic and one of the best sides of music in any genre. Just enjoy it, so much is going on it can be magnificently overwhelming. They were just on another level. For another amazing side of prog, do Tarkus by ELP. Same deal, it is the title track and takes up a whole side. You will be in a similar stage of awe after hearing it. Great stuff, enjoy! 🎵🎹🎤🎸🎶

[@merrimcarthur7198]

I particularly love the live version on Tarkus on the Works album.

[@AteumasterProg]

Masterpeace!

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

……one of my prize possessions…..I have an original pressing of this album (Mint condition) I have 2 others that I play so it stays mint “YES” 🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️

[@davidduxbury7530]

Fantastic summing up...

[@davidanderson6372]

The best prog rock song ever recorded, period. It gets even better with each listen.

[@markjohnson4217]

In the book Siddhartha, the protagonist, one of many spiritual lessons he learns is that the river is perpetually teaching and the wise man he meets claims to have been gaining knowledge and wisdom his whole life from a single master ; the river... I think this whole piece of music was meant to have taken place in an instant...a profound millisecond of reality, Brahma opens and then closes once and we are back into Vishnu's dream...

[@daykeyquay1007]

One of my favorite albums still.

[@mattleppard1970]

Lo, the path I tread is laid by a cloak of stars This time hit me harder than before. Thanks that I could share this again. 37 years and on we go for eternity It’s largely the story of Buddha but to say that is to limit it. The band refer to “that section” as the ocean part.❤❤❤❤

[@wendellwiggins3776]

THE GREATEST SONG OF ALL TIME

[@williamschrom1584]

Salvo ... keeping it real 💯

[@johnthegreek5836]

I seen them in concert in 1976 and it was awesome to see and hear them place this epic song

[@mauriceforget7869]

U prob.will listen to this many times for the rest of your days, just like many of us. And never have enough.

[@JackfromSaginaw]

The opening is like a call to the auditorium, the opening of an opera or symphonic presentation: time to smoke your last doobie and get to your seat before the lights dim and the main thrill begins...

[@jeffyoung9341]

Adding to the other comments…YES played this perfectly live!

[@mikecappadocia5959]

You seem like one of the nicest people.

[@genestippell1833]

You said what I've been saying since I first heard it.... The first time you hear. CTTE you experience it, then you have to go back and listen to it. Its like a great movie where as it progresses it's sucking you into a timeless reality. Then when it's over you need a few moments to come back to the present. The interesting part. Is, I saw an interview with Bruford in which he's stated - we got lucky, three quarters of the way in, no one knew how it was going to end.

[@magdalena5703]

I was 16, first listening to yes. „close to the edge“ to listen now is like a timemachine which drives me back to this very interesting experience. Therefore and now i love it. Music was a happening and could take much more time than today is usual. You took time to listen. Thank you for listening and introducing this good music 👍

[@flomalheur7467]

I recommend listening to the song from the album Yessongs (live) as well. The sound quality is not 100%, but in the live version the song sounds much more organic and dynamic to me. In addition, the arrangement has been refined again. (especially the last two parts) Is it worth a try? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJTOfpqagb6desU Have fun

[@anthonyblakely399]

I get Up!!! I get Down!!! is the message of the song.....where this is journey of humankind......Starting out in paradise even out of the wound of the woman....then we are place in the world of struggle and chaos where we get up our triumph over struggles and we get down in the valley struggles and problems.......and we as humanity are always Close to the edge of the real paradise mentioned in ancient books....where we are transformed into higher beings....and that is all they are saying...that we as humans are close to connecting to that reality....and when we do....we will cross the river of this life to eternal reality or paradise. In 1972 all my friends had the same conclusion...and we would laugh many times.....because we knew this life of pains and struggles and ups and downs was the school preparing us for the next Life...The Eternal one. I will send us the whole album(remastered)....and listen to it 2 or 3 times and you will get it. Thanks for answering my request!!!!

[@mattleppard1970]

As often happens I totally agree. See my own interpretation written before I read yours 😊

[@chrislarsen4938]

A masterpiece!

[@TerryKrysinski]

sAlvo-- if you enjoy expanded musical concepts like this, you should check int o the modern day prog genius,Neal Morse. He's been around now for over twenty years and counting,with his bands Spock's Beard. Then solo. But he also has albums with his other bands Transatlantic,Flying Colors and The Neal Morse Band. Much awesome music to discover. He melds the styles of Yes,Genesis,ELP,Kansas,Rush,and even later Beatles into his material,effortlessly. May I suggest one of his epics..Alive Again,from the NMB album The Grand Experiment. You'll be blown away,I promise. Nothing out there touches the majesty of Neal's work. Cheers, T

[@Somewherein609]

Yes!

[@bob_._.]

Can you even imagine how hard it was to get through college back in the '70s, having to always be in the right "frame of mind" to hear this kind of stuff, no matter what time of day? It wasn't easy, lemme tell ya.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

It was so easy for me along withall the other incredible complex bands at the time

[@neil7813]

There will never be another song like Close to the Edge.

[@anthonyblakely399]

Oh now you have completed the whole album, "Close To The Edge" on your channel. You have reacted to: "Close To The Edge", "And You and I", and "Siberian Khatru"...that's the whole album.

[@mattleppard1970]

Exactly. It’s an album not a collection of songs ❤😊

[@lesblatnyak5947]

Ladies and gentlemen Chris Squire and Yes the greatest show on earth. Now you know. Actually the best place to hear this is in the middle of the lake floating peacefully.

[@joelliebler5690]

It seems to me the beginning is like the beginning of time of life on Earth and then kaos busting into changes or progression of the mush mash of power and what it brings. Then some semblance of hope to create harmony and love as opposed to war and control by the few!I agree with you I tend to close my eyes and dream during that middle harmonious and soothing part!

[@karelvandervelden8819]

The chaotic intro plays a part of the artistic expression of the piece. Its the introduction of mankind in this theater. They did that aswell on the intro of ¨The revealing science of god¨. These vulcanic sounds did not fit on the vynil record physically but were later reintroduced on the ¨digital¨ version. Actually it fits the evolutionary principle of the development of life which is odd because Jon Anderson is a creationist. But I might be wrong.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

Yes, a band full of talented souls, in the 70's they produced some really timeless pieces. I love driving but can't listen to Yes while doing it. I would suggest Awaken and The Gates of Delirium, the other two of many of theirs that will take you places and make you feel... I really enjoyed your first reactions to this, and look forward to more.

[@sagitt1856]

YES and PINK FLOYD: a trancendantal and meditative experience. Never surpassed, never equalled. References. [NB: You wish to pursue the YES experience, then I suggest: "The Gates Of Delirium" and "The Revealing Science of God (Dance Of The Dawn)".]

[@gary6754]

in college, i used to play this song on repeat to help me sleep//// now that i think about it.... i might start doing that again

[@doyasteve]

It's a journey from chaos to harmony.

[@slimefudge]

First time I heard this was in my class. Arts and science in like year 8, as a 12 year old or something. The lesson was: To know a book by its cover. What would you expect to hear from seeing this cover. Blew my mind

[@anthonyblakely399]

Next Yes song for you is: "Turn of The Century" which is one of the most beautiful songs Yes has written. It is an emotional song. Just a warning! lol

[@scottzappa9314]

Yeah. A masterpiece. Yeah. Really the whole album.

[@johnk8441]

Every time I hear this masterpiece I hear more and more parts that I feel I have somehow missed. This is after over a hundred listenings.

[@jamesnorrisbarrett8927]

now you need to listen to it live