Fragile by Yes

But if it’s true that Close to the Edge ranks first for the constant, extremely high quality of every track, Fragile, which is less fluid, is my favorite album for the playfulness of some pieces and the tendency toward virtuosity, which, when carried out by musicians of this level, is sublime. 

In fact, part of the album’s tracks are basically solos by the different members. 

We Have Heaven is a kind of musical divertissement in which Jon Anderson sings all the vocal parts.

Five Per Cent for Nothing, which at just 35 seconds is the shortest track in YES’s discography, is a rhythmic exercise by Bill Bruford. 

Mood for a Day is one of Steve Howe’s best-known classical guitar pieces.

The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) is built around a bass line by Chris Squire.

How can we not mention Cans and Brahms (extracts from Brahms' 4th Symphony in E Minor, Third Movement), just over 90 seconds of a prodigious Rick Wakeman.

Great track Heart of the Sunrise, one of the best on the album, with Anderson’s superb performance and an extraordinary Mellotron, piano, keyboards and Moog work by Wakeman. 

But Roundabout is truly great, with its intro, the spectacular monstrous bass work, an epic track of about nine minutes with excellent acoustic guitars, a magnificent keyboard solo, Jon’s incredible voice.

Magnificent artwork, the first YES cover created by Roger Dean.

An album that’s simply essential.

My Version

Label: Atlantic – RCV1 7211, Rhino Records (2) – 603497838240
Series: Atlantic 75
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Limited Edition, Reissue, Clear
Country: Worldwide
Released: 6 Jan 2023

Tracklist

1. Roundabout (8:29)

2. Cans and Brahms (extracts from Brahms' 4th Symphony in E Minor, Third Movement) (1:35)

3. We Have Heaven (1:30)

4. South Side of the Sky (8:04)

5. Five Percent for Nothing (0:35)

6. Long Distance Runaround (3:33)

7. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) (2:35)

8. Mood for a Day (2:57)

9. Heart of the Sunrise (10:34)

Length 39:52

Lineup

- Jon Anderson - lead vocals and backing vocals

- Steve Howe - electric and acoustic guitar (flamenco on the octave), backing vocals

- Rick Wakeman - Hammond organ, grand piano, RMI Electra-Piano, electric harpsichord, Mellotron, Moog synthesizer

- Chris Squire - bass, backing vocals, guitar (1)

- Bill Bruford - drums and percussion

Note: All links to the musicians’ works are in the TAGS under the article title or on the “Artists” page