FRAGILE

Hey all time for yet another Prog review. What album are we at now? Well, it is none other than 1971's Fragile by Prog masters Yes. With the previous album (The Yes Album) the classic Yes line-up was almost complete. However, it was still missing that special something (that keyboardist to put a grand scale to the band's music). In steps Rick Wakeman formerly of Strawbs to replace Kaye. One thing Yes never had up to this point was a virtuosic Keyboardist (Tony Kaye was good for what he was though). Rick brought another element to the band (of which they never had before). The classic line-up was now ready for take off. I'll be the roundabout for this mother of an album. This is also the first album with Roger Dean's legendary art work. Now, Yes has finally arrived

Here is the track listing for Fragile by Yes

1) Roundabout - From the moment you hear the opening natural harmonics from Steve you know you're in for a ride. This song is an essential piece of Prog Rock as it is right up their with the Musical Box and 21st Century Schizoid Man (from Genesis and King Crimson respectively). Rick immediately makes his presence known with a great keyboard solo to kick the classical music out of your behind, just a classic piece. Also, Jon's vocals are the best I've ever heard from him, period. 10/10

2) Cans and Brahms - Rick's interpretation of a piece by classical composer Johannes Brahms and it's quite lush. Short but really good. 9/10

3) We Have Heaven - I like this a lot as it shows creativity (unlike anything that I've heard from Prog). It's a vocal delivery from Jon and it's pure studio magic. It's impossible for one Jon Anderson to sing this but that's why they have the studio, to create such a short but awesome piece. it's creative. I love it. 10/10

4) South Side of the Sky - This piece has always been a favorite of mine from Yes. I love the semi- Led Zeppelin esque delivery of the piece (there is more soul and heart though). The piano around the middle sends this into limbo and it's other worldly. I get the chills everytime I listen to that little piano melody. No doubt one of Rick's finest moments ever in Yes. 10/10

5) Five Percent For Nothing - Nice display of drumming from Bill. My bro says this sounds like the Mars Volta (I actually think that the Mars Volta were inspired by Yes though). Good or not? You decide?? I quite like it. 9/10

6) Long Distance Runaround - I guess you can say tht this is the most accessible piece on the album but I love it. With that being said it's still pretty darn complex. 10/10

7) The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) - The definition of Yes. Just listen to it and think about Roger Dean and the landscapes that he created and of course that Yes signature sound. Repetitive as heck but Chris is abusing his bass guitar (hehe) and it sounds really cool. 10/10

8) Mood For A Day - A great classically based guitar piece from Steve Howe. Aside from the Leaves of Green and Turn of the Century (from Topographic Oceans and Going for the One respectively) this is my favorite acoustic guitar piece from him for Yes. I love Steve's guitar work. I'm nuts for Steve Howe's guitar playing. A huge influence. 10/10

9) Heart of the Sunrise - The epic of the album but never really a big fan of it (I know you think I'm crazy). It's good and it keeps you on your listening ears but it is somewhat repetitive. I guess you can say that it's my least favorite on the album( it's still good though). It ends with an insertion of We Have Heaven. I quite like that they put that in the record. 8/10

Overall, Fragile is a pretty damn great album (the best Yes album up to this point). If you are looking to get into Yes I highly recommend this one (or the Yes Album) as your start to this amazing band. Personally, Fragile holds a special place in my heart as it was the album that solidified my love for Yes (it was my second album. I got it after Close to the Edge). I love this damn album (and Yes too). It is a masterpiece of prog music. 5 stars!! Peace out!!