FRAGILE

Certainly one of my favorite albums by my favorite band of all time. Fragile is as interesting as it is creative. Yes took one giant step closer to Prog rock while charting the singles at the same time. This album has always been a staple of my musical tastes, but I give 4 stars because there are moments I don't really care for, like the song 5% for nothing. I love Bill Bruford and all but there's just nothing there for me.

The three mini epics: Roundabout, South Side of the Sky, and Heart of the Sunrise display Yes in their prime. Each highly talented musician delivers both intense force and gentle peacefulness in successful doses, playfully weaving in and out of each emotion. When broken down individually, this album represents some of their best musicianship and offers fine examples per band member. We Have Heaven is Jon Anderson's way of taking us to Heaven. Mood for a Day is Steve Howe showing us his range of guitar sounds. Cans and Brahms is Rick Wakeman being Rick Wakeman. The Fish will drown you in Chris Squire's bass, but you're gonna like it. Each song is so unique in its own way, I find it hard not to give the entire album a listen the moment I hear Roundabout's reverse piano chord thingy. Overall, this album is quite essential to any prog fan IMO, unless of course it's not your taste.

Oh and Long Distance Runaround is good too.