FRAGILE

Yes

Symphonic Prog

4.46 | 4052 ratings

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MattGuitat

Ah, my first Yes album. Well, today, Fragile turned 40, so I feel the need to redo my review on the album.

If there is one thing that really sticks out about this album, its the rhythm section, especially Squire. This may be the best bass album ever, with his bass just sounding huge.

Opening with Roundabout (which my dad use to sing around the house, but I had no idea of what it was) one of Yes's greatest tracks. I will never forget first hearing it and just being amazed by how an acoustic guitar and bass could be so heavy. Its got one of the most amazing hammond solos ever this side of Keith Emerson! I understand why this was a single, it is amazing (even if they edited it, why?). 5/5

Sadly, the following track is not as good. I understand the cans and brahms for what it is, but it just doesn"t sound fresh like roundabout. 3/5

We Have Heaven is actually very good, showing us that Jon is not one of those singers who is just the face, he is actually a very good musician whose voice is used like a guitar. 3.5/5

South Side of the Sky shows a little heavier side of Yes, along with some complicated guitar in the verses (I still can't figure it out!). The middle section is just beautiful, even if it is just La-La-Las. Unfortunately, Rick never got his credit for this middle section, or parts of Heart of the Sunrise. 5/5

No offense to Brudford, but 5% for Nothing just sounds offbeat and sloppy. Luckily, its over in 35 seconds. 2/5

Long Distance Runaround is really good pop-sounding sound with some good harmony lines that I find really interesting. 4/5

The Fish and Mood for a Day are both great showcases for Chris and Steve. One is densely-layered and the other is stripped down with a great sound. They've worn off of me a bit, but they're still good. 3.5/5 each

Finally, the epic closer. Heart of the Sunrise is just amazing. Opening with the heaviest Yes intro ever, it feels like it is going on forever (in a good way). The intro is mind-numbing, especially Bruford's fantastic drumming! It gives way to Jon"s beautiful contemplation of being rushed in the city, alternating between a man noticing the beauty of the sunrise, then being rushed to the chaos of the city. Funny outro, too, with a reprise of We Have Heaven.5/5

All in all a great record (4/5), sadly its not a masterpiece. The big tracks are amazing, but some of the solo tracks lose their novelty quickly. Luckily, with their next record, they would simply outdo themselves.

MattGuitat | 4/5 | 2011-4-10

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