FRAGILE

When I listen to Yes, my reaction is in extremes, depending on what album Im listening to. In many of their works, Im frustrated (and even angry) at the silliness of it all, the waste of such fine talents on such drivel. But at their best, as in this, their finest hour, its wonderful stuff, the promise of all that potential finally rewarded, the legacy of 1-2-3 properly honoured (in the music, if not the acknowledgement). From here, I expected so much, and received so little. It reminds me of the feeling I had awaiting the next King Crimson album following Crimson King, and realising when I heard it that nothing would ever equal that sublime moment when prog became a true genre. Perhaps its something in the genes of the genre that two such magnificent proponents lose their way so easily. Perhaps invention reaps meandering and a loss of identity as soon as it has been found. But it would be mad not to celebrate this moment when these outstanding musicians reached the apex of their glory. Five stars absolutely.