Chris Squire's bass work on this is nothing short of phenomenal. He was absolutely one of a kind.

It's pretty amazing watching people in 2024 hear this song for the first time. Try to imagine what it was like for an 11-year-old kid hearing this for the first time in 1972, when there was literally *nothing* that sounded like it. Close to the Edge is my favorite album from Yes.

“ I need to listen to more Yes “. No truer words have ever been spoken. 😊

This band has many masterpieces.

This band will constantly surprise and amaze you. Their catalog is deep and rich! I'd suggest Roundabout as your next listen. Strap yourself in!

Steve Howe is one of the best guitarists ever.

As for "expectations," best to put them on hold when first listening to Yes. They will certainly take you on an unexpected ride, to say the least. I'm always hesitant when I see a young person about to listen to some progressive rock, especially a band like Yes, the masters of all music, time, and space. Not an easy listen, but there really is no other band like them. Their playing and writing skills are other world and their jams occupy the same space. Yes Album, Fragile, and Close to the Edge are the Big Three, three albums that changed the music world forever. Excellence personified.

I got to see Yes live 7 times in the 70s. Allways a great show.

Check out the title song of this album. That is a true masterpiece!

The whole Album is a masterpiece from the golden age of rock. Their music is indeed timeless.

Ladies and gentlemen YES the greatest show on earth. Enjoy your Yes journey. Their music brings joy and divinity to the soul. 🙏🍁

It's not for dancing to, it for listening to. On the best audio equipment you have

The singer, Jon Anderson, has said that when writing lyrics he is more concerned about how the words sound, rather than the meaning. His voice is an instrument that builds on what the music is doing. At best the lyrics can be interpreted like you would a poem. Of course some YES songs have more meaningful lyrics than others. But in general, don't expect to be able to follow a clear story line by line.

Takes me back to my teenage years in the 70s🤙🔥

Luv it , young girl discovering the '70's.

Great reaction! Saw them play this on their 35th Anniversary tour at Madison Square Garden, and it was so breathtaking they got a 10 minute standing ovation after the final solo section. The roar of the crowd only increased as they tried to step to the mics and finish the last chorus. What an incredible group! Jon turned 79 on October 25th and his voice is still that strong and clear to this day!

You are listening to one of the top three technically instrumentally sound progressive rock bands ever. Their all regarded as virtuoso's on their instruments and still are to this day, the guitar, table lap steel slide guitar, organ, piano, synthesizer, drums, bass and vocals. They started in the mid-to-late 60s and are still going and they have had many lineup changes but the band you're listening to now was the best version of that band and made their best music with this line up. The album you're listening to now was and still is voted on many lists as the greatest progressive rock album ever made. These guys are so advanced instrumentally I think they're from another planet. They have been one of my favorite bands of all time ever since I was 18 and I'm 55 now. Their library of music stretches far and wide and is magnificent to say the least. They are the ones who put progressive in progressive jazz rock fusion. King Crimson started the genre of progressive rock and yes carried the torch. This music is already considered to be the new Beethoven, Bach, Mozart and Chopin music of the 20 century.

50 years ago... Outstanding, masterpiece

The first time I saw YES live was in 1976 at Anaheim Stadium. They played with Peter Frampton, Gary Wright, and Gentle Giant. I still have my first Close to the Edge record. This album never gets old.

This song was my introduction to this band back in 1975, two years after it was released. To this day this song, this album, this band, has a special place in my heart. I’ve seen them multiple times live and they are just as accomplished on stage as they are in the studio. - Just think - the song you just listened to is 50 years old…

This entire Yes album (Close to the Edge) is a complete jazz/funk/blues/progressive rock fusion masterpiece. Like much of the progressive rock music of that period it's best enjoyed with headphones while not having any other pressing matters to attend with so you can let yourself go on this musical and mystical journey.

Nice one, Rogue! So nice to have you back. 😊

Yes fanboys (and it does usually tend to be boys) will tell you all about time signatures and virtuoso musicianship and all that fun stuff, and those things are definitely present, but what elevated Yes above many of their prog rock contemporaries was a sense of pure beauty. Without that beauty, it would just be some clever noodling, and that's fine, but with it, they could be genuinely transcendent. "Awaken" is another example of that.

YES is a foundational band of Prog Rock. They are one of the most influential bands ever inspiring Metallica, Journey, Kansas, Toto, Boston, Rush - Just ask Geddy Lee of Rush, he introduced them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. These guys are revered among musicians and so incredibly creative! No formulas, just amazing music.

Fun to watch someone discover this song for the first time. The whole album is incredible, of course.

The whole album is a masterpiece (I saw them live at the Reading Festival in 1975).

"Clsoe to the Edge" considered by most Yes fans to be their finest album. This was the final classic Yes album with Bill Bruford on drums.

YES, You just experienced what the industry considers the best prog band on the planet. I could suggest at least 100 songs from this band that would just move you. Their dynamics, musicianship, arrangements and compositions are 2nd to none. All I can say is welcome aboard their musical mindscape and keep the YES train movin’ Rogue😊

Yes. A band that can cuddle you up and gently rock you to sleep, OR, Rip your face off with screeching, pulse pounding , frenetic joy! Welcome to the fan club!

You've reacted to YES before. Song was Starship Trooper. I remember because I enjoyed your reaction to it. In that reaction and this one you mentioned they took you to space and brought you back. You have now reacted twice to the best band and best music to ever grace the planet Earth. Thanks!!

OH BOY You just OPENED UP A WORLD OF UNMATCHED MAGNIFICENCE on a scale of BLISS NEVER SURPASSED. They reached this level of DIVINTY consistently during their PEAK yet this is still one that reached the highest height into the deepest depth of the HEART! It's a GIFT of LOVE that keeps on giving and is the reason why those who were BLESSED to know them & had seen them many times in their prime, like myself, WORSHIP the SACRED GROUND upon which they performed! Its impossible for me to speak in mundane terms about these guys. The singers lyrical writing style is often very poetically metaphoric & esoterically symbolic. "A man conceived a moment's answers to the dream." Essentially its about that level of wholeness one feels at the point of being sublimely IN LOVE either Spiritually and Romantically where both can be the same thing. ""All complete in the sight of seeds of life with you". Many find his words deep and complex but I see them as extremely artistic since he writes words more for their sound rather than for their literal interpretation. This was the last album in 1972 by this ultimate 5 member virtuoso perfect LINEUP. Now you're ready to go even DEEPER into the YES UNIVERSE the next time! Maybe step back one album to hear their Hit ROUNDABOUT before diving into the deeper waters because YES took their music further into the stratosphere on the two other songs off this album as well as on the albums AFTER especially during the 70's without any concerns for mainstream compromising or generic success.

And you and I is indeed a masterpiece. There are three songs on the Close to the Edge album and they are ALL masterpieces. In fact Yes’ 55 year career are replete with them. You now need to listen to the song ‘Awaken’ from their 1977 album Going For The One. That is truly something to behold.

This band not only was a pioneer in the prog rock scene, it had among the greats in their instrumentation in every member of the band. Jon Anderson's vocals are one of a kind, Steve Howe is one of the greatest guitarist, Chris Squire ("the fish") is a genius on bass (arguably the best ever - check out his solo album - Fish out of Water) and Rick Wakeman is an all time great on keyboards. I was a teen ager to my early 20's when this music came out and I loved it all!! It was right in the mix with ELP.

The Yes-tour is incomplete without diving into the tales from topographic oceans.

Seen them live 3 times in the 70's they were fantastic! Oh back in the day.

Another timeless triumph of musicianship, concept and realization. Transcendent beauty. 🔥🎶❤️✨️🕊🫶🏽

YES! 🙂

I was at a party once and they put on Yes. The song was I’ve seen all good people/Your Move. It made the party goers go instantly into party mode and set the tone for the rest of the evening. That song always brings back great memories.

They are fantastic.

you are so cute i've been listening to this for the last 30 years its so nice seeing people your age appreciating this music makes me warm inside 😊

Yes ❤👍

MASTERPIECE 💫❤️☝️

This one, Close to the Edge and Starship Trooper have made me cry because they are so perfect. Granted I was stoned, but still. Perfect.

I was introduced to Yes by the girl i was dating in college ! Learned to love them ! They are still with me ; She is not .😱

I really enjoyed your reaction to this fab Yes song. I’m 62 years old and have been a Yes fan since the 1970’s. This song is my absolute favorite. I sail away on Rick Wakeman’s organs and Steve Howe’s soaring guitar. If you want to hear another emotional beauty, listen to “Onward” on the Tormato album…..”Onward through the night of my life…..”

Close to the Edge is my favorite Yes album. "And You And I" always lifts me up.

tear drops, goosebumps, backflips & summer-saults!!!

Chris Squire on Bass.....Amazing parts he played......In the 1970's I used to listen to this everyday on my way to work at Walt Disney World. 1973 to 1977. I had a 1 hour drive, so I would pop in their 8 track tapes and just cruise my way on to work. Wow, that was a long time ago. Chase to the edge, and Tales from topographic oceans.

Yes, and Genesis, were the two favorite bands of my youth, besides the Beatles. You should definitely check out anything off their first three or four albums. Just amazing musicianship. Yes is a very worthy Rabbit Hole to explore.

'Five Hippies Fighting Over a Bowl of Muesli' is how one reviewer in the early seventies described Yes. I don't think he was that keen. Made me laugh.

Great to see you back ! Yes is one of those bands, music and the lyrics always take you on a journey...Love was their main intention.

Carve out some time and listen to "Close to the Edge", the title song from that album. It is one of the greatest prog rock songs of all time.

My favorite Yes song, after "The Gates of Delirium." Thanks!

I've seen them twice back in the day. To see them perform this song live in person is an abolutely amazing and emotionally moving experience.

Soooooooo glad to see that you are back!!! Missed that smile..and your love of music!!

From what I recall apart from bass and drums, Steve Howe ( guitars/vocals ) also played pedal steel guitar, electric sitar and a variety of acoustic instruments. Rick Wakeman ( keyboards ) played piano, organ, moog synth and mellotron ( orchestral sounds.) Chris Squire ( bass/vocals) Bill Bruford ( drums/percussion )

A pure beauty listening to pure music….

Down the rabbit hole

Welcome back, RogueRoyce: I didn't think I would see you again. A local mall opened in 1972 and to celebrate, the Woolco store had certain albums on for $1.72. I got two Yes albums, Fragile and Close To The Edge. I liked them both and this song was way up there on my list of favourites by them. Try Roundabout and Heart Of The Sunrise from Fragile. Looking forward to more good reactions by you.

Pause away. I have been listening to this for 50 years. It has so many layers to pay heed to. It still gives me goosebumps. I am thrilled to see the younger generations get to know this beautifully composed prog rock. Yes is among the very few if not only band to bring me to tears in a live performance. Check out Soon on Relayer. It is at the end of The Gates of Delerium. BTW. You nailed Steve's influence right at the start with his tuning harmonics. He is very folk influenced. Check out The Clap on Fragile.

Though many believe Jon's lyrics were merely additional musical notes...the man was communicating something.... it's why fans hear more than just "a song" when listening to YES.

You said it best, these great compositions are a journey, sit back and let them take you for a ride. Your brain will divide into 3, 4 and 5 parts as you focus on say the guitar, but then the bass line insists on some attention, then you notice the textures provided by the keyboards while the drumbeats persist. The instruments move back and forth from prominence to background. The vocals are the fifth instrument covering the high end of the sound spectrum. It's hard to make a bad recommendation. I'll add "Heart of the Sunrise" to the many songs already listed, you can listen to them all eventually...

One of the most beautiful pieces of music ever created...❤ my all time favorite song 🎵...the album Close to the edge...is one of the top 5 greatest albums ever created..1972 BTW

your in for a great time with these people, grew up with them in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. Welcome.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Progressive Rock. I’ve been a Yes fan since 1973 and have seen them in concert 12 times. Jon Anderson is my favorite singer. I highly recommend my favorite Yes song, “Heart of the Sunrise” from the album, Fragile. Enjoy the ride.

Please listen to the rest of the album, it’s beyond belief. I was blessed to grow up with this music. Also Pink Floyd Echoes Live at Pompeii is another classic

I have this on the original 50-year old vinyl. It's an old favorite. Thank you.

Number 1 of all time: the Beatles. Number 2: YES.

I was inspired to use lyrics from this song for my HS year book quote (class of 85). "I listened hard but could not see. Life tempo change out and inside me. The Preacher trained in all to lose his name. The Teacher travels asking to be shown the same".

Hardly anything better on KZfaq than watching a newbie discover Yes.

A total journey in itself..... still after 50 years of listening to them it's always the same.....

All complete in the sight of seed of life with you! Be a good human!

Gentle tip with Yes it has to be listen through then comments but you are absolutely correct it is a masterpiece the band are virtuoso musicians producing the classical music of the electric age

Am 65, saw them live in Detrot 1976 ... this song always makes me weep. ( great react!)

And down the PROG rock rabbit hole you go. Have fun. Next up Suppers Ready, Genesis, Seconds Out. It will blow yer mind!

“and you and I”… this song is the embodiment of musical fireworks.

We passed this song at my wedding 40 years ago… And happily married since then !!

She's Back and with one of my favorite songs!!!

The incomparable Rick Wakeman on keyboards! After you think you get them, try Close to the Edge and Siberian Khatru. If you start with those two, you might be confused, so it's good to start with And You and I and then Roundabout. I've seen them 5 times in concert and they never disappoint! Progressive Rock at its finest!

Yes is amazing. I have seen them live several times. Sometimes Yes lyrics don't seem to make a lot of sense but Jon Anderson's voice is like another instrument.

YES.

I know you said you’re new to this band, I’m seven years old. I’ve been listening to them for 50 years and love every moment. I would highly recommend close to the edge from them.

Thank you, RogueRxyce for your reaction to this extraordinary YES creation that showcases the band's excellence.

Saw that masterpiece live 25 times

My favourite Yes song.

Yessongs was their absolute best,I bought it back in the early 70s and still enjoy it today

You already heard from them: remember "Starship Trooper live"? You went to space with them.

Like Pink Floyd or other similar bands, this is music created to be listened to, not background music, not dance music, not party music, but music for listening! If you stop to listen, it is magical!

Yes always 🤟🏼🔉🔊❤️

yes is BRILLIANT!

I love yes

YES was huge, i mean huge😮. This is called prog rock. Progressive rock🤘❤️ missed your fantastical smile😊

Well, that was a surprise when I got up this morning! That soaring soundscape gets me every time! I simply cannot believe that this is now 50 years old, but I know it is as I’ve been listening to it for all that time! This track is also available on KZfaq as a live performance, with an orchestra and is simply stunning! Give yourself a treat and search for Yes symphonic. You have listened to Yes before, in your previous KZfaq presence, when you reacted to Starship Trooper. Do try Close To The Edge at some point, which can be a little more challenging, but is simply beautiful. Thanks for reacting to this, it brought me great joy. 😊

Rogue? This song was part of my musical time stamped life period, (17 yrs old) in 1972. The twelve string acoustic is stunning- a master piece.

Love your hair sweetie! Great react!You cannot go wrong with these gentlemen...Thank you Dear for this!

Yes "You and I" so good to see you again. Yes for 50 years one my favolrite bands. Roundabout, Star Trooper, Yours is no disgrace, South Side of the Sky, Aim High, Shoot Low....

Back in 1974 I was seven years old. And I also decided, "I need to listen to more YES." Luckily for me, my eight older siblings had stacks and stacks of LP's with probably six different YES albums. If you are ever in a bad mood or depressed, all you need to do is listen to some YES and you will begin to feel warmth and peace rise in your chest. I have seen them LIVE four times and not only is their music the most complex by far instrumentally, but their LIVE performance is also the cleanest, tightest sound I have seen played in concert.

Surprising to see a first time reaction to this one. YES is one of the best if not THE best progressive rock bands out there. Keep playing their music. You won't be disappointed. Try doing "Awaken" or "Roundabout" next. 'close to the Edge" is on the other side of this album and it is one of the greatest prog rock songs of all.

The sweetest reaction to YES I've ever seen. And You And I live was one of the biggest highlights of my concert experiences.

The live version on Yessongs is even more astonishing...