Yes

Fragile

First released1971

Fragile, Yes's fifth studio album, was recorded at various locations between 1970 and 1971, including sessions at Advision Studios and Island Studios in London. The album was produced by Yes and engineer Eddie Offord, who became instrumental in shaping the band's signature progressive rock sound through innovative multitrack recording techniques. Offord's meticulous approach to layering and mixing was crucial to the album's dense, complex arrangements, particularly on extended compositions like "Roundabout" and "Heart of the Sunrise." The recording process reflected the band's growing ambition and technical sophistication, utilizing advanced studio technology available in early 1970s London to create elaborate vocal harmonies and instrumental overdubs. Released in November 1971, Fragile became one of Yes's most successful albums and helped define the symphonic progressive rock genre during its commercial and creative peak.