Yes
Fragile - Atlantic 1971
Tracks: 1. Roundabout / 2. Cans and Brahms / 3. We Have Heaven / 4. South Side of the Sky / 5. Five per Cent for Nothing / 6. Long Distance Runaround / 7. The Fish (Schindleria praematurus) / 8. Mood for a Day / 9. Heart of the Sunrise
Comments:
"Fragile" from 1971 was Yes´s first album with keyboardist Rick Wakeman. It was also the first album where legendary Roger Dean created a Yes cover, which he would de several times again later in addition to also drawing the iconic Yes logo. Along with all this, I think it is the first really big Yes album.
The arrival of Wakeman has given the music a wider sound and added to the music quite a bit from the classical music. The members of the group are virtuosos in their respective fields, and with the songwriting in top and a great producer Eddy Offord at hand, things seem bound for success.
The album opens with one of the group's biggest single-hits "Roundabout", which in addition to being very catchy also contains exciting and innovative instrumental elements. Steve Howe's fine classical-inspired acoustic guitar begins the number before the entire band comes in with Chris Squire's distinctive funky bassline in front. In addition to the catchy melody, beautifully sung by Jon Anderson, the number is recognized for its fine guitar breaks. The album version of just over 8 minutes also contains great solos from Wakeman and Howe. A classic Yes number written by Anderson and Howe.
This distinguished start is followed by the short instrumental "Cans and Brahms" - a Brahms composition arranged by Wakeman. Anderson's also short vocal number "We Have Heaven" follows - a fairly simple and somewhat repetitive track.
The next big song is the Anderson / Squire composition "South Side of the Sky", which offers many exciting elements. It's a pretty rocking number, but in clear Yes style with unusual beats, fine Crosby / Stills / Nash inspired vocals and fine Rick Wakeman keyboards.
The original side two opens with the ultra-short "Five Per Cent for Nothing" credited to drummer Bill Bruford. Another fine Anderson song follows - the melodic and rather catchy "Long Distance Runaround".
These are followed by two instrumentals: Chris Squire's "The Fish" and Steve Howe's sublime guitar piece "Mood for a Day".
The album closes with the third major track "Heart of the Sunrise", which contains most of what fans love about Yes. There is a great variation between heavy and subdued passages. A very complex track that also contains memorable melodic vocal passages (“SHARP – DISTANCE”). The track is credited to Anderson / Squire / Bruford.
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