★★★★★
While later albums like (Atlantic, 1971) and the epic (Atlantic, 1972) would establish Yes as superstars of the progressive rock world (and, to some extent, beyond), it was , also released by Atlantic but nine months earlier in February of 1971, that announced Yes a group with still-untapped potential but a group that had, nevertheless, finally arrived. It was a tumultuous time for a group whose career has subsequently been defined by conflict and revolving door personnel...
- www.allaboutjazz.com
2014-06-08
★★★★★
Considering the elaborate and arguably overblown manner in which many of these albums were originally packaged - all gatefold sleeves and fantastical Roger Dean paintings - this compact "clamshell" box set seems a little humble. Not to worry, though, as Dean has daubed something new, albeit smaller, for the project, and several discs are bolstered by bonus tracks.
- recordcollectormag.com
2014-01-30
★★★★★
It's a familiar tale in Yes lore: the one about Close To The Edge deriving its title from the band's absurd virtuosity testing the bounds of reason. Such hubristic arrogance may or may not have been tempered with self-mockery but, look, it was straight reportage: the febrile interplay on the 19-minute title track would be off the map even if you consulted a star chart of the omniverse. Yes struggled to scale such peaks thereafter.
- recordcollectormag.com
2013-10-10
★★★★★
Ironically, this album's title is now out of date, for Oliver Wakeman's keyboard stool has been taken by Geoff Downes, returning to the Yes fold. Thankfully, however, this live set records Rick's son's efforts over 13 tunes which, on the whole, are a faithful, if sometimes Yes-lite take on the band's classics. The set opens with the simulacrum of Siberian Khatru, Steve Howe's skittering guitar atop Wakeman Jr's keys and Benoît David's lofty vocals...
- recordcollectormag.com
2013-04-02
★★★★★
Not well-received among diehard Yes fans, Open Your Eyes was originally released in 1997, and reissued here, in LP format, in 2012. Nowhere as prominent or striking as the band's classic '70s outings, here keyboardist Rick Wakeman is absent and replaced by keyboardist/guitarist Billy Sherwood, who lines up with eminent guitarist and longtime member Steve Howe...
- www.allaboutjazz.com
2012-08-20
★★★★★
Sound: Yes have always had their own signature sound. It is like they got and endorsement from the sound god and then are trying to use it to become the kings of the eclectic. They have stolen the throne and are now running the land. Rick Wakeman's insane keyboarding skills have been propelling Yes for as long as they have been with this artist. Again the bass-work is absolutely phenominal...
- www.ultimate-guitar.com
2012-04-12
★★★★★
Sound: If there were ever an album that I would say changed my life it would definitely be "Close to the Edge". Close to the edge is the fifth studio album by progressive rock band Yes and is nothing short of a masterpiece. The album features 3 songs "Close to the Edge", "And You and I", and "Siberian Khatru". Don't be fooled by the number of songs this album is epic in fact the shortest song, Siberian Khatru, is nearly 9 minutes long...
- www.ultimate-guitar.com
2012-04-12
★★★★★
Ironically, this album's title is now out of date, for Oliver Wakeman's keyboard stool has been taken by Geoff Downes, returning to the Yes fold. Thankfully, however, this live set records Rick's son's efforts over 13 tunes which, on the whole, are a faithful, if sometimes Yes-lite take on the band's classics. The set opens with the simulacrum of Siberian Khatru, Steve Howe's skittering guitar atop Wakeman Jr's keys and Benoît David's lofty vocals...
- www.recordcollectormag.com
2012-02-06