More than any other group in the progressive rock genre, it was Yes
that turned music from a cult preference into one of the prevailing trends of
the 70's. Progressive rock began as an outgrowth of the extended improvisations
pioneered in the late 60's by such groups as Cream and Jimi Hendrix.
Progressive rock incorporated instrumental sections into the tune's structure,
and was divided into movements like a symphony, with classical influences being
one of the music's most dominant characteristics. Yes's music can be best described
as "orchestral rock".
Yes released their fourth album "Fragile" at the end of 1971. It made
it to the number four position on the U.S. charts in March of 1972, and with
that success, Yes found a substantial audience ready to listen. What
makes "Fragile" a very special Yes album is that five of the nine
tracks are the individual ideas arranged and organized by the band members as
individuals.
"Roundabout" is the most memorable of all Yes songs with its
much recognized guitar intro. This is also one of many Yes sings in which
Chris Squire uses his bass as a lead instrument due to his treble-boosted sound.
Rick Wakeman, the classically trained prodigy, provides an amazing keyboard
solo while Bill Bruford adds some fantastic percussion parts.
"Cans and Brahms" is an adaptation from Brahm's 4th symphony in E minor,
3rd movement. On this track, Wakeman plays electric piano, which takes the place
of the strings, grand piano and electric harpsichord to play the parts of the
reeds, and synthesizer to take the place of the contra bassoon.
"We Have Heaven" is a multi layered personal arrangement by Jon Anderson
in which he sings all the vocal parts. This leads right into "South Side
of the Sky", which includes the sounds of a closing door, footsteps and
wind. This song has a fair mix of heavy, loud playing and light, soft playing.
"Five Per Cent For Nothing" is a sixteen bar tune by drummer Bill Bruford.
It is played twice by Yes and is taken directly from the percussion line.
"Long Distance Runaround" is another popular Yes track that begins
with some harmonies by the electric piano and guitar. Anderson's vocal work
is superb. This leads into "The Fish", a tune written by Chris Squire
where each riff, rhythm and melody is produced by using different bass guitar
sounds.
"Mood For A Day" is a solo acoustic guitar piece written and performed
by Steve Howe. It is played with much feeling and smoothness. It has a Spanish
guitar style to it.
"Heart of the Sunrise" contains some of Bruford's best drumming, including
quick snare rolls. It also has some haunting keyboards, thumping bass and Anderson's
melodic vocal power. What I like most about this track is the time changes and
shifts the dynamics, as well as all the instruments playing different parts
along the same melody line.
Today, "Fragile', along with "The Yes Album" and "90125",
remains one of the few Yes albums to still receive airplay. The classic
line up of Wakeman, White, Howe, Anderson and Squire continue to tour and play
many of the classic Yes songs in the live setting. "Fragile" is
progressive rock at it's finest!