Is Fragile a good place to start with Yes?

Yes, Fragile is recommended as a starting point for new Yes listeners. A kaleidoscopic journey through intricate compositions and lyrical depth, blending classical influences with innovative rock sensibilities. Released on November 26, 1971, 'Fragile' was Yes's fourth studio album and marked their first major success. Following their earlier albums, this record solidified their presence in the progressive rock scene, showcasing the band's evolving sound and virtuosic musicianship. This was also the first album featuring keyboardist Rick Wakeman, whose contributions would be pivotal to the band's signature style.

Fragile works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and layered, dense sonic textures.

How many songs are on Fragile?

Fragile has 9 tracks, running approximately 41 minutes.

Fragile

Yes · 1971

41 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

A kaleidoscopic journey through intricate compositions and lyrical depth, blending classical influences with innovative rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Roundabout Start here — As the album's lead single, 'Roundabout' showcases Yes's signature blend of complex time signatures and melodic hooks, establishing it as an enduring classic.
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Heart of the Sunrise — This track encapsulates the band's dynamic range, shifting from serene passages to explosive crescendos while exploring themes of longing and existential introspection.
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Long Distance Runaround — 'Long Distance Runaround' exemplifies the band's knack for catchy melodies intertwined with progressive elements, marking a high point in their songwriting prowess.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Fragile showcases intricate compositions and blends rock with classical influences, marking a significant moment in progressive rock.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

long, immersive listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
layered, dense sonic textures
gradual builds and payoffs

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album solidified Yes's presence in the progressive rock scene.
Career context: Released on November 26, 1971, 'Fragile' was Yes's fourth studio album and marked their first major success. Following their earlier albums, this record solidified their presence in the progressive rock scene, showcasing the band's evolving sound and virtuosic musicianship. This was also the first album featuring keyboardist Rick Wakeman, whose contributions would be pivotal to the band's signature style.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· King Crimson· Emerson, Lake & Palmer

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Tracklist

1 Roundabout Start here 8:35
2 Cans and Brahms (extracts from Brahms’ 4th Symphony in E minor, Third Movement) 1:42
3 We Have Heaven 1:39
4 South Side of the Sky 7:56
5 Five Per Cent for Nothing 0:37
6 Long Distance Runaround 3:30
7 The Fish (Schindleria Praematurus) 2:42
8 Mood for a Day 3:02
9 Heart of the Sunrise 11:24