FRAGILE

'Fragile' is a quintessential Yes album that basically sees the band in their full glory - epic, complex, lush, melodic and memorable, the album is quite deservedly seen as one of the progressive rock classics. But 'Fragile' is also a very unique prog album in many ways, while it takes as a basic template the complexity of the extended compositions on 'The Yes Album' and further challenges the conventional notion of how a pop song could be structured, as it allows the longer pieces to unfold in a very organic and controlled manner, it is in no way short on surprises and unpredictable twists and turns, incredibly versatile and eclectic, 'Fragile' can be both frantic and magical, both uplifting and introspective. The addition of shorter pieces written by each band member, however, is the ingenious magical flavor that really elevates the album and displays the various influences brought in by each band member. Not to mention how the addition of Rick Wakeman had really rendered Yes one of the most versatile and innovative quintets to have ever graced the history of rock music.

Majestically conceived and tremendously well-executed, there is some truly vibrant music on this album in the face of the four centerpieces - 'Roundabout', 'South Side of the Sky', 'Long Distance Runaround/The Fish' and 'Heart of the Sunrise'. Stretching out an idea into a piece that incorporates the virtuosity of jazz and the pomp of a classical piece, the blend of these influences with the rock instrumentation births an amalgamation of triumphant sounds that work together in a brilliant manner. A fantastic album, quite intelligently structured and highlighting not only the solo talents of the members of Yes, but also the collective force of the band Yes. Very difficult to pick a better side on an album that is virtually flawless. In brief, epic, gorgeous, and essential.