Yes

Fragile

First released1971

Fragile was recorded at various locations between 1970 and 1971, including sessions at the Advision Studios in London and other facilities. The album was produced by Yes with engineer Eddie Offord, who played a crucial role in shaping the band's signature layered sound through innovative multi-track recording techniques. The recording process featured extensive overdubbing and experimentation with synthesizers, particularly Rick Wakeman's Mellotron and ARP Prophet, which became defining elements of the album's lush arrangements. The production took considerable time and resources, reflecting the band's perfectionist approach to progressive rock composition. Fragile was released in November 1971 and marked a significant step in Yes's artistic development, establishing many of the sonic characteristics that would define the progressive rock genre.