FRAGILE

Yes released their fourth studio album, Fragile, on the 26th of November in 1971. It was the band's first album to feature keyboardist Rick Wakeman, who replaced founder member Tony Kaye. Tony Kaye was said to be unwilling to develop his sound beyond his Hammond organ and piano to play newer instruments such as the Mellotron or Moog synthesizer, causing artistic disagreements with his bandmates. The rest of the band included Jon Anderson on vocals, Steve Howe on guitars, Chris Squire on bass, and Bill Bruford on drums. This is considered to be the band's "classic" lineup. Furthermore, this album is commonly viewed as the band's breakthrough release even though I would consider it to be on par with their previous studio album, The Yes Album. Fragile contains nine tracks; four are "group arranged and performed" with the remaining five being "the individual ideas, personally arranged and organized". This concept has been criticized by some; however, I personally think it was executed quite well. It has become such an iconic part of the album that anyone else that would decide to do it again would just be seen as ripping Yes off. The "individual ideas, personally arranged and organized" concept creates a seamless flow throughout the entire album while adding true depth and personality therein. Now, let's take a peek at the tracks found on Fragile.

The album kicks off with an absolute classic that no true prog fan will not immediately recognize. This song is titled Roundabout. Even though the amount of play this song receives in comparison to the bands entire discography can sometimes be bothersome, I believe its enormous popularity only amplifies its greatness. Not to mention, the first minute of the song played on acoustic guitar is one of the most iconic openings in all of progressive rock. The rest of the song is also superb, containing extraordinary instrumentation from the entire band, especially Chris Squire. Interestingly enough, Steve Howe once recalled the track was originally "a guitar instrumental suite" that he wrote. However, the band would later develop it into the track we know today. The next two songs are "individual ideas, personally arranged and organized" with the first being a classical piano piece by Rick Wakeman titled Cans And Brahms. This track is an extract from Brahms' 4th Symphony In E Minor, Third Movement. Although it is a somewhat simple rendition of Brahms' 4th Symphony In E Minor, Third Movement, it still succeeds in displaying Rick Wakeman's instrumental talents while also showcasing an interesting array of sounds on keyboard. The next piece, titled We Have Heaven is an interesting idea conceptually and when referring to it was produced. Jon Anderson essentially only uses his voice to create a landscape of sound that is unmistakably his own. Despite We Have Heaven not even being over two minutes in length, it is a wonderful interlude that works well within the flow of the album! After We Have Heaven, the album picks back up into a full band piece called South Side of the Sky. This piece begins with a gust of wind being heard blowing in the background, but suddenly, the band begins to play one of their heaviest parts to date and its done superbly. Jon Anderson's vocals really has a punch to it and it is definitely heard within the music. Not to mention the rest of the band is also playing terrific. However, a few seconds after the two-minute mark the band slows things down a commences this phenomenal piano and harmony section that still gives me chills to this day. Incredible! This continues until the six-minute mark where the band goes back to the heavier section found in the introduction of the song. This song and the rest of the "full-band" tracks found off this album are all truly examples of quality musicianship and song writing.

Side B of the album begins with an individually arranged and organized track titled Five per Cent for Nothing which certainly is a weird opener for the second side of the album. It somewhat reminds me of a precursor for the opening of Close to the Edge. However, I still think it works and creates a similar effect to what Close to the Edge was able to do for the listener, creating both shock and confusion. The next song, composed by the entire band, is called Long Distance Runaround. If I'm truly honest, I've never been a huge fan of the song. It isn't bad by any means, but it never completely encapsulates me like the rest of the full-band tracks found on the album. Still, a good addition to the album as a whole. Now, the next song titled The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) is nothing less then incredible. It is a personally arranged and organized piece by Chris Squire and is my favorite "solo" piece found on the album. The song builds in a truly extraordinary way, containing great bass played from Chris Squire himself. The next song, Mood for a Day is a acoustic guitar solo piece from Steve Howe which is unbelievably beautiful and is one of his best solo guitar pieces he has ever written. This is including stuff from his solo career. The last song, Heart of the Sunrise is personally my favorite song on the album. The song starts with a bang with Steve Howe showing his skill on guitar. But then, Chris Squire begins a bass solo and wow, is it incredible! If anyone has ever played the Halo video game series, it is very similar to a theme found within the game that I almost feel as if the games creators might have been inspired by the Heart of the Sunrise. Also, Jon Anderson does one of his best vocal performances that I've heard while singing with such emotion and soul. From start to finish, it's a truly brilliant song!

Fragile is an absolute classic album for Yes and progressive rock in general that I would consider to be essential for any progressive rock collection. From the brilliantly written and preformed group pieces to the nice interluded individually written pieces from band members, this album does so much right. The introduction of Rick Wakeman on this album is truly felt, however, this can be said with every member from the band. Do yourself a favor and own this masterpiece. "Dream on, on to the heart of the sunrise!"

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