FRAGILE

Yes's fourth album is, in my opinion, a truly great album of the genre.. Although only 4 of the 9 tracks were written by the entire band, the album still has nice flow, and each track, including the solos, are great. The album starts with Roundabout, which has become one of Yes's signature songs. The bass and the guitar in the song are addictive, and the vocal melodies majestic. Next is Wakeman's solo, Cans and Brahms, which is a pretty cool piece. Afterward, Anderson's We Have Heaven plays, and it has some very nice vocal overlap.

Following the first 3 is South Side of the Sky, a song that has amazing keyboard lines and vocal melodies toward the middle, which is almost surreal. Afterward is a short segue Five Cent Per Nothing, which isn't anything remarkable, but it's only around 30 seconds long. The third band piece, Long Distance Runaround, comes next and plays excellently, albeit quickly.

Afterward, Squire's solo The Fish plays, and it features some of his signature bass playing. Following The Fish, Mood for A Day is Howe's solo piece, and it's arguably the best solo song on the album. The album then finally culminates with Heart of the Sunrise, the band's first song to reach over ten minutes. This song contains everything that Yes is known for, and it features some amazing playing from every band member. Each member has a highlight in the song, from the technical and intricate playing of Howe, Squire, Bruford, and Wakeman, to the heartfelt and stunning vocals of Anderson.