Close to the Edge is a cornerstone of progressive rock, a sprawling masterpiece that pushed the boundaries of what rock music (and more broadly music in general) could achieve. Released in 1972, the album’s sprawling three epic tracks showcased virtuosic musicianship, complex compositions, and a sense of ambition that was unprecedented at the time and propelled the prog-rock genre forward in a significant way. Jon Anderson’s soaring vocals, Steve Howe’s intricate guitar work, and Rick Wakeman’s lush keyboards created a sonic tapestry that felt both celestial and cerebral. The album’s title track is a nearly 19-minute odyssey that evolves with each measure, inspiring bands like Rush, Dream Theater, and Pink Floyd and providing those bands a blueprint for prog rock’s adventurous spirit that would continue to evolve later in the decade.
Standout Songs: “Close to the Edge”, “And You and I”, “Siberian Khatru”
