FRAGILE

The first true classic by Yes and one of the classics in the traditional prog-rock genre. This would be the most accessible album until 1977's more earthy output. The band embraces the top qualities of each of the member, adding Wakeman to its strengths. His sound can be stately, virtuos, complex and classical. Soloing and work with keyboard layers are his strong weapons. We finally also hear Moog on a Yes record. I will highlight the three long tracks although when you listen to this album for a couple of times, short ones are undeniably part of the sonic palette.

"Roundabout" and "Long distance runaround" are two sisters and brothers with their accessible melody and the former one also providing. Howe's gentle guitar developes to an edgy one and muscular bass contributes to the typical Yes pattern. Wakeman delivers nice Hammond and Moog runs. The middle mellow section that evolves into Hammond- driven part followed by guitar/bass almost hard-rock style are legendary and of the most known examples of Yes prog- rock ambience.

"South side of the sky" is my personal favourite on the album because of its solemn tone, very good structure and graduation of the intensity -> guitar, drums and keyboards work well together to increase the tension. Wakeman presents multiple instruments in his arsenal, piano-Moog-Hammond. Especially the piano solo part is flowing effortlessly, an excellent piece of playing. Fantastic vocal harmonies sung by Anderson and Squire are esoteric. Bass playing is hard contributing to the "hard rock" feeling. The final verse cumulates all what we have heard so far in a stronger fashion, guitar playing is excellent with a subtle Wakeman Hammond in the background.

"Heart of the sunrise" is the definitive epic on the album. It has a Squire as a winner with monstrous bass tone. If I haven't mentioned Bruford till now, it's his intensive drumming that catches our attention. Wakeman's Hammond and mellotron are also important ingredients in the band's sound. The verses have a delicate album and lush textures by Howe and Wakeman not to override Anderson's vocals. There are 2-3 Wakeman's Moog driven motives that sound somehow out of place but show Wakeman's trademark sound and coming solo effort. The bands plays nicely with the intensive motive and breaks it into multiple forms with changing execution. This is the most elaborate track on the album where the band took time to fully develop their ideas.

Must-have for all fans of progressive rock and those that want to get into it.