FRAGILE

If it wasn't for the questionable "solo" pieces on this album, it would be a definite masterpiece. I think what the solo bits do best, is show why this band worked best as a unit, bringing out the absolute best in each player more than they ever could do as individuals.

As sick as I am of hearing Roundabout, there is no doubt about its greatness. Despite hearing it endlessly on the radio growing up (along with All Good People), it wasn't until I became a die hard Yes fan in my mid 20's that I really developed and apreciation of the song. But it's inclusion on so many live albums caused me to tire of hearing it in the end. Still, it is a fantastic song showcasing all the things that make this band so great. I particularly love(ed) the solo trade off with Howe and Wakeman. The next two tracks are best described as throwaway. I have never liked Wakemans campy Cans And Brahms, using the worst moog sounds he could find, it seems. Andersons, We have Heaven is somewhat better, but fairly uninteresting and bland to my ears. Luckily, all is forgiven with the magnificent South Side Of the Sky. A track that rarely saw live time until recently, it is one of my favorite songs by Yes and is fairly unique in their catalog for it's mostly hard edged approach, showcasing Howe at his best. The middle section is one of the better Yes harmonizing pieces. Brufords piece is fun, though very short, and is more or less a throwaway piece (though less so than Wakemans though). The next two pieces are forever linked in every Yes fans mind, with Long Distance Run Around being a nice Beatles-esque short full band number, and The Fish being the best of the individual band member contributions. That song highlights just how important Squire really is to the Yes sound as a whole, something that is fairly unique to Yes (many other prog bassists, while quite good, are not nearly as significant to their bands sound). Mood for a Day is also a worthwhile solo piece, and Howes most famous solo acoustic guitar piece without a doubt. Quite possibly his best as well. Definely not a throwaway piece. We then come to the last and best track of the album, which all by itself makes this a four star album. Heart of the Sunrise, along with Gates of Delerium, is my favorite Yes song of all time. It has so much that I love about Yes, jammed into 10 minutes. I never tire of hearing this masterpiece of a song.

So a great album on the whole, despite being let down by some mediocre solo spotlights. Still a solid 4 stars, for the band tracks alone and Heart of the Sunrise in particular.