I saw that you have reacted to several Home Free songs and mentioned Pentatonix as a style of acapella music that you like. A group that's been around since the early 90s, Zap Mama, does similar music with African sounds and beats and all acapella. Check out their self-titled first album. Also check out the documentary "A Band Called Death." I won't ive anything away, but you will be amazed because the music was made in the early 70s and nobody knows who they are, unfortunately.
Best prog-rock suites: "Close to the Edge" (Yes), "Tarkus" (ELP), "Thick as a Brick" (Jethro Tull), "Echoes" (Pink Floyd), "Lizard" (King Crimson), "Phaedra" (Tangerine Dream), "Supper's Ready" (Genesis) and "Hemispheres" (Rush). In prog-rock, the longer a song lasts, the better!
That's funny that you said this. I was talking with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and told him that I didn't really care for Power Windows. I was going off of memory from when I heard it years ago, so I gave it another listen. My reaction was that they used too many synths on that one. I told him, "we already have Yes."
@@wolfpat Dirk's 2nd biggest influence behind Squire. Then there's James Jamerson who, along with Entwistle, Squire and now of course, Geddy himself, influenced everybody who would come after them.
Back in the day, I had a classically-trained music teacher who hated Rock-n-Roll with a passion and warned us not to listen to it. So I dropped off "Close To The Edge" one day at his desk and told him to take it home and give a listen. His reaction was similar to yours. Long story short he bought the whole class tickets to attend Yes in concert and became a huge fan! I'm glad you enjoyed the album, Jamel. I'm looking forward to more of your reaction videos!!!
@@ChrisLawton66 It's very jazzy. I don't like it at all, and that's part of the reason why. It's the worst of jazz (to my ear). That really discordant and eclectic type, that's just non-musical to me.
dont really consider them overly proggy...cause i love them and generally am bored by egomaniac prog bands that remind me of Spinal Tap...i consider them fantastic with some missteps after this album.
Has to be one of the singular masterpieces of the modern age, a staggering astonishing composition and a towering achievement. Nice one Jamel you get it man, you really get it. Much love..
Never ceases to amaze me how in a space of say 10 years roughly between '65 to '75 there was an explosion of musical creativity and excellence that was above normal.....Yes, Genesis, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Queen, Bowie, Ten Years After, Grand Funk Railroad, Santana, Wishbone Ash, Supertramp, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, The Doors, Nick Drake, Barclay james Harvest, Can, Camel, Tangerine Dream, Caravan, Camel, Gentle Giant, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Nektar, ELP, The Nice, Spirit, Strawbs and last but not least Jethro Tull.
If you expand that range a few years forward you can include Rush and Van Halen both bands worthy of “musical creativity and excellence that was above normal”
I was born in '65 & grew up through this magical musical tour where you heard something new & unbelievable every time you tuned in to an "Album Rock" station. It was, of course, too good to last. At least it's been preserved so that we can look back in wonder at an age that I remember but was too young to truly appreciate. As Steve Howe said regarding the freedom of music: "Bravo the 70's!"
I love Jamal and his videos. BUT Never support TV shows. Better than here would be Rumble or Odysee. TH-cam is a part of division and deciding who gets to say what and when. A tool of evil
I just said something similar to this. I think I saw YES 3 times and each time I was blown away at how precise, perfect, amazing they were. Masters for sure
I saw them for the first time in '72 when they released Fragile. There was classical music playing in the venue for about 10 minutes then the light went down and the curtains parted and Yes was on stage playing the classical music we were listening too...mind blown. Then Jon Anderson talked about how their latest album would be released in the States in a few weeks. It was Fragile and they proceeded to play the entire album cut for cut! They truly are better in person than on recorded media as you can watch them react to each other as they are playing. What a band! What a concert!
So, you can see that this music of this era was created to enhance a mental trip…with or without the assistance of a high. Such an era. I am 67 and still feel pure joy from the sheer magic of this music! Bravo for your open mind. You just experienced a positive trip :)
You may like Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s cover version into rock of Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare For The Common Man. It is an instrumental which is definitely amazing!👍🏻
Definitely...I'd like a reaction of ELP playing Fanfare at Montreal stadium in the freezing cold. It's beyond me how they were able to play their instruments in those conditions. It is brilliant.
Close to the Edge is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. I first heard it when it was released fifty years ago. It still effects me to this day. I am glad you enjoyed it!!
I've lost count of how many of your reactions I've already watched, Jamel.. This is the first time I've seen a song make you take off your glasses. Glad you're with us on the Yes Starship...
Take a massive bow William Scott Bruford and Christopher Russell Edward Squire who kept this music masterpiece so tight, which allowed Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman the opportunity to WOW us with their individual quality and Jon Anderson to finish this off with his fantastic lyrics, harmonies and voice - heavenly
There's a Spanish cover band called "Close to the Yes" and they do this song in its entirety. They have a female singer who sings like Jon but in her own way which is nice.
I was 16 when my boyfriend gave me the album this song was featured on. (around 1977) I loved that album !! We were married at the end of the year ! I was 16 & he was 21. 😍 Thanks Jamal !! 😉🙋🏻♀️🥀
Your reaction is virtually identical to mine, the first time I listened to this masterpiece back in the 70s when it first came out. And I still react this way today even though I’ve listened to it a thousand times or so. In my humble opinion, “CloseTo The Edge” by Yes is the greatest Prog Rock song of all time.
I'm 60 yrs old and started listening to Yes in Jr. high the band will transend you into another world without any chemical. Their album art is a world all its own.
I'm 62 years old, I heard this when it was first released and I said it was the greatest song I had ever heard. To this day I still feel that way. Those 5 musicians, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Jon Anderson was the best group of musicians ever.
Go back to Genesis of the '70s and you will find some more amazing gems for your ear. Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is arguably the greatest album ever made. Enjoy the journey!
Something about this piece: it's timeless and crosses dimensions somehow. Takes you on a journey through time, space, and MORE! Thank you Jamel for making me hear it again after nearly 50 years!!!!
I'm very impressed with your patience with a song/opus such as this. Most people in this day and age can't take the time to go into the tunnel and experience the entire feeling. Certainly not my children. They just lose their minds over sitting still and receiving it as you have.
Thank you for this reaction. This is not only my favorite rock song of all time, but one of my favorite pieces of music from any genre of all time. This song affects me much like it affected you. And it does it every time I hear it. Thank you for keeping great music alive!
In the early 70s, I used to lay on the living room floor in front of the stereo with “Close to the Edge” cranking. The song brought tears to my eyes then and now.
@@tonysmyth4116 high fidelity speakers? Always found earphones uncomfortable. Bought my album from a Hardwear shop on display amongst some gardening tools.
@@nathanweiss5174 it works for babies, tossing them in water surprisingly they can swim. Problem is the shock of life and expectations, after that it takes time, but most people have a toe in the water and are tired of being told what to like by the media
I first heard this song when I was 20. Im 50 now. I remember my cousins playing yes when I was just a kid, and I started getting into them in my late teens. My cousin Ralph told me to buy, "Close to the Edge." I never looked back. Totally mind blowing.
My husband first introduced me to Yes 10 years back when we barely had been dating for a year. I'm so so grateful he did. Yes is not just music, it's a spiritual experience. As we are from different countries me and my husband had to go through 1.5 years of long distance relationship before we could get back together to marry. Those 1.5 years I was working shifts in a health insurance emergency call center to save up money for our wedding. The night shifts, the high pressure work environment, being separated. I cried more than once that year in the office restroom. But after every shift I'd walk home, walk of the stress, with Yes blasting in my ear and it gave me so much hope. Now I've been married and living with my husband for 7 years already. :) And still whenever I hear Yes I'm just so moved cause it was the soundtrack to one of the most important and intense times of my life.
I envy you for being able to hear this for the first time. This is one of the greatest albums of all time and knowing what’s coming next in the song and waiting to see your reaction is priceless. But the whole album is great, you should flip over the “album” and listen to the rest of it.
This is a fantastic reaction. I’m 26 and my dad grew me up on prog rock like this. I’m always the youngest at the concerts I go to with him by some distance but they’re great fun nonetheless! Try “Supper’s Ready” by Genesis if you haven’t already. Another genre defining prog epic. It’s an absolute masterpiece and it’s Gabriel era Genesis at its mind-blowing best! Edit: I should add that whilst the Seconds Out live version is excellent, the studio version would be the better one to react to as Gabriel is singing for his life (his words!)
@@Pix2GoStudios I can see it being spiritual, not religious, experience. Religion has Dogma, which for me personally, creates a bad aura. I am very spiritual.
@@Pix2GoStudios People often think of Buddhism as a religion but Gautama the Buddha made it very clear that it is not a religion. However, pagan and Wiccan are more grounded in spirituality and appreciation of nature. Yes, I can accept it as a spiritual/religious experience in that context.
Thank you for sharing with us your first experience of Close to the Edge. I listen to this at least every couple of months. When I do it is reaction video like yours. While watching I can relive my own emotions felt when I first heard it. I can see that you were moved. Honestly, this music touched and changed something deep inside me.
Jamel...now you know why us boomers are different!!!. We got to listen and experience music you will never hear live. I thank you for your appreciation of this period of the greatest period in music history. Love you brother...from an old white dude in NC.
@@patriciaengelsiepen9461 "Confusion Will Be My Epitaph" is probably my favorite King Crimson song. 💞 I played it for a friend of mine a couple of years ago and she was blown away. ⭐❤️👏
When I first heard this YES they were the " warm up band for I don't remember which band that was the headliner, they would not be eat by that famous band. We all had our minds blown . And this was live!
Now you just need to do “and you and I” and “Siberian Khatru” and then you’ll have done the whole album!! I don’t believe you’ve ever done a whole album before!
From watching other people reacting to this song it is clear to me that this song is much more understood and appreciated by older people rather than young people. I wouldn't have listened to this when I was younger but now I love it. Why?
So much fun to see you intuitively connect Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. Geddy talks about what a massive influence Squire was on his playing, and even played his parts when Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. Recently found your channel and I’m hooked!
Talking about that bass. Chris Squire (the bassist) was sharing flat with Greg Lake ("King Crimson"; Emerson, Lake & Palmer) in late 60s. They came to that bass sound together, and both used it (and became famous for it) in later bands...
This has been my favorite song since I was 15 and I stole my brothers cds - yes was my first concert and it changed my life. It’s why I’m a musician. It might be the best song ever made.
@@dbuck1964 ==Jamal said something to the effect of which group came first. That's not an exact quote and it's been awhile since I listened to video above. To others, I knew Yes was popular before Rush in terms of radio play but I didn't know how long Rush had been around but w/o significant public exposure. That's why I hedged opening post which was meant to respond to something Jamal said in the video above.
Your reaction to Close to the Edged was awesome! You're the only person who I've watched react to CTTE and REALLY took it all in, every beat, every note and it really moved you. Thank you.
I took a lady I had just started dating to see Yes. She was a professional musician. She didn't know anything about Yes. I just told her they were my favorite band since the early seventies. She's a keyboard player and Rick had just rejoined the band. All evening long she was mesmerized. She grabbed my arm. Tears were flowing down her cheeks. She said she had never experienced music like this in her Life. She floated out of the theatre and into my arms forever. I'm her knight in shining armor but Rick is her hero. I'm okay with that. You see, her and Rick were born exactly on the same day!
Ok Jamel, imagine a kid in the 70's hearing this song for the first time, then imagine a 61 year old man watching a youngster listening to this song for the first time and taking that old man back to being a kid in the 70's. That is the power of music. By the way, my favorite part of this song is the Phantom of the Opera section. I almost fell on the floor when you made that comment.
Yes (no pun), you explained exactly what I feel watching “aka” and I enjoy it with him completely. Jamel, sir, you are a time machine! The emotional journey I feel is cathartic for me. Next , when you can, check out the guitar solo on the cover they did of Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” another of many epic Yes
This 64 year old man agrees with you. One other thing to imagine, seeing them perform it live. Without a doubt the best lineup the band had, and what an encore it was when I saw them.
Simply amazing back to when I was 20 yrs old seeing them in concert smoking the joint closing your eyes feeling and seeing it-- Lazer beam light shows!! Oh what a fucking great time to have been alive and experience this and this great band-- Jon Anderson rock on forever!!
Like others have said, "I'm an old dude" in my 60's who grew up listening to Yes and Genesis and it's fantastic watching a young guy discover the magic that we knew at the time was pure genius. Thanks for sharing your love of music with the world.
Hola desde Argentina, amamos génesis, Floyd, yes, Zeppelin, purple, Queen, y tantas otras bandas de habla inglesa, y les cuento que en Argentina también tenemos bandas de los 70 en este género progresivo. Escuchen seru giran que les va a encantar. Recomiendo canciones como eiti Leda, a los jóvenes de ayer, noche de perros, viernes 3am, perro andaluz y muchas más. Solo nos separa el idioma, pero los gustos son similares
@@maximilianomiguel8645 Viví en Buenos Aries durante un año y estoy casada con una chilena. Tenemos una gran colección de música argintina y chilena de esa época y la tocamos a menudo.
@@GoodLifeInSpain cuántas preguntas para hacerte, empiezo por si te gustó Buenos Aires, después si sos norteamericano, si aprendiste español, si te gusta seru giran, Spinetta, los jaibas, en qué año viniste a la Argentina, como conociste a tu esposa chilena, todo eso me gustaría preguntarte. Saludos
Jamel is the audience that all musicians dream of- he's a receiver. He absorbs the sounds and allows it to freely flow through him unrestricted...and with a open mind. I love him, he is my favorite reaction channel.❤🎶
Love how he moved as if to stop and make a comment about 3 times before he did. Then the song took a different reaction and he just had to take that in first. That's how I was all those years ago. as soon as you were about to settle in to one part of the song it changed! Marvelous composing and musicianship and Jamel is great at taking it all in.
U have noooo idea how it makes this 63 yr old man feel knowing that a song of my youth from one of MY all time Favorite Bands can transcend Generations and Cultures to have this kind of Impact on YOU aka Jamal ! thankyou for making my DAY !!!
I’m 69. This is one example of why us oldies are not that impressed by most of the new music we hear. Well, we were spoiled weren’t we?! and don’t they deserve the credit and appreciation and adulation of the whole world?
Yes, how lucky were we to grow up with these progressive rocks bands that were not interested in the Charts!!! Something incredible happened between 66 and 76
I can't remember when we didn't play the full album. Back when the format was LP I think it was more common for people to make more of a thing to play albums end to end without distractions. In the present circumstances I've got that kind of uninterrupted time to myself again.
Now check out Genesis, “Wind and the Withering”, and “Seconds Out”. Also flip it over and Listen to “And You and I”, some other great Yes albums are “Tormato” and “Parallels” Also check out Rush’s “La Villa Strangiato” it’s a pure jam with heavy progression and Jazz. For an amazing feel good jam band, Check out Twiddle! When it Rains it Pours is a good song to start your day right! Cheers! Loved watching you enjoy one of my favorite albums!
These multiple reaction videos to “Close to the Edge” have started something in a big way. Everyone is blown away by this masterpiece by YES circa 1972
Ahh, the days when a band was full of seriously talented people who could write their own songs and were masters of their instruments. Extraordinary talent making extraordinary music. Glad you enjoy them, Jamel!
Still a lot of amazing bands writing equally awesome epics today. If you're inclined for some much heavier but equally emotional and complex songwriting, check out Dream Theater, Opeth, Ne Obliviscaris, and Devin Townsend. Prog Metal is truly today what Prog Rock was back in the 70s.
@@carolgarten-long7878 Awesome! I highly recommend the other bands I mentioned, although if you're not accustomed to growling vocals, I also highly recommend Haken, Circus Maximus, Andromeda, DGM, Threshold, and Symphony X (all bands inspired by and very similar to Dream Theater, though they definitely each come into their own and bring something new and different to the classic Prog Metal sound)
Written by Anderson and Howe ...I've have always remembered this take on the song from an interview with Jon ... he stated that the lyrics for the concluding verse were based on a dream he once had about the "passing on from this world to another.".. yet feeling so fantastic about it that death never frightened him ever since.
‘JUST BE A GOOD HUMAN’ Shirts and More, Enter Promo Code ‘Jamel’ jamel-aka-jamal-youtube-store.creator-spring.com
I saw that you have reacted to several Home Free songs and mentioned Pentatonix as a style of acapella music that you like. A group that's been around since the early 90s, Zap Mama, does similar music with African sounds and beats and all acapella. Check out their self-titled first album.
Also check out the documentary "A Band Called Death." I won't ive anything away, but you will be amazed because the music was made in the early 70s and nobody knows who they are, unfortunately.
Best prog-rock suites: "Close to the Edge" (Yes), "Tarkus" (ELP), "Thick as a Brick" (Jethro Tull), "Echoes" (Pink Floyd), "Lizard" (King Crimson), "Phaedra" (Tangerine Dream), "Supper's Ready" (Genesis) and "Hemispheres" (Rush).
In prog-rock, the longer a song lasts, the better!
@@rhopsi5620 Zap Mama, Brrrlak! is spine chilling!
Please listen to amber by 311
There's better YES songs then Closer to the Edge
YES came first. As Geddy Lee said...'there would be no Rush without YES'. This is my favorite track from YES.
So true!👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
rush is starcastle
And there'd be no Chris Squire without John Entwistle.
That's funny that you said this. I was talking with a friend a couple of weeks ago, and told him that I didn't really care for Power Windows. I was going off of memory from when I heard it years ago, so I gave it another listen. My reaction was that they used too many synths on that one. I told him, "we already have Yes."
@@wolfpat Dirk's 2nd biggest influence behind Squire. Then there's James Jamerson who, along with Entwistle, Squire and now of course, Geddy himself, influenced everybody who would come after them.
Back in the day, I had a classically-trained music teacher who hated Rock-n-Roll with a passion and warned us not to listen to it. So I dropped off "Close To The Edge" one day at his desk and told him to take it home and give a listen. His reaction was similar to yours. Long story short he bought the whole class tickets to attend Yes in concert and became a huge fan! I'm glad you enjoyed the album, Jamel. I'm looking forward to more of your reaction videos!!!
This is rock + jazz!!! Don't forget the jazzy element!!
@@boltoniousit's not jazz or jazzy
Certainly progressive tho
@@ChrisLawton66 It's very jazzy. I don't like it at all, and that's part of the reason why. It's the worst of jazz (to my ear). That really discordant and eclectic type, that's just non-musical to me.
@@saintejeannedarc9460 until it is.
"How prog-rock do we want this song to be?"
Yes: "Yes."
"So you want to do a double album. Have you written the songs?
"Yep. Four."
"When are you writing the others?"
"Eh...we're good."
dont really consider them overly proggy...cause i love them and generally am bored by egomaniac prog bands that remind me of Spinal Tap...i consider them fantastic with some missteps after this album.
Quintessential.
@@VagabondTexan Three on on one side...
@@snimick Tales from Topographic Oceans. Four sides, four songs.
Has to be one of the singular masterpieces of the modern age, a staggering astonishing composition and a towering achievement. Nice one Jamel you get it man, you really get it. Much love..
Have you listened to our lord saviour Phish?
lol@@jasonridge9165
Never ceases to amaze me how in a space of say 10 years roughly between '65 to '75 there was an explosion of musical creativity and excellence that was above normal.....Yes, Genesis, Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, King Crimson, Queen, Bowie, Ten Years After, Grand Funk Railroad, Santana, Wishbone Ash, Supertramp, Steely Dan, Frank Zappa, The Doors, Nick Drake, Barclay james Harvest, Can, Camel, Tangerine Dream, Caravan, Camel, Gentle Giant, Creedance Clearwater Revival, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Nektar, ELP, The Nice, Spirit, Strawbs and last but not least Jethro Tull.
I've always thought that
If you expand that range a few years forward you can include Rush and Van Halen both bands worthy of “musical creativity and excellence that was above normal”
Praise Gawd!
I was born in '65 & grew up through this magical musical tour where you heard something new & unbelievable every time you tuned in to an "Album Rock" station. It was, of course, too good to last. At least it's been preserved so that we can look back in wonder at an age that I remember but was too young to truly appreciate. As Steve Howe said regarding the freedom of music: "Bravo the 70's!"
Tull is NEVER least.
Meet Jamel, the coolest, nicest, most human being in America. He should be world famous.
True story!👊
May the world 🌎 get to know his name what an amazing lover and analyst for the wonder of music 🎼
Seconded.
He is.. I am a big fan from Sri Lanka.
Amen to that!
Jamel aka Jamal should be given a tv show on a major network, to educate the children on what music really means...
Agreed.
nah, hes doin better here.
nailing it.
I love Jamal and his videos.
BUT
Never support TV shows. Better than here would be Rumble or Odysee.
TH-cam is a part of division and deciding who gets to say what and when.
A tool of evil
You are right!!!
Most definitely! 🙌💗
This is one of the greatest songs ever written and recorded -YES
Yes came first. Chris Squire was one of Geddy Lee’s inspiration.
And Geddy played on stage with them when Yes was finally inducted in the R&R HOF.
th-cam.com/video/t1-NsnlPc54/w-d-xo.html
It’s such a joy to watch someone discover something so magical. It is damn incredible! The bass line, the bass line, it gets me every single time!
It's like remembering your first experience with Yes. A beautiful sight to behold, I agree.
Having been to Yes concerts during the late seventies, they were the only band that sounded better live in concert than from a studio album.
That is so true. I saw in 79, and then again many times in the following decades.
I just said something similar to this. I think I saw YES 3 times and each time I was blown away at how precise, perfect, amazing they were. Masters for sure
#JEALOUS
I saw them for the first time in '72 when they released Fragile. There was classical music playing in the venue for about 10 minutes then the light went down and the curtains parted and Yes was on stage playing the classical music we were listening too...mind blown. Then Jon Anderson talked about how their latest album would be released in the States in a few weeks. It was Fragile and they proceeded to play the entire album cut for cut! They truly are better in person than on recorded media as you can watch them react to each other as they are playing. What a band! What a concert!
@@ldm10385 Went right for the jugular...I'm so depressed right now! 😥
So, you can see that this music of this era was created to enhance a mental trip…with or without the assistance of a high. Such an era. I am 67 and still feel pure joy from the sheer magic of this music! Bravo for your open mind. You just experienced a positive trip :)
That bass player was Chris Squire. He passed away nearly 6 years ago, and was one of the very best.
May his memory always be for a blessing.
One of the great bass players of the rock era.
Finest album...Fish Out of Water!
@@kathygardner2676 yes ! Silently Falling...so beautiful !
I shook the hand that played the bass on this, I can truly say a few atoms of music genius rubbed off on me.
You may like Emerson, Lake and Palmer’s cover version into rock of Aaron Copeland’s Fanfare For The Common Man. It is an instrumental which is definitely amazing!👍🏻
Definitely...I'd like a reaction of ELP playing Fanfare at Montreal stadium in the freezing cold. It's beyond me how they were able to play their instruments in those conditions. It is brilliant.
Absolutely 💯
Totally agreed. Add in Pirates to the list.
Seen that one live at Olympic Stadium. It was awesome👍🏻❤️
Totally agree with that, it's amazing. Didn't they use it in one of the Olympics as I recall for a theme music? Like in the late 70s or 80s?
Close to the Edge is one of the greatest albums ever recorded. I first heard it when it was released fifty years ago. It still effects me to this day. I am glad you enjoyed it!!
after 7 minutes you look like you're going to cry from being overwhelmed by how many things are happening musically and how beautiful it is
Like when Aragorn tells the hobbits "You bow to no one." Like if you cry every time.
Yeah, this was the proper reaction to such a song. Most reactors would have paused this song 28 times and not felt it at all.
It's like going to church naked in outer space and dancing with the gods.
That's great, Gene, I love that!!! And You and I.
IT'S TOTALLY LIKE THAT
Haven’t we all been THERE!
Steady, Gene, put your clothes back on before you get arrested.
@@fukawininetynine5999 💯
I knew people would love this music 50 years later in the seventies. I also knew I would still love it. I still do! :)
This may be the greatest reaction I've ever seen on TH-cam.
I've lost count of how many of your reactions I've already watched, Jamel..
This is the first time I've seen a song make you take off your glasses.
Glad you're with us on the Yes Starship...
Take a massive bow William Scott Bruford and Christopher Russell Edward Squire who kept this music masterpiece so tight, which allowed Steve Howe and Rick Wakeman the opportunity to WOW us with their individual quality and Jon Anderson to finish this off with his fantastic lyrics, harmonies and voice - heavenly
There's a Spanish cover band called "Close to the Yes" and they do this song in its entirety. They have a female singer who sings like Jon but in her own way which is nice.
“The one where Jamel has an eargasm”
Now he knows "Aural" sex is best.
I was 16 when my boyfriend gave me the album this song was featured on. (around 1977) I loved that album !!
We were married at the end of the year ! I was 16 & he was 21. 😍
Thanks Jamal !! 😉🙋🏻♀️🥀
Your reaction is virtually identical to mine, the first time I listened to this masterpiece back in the 70s when it first came out. And I still react this way today even though I’ve listened to it a thousand times or so. In my humble opinion, “CloseTo The Edge” by Yes is the greatest Prog Rock song of all time.
"Close to the edge" is my favorite, but check out, "Gates of Delirium".
Soon in the gates of delirium totally moves me.
I'm 60 yrs old and started listening to Yes in Jr. high the band will transend you into another world without any chemical. Their album art is a world all its own.
This is still one of the best reactions to any song ever.
If you want another long piece of music from Yes, I recommend Revealing Science of God. It's magical.
Why stop on side one? ;)
You'll never know how much joy I received from watching you listen to this. Thanks.
I'm 62 years old, I heard this when it was first released and I said it was the greatest song I had ever heard. To this day I still feel that way. Those 5 musicians, Steve Howe, Rick Wakeman, Chris Squire, Bill Bruford and Jon Anderson was the best group of musicians ever.
Sad to say that as a gen xer I have never heard this song before. Listening for the first time with Jamal
I'm a Boomer & never heard this before.
@@mljones655 It's never too late.
I’m glad you’re here!
Go back to Genesis of the '70s and you will find some more amazing gems for your ear. Lamb Lies Down on Broadway is arguably the greatest album ever made. Enjoy the journey!
@@thoughtworkmedia1247 also trick of the tail album was awesome
Please react to MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA Meeting Of The Spirits, that song will blow your mind!
all about this
This is what “we” listed to while we did our algebra homework assignment.
It's what I listened to instead of doing algebra homework.
exactly I was doing algebra and listening to Yes. I got straight A's in algebra. Huh! I be darn! Those were the good ole days.
I did so well in algebra that I didn't have to do the homework. Instead I listened to Yes.
when YES perform "close to the edge" LIVE ON STAGE it is EVEN BETTER than the great studio version!!!!!!!!!!
Something about this piece: it's timeless and crosses dimensions somehow. Takes you on a journey through time, space, and MORE!
Thank you Jamel for making me hear it again after nearly 50 years!!!!
I'm very impressed with your patience with a song/opus such as this. Most people in this day and age can't take the time to go into the tunnel and experience the entire feeling. Certainly not my children. They just lose their minds over sitting still and receiving it as you have.
"...sitting still and receiving it...". You nailed it.
My only regret is, I have but only one thumbs up to give.
My Regret..I ONLY HAVE 1 THUMBS DOWN TO GIVE..BLOODY AWFUL
@@matooleyobrien2918 Meh.
@@matooleyobrien2918 Tis prog rock, you heathen! Kidding, I'm sure you are lovely really...
Thank you for this reaction. This is not only my favorite rock song of all time, but one of my favorite pieces of music from any genre of all time. This song affects me much like it affected you. And it does it every time I hear it. Thank you for keeping great music alive!
My man went to heaven and came back a changed man.
"I get up, I get down"
Welcome back to earth my friend , great video 🌏
react to Budapest by Jethro Tull
I like how you do notice the INCREDIBLE drums on this track. Essential.
Nice journey with you! Long time Yes fan and i am glad you liked it. First time on your channel, but not last.
In the early 70s, I used to lay on the living room floor in front of the stereo with “Close to the Edge” cranking. The song brought tears to my eyes then and now.
...with the speakers close to our ears, because we couldn't afford headphones.
@@tonysmyth4116 high fidelity speakers? Always found earphones uncomfortable. Bought my album from a Hardwear shop on display amongst some gardening tools.
Agree 100%. I'll take great monitors over headphones all day long. Listening to music through headphones is like wearing an ear condom.
For me as well. Listening to it now is as emotional as it was in the early 70’s.
If anyone ever asks “What is Prog?”, play them this whole album ideally, but this track as an absolute minimum 🤔
This song tho... its like throwing someone in the deep end of the pool when they ask how to swim. It has to be a few songs in at least imo.
I had always heard prog rock was a bad thing! Lol.
@@nathanweiss5174 it works for babies, tossing them in water surprisingly they can swim. Problem is the shock of life and expectations, after that it takes time, but most people have a toe in the water and are tired of being told what to like by the media
@@nathanweiss5174 I couldn't get through just a few minutes of this rubbish...I absolutely HATED IT!!!!!
@@matooleyobrien2918 I know the first 5 minutes do your head in, but, believe me, it suddenly gets into melodic and atmospheric.
You did Close to the Edge, now you have to do Supper's Ready by Genesis.
Not in the same class..
@@terryross1032 yeah supper's ready is the best song ever but Close to the edge is very good too
YES!!!!!!! Different songs but equal awesomeness. I bet he would love it.
No he doesn't.
And the Oddysee by Symphony X
I love watching your reaction to this song, so genuine ❤️
Chris Squire came before and was a major influence on Geddy Lee.
And for Jon Camp of Renaissance, too.
When I saw this performed live in Philadelphia, I couldn't believe how well executed their performance was. I was the happiest girl alive that night.
A great concert band, I saw them three times
I first heard this song when I was 20. Im 50 now. I remember my cousins playing yes when I was just a kid, and I started getting into them in my late teens. My cousin Ralph told me to buy, "Close to the Edge." I never looked back. Totally mind blowing.
Beyond the Valley of the Stankface lie the Topographic Oceans...
Revealing Science of God...and beyond. Hope he does them!
Not forgetting "The Yes Album" and "Yessongs"
Four of my favorite Yes songs. I think the Ancient is my fav of those. But all awesome
@@TheCornishCockney I would not forget Fragile either ;-)
My husband first introduced me to Yes 10 years back when we barely had been dating for a year. I'm so so grateful he did.
Yes is not just music, it's a spiritual experience.
As we are from different countries me and my husband had to go through 1.5 years of long distance relationship before we could get back together to marry. Those 1.5 years I was working shifts in a health insurance emergency call center to save up money for our wedding. The night shifts, the high pressure work environment, being separated. I cried more than once that year in the office restroom. But after every shift I'd walk home, walk of the stress, with Yes blasting in my ear and it gave me so much hope.
Now I've been married and living with my husband for 7 years already. :) And still whenever I hear Yes I'm just so moved cause it was the soundtrack to one of the most important and intense times of my life.
That's incredibly sweet. All the luck in the world to you and your husband.
Now after this big impression, take tour time to listen "Relayer " from Yes. The whole album.
I envy you for being able to hear this for the first time. This is one of the greatest albums of all time and knowing what’s coming next in the song and waiting to see your reaction is priceless. But the whole album is great, you should flip over the “album” and listen to the rest of it.
I’m not crying, you’re crying. I’m so glad you liked it. Straight from God.
This is a fantastic reaction. I’m 26 and my dad grew me up on prog rock like this. I’m always the youngest at the concerts I go to with him by some distance but they’re great fun nonetheless!
Try “Supper’s Ready” by Genesis if you haven’t already. Another genre defining prog epic. It’s an absolute masterpiece and it’s Gabriel era Genesis at its mind-blowing best!
Edit: I should add that whilst the Seconds Out live version is excellent, the studio version would be the better one to react to as Gabriel is singing for his life (his words!)
Same name, same age, same story
I wore a yes t-shirt for my graduation picture from eighth grade in 1978!
Jamel if you want to co-found a Religion based on this song let me know.
Listening to this song on (really good) headphones is very much a religious experience.
@@Pix2GoStudios I can see it being spiritual, not religious, experience. Religion has Dogma, which for me personally, creates a bad aura. I am very spiritual.
@@pollyelainesanderson6598 Think more along the line of aboriginal or eastern religion, not the insanity perpetuated by "the west".😉
If you guys need people to spread it to Brazil I'm your man
@@Pix2GoStudios People often think of Buddhism as a religion but Gautama the Buddha made it very clear that it is not a religion. However, pagan and Wiccan are more grounded in spirituality and appreciation of nature. Yes, I can accept it as a spiritual/religious experience in that context.
Genesis '''selling england by the pound''', just right for you.
Just right for any human being
Just make sure you listen to the 1973 mix. The 2007 remix fucks with the vibe and uses some alternate vocal takes that are of inferior quality.
Thank you for sharing with us your first experience of Close to the Edge. I listen to this at least every couple of months. When I do it is reaction video like yours. While watching I can relive my own emotions felt when I first heard it. I can see that you were moved. Honestly, this music touched and changed something deep inside me.
Genesis "Suppers Ready" if you like 20 min prog epics.
I’d love to see him do suppers ready
Jamel - you MUST do Suppers Ready
Jamel...now you know why us boomers are different!!!. We got to listen and experience music you will never hear live. I thank you for your appreciation of this period of the greatest period in music history. Love you brother...from an old white dude in NC.
How ironic that you said sounds like Avatar because most of Avatars look was stolen from Yes album covers that were done by Roger Dean.
Indeed, I was going to comment something similar
Roger Dean even sued James Cameron over it.
1970’s music. Thanks for the memories of my childhood I remembered exactly where I was when I first heard this.
I will not argue with your claim about this masterpiece.
King Crimson’s Starless will leave you in tears. Massively emotional journey.
And let’s not forget Epitaph.
@@patriciaengelsiepen9461 "Confusion Will Be My Epitaph" is probably my favorite King Crimson song. 💞 I played it for a friend of mine a couple of years ago and she was blown away. ⭐❤️👏
SO glad you did Close to the Edge. It became my favorite song about 15 years ago and I’ve yet to find anything to top it.
Good to see you love great British Prog. You are the man. Bless you!!!!!
I’m old enough and lucky to have seen this group live at Earl’s Court in London
Resonates ...this connects/talks directly to your heart...heart to heart...Ty brother
When I first heard this YES they were the " warm up band for I don't remember which band that was the headliner, they would not be eat by that famous band. We all had our minds blown . And this was live!
I can't imagin hearing this for the first time like that. Mind blow..., success!
Try another Yes masterpiece “Awaken”.
Rick is so good at the church organ
Yah, Awaken. The Prog Hymn.
Awaken with the Todmobile
Thanks Jamal. The syncopation grabs the ear and won't let go. YES!
Now you just need to do “and you and I” and “Siberian Khatru” and then you’ll have done the whole album!! I don’t believe you’ve ever done a whole album before!
From watching other people reacting to this song it is clear to me that this song is much more understood and appreciated by older people rather than young people. I wouldn't have listened to this when I was younger but now I love it. Why?
Because you grown up...musically speaking
21:09
My EXACT feeling/reaction when I first listened to CTTE. Still is for me to this day! You're awesome Jamel.
So much fun to see you intuitively connect Chris Squire and Geddy Lee. Geddy talks about what a massive influence Squire was on his playing, and even played his parts when Yes were inducted into the Rock and Roll HOF. Recently found your channel and I’m hooked!
Talking about that bass.
Chris Squire (the bassist) was sharing flat with Greg Lake ("King Crimson"; Emerson, Lake & Palmer) in late 60s.
They came to that bass sound together, and both used it (and became famous for it) in later bands...
This has been my favorite song since I was 15 and I stole my brothers cds - yes was my first concert and it changed my life. It’s why I’m a musician. It might be the best song ever made.
I cried watching you react because I could see the magic in your eyes and I can never hear it for the first time ever again
My favourite band, and a classic Yes song, brilliant band, Love your channel Jamel , superb
I"m not a Rush or Yes expert but pretty sure Yes came before Rush.
By a month or two! Lol
Yes
Whats your point?
Much sooner
@@dbuck1964 ==Jamal said something to the effect of which group came first. That's not an exact quote and it's been awhile since I listened to video above.
To others, I knew Yes was popular before Rush in terms of radio play but I didn't know how long Rush had been around but w/o significant public exposure. That's why I hedged opening post which was meant to respond to something Jamal said in the video above.
Your reaction to Close to the Edged was awesome! You're the only person who I've watched react to CTTE and REALLY took it all in, every beat, every note and it really moved you. Thank you.
I took a lady I had just started dating to see Yes. She was a professional musician. She didn't know anything about Yes. I just told her they were my favorite band since the early seventies. She's a keyboard player and Rick had just rejoined the band.
All evening long she was mesmerized. She grabbed my arm.
Tears were flowing down her cheeks. She said she had never experienced music like this in her Life. She floated out of the theatre and into my arms forever.
I'm her knight in shining armor but Rick is her hero. I'm okay with that.
You see, her and Rick were born exactly on the same day!
She’s a keeper!
WHOA, the zillion to one chance experience. Great for both of you.
Just love this story! 💕
I welled up just reading that. Music. What a thing we humans have wrought.
That is beautiful, bro.
Ok Jamel, imagine a kid in the 70's hearing this song for the first time, then imagine a 61 year old man watching a youngster listening to this song for the first time and taking that old man back to being a kid in the 70's. That is the power of music. By the way, my favorite part of this song is the Phantom of the Opera section. I almost fell on the floor when you made that comment.
You put into words exactly how I experienced this thank you sir!
Yes (no pun), you explained exactly what I feel watching “aka” and I enjoy it with him completely. Jamel, sir, you are a time machine! The emotional journey I feel is cathartic for me. Next , when you can, check out the guitar solo on the cover they did of Simon and Garfunkel’s “America” another of many epic Yes
Same exact experience here. I couldn’t wait to see his reaction to The Organ. Jamel, you didn’t disappoint.
Jamal I 1st heard this in 1972. I was 12. This is a great masterpiece also my # 1. Play side 2. And you and I & Siberian Khatru.
This 64 year old man agrees with you. One other thing to imagine, seeing them perform it live. Without a doubt the best lineup the band had, and what an encore it was when I saw them.
One of the greatest albums in recorded music History!!!
Maybe the best, at least top 3
Slam dunk ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am a 57 yr old who is awe struck by younger folks enjoying what we knew was magic. Thanks for this Jamel. Thank you.
I'm 69 and it never gets old like Bach, Chopin etc
Simply amazing back to when I was 20 yrs old seeing them in concert smoking the joint closing your eyes feeling and seeing it-- Lazer beam light shows!! Oh what a fucking great time to have been alive and experience this and this great band-- Jon Anderson rock on forever!!
@@larryrichards6106 Yep. Music always brought balance no matter where I was or what I was doing. Nothing else compares.
Same! I’ve loved this song since 1977
Damn I wish I would have been alive when that came out...
Jamal got 384K people to listen to Close to the EDGE!! (More YES!!)
That is truly fantastic.
Welcome to the Church of Yes! Best concert I've ever gone to...in my 65 y.o. life!
A member from Yes should give him some appreciation and recognition!!
YES!!@Wow!!!!
Like others have said, "I'm an old dude" in my 60's who grew up listening to Yes and Genesis and it's fantastic watching a young guy discover the magic that we knew at the time was pure genius. Thanks for sharing your love of music with the world.
Hola desde Argentina, amamos génesis, Floyd, yes, Zeppelin, purple, Queen, y tantas otras bandas de habla inglesa, y les cuento que en Argentina también tenemos bandas de los 70 en este género progresivo. Escuchen seru giran que les va a encantar. Recomiendo canciones como eiti Leda, a los jóvenes de ayer, noche de perros, viernes 3am, perro andaluz y muchas más. Solo nos separa el idioma, pero los gustos son similares
@@maximilianomiguel8645 Viví en Buenos Aries durante un año y estoy casada con una chilena. Tenemos una gran colección de música argintina y chilena de esa época y la tocamos a menudo.
@@GoodLifeInSpain cuántas preguntas para hacerte, empiezo por si te gustó Buenos Aires, después si sos norteamericano, si aprendiste español, si te gusta seru giran, Spinetta, los jaibas, en qué año viniste a la Argentina, como conociste a tu esposa chilena, todo eso me gustaría preguntarte. Saludos
What happened to this song we once knew ao well ?
68 years young here😁😎
Jamel is the audience that all musicians dream of- he's a receiver. He absorbs the sounds and allows it to freely flow through him unrestricted...and with a open mind. I love him, he is my favorite reaction channel.❤🎶
Mine too
👌❤️❤️❤️❤️
Love how he moved as if to stop and make a comment about 3 times before he did. Then the song took a different reaction and he just had to take that in first. That's how I was all those years ago. as soon as you were about to settle in to one part of the song it changed! Marvelous composing and musicianship and Jamel is great at taking it all in.
Mine too!
Exactly. A true conduit of culture.
We need more people like Jamel in the world.
I totally second that!😜🤟
Absolutely agree with that 100%
😃💖
My big brother got me the Yes album with Close to the Edge on it for Christmas when I was 13. Epic stuff!
Hell yeah!👍🙋🏻♂️🕊
U have noooo idea how it makes this 63 yr old man feel knowing that a song of my youth from one of MY all time Favorite Bands can transcend Generations and Cultures to have this kind of Impact on YOU aka Jamal ! thankyou for making my DAY !!!
I’m 69. This is one example of why us oldies are not that impressed by most of the new music we hear. Well, we were spoiled weren’t we?! and don’t they deserve the credit and appreciation and adulation of the whole world?
Yes, how lucky were we to grow up with these progressive rocks bands that were not interested in the Charts!!! Something incredible happened between 66 and 76
That church organ never fails to tug at my heart and fill my soul.
Jamel's reaction to it is great
Rick Wakeman.
that's what a church organ was originally designed for
Bach
R. Wakeman
Now flip the album and do And You And I. It’s right up there with this. Hell the whole album all 3 songs lol
YES it is indeed!❤️☮️✌🏻🎹🎤🎸🎼
"Close to the Edge" is my favorite prog-rock song, and album, of all-time.
Make it four with the bonus track 'America.' 😊👌
I can't remember when we didn't play the full album. Back when the format was LP I think it was more common for people to make more of a thing to play albums end to end without distractions. In the present circumstances I've got that kind of uninterrupted time to myself again.
Now check out Genesis, “Wind and the Withering”, and “Seconds Out”.
Also flip it over and Listen to “And You and I”, some other great Yes albums are “Tormato” and “Parallels”
Also check out Rush’s “La Villa Strangiato” it’s a pure jam with heavy progression and Jazz.
For an amazing feel good jam band, Check out Twiddle! When it Rains it Pours is a good song to start your day right! Cheers! Loved watching you enjoy one of my favorite albums!
These multiple reaction videos to “Close to the Edge” have started something in a big way. Everyone is blown away by this masterpiece by YES circa 1972
Epic. And not the overused and casual word that everyone throws around nowadays. I mean for real EPIC. 🙌
and an actual masterpiece; another word that is way overused, but totally applies here
I love seeing people who were not born at the time react to the music I grew up with.
me too. I'm 64 and I've been going to Yes concerts since I was 17.
I've never heard of them. Didn't make it to Australia maybe
Me , also, we are so blessed 🙌 🙏
@@belindascott6916 They have been around for so long Belinda! You’ve probably forgotten, remembered and forgotten again in that time 🙂
@@DavidJones-lz4io yup I just Googled them and remember when Owner of a Lonely Heart came out. Genius
Ahh, the days when a band was full of seriously talented people who could write their own songs and were masters of their instruments. Extraordinary talent making extraordinary music. Glad you enjoy them, Jamel!
Yes, I miss those days, also!
Still a lot of amazing bands writing equally awesome epics today. If you're inclined for some much heavier but equally emotional and complex songwriting, check out Dream Theater, Opeth, Ne Obliviscaris, and Devin Townsend. Prog Metal is truly today what Prog Rock was back in the 70s.
@@BakaTheStruggler love Dream Theatre.
@@carolgarten-long7878 Awesome! I highly recommend the other bands I mentioned, although if you're not accustomed to growling vocals, I also highly recommend Haken, Circus Maximus, Andromeda, DGM, Threshold, and Symphony X (all bands inspired by and very similar to Dream Theater, though they definitely each come into their own and bring something new and different to the classic Prog Metal sound)
Pure Genius!
This song makes me feel God's presence and brings tears to my eyes👍🙏😃
Written by Anderson and Howe ...I've have always remembered this take on
the song from an interview with Jon ... he stated that the lyrics for the concluding
verse were based on a dream he once had about the
"passing on from this world to another.".. yet feeling so fantastic about it
that death never frightened him ever since.