Close to the Edge is the fifth studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released on 13 September 1972 by Atlantic Records. Following a tour in support of their previous album, Fragile, Yes returned to Advision Studios in London to record their next album. Produced by the band and audio engineer Eddy Offord, the album consists of three tracks: “Close to the Edge” on side one; “And You and I” and “Siberian Khatru” on side two. When recording for the album finished, drummer Bill Bruford, frustrated by the band’s style and laborious recording in the studio, left to join King Crimson.

Close to the Edge became the band’s greatest commercial success at the time of its release, reaching number 3 on the Billboard 200 in the United States and number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Yes supported the album with their 1972–73 world tour, their biggest since their formation. A two-part edit of “And You and I” released in the United States reached number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Close to the Edge was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 1998 for shipments of over one million copies. It was reissued in 1994, 2003, and 2013, the latter included unreleased tracks and a new stereo and 5.1 surround sound mix by Steven Wilson. Critical reception was mixed on release, though the album is retrospectively regarded as one of the band’s best work, and a landmark recording in progressive rock.

Released: 13 September 1972

Recorded: February–July 1972 at Advision Studios, London, England

Genre: Progressive rock

Length: 37:51

Label: Atlantic

Producers: Eddy Offord and Yes

Singles released from the Album:

“And You and I (Part I)”/”And You and I (Part II)” Released in October 1971

“And You and I”/”Roundabout” Released in January 1974 (UK)