Yes’ 1972 Album ‘Close to the Edge’ Gets Epic Super Deluxe Edition

The legendary prog-rock band Yes is set to unveil a comprehensive Super Deluxe Edition of their iconic 1972 album, “Close to the Edge,” marking a significant milestone in the band's illustrious career. This reworked edition, scheduled for release on March 7, 2025, promises to capture the imagination of music fans both old and new. The reissue, produced by Rhino Records, includes a remarkable 5CD+blu-ray+LP box set, which is poised to deliver a comprehensive audio-visual experience for Yes’s enduring fan base. This format includes newly remastered versions of the original tracks on both CD and vinyl, ensuring fans old and new can appreciate the album's intricate compositions in the highest fidelity.

To cater to contemporary audiophiles’ tastes, the deluxe edition features exceptional Dolby Atmos, 5.1, and high-resolution stereo mixes created by renowned sound engineer Steven Wilson. These mixes are a significant addition, offering a fresh take on the classic tracks and adding a layer of immersion to the listening experience. Wilson’s skillful remixing not only modernizes the album but also highlights the depth and detail that have made “Close to the Edge” a hallmark of progressive rock. Furthermore, fans will appreciate additional discs containing previously unreleased material, such as alternate versions and instrumental tracks, which grant a unique insight into the band’s creative process.

One of the notable inclusions in this set is an extensive live recording from a 1972 concert at London’s Rainbow Theatre, spread across two CDs. This performance captures Yes at the height of their powers, demonstrating their live musical prowess and giving listeners a glimpse of the energy that made their concerts a revered experience during the time. The concert was part of the band’s tour to support the original album's release and is a vivid testament to their dynamic stage presence and technical ability. For many fans, this live element completes the album’s legacy, offering an all-encompassing historic snapshot of a band in its innovative prime.

The presentation of the Super Deluxe Edition is further elevated with liner notes by esteemed jazz and music writer Syd Schwartz. These notes delve deeply into the context and creation of “Close to the Edge,” shedding light on the inspirations and circumstances surrounding its production. Guitarist Steve Howe has commented on the album, referring to it as Yes’s “most miraculous album” due to its ambitious and flawlessly executed multi-part suite structure. This shows the album’s concept was ambitious even by Yes's standards, consisting of lengthy, intricate tracks that pushed the boundaries of what rock music could encompass at that time.

Originally released in 1972, “Close to the Edge” was Yes's fifth studio album and stands as a quintessential piece of their discography, noted for its sophisticated composition and technical mastery. It was the last to feature drummer Bill Bruford before he joined King Crimson, marking the end of an era for the band. Despite the changes in the lineup, the album was a critical and commercial success, achieving top positions on UK and US charts and receiving platinum status. Its influential title track takes up an entire side of the original vinyl, a bold move that contributed to its acclaim and longevity.