Yes- Close to the Edge (You guys are going to hate me for this one) 😖😂 

Jamming to it for 50 years in fact. While not for everyone, it is considered a masterpiece and the album is routinely voted the top prog rock album of all time.

It's called progressive rock - lots of changes. Brilliant musicianship.

I'm 70 years old, and this is my favorite song of all time, from the best band...ever, from the best album...ever. It's not for everyone. And just so you know, I don't hate you. 😁And I'm giving you a "like" for being honest.

The Bass 🔊 by Chris Squire is excellent. Epic track ..a masterpiece.

You'll need to listen to this about 20 times before it clicks. It truly is a masterpiece.

Your reaction to this masterpiece is funny because I have friends that feel the exact same way about it as you do. The thing about YES music is that it is so unique you either get it or you don't.🤩

Not trying to sound snobby, some music is written for pushing the boundaries so without understanding how difficult it is non musicians tend not to "Get It". Pablo Picasso said, “Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist”.

Maddy, picture this: You're sitting by a stream in a forest. Everything's peaceful. You're meditating. BOOM! You're swept up and flung into another dimension! It's very disorienting. You can't tell up from down from sideways. (That's the jarring opening.) Then you hear the voices of angels calling out. Things start to make a bit of sense, but the angels aren't speaking straight-ahead English. Their words are odd. Then you find yourself in a quiet place; a dark, subterranean place. You see visions of the pains and horrors of life, until you realize that, hey, you get up, you get down. (Life is sometimes good and then sometimes bad. It's no big deal.) This is your moment of spiritual enlightenment -- a religious moment (hence, the church organ). Then you groove with the angels (the return of the main theme) and they plop you back down in the spot by river where it's all peaceful again... but you are forever changed.

It’s not your mom’s dance music, it’s more like a spiritual enlightenment 😊love this song 🎵

Jon Anderson's vocals & the harmonies from most of the members is nothing short of amazing!

"And You And I" from the same album might be more your speed. This song is a whole experience that you kind of need to be ready for before listening.

This is a Prog rock masterpiece

THIS IS A MASTERPIECE. Open up! Listen a few more times.

No one would like prog rock on the first listen, because your ears need to traib first to hear all the layers, all the melodies, all tempo changes and arrangements. I understand you, in fact my favorite songs from all humanity were not even liked by me on the first listen. But now I can say with no doubts, this song is one of the best pieces of music ever composed.

Me and my friends saw them at Madison Square Garden in 1978, one of the best concerts we ever saw.

Maddy! Get away from that edge you are too close! 😅

You gave it a shot. That's okay. Appreciate you going in!

You did a GREAT JOB listening to this for the first time because you actually LISTENED to it. This song is definitely challenging. It takes a few times before you like it and enjoy the subtlety of the more melodic sections. Also, I admire your honesty and I love reactions that are genuine. Thanks and keep the awesome vids!

The song tells a story it brings you close to the edge that’s the point and when listening to it back in the day chances are we were stoned with our head phones on and getting lost in the music. It was so progressive and ahead of it’s time it blew our minds and we loved it. Musicians at the peak of their talent no computer tricks.

To those in the comments saying that Yes sometimes wandered into the 'self-indulgent, pretentious crap' zone, I would only say that it wasn't crap.

I've loved this song for nearly forty years. When I first heard it, it was already fifteen years in the past. This is the first time I've seen one of your videos, and I just want to give you props for the effort and honesty. IMO, it's a piece that rewards repeated listening - it's a lot to digest! I also grew up on classical music, so musical ideas being developed like this was kind of second nature for me.

The Yes Album, released in 1971 would be a better introduction to this band, or some of their releases in the 80's. Perpetual Change, Starship Trooper, I've Seen All Good People, ... all great songs from The Yes Album!

Complex and experimental Rock... beautiful

Without trying to sound sexist, YES has always been a guys band. I've known a lot of women that don't like YES but whenever I listened to YES with a male friend, they always loved it.

I could see the pain, reminded me of Captain Kirk trying to resist the pain machine.

Hahahaha. .This was fun. For me this is a masterpiece. YES is the band that made me love music. Master musicians and beyond. Top nodge. YES for ever!! Thank you Maddy. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Another reactor had the same feelings. 6 months later, he did another reaction to Close To The Edge and loved it and he Apologized for quote his "impatience." Try again without us see how it goes. Suggest a glass of wine first or medication ✨️🙏✨️

Yey! An absolute masterpiece, this is a rollercoaster with so many layers, I'll enjoy it here with you!

in college, i used to play this on repeat at night to help me sleep........ during 90s

Blew me away 30 years ago when I first heard it

You are right as it appears to be a generational thing, whereas, at your age, you simply didn't grow up listening to this type of music. In other words, you haven't been "conditioned" for it, and thus, songs like this are like a shock to your system. Nor have you grown up in the cultural climate of those days and of how some of the seventies music and late sixties too had a certain listening experience to it. I recently saw where Nancy Wilson of the band Heart describes the seventies music as more of a mind expansion period of music which makes sense. So, you see bands in the classic rock genre like Yes, Pink Floyd, the Moody Blues, etc. have a type of music that takes you on a journey. Their style of music is more of a "head space" type of music where the idea is to relax and let the music take you away or to use today's popular vernacular to "go with the flow." Their music is beyond just listening to some accessible song; but, is music that also creates an "experience" while doing so. This song by Yes is probably one of the worst ones you could possibly start out with if you're not familiar with or like their style of music. A gateway song, it's not! It is one of the most non-accessible songs for the "uninitiated" to this subgenre of rock, "progressive rock." If you are open-minded enough and are up for tackling another Yes song again, I strongly suggest "Wonderous Stories" which is much more melodic in a simpler and accessible way with angelic vocals. I think you might really like that one! PS: You might be surprised; but, this song is considered a timeless masterpiece by many of us who grew up in this era. And, it definitely has stood the test of time! :)

Btw- Dear Maddy, Do not ever-for any reason- under any circumstances-listen to Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention😂 Sincerely, 😊Concerned citizen

18:20 Your face of disgust has me in TEARS over here😭💀💀💀

I think you're about ready for 'The Gates of Delirium' now...

I deeply appreciate your honesty. This song is definitely not for everyone. For people like me whose teenaged years were spent listening to this and other progressive music was a great alternative to the trash that was being played over and over on the radio. The disjointed beginning made me anxious at first too. But I grew to love the innovative composition and varied movements in it. However, I cannot expect someone like you to find the same appreciation as I do. I love your reactions and no I do not hate you for this reaction. I am impressed that you gave it a go.

I remember listening this to the first time a few years back and asked my friend “What’s the point of all this?” He was a huge Yes fan and I wanted to see what he saw but just didn’t. These days, I’m a bigger fan of Yes than even him. I love all the eras of Yes where he has a love strictly for the classic era (Pre 90125). Long story short, Close to the Edge to me is a masterpiece and now is my favorite song in the history of music.

By The Way, YES is said to have always been a musicians' band of musicians...just saying:)

Your face is that of all my friends and every woman have dated. 😊 Completely understandable, does make us who adore them, mostly sad that you are truly missing out on beauty. Ty for reaction.

One of the most talented bands in history.Enjoy

Listened to this in college and just closed my eyes and went on the journey love it

I'm a massive Yes Fan and a former prog-rock drummer who understands the complexity of said genre. Having said that, I have to agree with you maddy that the beginning of this track is too chaotic even for my ears. I'm old enough to remember when this was released and it was an inspiration to me but I think "Roundabout" is a much better track. You won't be losing my sub just because you don't like a certain track. Honesty is always the best option. Love you and your channel. Keep rocking girl. ✌️❤️🇬🇧

That's just the thing this does have mass appeal. It was the album and song that made YES the greatest prog rock band of all time.

Far and away the longest-lasting and the most popular of the 1970s progressive rock groups, Yes proved one of the lingering success stories from that genre. The band was formed in London in 1968 by singer Jon Anderson and bassist Chris Squire, both owners of high, clear tenor voices that blended seamlessly in the band's trademark harmonies. Yes overcame a generational shift in its audience to reach the end of the century as the definitive progressive rock band, purveyors of cosmic (often mystical) lyrics, virtuoso playing, and vast musical tapestries topped off with heart-stoppingly gorgeous melodies and sealed with a rock & roll kick. - All Music Guide

Wow, I've never seen someone have a nervous breakdown after listening to Close to the Edge. This is bizarre..

This is what I love about your reviews. You don't sugar coat or blow smoke just to get likes. The beautiful thing about music is that it reaches out to all tastes. If we all had the same tastes, music would be boring and monotonous. Not everyone likes dry wine, and not everyone likes scotch. A person's music taste is not what makes them.... honesty and being genuine does. Good video and stay beautiful

The first time that I heard this in November 1972, I fell in love with it, and played it through three times one after the other. It became my favourite piece of music and has been since that day. My all-time favourite track ever. That first piece of music represents the chaos of the early earth and from this chaos burst-forth the harmony of life. You have to listen to it several times to get it. This is progressive music. It's not the simple-minded bubble-gum music that the vast majority of sheeple enjoy on the radio. The church pipe organ holds a deep meaning to Europeans and is beautiful and not frightening (horror) at all. It is an astonishing work or art. But for someone that likes a nice, whistle-along, simple tune, it should be avoided; it's too complex for the brain. Mumble-rap isn't music. And Close to the Edge stands the test of time, I've listened to it for 52 years now, and it will be a great song in a 100 years. 😎

What surprises me is that most reactors on RU-vid, even young ones, manage to like this song on first hearing (though not necessarily the chaotic first part of it). When I first heard it, in the early 1970s, I thought it was pretty weird. I went on playing it occasionally, but as far as I remember it took years for me to get used to it. It wasn’t at all like the other music that was around at the time. And no, I didn’t listen to any other Yes albums for a long time.

I saw the band 4 times and they were always great live!

The guitar and bass sound so great throughout the song. The first Yes I heard was the album Relayer, and that took some listens to appreciate it. After that, the previous albums were much more admirable to me, and the albums Fragile and Close to the Edge are among my favourite albums.

Wait until you hear (or not) The Gates of Delirium... 😀

Can you understand the entire life of the first ILUMINATED human , called BUDA , OR SIDARTA GAUTAMA RESUMED IN ONE MUSIC IN 22 MINUTES ??????

You obviously don't get the music, don't you? NOT recommended: Gates of Delirium 😂

Hey Maddy, this is the first video I’ve seen of yours and I will be typing out a long comment, not sure if you read em or not but I think I can provide a lot of insight as someone who is probably closer to your age (19) compared to others that know and love this song. First off I want to say I really liked your reaction, I was laughing half the time listening. I like the fact that you’re not afraid to share your opinions at all 😂. Anyways, if I’m not wrong it seems like this may be the second Yes song you’ve heard, the first being Roundabout (meme song), which you seemed to really like. This being the second Yes song you’ve heard to me is pretty insane. This isn’t a song you jump into out of nowhere, this is a song you listen to after you’ve been conditioned to their music and style so that you know where they’re going with it. I don’t wanna seem pretentious at all but there are aspects of this song you 100% didn’t grasp simply due to the complexity and the sheer size of the song. That is ok, and in fact it took me many listens to finally grasp what the hell was going on. I first listened to this song when I was 14, and from what I remember I didn’t like it very much on a first listen either. What I really liked about the video is that you didn’t just sit there and nod your head or make a face, you really revealed what was going on in your head and it was probably what was going on in my head when I first listened to this song too lmao. Anyways, I had listened to many Yes songs before listening to this song and I believe that helped me A LOT because it’s true, this song is too much, there is so much happening, idk what the hell to call what’s happening in this song. All this to say that the more I listen to it, the more I appreciate it. To be clear, I very much love this song. One thing I will say is that music doesn’t necessarily have to appeal to the masses, this is a very experimental piece of music that not everyone needs to like or understand and that’s ok. The reason I kept listening to this song is because I was so intrigued, I had never heard anything like it before. As for your feeling of anxiousness throughout the song, I didn’t share that same feeling but everyone is different and that’s ok lol. As for the mumble rap analogy I completely disagree 😂😂😂, mumble rap is prevalent in my generation and what id call it is pure brain rot. I like rap, and even some mumble rap songs but it is wrong to compare this song to mumble rap. This song is filled with actual musicianship that you don’t understand and I want to say that with the least amount of pretentiousness that I possibly can, I’m not at all trying to be a dickhead. This song btw has withstood the test of time, it’s over 50 years old and people are still discovering and appreciating it. Again, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and have their own tastes so I’m not bashing you for not liking it at all (especially on a first listen), I just feel like you should’ve maybe been more open and less like “music shouldn’t have a learning curve” because to that I say, why not? The main reason I love this song is because there is so much to be discovered, so many new sounds and themes every time you listen to it. This song really should be listened to when you’re in the right state of mind as well, many people listen to this song to relax (believe it or not), I’d say I’m one of those. To me it’s like a musical journey through a lot of emotions, one that should really open your mind. Again, trying to say that in the least pretentious tone possible 😂. I’d really encourage you to listen to other yes songs, especially from their Yes Album and Fragile which are less of a tough pill to swallow. Again, really liked your reaction, I appreciate the fact that you didn’t just sit on your ass and do nothing and tbh your reaction seemed very real to me, like what a normal person would go through listening to this song. Like I said before something similar happened to me as I really didn’t like this song the first time I heard it but I kept listening because I could appreciate the fact that it was made with precision and a lot of actual musicianship, every note was intended. Why not have a song explore the boundaries? Again, I’d encourage your to listen to other songs, preferably shorter more ‘mainstream’ songs of theirs, you’ll surely appreciate those. If you’ve read this entirely, I really love and appreciate you for that, thanks.

Your honesty is like a breath of fresh air among all the other reactors who say that the song they just heard is the greatest thing ever. I used to be a huge Yes fan, well, more precisely a huge Chris Squire fan. I've since disembarked from the Prog Rock train to explore other genres. But, If I were to introduce someone to Yes this is not where I would start. Try Roundabout. It follows a more traditional verse/chorus arrangement that really showcases the genius of the individual members, especially Squire.

I would turn it off on the radio as well.If you do not like something,do not apologize,no need✌️

YES was all about creating mood swings with their music. The chaotic, discordant intro is all done to set up the big *_RELEASE_* that follows, just a challenging beginning of a very long composition that takes you through a number of moods. Unfortunately, to your ears, you were so traumatized by that opening craziness that you couldn't stop being afraid that it was going to come back again. YES was very experimental, but they never did crazy discordant stretches except in order to make you feel anxious early on before taking you back to safe ground

Just follow Chris Squires bassline and you will be fine

Maddy don't be too harsh on yourself. Those that have a go at you for not appreciating this on your first take are pretentious bleep bleep bleeps. I am from the generation that you mentioned as being from the time when this first came out and only just. I am a young 61. I will tell you that when I first heard this I didn't understand the weird time signatures at the beginning and I must admit I was bamboozled. However the otherworldly midsection had me entranced from the onset along with the out of body organ section. The hardest bit was the intro to the song as it is blast to the senses but I persevered and I listened to it again, and again, and again until the coin dropped. And believe you me the coin will drop. And when it does everything will fall into place and you will think, why did I not get this straight away. I am making the assumption that you have the inclination and also I'm also assuming that if it happened to me it should happen to you over time. But as you said it might be that some are wired differently or that it might be a generational thing. Maybe. But an album which many including myself hail as being one of the holy grails of prog rock, I feel it is owed the respect of giving it time to invest in its creation. At least you are honest in your review unlike some who pamper to the audience just because they have told that you must like it. Either way do yourself a favour and give it a few chances. You've got a lot to gain if you do connect but if don't put it down to experience.

Better than 99% of shit that comes out today with absolutely 0 talent. I can’t believe She just compared this to mumnble rap. That takes 0 talent. And this resonated with EVERYOne you’re in the minority… it’s pure talent and art

Yes toured with Mahavishnu Orchestra and were very taken with their music - "Steve Howe writes that the intro was an attempt to emulate the sound of jazz guitarist John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra, a favorite of the band's."

Sometimes upon first listen a work is so radically different it takes a few listens to start to appreciate it. The chaotic dissonant intro took me a long time to enjoy. Igor Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring caused quite the ruckus when it first premiered. Guess it’s the price you pay for being so far ahead of your time. I can see this masterpiece appealing to listeners for centuries to come

The hardest thing in music is to come up with something new. Yes did that.

Don't worry, Maddy. Water flows and finds its way. Just listen again in a few months.

Love the honest reaction. Some reactors just say they love the track, even if you know they don't get it! Hallmarks of prog rock are odd time signatures, poly-rhythms, interesting/unexpected chord progressions. With English Prog, you get some classical influences and with Yes in particular you get soundscapes, church organs and actually really catchy melody lines and choruses!

Progressive Rock, was a genre created in late 60's... It's meant to have a lot of tempo changes and energetic instrumentation.... It's like the difference between regular physics and quantum physics.. It's a journey of discovery....and sure it's not for every mood

I hope this isn’t the first song by Yes that yo heard because there are So Many Classic Rock songs from them that you would really like . Please listen to some more Yes from the 70’s before you give up on them🙏🏻👍🏻❤️🎼

the same reason why you didn't enjoy the beginning of the song is the reason why men like to watch spots by themselves 😂

Asking someone who has never listened to Yes to listen to Close to the Edge for the first time is like asking a newly licensed driver to compete in the Indianapolis 500. That isn't a put down of your ability to comprehend and enjoy music. It would be unfortunate if you made your entire evaluation of the discography of Yes based upon your first impression of this song. I will add, however, that people from many generations, a broad swath of humanity has listened to this and enjoyed it. It's not a fringe group of people by any means. Your comments relating to being uncomfortable... Consider, perhaps that was the purpose of some of those parts. But the part of the song that most listeners hear what feels to them as "recovery", a deep breath, and a church organ that raises tension and lifts to a release, you interpreted as a horror film. Thank you for your honest expression. Now spend a little time with that and ask yourself how you impressed such a negative connotation to what is commonly deemed beautify uplifting. It's okay that you didn't feel that way. Yes would encourage you to investigate WHY. The music pushes you to feel, and invites you to ponder how and why. That's not how most people listen to common music. It's fine if you don't want to go there. But it's kind of crass to put down people that do. I don't really think you meant it the way you said it. I think you were getting ahead of the backlash you anticipated, and wandered into defensive speak when you implied only a small group of people would like this song. It's simply not the case. But MOST people don't start with this. There are plenty of other songs that came before this that lead a listener to be capable of grasping this. And many songs after as well. But Yes isn't "easy listening", to be sure. Very rarely is that ever their intent. It would be a shame if you don't try listening to some earlier stuff, or And You and I from the same album. Or as someone else suggested, the song Turn of the Century from the album of the same name. People that listen to Yes almost universally describe the music as positive and uplifting, even if there is sometimes a journey to that point. We come to trust that. That trust hadn't been established with you. Your apprehension comes through clearly. Release that. Listen to some shorter and easier early pieces and take time to contemplate the how and what of those songs for you. I promise it will grow you. If you don't want that growth, then skip all of this and put on the Carpenters, or Abba, or anything that doesn't make you work and really consider the depth of a thing. They too can be deep. If you work with Yes you will see more depth in even the simplest of things. Happy listening

This is not disco music. It's quite normal that you don't like it since you can't get it.

The inspiration for this song was the book Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. It's about the life of Buddha which was very popular at this time.

"I think that music should be accessible to a major of people, if not i don't really see it as being impactful" That is not only closed minded but also an anti-art mentality

this piece is like an onion... or an ogre. it has layers!

It's like a movie. While millions have bought the records and seen in concert so there is an audience. BUT there are many moods included so it's like an adventure.

There was a lot of experimentation during the late 60s in to the 70s from sound to transitions and people had their favorites...

My stepfather liked this stuff it made my skin crawl

19:04 Here begins one of the best Hammond organ solos of all time.

Now im one step closer to the edge🤣😬🤣

All we can ask for is a honest reaction, Maddy ……and we certainly got one 😂 I don’t watch you to just have my own prejudices confirmed, but to see someone of a different generation experience music I love for the first time, which I can never do again (and mostly can’t remember how I did feel that first time). Hope this hasn’t completely put you off being open to try other Yes songs in the future! (You’re possibly going to get a lot more requests just to wind you up). Take care.

It's ok not everyone is into progrock..

These very old songs from YES are not to everyone's taste. If you're not too put off, try some fairly current songs from them. For example: "The Ice Bridge" (2021) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-PbGEa7ju8bg.html or “Mirror to the Sky” (2023) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jj2CulCC-uk.html These are also songs with “extra length”, but they are a bit catchier.

Hey Dean, maybe pick a HIT song by Yes? Like Wtf? She's not a prog rock fan girl (yet)....sheesh, some people just don't get it.

As a big Yes fan, I really enjoyed this reaction. So honest. I could feel your pain. Not the best track to start with. Maybe Wondrous stories.

As far as Yes goes, maybe you should have listened to a more radio-friendly tune of theirs like "Owner of a Lonely Heart"or "Roundabout". Sometimes their long epics "shock" the casual listener, and it takes a few listens to catch on to what they're doing. I can understand that it's a lot to take in, on first listen. Trust me, I've been listening to them since 1975, and I'm still a die-hard fan and been to many of their concerts! But, to each their own i guess. BTW, It's supposed to be chaotic and make you feel uneasy in parts of the song. But there is also a serene beauty to it in other parts. Hence being called "CLOSE TO THE EDGE". take care.

Only thing I disagree about is the idea that music should be assessable, that idea has gotten us to a place where everything kind of sounds the same. This music used to fill up large arenas because people were not convinced that all music should basically sound the same.

Thank you for enduring something that was so clearly "not your cup of tea"! I gotta confess that watching your discomfort was better than not watching you at all, probably because it induces the same endorphins I get from seeing your adorable liitle canine friend!

I first heard this in my later teenage years, I had a friend somehow and he had these friends, and they smoked a lot of sweet smelling cigarettes. They played this, and leant me a bunch of records. I never got their vibe, but a lot on the music they leant me stuck. A lot of Yes is not about instant gratification. Even after 50 years I still like their music, now that has to say something about it. Thanks for the insights, you did make my eyes and ears widen with your review.

They did better at wrecking my brain than I could there for a second, but I snapped out of it back to my wrecking ball. Legends never die they add bricks to streets where gods can see them.

Do not give up, give YES another chance, you don’t know what you gonna lose 👍

It’s very funny your reaction with a masterpiece !! The real art it’s not for everyone!!

AW, what a beautiful little Frenchy! So adorable.

it's to build up tension.Total Prog rock.

As a big fan of Yes, starting in the early 70's, this song has always been one of my favorites. I have no problem with Maddy not thinking as highly of it as I do, in fact, I appreciate her honest opinion. Far too many reactors seem to like everything, which I just can't believe is true. I like prog rock a lot, but I hate every song Rush ever did, and most fans of prog can't understand how I can dislike the band. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, there is no right or wrong reaction to music!

Okay..... to answer your question.... what is this?..... okay..... this is possibly the most renowned song in all of progressive rock history..... number one in all the chart Toppers lists..... and some considered the greatest piece of music ever recorded....... now..... that doesn't mean everyone has to like it or appreciate it but know this....... all the bands and songs you mentioned pale in comparison to this great piece of work........ I would suggest you stick to simpler things maybe pop music? Cuz obviously Prog isn't your thing..... cheers

You have to listen to it several times to appreciate it.

Beginning was a Yes warm up, Yes is British so their music is served in courses.🇬🇧

This is the kind of song you need to listen to a few times to make sense. Close to the Edge is a progressive rock classic, often considered the pinnacle of the genre and Yes' magnum opus. The song's introduction is constructed in the form of polyrhythms, which causes a certain strangeness at first; the music itself brings a symbiosis between rock, jazz and classical music, and is divided into four sessions, just like an classical piece; the lyrics are based on a book called Siddhartha from 1922, by writer Hermann Hesse, which is about a mystical journey of self-knowledge, and the structure of the lyrics is built like a poem. Truly, an epic... epic!

Goodbye & good riddance to that guy! It's his loss! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.I, on the other hand would never hate you😍🥰 Could u react to Yes's "Owner of a lonely heart"?

Hahaha great reaction. Fitting for the title of the song. You indeed were "Close to the edge" on this one!! It's fine you didn't enjoy it, it's not for everyone. Personally I love this song, it's a timeless masterpiece! Try listening to Roundabout by YES! It might be more your alley than this.

Love your honesty not everyone's cup of tea "music is in the ear of the beholder" as a bit of background why this was probably recommended. This was progressive rock I bought the album at 16 years old in 1972 The album continued to sell and was certified platinum for one million copies sold on 10 April 1998. it has continuously been listed in various lists. It made Rolling Stone's list of the top 500 greatest albums of all time. Progressive rock (shortened as prog rock or simply prog) is a broad genre of rock music that primarily developed in the United Kingdom through the mid- to late 1960s, peaking in the early 1970s. the style was an emergence of psychedelic bands who abandoned standard pop traditions in Favour of instrumentation and compositional techniques more frequently associated with jazz, folk, or classical music. Additional elements contributed to its "progressive" label: lyrics were more poetic, technology was harnessed for new sounds, music approached the condition of "art", and the studio, rather than the stage, became the focus of musical activity, which often involved creating music for listening rather than dancing.

Completely understand and I am a Yes fan. I’ve seen them live several times and I admit Close to the Edge is not the most accessible song and while many consider it a masterpiece I find it okay and the opening isn’t my favorite. There is plenty to love with Yes. Don’t give up on them. In fact in the 80s they went a little more mainstream sounding.