FRAGILE

This is a fabulous progressive rock album. It was the first Yes release to feature the classic line up and the band is very tight here. There are some semi solo pieces as well as epics with contributions from all the band members. For someone new to the band, "Fragile" would be the best choice to hear what they were all about.

"Roundabout" is one fan favourite with some nice changes. It kicks the album off to a great start. The music starts with guitar, thumping bass with keyboard and organ touches. The two classic epics are "South Side Of The Sky" and "Heart Of The Sunrise" where Wakeman adds more of his classical influences with some really nice piano inteludes. "The Fish" and "Mood For A Day" serve almost entirely as bass and guitar solos. Some critics have said that the long and short pieces don't cohere and become a bit of jumble. I personaly don't think there is any problem with the variety of tracks.

This is one of my favourite Yes records and the music is consistently excellent throughout. They were at their very "classic" here. It is an essential album for a prog rock collection