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Editorial Reviews
Their 1972 breakthrough, a #4 smash highlighted by the arrival of Rick Wakeman and classics like Long Distance Runaround and Roundabout . Bonus tracks: America and an unissued Roundabout rough mix!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
52 of 55 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Unbelievable technical ability balanced with warmth and emotion
December 18, 2006
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This 1972 album showed Yes starting to move even further into the realm of progressive rock and features the classic lineup of Chris Squire (Rickenbacker bass, vocals); Rick Wakeman (Synthesizers, mellotron, Hammond organ, piano); Steve Howe (acoustic and electric guitars, vocals); Bill Bruford (drums; percussion); and Jon Anderson (lead vocals; guitar). I think it goes without saying that this lineup would produce some of the finest material released by Yes and was comprised of virtuosos. Certainly, all of this is very much present on Fragile, which I personally consider a showcase of staggering instrumental skill that is very warm and inviting somehow.
Because of contractual problems largely stemming from Rick Wakeman, Fragile consists of three band compositions and several smaller solo pieces. The three band compositions are excellent and include the alternately ripping and melodramatic Heart of the Sunrise (their response to 21st Century Schizoid Man (King Crimson, 1969); South Side of the Sky (about a failed mission to Antarctica I think); and the classic piece Roundabout. The solo pieces vary in quality and include the excellent Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (Jon wrote Long Distance Runaround, while The Fish is a Squire tour de force on the electric bass with percussion by Bill); Rick Wakeman's Cans and Brahms (extracts from Brahms's 4th Symphony in E Minor Third Movement performed on an arsenal of synthesizers) (Rick did not like Cans and Brahms at all); Steve Howe's excellent acoustic solo piece Mood for a Day; Bill Bruford's painfully short and unfinished sounding instrumental piece Five Percent for Nothing (a slam on the band manager apparently); and finally, Jon Anderson's We Have Heaven. As a bassist and avid worshipper of Squire, The Fish is hands down my favorite, although I generally like all of the solo pieces.
Overall, the music on Fragile is simply amazing and has all of the emotional punch (some might say melodrama) of tracks like Survival (1969); and Starship Trooper (1971), yet with the instrumental sophistication that would mark all of the 1970s work. Some very melodramatic moments can be heard on Heart of Sunrise, which is an absolutely super 10'34"; and South Side of the Sky is certainly not without drama. However, what really got me when I first listened to this album over 25 years ago (and to this very day) is the playing - these guys were in a class by themselves when it came to sheer virtuosity. Although the playing can get overwhelming at times, it is nicely leavened by softer, acoustic passages (on guitar and piano) and Jon Anderson's high pitched vocals. Along with some unbelievable vocal harmonies, this makes for one amazing listening experience.
With respect to the cover art (the first with Roger Dean), I feel that the painting of the tiny and "fragile" world on the front cover is very warm and intimate despite the planet being surrounded by the cold vacuum of outer space. Of course, on the back cover this peaceful world is depicted as breaking up - a very different scene from the front cover. The neat thing is that the breaking up of the planet was reiterated on the live Yessongs album. As I recall, I used to stare at the "large" cover art on the Fragile LP and it was very much a part of the listening experience. Then again, the cover art was very important for me on all of the Yes albums (even Drama (1980)) and is something I feel compelled to mention when I review any of their works.
The remastering on this album is incredible and (sort of) takes me back to the vinyl days. The booklet is excellent and features the original album artwork; a ton of liner notes; and photos of the band. Although the liner notes are pretty much old hat for the typical Yes freak (such as myself), they should prove informative to lots of folks. The excellent bonus track America was a very nice addition that was originally recorded for the 1972 Atlantic sampler LP "Age of Atlantic". Although I did not own this LP, I did own the compilation album "Yesterdays", which also featured America. The other bonus track includes an early rough mix of Roundabout that really does not add much.
All in all, an incredible Yes album that is very highly recommended along with all of their works from 1971 -1977.
Because of contractual problems largely stemming from Rick Wakeman, Fragile consists of three band compositions and several smaller solo pieces. The three band compositions are excellent and include the alternately ripping and melodramatic Heart of the Sunrise (their response to 21st Century Schizoid Man (King Crimson, 1969); South Side of the Sky (about a failed mission to Antarctica I think); and the classic piece Roundabout. The solo pieces vary in quality and include the excellent Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (Jon wrote Long Distance Runaround, while The Fish is a Squire tour de force on the electric bass with percussion by Bill); Rick Wakeman's Cans and Brahms (extracts from Brahms's 4th Symphony in E Minor Third Movement performed on an arsenal of synthesizers) (Rick did not like Cans and Brahms at all); Steve Howe's excellent acoustic solo piece Mood for a Day; Bill Bruford's painfully short and unfinished sounding instrumental piece Five Percent for Nothing (a slam on the band manager apparently); and finally, Jon Anderson's We Have Heaven. As a bassist and avid worshipper of Squire, The Fish is hands down my favorite, although I generally like all of the solo pieces.
Overall, the music on Fragile is simply amazing and has all of the emotional punch (some might say melodrama) of tracks like Survival (1969); and Starship Trooper (1971), yet with the instrumental sophistication that would mark all of the 1970s work. Some very melodramatic moments can be heard on Heart of Sunrise, which is an absolutely super 10'34"; and South Side of the Sky is certainly not without drama. However, what really got me when I first listened to this album over 25 years ago (and to this very day) is the playing - these guys were in a class by themselves when it came to sheer virtuosity. Although the playing can get overwhelming at times, it is nicely leavened by softer, acoustic passages (on guitar and piano) and Jon Anderson's high pitched vocals. Along with some unbelievable vocal harmonies, this makes for one amazing listening experience.
With respect to the cover art (the first with Roger Dean), I feel that the painting of the tiny and "fragile" world on the front cover is very warm and intimate despite the planet being surrounded by the cold vacuum of outer space. Of course, on the back cover this peaceful world is depicted as breaking up - a very different scene from the front cover. The neat thing is that the breaking up of the planet was reiterated on the live Yessongs album. As I recall, I used to stare at the "large" cover art on the Fragile LP and it was very much a part of the listening experience. Then again, the cover art was very important for me on all of the Yes albums (even Drama (1980)) and is something I feel compelled to mention when I review any of their works.
The remastering on this album is incredible and (sort of) takes me back to the vinyl days. The booklet is excellent and features the original album artwork; a ton of liner notes; and photos of the band. Although the liner notes are pretty much old hat for the typical Yes freak (such as myself), they should prove informative to lots of folks. The excellent bonus track America was a very nice addition that was originally recorded for the 1972 Atlantic sampler LP "Age of Atlantic". Although I did not own this LP, I did own the compilation album "Yesterdays", which also featured America. The other bonus track includes an early rough mix of Roundabout that really does not add much.
All in all, an incredible Yes album that is very highly recommended along with all of their works from 1971 -1977.
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful
By Robert W
Format:DVD Audio|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've found it hard to find reviews just for the DVD-A or SACD versions of releases. There really should be a separate section for them. Hello Amazon...how about showcasing these great audio formats! Also, Amazon, is it too much to ask that you start listing kHz/bits ?!! It would sure be nice to know when looking at a potential purchase whats on the disc. Is it 48kHz/24bits? Or 96kHz/24bits? etc etc etc. Come on now, help these formats out!
Anyway, the DVD-A is my 4th version of this album. Vinyl, Tape, CD, and now DVD-A. Holy audio nirvana folks! This is one of the best in my small, but continually growing DVD-A and SACD collection. If you loved this album in any of its forms and have the equipment to both play AND hear it....and you appreciate good sound.... you will be blown away. Phenomenal! A showcase of how good older recordings can and should sound. I'm partial to the 96kHz/24bit stereo track, but the 96kHz/24bit DVD-A surround is good too. I'm just a bit of a purist.
This is a benchmark for re-releasing older albums in a wonderful format. In our over compressed MP3 dumbed down world it's too bad more attention isn't paid to either of the formats. SACD or DVD-A.
Anyway, the DVD-A is my 4th version of this album. Vinyl, Tape, CD, and now DVD-A. Holy audio nirvana folks! This is one of the best in my small, but continually growing DVD-A and SACD collection. If you loved this album in any of its forms and have the equipment to both play AND hear it....and you appreciate good sound.... you will be blown away. Phenomenal! A showcase of how good older recordings can and should sound. I'm partial to the 96kHz/24bit stereo track, but the 96kHz/24bit DVD-A surround is good too. I'm just a bit of a purist.
This is a benchmark for re-releasing older albums in a wonderful format. In our over compressed MP3 dumbed down world it's too bad more attention isn't paid to either of the formats. SACD or DVD-A.
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
By highway_star
Format:Audio CD
Released in 1972, "Fragile" is a progressive rock masterpiece that should be in all rock lovers cd collection. As excellent an album as it was, it produced just one major hit in "Roundabout". I remember hearing the song played repeatedly on radio back then and never got sick of it. The entire album is full of excellent, well crafted songs such as "Heart Of The Sunrise", "Long Distance Runaround", "South Side Of The Sky" and the above mentioned "Roundabout". Of note, this album was also keyboard wizard Rick Wakeman's debut with the band and there's a definate classical influence in the songs with the addition of Wakeman (listen to "Cans And Brahms"). This special edition of "Fragile" contains two bonus tracks in "America" (the full 10 min. version) and an extra version of "Roundabout" (Early Rough Mix) which is similar to the original version except that the vocals and harmonizing are more pronounced and the arrangement is different in certain parts. There's also a thirteen page booklet included which tells about the songs on the album as well as some nice color photos of the members of the band. The digipack that holds the disc is also very attractive. Soundwise this new remastered version is far superior to the early 90's remaster in that the sound is cleaner, more mid-range, bottom end and punch has been added. If you enjoy seventy's classic rock such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Genesis, King Crimson, etc. "Fragile" is a must have. Highly Recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
THE version to get
All Around great. Period. This Edition in my humble opinion is THE version to have. Clean, crisp but also full of body and very lush sounding. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Wags
5.0 out of 5 stars
Album in good condition!
Replaced the same album but mine had a skip, this one sounded very good and clear. Was happy I was able to replace mine it is one of my favorites.
Published 6 days ago by Rita D.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Everything you loved about '70's prog, without the drugs!
I've always loved this album. It was impressive for it's musical prowess back then, and with this edition it just gets better. Thank you, Yes!
Published 26 days ago by T. Grant
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic
A must have. This is REAL MUSIC not noise. This is an 'album' I've replaced several times over the years.
Published 26 days ago by Valentina Santiago
5.0 out of 5 stars
Received album and it's a great play
I owned this album back in the 1970s and really enjoyed it. Now that I started playing vinyl again, I wanted to hear it once again. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Johnny Write
4.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Album in 5.1!
Overall the album sounded pretty good in 5.1 surround. Seems like some liberties were taken regarding more use of reverb for example in Mood for a Day. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Tina Kitty
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fragile
One of those albums where high fidelity really matters. Even though I have have a vinyl version in great condition the recording to mp3 could not come close to this remastered... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Andy Herdman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Classic Progressive Rock
This music is timeless, it sounds just as relevant today as the first time I heard it back in high school over 30 years ago. It was originally released back in 1971.
Published 3 months ago by Jerry Vega
3.0 out of 5 stars
A small step above the yes album
The fragile is viewed as a yes essential by most prog fans.
I would say that it fits nicely with the other 70's yes records
but I dont necessarily see it as the best of... Read more
I would say that it fits nicely with the other 70's yes records
but I dont necessarily see it as the best of... Read more
Published 3 months ago by MR
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fragile-The Yes Classic
This group of songs really shows how Yes began to develop into one of the greatest drama-rock bands ever. The musicianship is fantastic. I love every track.
Published 4 months ago by Guy Romano
Listmania!
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