While "Roundabout" was the big hit for Yes, I far prefer the two other long pieces, "South Side of the Sky" and "Heart of the Sunrise". These are the two songs that paved the way for Close To The Edge, with their extended song structure, changing moods and sheer musical creativity.

Instrumentally, all band members have their chance to shine, and not just in the individal pieces. Howe's forceful guitar is inspired in "South Side of the Sky", Rick Wakeman's keyboards add much needed colour, and Bruford and Squire's opening sequence in "Heart of the Sunrise" is magnificent.

This is not quite Yes at their apex, but they are certainly close. This, coupled with the fact that it is a slightly easier album to digest than Close to the Edge or Tales From Topographic Oceans, means that Fragile is the first recording I recommend to anyone who has not heard Yes yet.