FRAGILE

Yes

Symphonic Prog

4.46 | 4053 ratings

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klvin

I listened so many times to Roundabout that I'm constantly in fear from losing it....!

This album, this little fragile was the first album from yes to hear by me, I wouldn't thought that this band would become my favourite years later, I just liked it. There are 3 stunning songs, others are good more or less, a few boring parts come in unfortunately. Best songs: Roundabout and South Side of the Sky.

"Roundabout": The crescendo of the synth turning into guitar solo is a funny but typical Yes way to start an album. I think it's a great piece, very musical. A funky bass line, Moog passages alike and shining vocals. They like to sing in three part chorus, that became a trademark of Yes along the years. Pop style as it is, but the one that is well thought of and genuine. Very good build-up song!!!

"Cans and brahms": Brahm's 3rd symphony played on Moog, excerpt. Funny rendition, not that great but pleasant, lovely Moog and organ sound. Credits for Wakeman,

"We Have heaven": I'm always surprised by this cheap minimalist work. Anderson, What did ya do???

"South side of the sky": Heavier than Roundabout, this is about an expedition on Antarctica. Maybe better than Roundabout, the middle part is my favourite, with a stunning piano cadenza and pleasant, cool (even cold!!!) vocal harmonies. I love when the backing singers make a counterpoint to Anderson's vocal!!!

"Five percent For Nothing": Bruford's composition, an almost atonal funk, very jazzy little hilarious piece. Funny!!! I love it.

"Long Distance,,," A decent song, but nothing progressive. Almost average, but no. The final guitar solo bursts out and sequences into...

"The Fish": Funny percussion sounds, repeating bass lines and a little soloing (Squire's spot has to come!) and vocals at the end. Bit boring...

"Mood for a day" is pleasant Howe(ver). A little folk like acoustic guitar piece, I like it more than the Clap.

"Heart of Sunrise" The expected best song, well I like Roundabout and South side a bit more, but this is great as well. Heavy tumbling for the beginning (the heaviest Yes song?) that goes on a bit too much. But then you get the soaring melodies that become typical for slow Yes numbers (And you and I, To be over) This appears over a hundred changes, so this is also well done! The build-up of Roundabout is just better, think of the middle sections...Kind of different songs...:D

Four stars, but go on to Close To the Edge and Relayer, the ever best albums made by this fantastic band!!!

A flat is the last guitar note...

klvin | 4/5 | 2009-8-16

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