FRAGILE

Where the last album was for the most a grand showcase of Steve Howe, Fragile does a better job of showing each member of the band, namely Chris Squire and new Keyboardist Rick Wakeman. In the first song this is noticeable. Roundabout: Yes' most famous song. The song that when someone realizes you're a Yes fan people will always say "Do they even have any other songs besides Roundabout?" The bass line in Roundabout is ridiculous. Squire is legitimately one of the greatest bassists of all time.

On this CD, there are 2 short songs that simply don't really fit. We Have Heaven confuses me quite frankly. Five Percent Nothing is a skipper, at least if I have enough time to reach for my iPod before it's over.

There are some songs that seem to meander unidirectionally. South Side of the Sky has excellent parts, but I wouldn't call it a masterpiece, it's a very good song though.

Long Distance Roundabout is a great, a little short. I feel it could have been a staple track. It gets decent radio time though.

Mood for a Day is GENIUS! One of the most beautiful compositions period. That is not a compliment which I throw out very often. Nobody can pull off acoustic instrumentals like Steve Howe. This is a five star song, and really solidifies this album as a top prog album. The album concludes with Heart of the Sunrise. Here Bill Bruford finally gets to showcase his abilities, and boy does he ever. The song ends with a reprise of "We Have Heaven" which I could do without. There is a bonus track "America" which I wish were part of the album. They really make it their own song and outperform ol' Paul Simon. Had it been on the album, it would have been the 3rd best song. Too bad.