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Close to the Edge

by Yes

Released: September 08, 1972

Progressive rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Breakthrough.

The Album

"Close to the Edge" is the fifth studio album by English progressive rock band Yes, released on September 8, 1972, by Atlantic Records. The album's centerpiece is the 18-minute title track, inspired by Herman Hesse's novel Siddhartha. The album has been reissued several times, including in 1994, 2003, and 2013, with additional tracks and new mixes.

Inside the Recording

It is notable for being the last Yes album of the 1970s to feature original drummer Bill Bruford, who found the recording process challenging and later left the band to join King Crimson. Following the success of their previous album Fragile (1971), Yes regrouped with producer and engineer Eddy Offord to create a follow-up.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Side two features the folk-inspired "And You and…

Side two features the folk-inspired "And You and I" and the straightforward rocker "Siberian Khatru." The cover, designed by Roger Dean, introduced the band's "bubble" logo.

The album's tour from 1972 to 1973 included…

The album's tour from 1972 to 1973 included over 90 dates worldwide and marked the debut of drummer Alan White, who joined the band shortly before the tour began.

Start listening here

Essential Tracks

And You and I

Side two features the folk-inspired "And You and I" and the straightforward rocker "Siberian Khatru." The cover, designed by Roger Dean, introduced the band's "bubble" logo.

Siberian Khatru

Side two features the folk-inspired "And You and I" and the straightforward rocker "Siberian Khatru." The cover, designed by Roger Dean, introduced the band's "bubble" logo.

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Explore the Album

Yes - Close to the Edge

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Reception

Close to the Edge was a major commercial success, reaching No. 4 in the UK and No. 3 in the US, where it sold over one million copies. It has received widespread critical acclaim and was ranked 445th on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2020.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Close to the Edge" is the fifth studio album by English progressive rock band Yes, released on September 8, 1972, by Atlantic Records. It is notable for being the last Yes album of the 1970s to feature original drummer Bill Bruford, who found the recording process challenging and later left the band to join King Crimson.

Following the success of their previous album Fragile (1971), Yes regrouped with producer and engineer Eddy Offord to create a follow-up. The album's centerpiece is the 18-minute title track, inspired by Herman Hesse's novel Siddhartha. Side two features the folk-inspired "And You and I" and the straightforward rocker "Siberian Khatru." The cover, designed by Roger Dean, introduced the band's "bubble" logo.

Close to the Edge was a major commercial success, reaching No. 4 in the UK and No. 3 in the US, where it sold over one million copies. The album's tour from 1972 to 1973 included over 90 dates worldwide and marked the debut of drummer Alan White, who joined the band shortly before the tour began. The album has been reissued several times, including in 1994, 2003, and 2013, with additional tracks and new mixes. It has received widespread critical acclaim and was ranked 445th on Rolling Stone's list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time" in 2020.