10 Essential 1970s Progressive Rock Albums

Legendary drummer Bill Bruford's Yes swansong is a masterclass in the diverse range of notes and nuances prog rock can reach.

The title track alone is a testament to just how unpredictable and long range the London outfit's experimental work could get. Inspired by Hermann Hesse's 'Siddartha', the song brings the mystic and spiritualist themes of the novel into musical being. At 18 minutes, the song wedges in four chapters of heady symbolism and dreamlike constructs.

While the rest of the album is slightly more conservative in scale, it remains a surreal and challenging experience. 'And You and I' is another four-part, concept track boasting some of Rick Wakeman's finest keyboard work. The lyrics, moving through various stages of existence before reaching a dreaded Apocalypse, keep the album in a deep philosophical place.

The third and final track, 'Siberian Khatru' is arguably the most famous owing to its common use as an opening track at live Yes performances. There's a fascinating, sometimes contradictory blend of imaginative guitar riffs and orchestral notes to enjoy here. As is so common with Yes, the blend of art, pop, prog and a host of more obscure musical elements makes for endlessly re-listenable, compelling fare.

Of their first five albums, 'Close to the Edge' has gradually cemented its place as their most important and innovative contribution to prog rock.