Fragile

Fragile

by Yes
Fragile

Fragile

by Yes

Vinyl LP(Long Playing Record)

$24.99 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    Qualifies for Free Shipping
    Choose Expedited Shipping at checkout for delivery by Tuesday, April 2
  • PICK UP IN STORE
    Check Availability at Nearby Stores

Related collections and offers


Overview

Fragile was Yes' breakthrough album, propelling them in a matter of weeks from a cult act to an international phenomenon; not coincidentally, it also marked the point where all of the elements of the music (and more) that would define their success for more than a decade fell into place fully formed. The science-fiction and fantasy elements that had driven the more successful songs on their preceding record, The Yes Album, were pushed much harder here, and not just in the music but in the packaging of the album: the Roger Dean-designed cover was itself a fascinating creation that seemed to relate to the music and drew the purchaser's attention in a manner that few records since the heyday of the psychedelic era could match. Having thrown original keyboard player Tony Kaye overboard early in the sessions -- principally over his refusal to accept the need for the Moog synthesizer in lieu of his preferred Hammond organ -- the band welcomed Rick Wakeman into its ranks. His use of the Moog, among other instruments, coupled with an overall bolder and more aggressive style of playing, opened the way for a harder, hotter sound by the group as a whole; bassist Chris Squire sounds like he's got his amp turned up to "12," and Steve Howe's electric guitars are not far behind, although the group also displayed subtlety where it was needed. The opening minute of "Roundabout," the album opener -- and the basis for the edited single that would reach number 13 on the Billboard charts and get the group onto AM radio in a way that most other prog rock outfits could only look upon with envy -- was dominated by Howe's acoustic guitar and Bill Bruford's drums, and only in the middle section did the band show some of what they could do with serious amperage. Elsewhere on the record, as on "South Side of the Sky," they would sound as though they were ready to leave the ground (and the planet), between the volume and intensity of their playing. "Long Distance Runaround," which also served as the B-side of the single, was probably the most accessible track here apart from "Roundabout," but they were both ambitious enough to carry most listeners on to the heavier sides at the core of this long-player. The solo tracks by the members were actually a necessity: they needed to get Fragile out in a hurry to cover the cost of the keyboards that Wakeman had added to the group's sonic arsenal. But they ended up being more than filler. Each member, in effect, took a "bow" in mostly fairly serious settings, and Squire's "The Fish" and Howe's "Mood for a Day" pointed directly to future, more substantial projects as well as taking on a life of their own on-stage. If not exactly their peak, Fragile was as perfect a record as the group would ever make, and just as flawless in its timing as its content. ~ Bruce Eder

Product Details

Release Date: 01/06/2023
Label: Atlantic / Rhino
UPC: 0603497838240

Tracks

  1. Roundabout
  2. Cans and Brahms
  3. We Have Heaven
  4. South Side of the Sky
  5. Five Percent for Nothing
  6. Long Distance Runaround
  7. The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus)
  8. Mood for a Day
  9. Heart of the Sunrise

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Yes   Primary Artist,Vocals
Steve Howe   Guitar,Vocals,Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Bill Bruford   Drums,Percussion
Chris Squire   Bass,Vocals,Guitar (Bass),Guitar (Electric),Vocals (Background)
Jon Anderson   Vocals,Vocals (Background)
Rick Wakeman   Organ,Piano,Keyboards,Mellotron,Harpsichord,Synthesizer,Organ (Hammond),Piano (Electric)

Technical Credits

Paul Simon   Composer
Steve Howe   Composer,Producer
Bill Bruford   Composer,Producer
Chris Squire   Composer,Producer
Joe Gastwirt   Mastering
Jon Anderson   Composer,Producer
Rick Wakeman   Arranger,Producer,Adaptation
Gary Martin   Assistant Engineer
Brian Lane   Arranger
Yes   Arranger,Producer
Eddy Offord   Engineer,Producer
Johannes Brahms   Composer
Roger Dean   Design,Photography
From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews