This is a Random Album Generator.
Fragile
Yes
1971
Wikipedia
Reviews
Like a review? Give it a thumb up to help us display relevant reviews!Absolutely incredible. This album makes a catchy, fun and interesting blend of sounds, drawing from prog rock but not falling into the classic traps of the genre. The songs, while long and complicated, are easy to like and feel very timeless. The difficult playing isn't there for difficulty's sake, but to do things a simpler composition can't do. It isn't pretentious at all by prog rock standards, the album cover is great, and i love the small tracks placed in between the longer ones as it paces the whole work perfectly. Adore this album.
While the musicianship is clearly good, they just feel like a store brand Pink Floyd. It's Floyd-style prog without the hooks which leaves the album feeling kind of empty and, ultimately, forgettable.
This is Yes at their peak before they are about to go off the rails. All over the place in a wonderful way with contributions from all band members. Love how each instrument/element/player is highlighted throughout the album. Wish more bands created output in this manner. They are one of the most listenable and original of prog rock groups. Prog gets a bad rap for some reason but I enjoy the structures and explorations. Quite a sonic journey.
Had this one on regular repeat in my teen years. Spent a huge amount of time learning to play Mood for a Day (badly) on guitar. Still a personal favorite album decades later.
Je vous propose de diviser cette critique en deux parties : j'évoquerai les événements récents dans la première et formulerai une analyse de l'album dans la seconde. Première partie : Vous avez sans doute lu dans ma critique de Let It Be des Replacements les raisons pour lesquelles j'ai été convoqué devant l'Amtsgericht de ma ville de résidence en fin de semaine dernière. Pour résumer la situation, j'ai ce mercredi, et par inadvertance, tabassé une de mes élèves en raison du fait qu'elle portait un chandail à l'effigie de Morrissey. Une fois l'audience terminée, les magistrats ont délibéré et jugé que les traces de strangulation présentes sous la minerve de la victime ne pouvaient être imputées avec certitude à ma paire de mains et que les attestations fournies par les quatorze témoins présents ainsi que mes aveux n'y changeaient rien. En revanche, il a également été jugé que l'élève, heureusement sortie indemne, devait à présent porter en continue un pull imprimé d'une photo de Ray Charles en position fœtale. Celle-ci a fait appel, je vous tiendrai informés de la suite dans une critique ultérieure. Deuxième partie : Fragile du groupe Yes est un album que j'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir à écouter.
2 1/2 stars. I found this a bit of a difficult album to wade through. I have never been a Rick Wakeman or Yes fan. Having said that there are a few songs that I can get into somewhat like America and Roundabout which may have to do more with familiarity than anything else. Of the songs a I haven't listened to previously Heart of Sunrise is good. I understand the influence of this album.
5/10, I was initially excited for the concept of this website, but I'm repeatedly discovering the flaws of the 1001 albums list, the sheer proliferation of forgettable dad rock. Yes is fine, it's an okay band, but fuckin' hell, a genre besides rock exists, this is easily the most bland-of-its era tripe to exist. 4/10, bad ideas are extended ad-nauseum, while the good ones are cut short, this is a snoozefest disguised under a prog label. 3/10, it just gets worse as it goes on, I don't think I've ever been less interested in a band, ah yes another track of jumbled instrumentals and pained singing, 2/10 is my final. Thank God rock is dead.
Hey it’s the Jojis. But absolute classic and very accessible Prog Rock. The album art is so iconic too. S/o Chris Squire
This is that shit that has Roundabout on it. A lot more than just Roundabout - lots of prog rock shit going on. Pretty good album imo.
One of the OG prog rock bands and a really good listen. Massively influential to so many acts following in their footsteps
YES!!! Delicia de álbum progressivo com instrumental alto nível. Gosto muito do Mood for a day e nem lembrava q era deles.
Great album. Beautiful acoustic/classical guitar parts and fun jam songs. Very 70s rock but in a non jam band way. Into it.
Premier album de yes que j’ai ecoute dans ma vie. J’adore ce band et j’ai deja ecoute cette album un cinquantaine de fois. 5*
I personally really like this album Did I only know about this album because the first song is a meme? yes, but that's not a bad thing. this album mixes epic rock n roll with beautiful guitar work. It's not the best album in the world, but I love it.
Really enjoyed this one. Compared to the other Yes album we've had on this list so far, this one feels much tighter in terms of songwriting and song structure. The tracks seem more cohesive rather than made for the purpose of showing off the musician's (considerable) skill. My other main criticism of the other Yes album still holds: the singer's voice doesn't do the instrumentation justice. He's just not up to par with the others. Still, a fantastic album.
Amo el rock progresivo, pero no en su totalidad. Justo este disco si. Es una epoca en la que dijeron "che pero pará la musica no tiene por que tenes distorciones por todos lados y el mismo acorde repetido over and over". La cantidad de experimentación que hubo en esa epoca no se volvió a repetir hasta el resurgimiento del rock psicodelico. Me gusta mucho este disco, es muy dificil no pensar en como fué influenciado por Queen, voces grabadas encima de voces grabadas encima de voces... Amo. La duración de los temas está all over the place, es como escuchar Blue Öyster Cult, si no sabés cuanto dura cada tema you're in for a ride. Ésta musica se aprecia mucho mas en el ambito analogico, casette o vinilo, donde te da paja adelantar o saltear temas. Tampoco se beneficia de los auriculares, creo que está hecha para ser escuchada en habitaciones con parlantes y demas.
Amo este disco. Es una de las bandas que mi viejo siempre escucha, entonces como que lo tengo en mis recuerdos. Tiene todo el power. Creo que si es alto disco.
Gracias Jojo Si alguien me pregunta con que disco meterse en el rock progresivo, de seguro este sería mi elección; es variado, conciso, cortó (para el álbum de progresivo promedio), pero por sobre todo atractivo. Para mí un sólido 9/10
Still one of my all time favourite albums. There are sections that could probably be trimmed (South Side of the Sky could easily be 5 minutes), but I love the album. Prog rock is all about excess!
It’s a bit dated in some of its sounds, but for me this album is brilliant. Yes utilizes interesting rhythms, chord changes, and melodies to create music that stands apart especially in 1971. The jazz, blues, and classical influences are apparent and woven well into the music. The musicianship is phenomenal and the occasional suite like song structures further attest to this band’s ambition.
Roundabout, South Side of the Sky, den långa versionen av America, Heart of the Sunrise, Long Distance Runaround... Till och med de korta låtarna (varje bandmedlem fick skriva en låt var själva) är kanon. Amagad den är så braaaa .______.
This is not a perfect album. Jon Anderson's emotionless singing, the self-indulgent nothing tracks mar it. But still, it has enough amazing things about it for me to give it 5 stars. The musicianship is amazing, particularly the bass and drumming. The actual songs are all great and it holds together wonderfully.
I’ll be the roundabout, The words will make you out and out, I spend the day your way, Call it morning driving through the sound …
One of my favorite albums of all time. It's what got me inspired to pick up an instrument back in middle school.
Almost half a century later and these songs still go hard. The sheer VIRTUOSITY on display here is astonishing. Like, that heavy-ass intro on "Heart of the Sunrise"? Those syncopated drums on "Long Distance Runaround"?? My mind is EXPANDING!!!
Have had this music in all forms..album,8-track,cassette,cd,Spotify ..hard 5 for this one,loved it since day one
-Holy crap Lois why does the "We'll Be Right Back" meme continue for 8 minutes? -This album is a little weird, it's like half big epic songs and half shirt little dinky ones. Still pretty cool. Great jams and groove and bass and stuff throughout -I particularly like "Roundabout" and "Long Distance Runaround" -"South Side of the Sky," "Heart of the Sunrise," and "America" are great too -I plan to do plenty more listening, so I think that has just bumped it into the 5 star range
What can be said about this album beyond Wow! I was fortunate enough to see them live once. What a fantastic show.
When I was 15, I got a record player for Christmas. Four days later, as a reward for getting my learner's permit, my dad said he'd buy me my first record, and this was it. As a result, I'm pretty nostalgic for it. On top of that, it's a pretty good album. I'd give it 4.5 if I could, but I'm rounding up because of nostalgia, my personal love for the 70s prog sound, the strength of "Roundabout", and the cheeky reprise at the end.
Some classic prog rock! The meme introduced me to this album, who says memes are useless..
Exceptional. The keys and the rambling guitar over the top of the funky bass. Amazing.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- I always have a soft spot for the records my dad played a bunch when I was a kid. This is one of them.
Roundabout is great. Rest of the album is pretty solid, but not as put together. So much jamming.
A pretty impressive feat and some incredible guitar and keyboard skillz but didn't rouse me up as much as I thought it would.
Not really my style but I appreciate that it's good music. Nice to listen to under certain conditions.
Familiarity: 4/10 Notes: listen, when you start your album off with a song like Roundabout, you know shit stays at that high of a bar until the last measure. One of their most recognizable albums, due in part to the opening track, Fragile is a funky prog rock classic Real Rating: 8/10
Amazing Prog album with issues. Because of money/time problems the recording of the album had to include solo compositions of each band member. Those were not that good. The rest however is top prog, especially Roundabout.
This album is surprising. There’s piano solos and rock and just all kinds of stuff. It was such a variety of music on this album that it kept me interested.
Excellent album. The full band tracks are better than the individual ones, although Steve Howe's Mood for a Day is a great one.
Endelig litt progrock. Spillingen på dette albumet er jo helt fenomenal. Alle instrumentene får tid til å vises, og alt er i verdensklasse nivå. Låtskrivingen er heller ingenting å kimses av. Roundabout er en heftig åpner, og det blir ikke dårligere videre. Stemningsfullt, fengende, imponerende, innovativt. Det er vanskelig å forklare hva konkret det er som trekker meg til dette albumet, men jeg kan si at det er bare helt sykt kult. Ikke en personlig favoritt, men det går mest på smaken. Ekstremt sterk 4. Kunne sagt det var en 8.9/10.
Mye gøy. Er ikke så fan av prog, men likevel en underholdene. Du får inntrykk av at de er gode til å spille instrumentene sine og liker hvordan flere av sangene er komponert. ironisk nok likte jeg albumets nå-meme intro-track best, den gav lytteren et godt bilde av hva som lå i vente. Likevel skulle jeg ønske at albumet kunne være litt tyngre? Vet lite om mixing og liknende begreper innfor musikk, men syntes bassen ikke var "digg nok". Den manglet en sonisk dybde jeg skulle ønske var der. Virket som om musikken kunne flagre vekk i en sommerbris, på en spinkel, nerdete måte. Kanskje smaken min er ødelagt av år med Kanyes basstrommer etc. Svak 4, eller sterk 7/10
Very instrumental. More songs I recognized than I thought I would. A dope anime intro I've always looked for was on this too. A chill album, good for background music while doing art or cleaning
“Fragile” by Yes (1971) From the opening sounds, this album grabs the listener’s attention. Steve Howe on guitar and Rick Wakeman on keyboards dazzle with innovative arrangements, cementing their reputations as pioneers in progressive rock—PURE progressive rock in “Heart of the Sunrise”. This is intelligent music. What it lacks in soul and profundity of message it more than makes up for in technical perfection. For 1971, this record set the pace for much of what was to come in the 70s and 80s. The running footsteps across channels on “We Have Heaven” preceded those on Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” by two years (for those who like to keep track of such things). Squire and Bruford’s rhythm section is solid solid solid. Squire even gets in on the harmonic coloring (“Heart of the Sunrise”) and jazz improvisation (“Five Percent for Nothing”). Jon Anderson’s lead vocals are pure and disciplined if lacking sonority and steady vibrato—but with excellent diction. He provides solid melodies and the group chimes in with mesmerizing harmonies, rivaling Crosby, Stills and Nash (in the studio, that is!). Chord progressions and time signatures that simply prohibit the simultaneous chewing of bubble gum. Exemplifying recording wizardry, this is a clean and crisp mix, with excellent separation that simply must be heard on studio headphones (or Klipsch equipment, but for us mere mortals . . . ). As an album, “Fragile” demonstrates that one can produce a record that starts with a leading track lasting 8:35 and sustains interest throughout. And the end of the closing track welcomes a replay of the opening track, and over and over and over again. These are great musicians who clearly enjoy making great music. 4/5
PROGPROGPROGPROGPROGPROG. Best Tracks: Roundabout, South Side of the Sky, Heart of the Sunrise
Pretty good, great musicianship. Definitely prog but more to the rock side. Enjoyable listen and I'll probably try out their outher stuff. 4/5
Brilliant progressive rock, and I'm surprised I have never heard this whole album. I'll be spending more time with Yes in the near future.
It's Yes so of course you get masterful musicianship and staggeringly incredible compositions. I can't help but wonder if this album would be a 5/5 if 'Roundabout' didn't lead it off. As its constructed, the album can't ever reach the highs its lead (and easily most famous) song hit. It's still incredibly well done, interesting prog rock, but it doesn't land as well after hearing one of their masterpieces.
It was a good listen, loved roundabout and heart of the sunrise but wasn't as good as the yes album. Opinion might change in the future. Would give it 7/10
While I'm a big fan of prog rock in general, Yes isn't my favorite. I was already familiar with this album, but gave it another couple listens. Obviously Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround are great, however the rest of the album doesn't do much for me, thus dropping to a 4.
Brings back memories so when I saw what it was I thought it was going to be 5* but it’s actually 4
Yes is a cooler band than I think that I've previously given them credit for. This album is good from the opening and holds up to the end. It's big and dramatic as a lot of prog rock is, but it's also fun with solid riffs 4/5
Very good album. Interesting dynamically and musically dripping with talent. I like this sound a lot and the balance between hits and ballads is really good on this album. Very ahead of its time
Not big yes fan, but good tracks in here and they paved the way for future proggos so I feel comfortable with a 4 here
Jag är lättköpt och mitt pris är 3-4 goa bass lines. Five per Cent for Nothing är bästa låten. Album som gjorde mig lite glad och det är värt 4 * såklart
Yes, here, move past sufferability into the good zone. This reminds me why I like prog, this is fun, this is playing with the medium without sticking one's head where it doesn't belong, this is a sound capable of sincerity even after being adopted as a meme.
okay don’t get me wrong, I LOOVE prog rock, and this album certainly had some bangers, but most of the songs just kinda sounded like throwaway stuff, like you listen to Cans and Brahms or Five Per Cent for Nothing and you just gotta wonder what the point of those songs are? like obviously every song doesn’t need to be amazing but I think there were a disappointingly high number of throwaway songs and I’m not saying I hate those kind of songs, I love The Beatles, Revolution 9 and King Crimson, Moonchild, but the point is that on an album full of hard hitting songs, you only have one or two of these weird throwaway songs to reset the mood for what’s next anyway, I really loved Roundabout (Obviously, who doesn’t?) and Heart of the Sunrise America and South Side of the Sky were also pretty cool overall it is a great album, I just had the one critique, 8/10 for me
Opens with a meme song, hell yeah. One of those bands you hear about as a monolith, but I'd never really gotten into them. Prog group with undeniable talent. I love all the instruments at play here, especially the acoustic guitars. Would definitely listen to this again, and mark me as a "yes" for more Yes albums. Favorite tracks: Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround, The Fish, Mood for a Day. Album art: Pretty simple '70s rock cover, but the art style is nice. I like the font a lot too. Can't say I remember seeing it before, but very emblematic of its time. 4/5
Jak wczoraj byl niszowy albumik z alternatywy progowej, tak dzisiaj z troche innej polki, wiec mainstreamowa uczta dla sluchacza kompozycji tak symfonicznych, ze ciezko ogarniac kto jak i co gra, fragile to czwarta plyta w dyskografii yesa, wiec brytyjskiej bandy, nagranany w 71 i tym samym roku wypuszczony, jest to takze pierwszy album, ktory featuruje pana Wakemana, ktory przynisol ze soba do zespolu potezna roznorodnosc klawiszowa i synthowa, ktora zarowno na fragile jak i kolejnych materialach stala sie niejako cecha charakterystyczna ich tworczosci, sam album to 41 minut i 9 kawalkow, ciekawa sprawa jest to, ze jedynie 4 z nich byly tworzone jako caly zespol, natomiast pozostale 5, to solowe utwory kazdego z czlonkow ekipy, kolejna sprawa jest podzial na traki instrumentalne, a wokalowe, bo tutaj rowniez utrzymuje sie podzial 4 do 5, nie bede ocenial pojedynczych trakow, bo pewnie zbaisowany bylbym do tych zawierajacych wokale Andersonowe, bo jest wsrod nich chocby legendarny ending pierwszego parta jojowego, wiec roundabout, ktory tak mocno wpisal sie w dzieje memologii, a jednoczescie jest swietnym openigiem tego krazka, wiec chociaz nie jest to material tworzony pod jeden motyw i idee, to jednak nastroj jaki emanuje z calego albumu utrzymuje sie jednaki przez caly odsluch, malo jest tak przyjemnie wesolo spokojnych krazkow, ktore znam, tylko pozytywne wibracje, jest dobrym okresleniem tej plyty, czasem dziwi praca dzwieku na kanalach, jak zaglowanie w niektorych momentach, nie wiadomo czy wynikajace z wizji artystycznej, czy dziwnego balansu sceny, ale sa to bledy wybaczalne patrzac na caloksztalt brzmienia, na plejke nie mam za bardzo co wrzucac, bo album juz wielokrotnie zakatowany, ale chyba uda sie gdzies wcisnac jeszcze long distance runaround, im wiecej slyszalem i wiecej wiem na temat danej plyty, tym mniej mnie nachodzi na lurkowanie lorowego i jakos zostaje przy tym co wiem, wiec same notatki albumowe rowniez sa mniej sensowne w takim wypadku
Quite the blend of genres: jazz, hard rock, progressive rock... I feel like there are echoes of what would become post-punk in certain spots? I was obsessed with this album in high school (yep, nerdy, I'm aware), but I'm glad it still holds up. The bass playing is insanely impressive. Favorite tracks: "Roundabout", "We Have Heaven", "South Side of the Sky"
I really liked this! I had heard of Yes before, but never listened to them. It reminds me of those math rock bands, like Maps & Atlases and (early) Foals. The songs were a bit long for me and not sure any stood out enough for me so that's why I'm not giving it the 5, but it's close!
Very prog, very odd instrumentation at points, very enjoyable for the most part. Roundabout mostly famous from GTA V, which made it odd hearing it in its original context
I listened to this album a few years ago as part of a Yes marathon. It's a giant wank but I do like this kind of prog rock. It's cool to see how something as shit as the Beatles kinda turned into a style of music that I like. 4/5.
Amazing material that would be worthy of a 5 if not for tracks like Cans and Brahms, and We Have Heaven - which just break momentum. Everything else this album offers is stellar progressive rock that really set the bar.
Sprawling prog rock epics interspersed with some short little filler tracks. But, it all ties together sonically into a great album with some superb musicianship!
The explosion of prog rock in the late 60's and early 70's has lead to Yes doing quite well for themselves, especially after The Yes Album which came out just a few months prior to Fragile. So with a keyboardist Rick Wakeman added to the lineup, what would Yes produce? A great prog rock record, that's what. Opening with the iconic Roundabout, Fragile can easily be divided into four "big" songs with some interlude tracks to splice up the pacing. I don't think Yes needed every interlude track to be included, but I appreciate the effort to spread out the "big" tracks. Even then, some of the interludes server as a medley than anything else which is still nice. Yes are extremely good at writing music in the prog rock format. Ideas are fleshed out without dragging on for too long, and songs continue to feel fresh throughout the runtimes. I mostly enjoy the bookend tracks though.
It's been awhile and for some reason I thought this album was going to drag in certain spots. Oh, it has its bloated moments but overall, this is a cohesive album with two of their iconic songs, "Roundabout" and "Long Distance Runaround." And it didn't drag for me. The album is really two sides with two songs anchoring each side, starting and finishing songs. There's interludes/instrumentals in between leading to the bloatedness but, hey, this album is one of the cornerstones in the Prog Rock catalog and that's part of it. I don't know if there is an overarching theme, other than nature and driving around..eagles, sailors, the wind. Technically, the musicianship is top notch; this album may be worth getting just listening to Chris Squire's bass on "Roundabout." Three out of the four big songs (the exception being "Long Distance Runaround") have similar structures with the songs starting and ending at the same spot with all the Prog Rock instrumental craziness in between. Think of the acoustic guitar start/finish in "Roundabout." Overall, I enjoyed this listen but understand all the criticism this type of music gets and its detractors.
El bajo está increíble. Poquito largo para mí gusto pero en general discazo, de esos que te hacen querer saber más de la banda. Songs: Roundabout, Heart of the Sunrise, America
When I was in high-school Yes was my favourite group so I reckon I've listened to this album several hundred times and can play all of the songs on air guitar with my eyes closed. This is close to peak Yes, their Zenith would be their next album Close to the Edge, but this is still pretty damned good. Get 'em while you can because unfortunately they go to shit in the 80s starting with Drama. However, I can thank Yes for opening my mind and ears and allowing me to appreciate Jazz, Classical and experimental music. I also like how on this album, each band member composes at least one track which naturally highlights their extraordinary musicmanship. Standouts are South Side of the Sky, The Fish, Long Distance Runaround, and Heart of the Sunrise. Roundabout isn't a bad single either.
Roundabout is a banger. This album is also really good - Yes can be a bit annoying for me at times, but the prog experimental stuff on this is actually measured and doesn't run away with itself. Good good
I owned and listened to this album obsessively in my early teens. I didn't realize it until much, much later -- decades later -- but I see now the early sprouts of my passion for and interest in music with varied textures and complexities. No matter; I enjoyed it thoroughly and was blown away then as I am now with the musicianship and creativity evident in this lineup. Ridiculous. I don't always love each track on their albums, including this one, but I can still appreciate what they are doing, even when they go places that just don't click with me or catch my interest the same way their other pieces do. Not sure how to put it, but maybe best I can put into words is they can be "a bit much" for me at times. Much as I usually shrink away from generalizations, I do find that's my consistent experience with so-called "progressive rock" -- some of the most amazing music I've ever heard is often categorized as such, and also sometimes the bands who specialize in that style can go over the top for me, although like all experiences with art, that is merely my own subjective experience with it. So on we go. This album holds up well. Some incredible work here. And, dang, I always loved Roger Dean's album covers he designed for them.
I tend to be wary of progressive rock, as ostentatious noodling and cosmic lyricism tend to throw me off. What I like about the genre are its challenging compositions and virtuosic instrumentalism, but it’s a fine line between impressive and gaudy. I was pleasantly surprised by this record, although I could’ve done without most of the shorter songs. My favorite tracks, easily, are the three big ones which take up more than half the runtime: Roundabout, South Side of the Sky, and Heart of the Sunrise. Yes, the lyricism is primarily comprised of otherworldly gobbledygook, but it’s mostly unobtrusive. Yes, the group can occasionally wade into showy grandiosity, but for the most part they manage to keep it relatively tame. In the end, there’s more to like than there isn’t. Plenty of lush melodies, pleasing harmonies, and high-octane riffing satisfy the music lover in me, and the kick-ass guitar/bass combo of Steve Howe and Chris Squier will keep me coming back.
I was surprised by this album several times thinking I only knew Owner of a Lonely Heart...and then Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround played... Noice. Turns out I am not as musically illiterate as I expected here.
For Roundabout alone, this has earned its place on the list. The other stuff is okay too.
A seminal record in progressive rock history. The band’s use of electronic keys, thick basslines, and inventive guitar parts make the music unique and interesting.
I struggle with the albums where there's clearly a ton of skill involved, and I'm legitimately very impressed, but none of the music is something I would ever choose to listen to, especially a second time. I guess I'll just plop down a 3 and move on. Best track: Mood for a Day
roundabout is a meme, interesting mix of short and long songs, good sound but not a lot of jams, the long songs are really long
A weird one - loved the first and last tracks but the rest of it didn't do much for me
Hoooly shit. I only know the first song cause of the "To Be Continued" meme that went around a while back, never knew that was Yes. The bass slaps for sure. As far as 70s prog go, it's not bad. Not into the vocal stylings so much. Still nothing I'm that into.
Hot and cold throughout - I liked some of the more experimental moments, and some of the moments of head bobbing grooves. On the other hand there was quite a bit of that late 60s / early 70s idealism that can sound overly twerpy.
Sympa, quelques chansons très cool (roundabout, The Fish ...) mais un peu cacophonique je trouve
I am very confused about what to think of that and whether I liked it or not. It was a bit mad? Certain aspects I enjoyed, others I found just a bit much
Better than expected. I dug the instrumentation, but the shift from really long to really short songs kinda threw me.
Roundabout is the best song and most played by far on the album. Incredible bassline. The rest of the songs were almost like experimental jams - some good and some not so much. South Side of the Sky was the second best on the album. 6/10.
This real progressive rock is not my kind of thing (I prefer things less experimental and "low level" like Pink Floyd), however, this album was a good experience.
Pues la verdad es que es rock progresivo y aunque me guste se me hace algo bola. He dudado entre 3 y 4
3.7 - Better than I expected! Immersive. Even the instrumentals felt vital to the whole.
Pretty good classic rock album. A little out there at times, but a good listen. First track was a familiar one.
Ik heb wel wat met prog en ik vond ik dit best goed te pruimen, alhoewel het een hele zit blijft. Vooral het openingsnummer vond ik erg tof. Duidelijk waar ook een band als Tool zijn inspiratie vandaan heeft.
I still haven't decided if I like Yes. I feel like I like them intellectually, but also maybe just find prog rock to be sort of boring. Makes really nice background music, though. I especially enjoyed the little interludes on this album.
Surprisingly quite enjoyed this. A few bum tracks, but the long proggy ones are pretty fun
Another pleasant surprise. Overall, I'm just not that enamored by prog rock, but there's some genuinely moving and creative moments here that I can't really deny. The theatrics can sometimes feel grating, but other times, it all really works. I can feel how this kind of music would weave back into punk to influence math rock/post-rock bands. Can you hear a little Blessed on some of the more guitar-driven tracks? Favourite song: "Heart of the Sunrise"
Well, now I know where the "To Be Continued..." meme comes from. Thanks Roundabout. Definitely hear some math-rock influence, but I agree with Nick, prog rock has never been my favourite. My experience would have been greatly enhanced by a laser light show haha. Respect it, but probably won't go back to this one. Fav Tracks: Roundabout, Heart of the Sunrise Rating 2.5/5
Banda inglesa de rock progresivo con mucho recorrido desde los años 70 hasta hoy día. Not bad.
I am unsure on this album. It wasn't great and a lot of the songs sounded the same. Had an unexpected cover of America. No need to willfully listen to this again but I wouldn't ask for it to stop if it were playing.
Half of those songs really sucked. The second half of the album was alright? But nah not for me chief
La música de Yes es... ¿pretenciosa? Quizás. No es el tipo de música que escucharía, a veces siento que todo lo que hacen es un experimento. Más allá de eso agradezco que existan bandas así (aunque "Five Per Cent for Nothing" es una tortura de 37 segundos). Otra calificación difícil. La calificación estaba entre 2/5 y 3/5 pero puse 3 estrellas porque me gusta "Roundabout" (posiblemente por el meme "What it feels like to get a GTX 1080")
Overall, I wasn’t a big fan for the first half of the album, but once I got to the middle, my mind really changed. I think the album in general was ahead of its time, but some of the songs don’t have a huge replay effect for me. I will say that I’m overall impressed with the last half of the album though. This half sounds the most modern to me, and has more replay ability. I also can hear how this band may have influenced others that came after it in the last half. I will say that I much preferred songs that were mostly, if not all instrumental. I didn’t enjoy the singing that much for some reason. I liked Roundabout, but it also reminded me of a meme, so it was hard to enjoy it without just thinking of the meme. Another one that I liked was Long Distance Runaround. It felt like it was missing something that I can’t put my finger on though. I almost didn’t add it to my playlist, but started to like it a lot more once the song was almost over. Additionally, I also do think that it sounded ahead of its time as well. The Fish also was surprisingly good. It caught my attention for sure. Mood for a Day’s guitar is really soothing and has Spanish vibes to it (and also Greek vibes??). Metallica’s Battery intro feels similar as well, and I wonder if they were inspired by this track. Heart of the Sunrise is really something else. It’s a song that I haven’t added to my playlist, but one that I think deserves more than one listen. It has some nice riffs in there (once again, I feel like somewhat ahead of its time), albeit quite long. Some parts of the song I liked more than others. America was also surprisingly really good, and deserves another listen. Both this and the previous song are a bit too long for me. Hearing Roundabout for the second time makes me like it a lot more.
This was quite a journey. If this is the definition of prog rock then I think prog rock is very silly while playing off as very sincere. I see how this informs a lot of music I do like that comes later but this record goes in a lot of directions, not all of which are good.
The points go to the first and last tracks. Overall an underwhelming title. There's some interesting sounds and techniques here and there like the carnival / waltz 2nd track and the latin influence later in the album, but it seems like they put all their creative genius into the first and last tracks.
Someone took acid at the RenFaire, and why does the cover of America exist? Don't think i'll be revisiting anytime soon
i don't hate this as much as the rest of you but they could definitely use some editing can hear the influence they had on later prog/psychedelic also i read some of the wikipedia article and they kicked their keyboardist out for not using enough keyboards lmao like almost all prog rock, this would be way more fun live and perhaps also stoned
It wasn't too bad but I got tired by the end. While a few songs were nice, too many piercing tones made it really hard to enjoy all the way through.
Good stuff that seems marred to me by way too much excessive guitar noodleism, though as with some jazz I am stuck wondering if I am playing the role of well meaning but doltish Emperor Joseph II protesting "too many note!" Possibly too lowbrow for prog rock.
Classic, Yes. Roundabout is one of the best songs ever. Standouts: Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround, America
Je viens d'apprendre comme vous la non-condamnation de mon compère robprunière, suite a son agression sexuelle sur mineure. Je trouve la decision du Reichtskrieggericht tout bonnement scandaleuse, et demande officiellement une nouvelle tenue du jugement. Je vous tiendrai au courant des avancées.
Roundabout is great. The rest is just prog rock for me. Not a bad thing by any means, but not exceptional. Yesterday, I told somebody that Roundabout is the best song that I never remember exists.
It was different than I expected, such as the straight-up classical song toward the beginning! Some tracks were a bit too long for my taste, but I liked it quite a bit. 3.5
Ultimately not my taste - but I can appreciate the craft and care that went into this record
Roundabout is one of the best songs ever made. The next four tracks pale in comparison. Long Distance Runaround is decent. This band is great with those classical guitar riffs. I would rather listen to Roundabout on repeat than much else from this album, but that song alone gives this album 3 stars.
hard for any song to compete with roundabout, not really a whole album experience for me
jag har bara lyssnat på 90125 innan. ser nu att bandet släppt typ elva hundra album och deras tidslinje verkar vara mer komplicerad än terminators??
Brings back some great memories. Love Wakeman's keys prowess on full exhibition. A number of the cuts I didn't recall though have recorded this album to cassette and listed to it a lot back in the day.
Legendary prog rock album that I’ve enjoyed in the past but for some reason a listen through didn’t do it for me, seems scattered and not as cohesive as I remembered it. 3 stars with the hope that the yes album and closer to the edge will come up and get higher ratings
Bookended by good rocking pieces. Questionable mid section. Not the classic I was expecting. A low 3/5
Insanely average is the only way I can describe this one. Some spectacular lead guitar, but a lot of the melodies are all over the place. Songs that outlast their welcome as well.
Couple of tracks I just had to skip because they were annoying to listen to. I did overall appreciate and enjoy the album though.
Pop con toques psicodélicos. Voz con timbre de voz peculiar. Algo de sintetizadores y de guitarreo.
maybe checking this album out while I was working was a bad idea but it was super jumbled and distracting. that's prog for ya. there were definitely some very groovy moments in here though. perhaps the setting was wrong for this listen but I didn't love it as much as the yes album.
This is the second \"Yes\" album in about a week. I liked this one better than the last one. It seemed a bit more structured and cohesive.
Pretty funny to get this right after the Simon and Garfunkel album that features America on it. Not bad as far as Yes-style prog-rock albums go. Doesn't go too off the rails with its synthy blasts. Still, missing a certain something that all albums like this seem to be missing. Idk what it is exactly. It doesn't really justify its existence.
OK, this one is bookended by two nice tracks, "Roundabout", and "Heart Of The Sunrise", which somehow reminded me of The Mars Volta without the hard rock and post-hardcore influence, obviously. But just like with The Mars Volta, the line between genuinely propulsive or epic moments and technical self-indulgence for the sake of it is sometimes very thin. I can go "wow" and "meh" in the space of a few seconds. A very odd experience. Besides, the rest of the album is *very* uneven, even by the usual seventies prog-rock standards naturally allowing a lot of space for digressions. Half of those tracks actually sound like interludes. And even the ones that don't seem to lead nowhere, except for the next track, which in its turn leads nowhere. I was amazed at the lack of *substance* displayed by this record. I've then read the band put it together in a quick way, with some members doing their stuff on the side before patching things together. Which explains a lot of what I'm feeling here. I remember giving Genesis a 2/5 recently. Should I rate this record with the same number, or a 3? 2.5? Beats me. The cut-and-paste approach slightly works better on this one, because some of the jams are really impressive and lively (and the whole thing is not weighed down by the laughable pretentiousness of Peter Gabriel and co.). Yet I can't help feeling Yes is slightly overrated, even today. Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 959 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 18 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 8 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 13 Albums I might not be the best person to judge, but that I *might* include in my final list: 3 (including this one)
Rating system (Most of these albums are shoo-in 5-star albums for anyone “into” the genre they represent, my system is trying to avoid all 5-star reviews and break them down to represent my tastes. This is subjective and supposed to be fun, and some of these are snap judgements/hot takes after listening to an album once.): * Why is this even on here/DNF ** Album with artistic merit, but not my jam. Will probably not listen to again without prompting. ***Solid album, would listen to again. Some significant flaws for me to fully enjoy as a “full album.” Most albums will be in this category, as it’s the legit average. ****Almost flawless album, only one misstep in tracklisting or small engineering quibbles. *****Flawless album, one of my favorites, owning is required. This was an album my parents had when I was a wee tot and was always put off by only because of the cover. It looked hard and complicated, and of course, I was not wrong (especially for a 6-year-old). I have of course heard “Roundabout” in the album edit, but most of the rest of the tracks skipped my notice, because I didn’t really get into prog and jazz until my 20s. It’s hard to unpack everything that is going on in this in one listen, but the Moog work and all the solos are delightful. The vaguely sci-fi beats and the reworking of romantic era music, as well as hints of blues (in the intro to Heart of the Sunrise) and baroque power pop (pretty much the whole bridge of America, my favorite Simon & Garfunkel song) make this such a fun listen. I don’t have as much fondness for this as for some Genesis and King Crimson works but will deepen and grow over time.
nice jojo's reference an enjoyable prog rock journey, but not all too memorable for me
Estuve las primeras no sé cuántas canciones esperando que llegaran Peter Gabriel o Phil Collins hasta que me di cuenta que me había equivocado de banda… y quizá para bien, porque nunca me han gustado mucho aquellos dos. No es que Yes me haya encantado. Tiene obviamente ratos agradables, pero "somos una banda de progresivo, esto necesita más complejidad" parece ser su lema. Me gustó Roundabout, y como me di el lujo de escuhar la version de lujo, también me latió el cover a America de Simon & Garfunkel. Pero esas dos y todo el derroche del resto del disco, les alcanzan para 3 estrellas.
The issue I've had with Yes in the past is that they just don't flow. In this case, following up Roundabout with two 1 minute and change songs is jarring. One has to ask "why"? Such is the nature of Prog-rock I guess, especially in 1970. Compared to the stuff being released by Genesis or ELP around that time, you'd probably give the nod to YES as a band with greater long-term potential, based on this LP. The musicianship is great. Jon Anderson's alto voice, I like more now than I did back in the 70s. Lyrically I'm still not a fan "The music dance and sing, They make the children really ring". Really ring? "Heart of the Sunrise" is epic and genre defining, making the first and last songs on the original LP great and the rest not so much. Fortunately, the original did not include Paul Simon's America, so listening to Jon Anderson sing about the New Jersey Turnpike is, thankfully, optional!
There are some fine songs on this but the band hasn't really hit their stride yet imo. Roundabout, Long Distance Runaround and Heart of Sunrise are quite good. Back in the day I recall Howe's use of harmonics at the beginning of Roundabout had everyone awe struck. They aren't really hard to play especially if you have the luxury of multiple takes. Nonetheless they sure were fun. If this was the first rock recording then it's quite the legacy since they continued for many years - e.g. at the start of Neil's Harvest Moon. Rick Wakeman doesn't take long to make his presence known with the excellent keyboards jumping in in the first minute of Roundabout and his solo around the 6 minute mark. As much as I liked Wakeman's keyboards on Life on Mars, he was much more in his element with Yes and Bowie was arguably better served by Mike Garson. Nice to see a win win. Like Wakeman, Howe and Squires are quite capable players. Squires shows this on Long Distance Runaround and elsewhere. Heart of Sunrise starts great but they seem to go back to the well on the one cool riff about twenty times too many resulting in the three minute into being 2 1/2 minutes too long. I prefer Yes' post Bruford era since Alan White hit the drums very well. I never really liked Anderson's high pitched voice. It seemed to fit with the prog rock of the day but it's kinda irritating.
I recognize the first song although I'm not completely familiar with it. Cool vibes so far. I like it! I will definitely give this album another listen. Has lots of potential to be an album/band that I will enjoy that I did not know before this.
Decent album, just not a lot on it for me. i have other rock albums that i like better
It's fine. I like the singles. But like most prog rock, I find many of the songs go on too long, and it's too confusiong for me.
Between a 3 and a 4 for me. Some of the best of Prog Rock and some of it's more annoying tendencies as well. But I'd listen to it again before that last Neil Young album.
Very interesting 70’s album. I’ll probably say 3 rather than 4 just because a lot of the music is a bit lengthy for me to listen to again and didn’t love love it. Fun to listen to once though.
Listened to on 4/20/22 2/5 Favorite song: roundabout I either liked or very much so disliked every song depending on the level of weird techno noises but I’d play it in the background
Prog Rock eh! Now when my more "Intellectual" mates were raving about this and other prog product, I tried but never really understood it. I was into the Jackie Lynton Band, Dr Feelgood and Kilburn & The High Roads at the time. Retrospectively I can see credit in the album, back in the day I liked "Roundabout" and it is still my favourite on the album today.
Didn’t feel the classical reimagining was needed, plenty of great original tracks here, hugely influential too.
Pompous, overblown and very much of the time. Nevertheless it is a good set of songs and the musicianship is strong.
Is it prog rock? Is it glam? Classical? Classic rock? Free form jazz? Do I care? I think there was a sea shanty in there. Obviously, the answer is Yes.
Never been much into prog and this didn't change that. The cool bits of all the long tracks would make good shorter songs, I don't really feel the need for all the meandering in between
an old HS buddy loved yes. His dad claimed that they wrote a song about him. I could never get into anything he played for me. I still don't get it. It's not "bad" and there is a lot of talent on display. Just nothing that warrants a reply for me.
By some bizarre coincidence I once spotted Rick Wakeman from Yes on the platform at Colchester train station, whilst simultaneously feeling very fragile because my left eye had weirdly puffed up to the point where I could barely see out of it (thankfully I could still see Rick out of my other eye). You might think that this was an unmistakable sign from the universe that I should have thoroughly enjoyed this album, but it didn’t really do it for me. I’m just not a fan of prog I guess.
Het komt niet vaak voor, maar ik werd hier zo niet goed van dat ik het einde van de plaat niet gehaald heb.
Loved the beginning and end of the album…the middle was boring and repetitive. Wasn't very impressed.
I only had heard of Roundabout and Long Distance Runaround before, song I greatly appreciate due to their energetic style, surprising arrangements and catchy melodies. However, I sometimes feel the repetitive background vocals are too grating and distract from the enjoyable instrumentals on most tracks. Overall a 2/5 is fitting.
This is the weirdest album I've ever listened to because usually I will have some sort of opinion on an album or it will illicit some sort of emotional response but this made me feel nothing but I kinda liked some of the instrumentals and I didn't hate it but because it made me feel so much nothing then I can't give it a good score.
Ugh progrock. I’m sure your polyrhythms are very intricate and intelligent but could you not just write a chorus I can sing along to?
More prog, yay. If this album was a footballer, it would be Kazuyoshi Miura - it goes on playing forever.
More Yes - fantastic. I don't hate it, but it's just a bit wank, isn't it? All very dated and just and uncool. What a bunch of keyboard shagging geeks. I bet Iris Law isn't remotely interested in this. 🍄
Stop the Seinfeld bass line! Keyboards are killing me and not in a good way. Dog hates it. Row, row, row your boat never sounded worse. South Side of the Sky almost listenable - rocks a little. Apologies for my poor attitude but prog rock makes me throw up in my mouth. And there are still three songs to go. Mood for a Day - finally a reason to live! Heart of the Sunrise - getting better - the soundtrack to a James Bond action sequence. Hold everything! Eleven minutes long?! Who do they think they are? Iron Maiden? It's like Empire of the Clouds only different and not as good.
Ett aningen sämre alternativ till Genesis. Väldigt behaglig och kompetent progg men känns inte lika inspirerande eller originell som tidigarenämnda proggkingarna: Genesis. Jättebra inspelningskvalitet, bra ljudbild mycket 'kul' som händer runtomkring skallen. Känns som de uppskattar stereoljud lika mycket som the Beatles fast de vet hur man använder det. Lite 'Flaming lips'-känsla blandat med Steely dan emellanåt, det uppskattas! "The Fish" och "Mood for a Day" va små toppen hifi-praliner. perfekta Intermezzon som gärna fick komma lite tidigare men markerar snyggt innan en lite mer rivig avslutning. Otroligt hög lägstanivå, kan inte säga dock att det är någonting som verkligen fastnar, rätt bra som album, rätt bra som en samling låtar. Om jag skulle bränna en timme på proggrunk så skulle jag hellre sätta mina pengar på Genesis "Trespass" eller "Selling England by the Pound"
Prog rock may be my least favorite music style. This album helps confirm that. Sure Roundabout is a classic, Mood for a Day is nice, and a couple other listenable bits, but nah, not my thing.
18th April 2022 Listened in the morning and finished while playing in the garden with Flynn. Helped Guy sort his stuff out post robbery then vans store. I don’t like prog but this was far more accessible. Makes me think of my dad. 2.5 if I could.
Some bits good, but so many bits of keyboard and bass playing quickly with no connection to the song. I actually prefer '80s Yes.
Walked into this one with preconceived notions - and I still maintain them. Rock Classical Guitar - c'mon.
Production: 6/20 Songwriting: 4/20 Innovation: 7/20 Bangers: 0/20 Emotional response: 2/20 = 19 No.
Feels like somewhere between 4 and 10 people randomly made noise and called it art. Did not enjoy at all.
I managed to get through four tracks. A welcome reminder of how much I hated Prog Rock.
Pretty weird and not too exciting album. Second album by them and neither were worth a second listen. 2.4/10
Rather chill instrumentals, somewhat known
Didn't like this one.
nice
i can safely pass on this one