Fragile is the fourth studio album by the English progressive rock band Yes, released in November 1971 by Atlantic Records. After touring in support of their previous album, The Yes Album (1971), the band entered rehearsals in London in preparation for their next studio album. Early into the sessions, keyboardist Tony Kaye was fired over his reluctance to utilize more electronic synthesizers. He was quickly replaced with Rick Wakeman of the Strawbs, whose experience with various instruments helped expand the group's sound with the addition of the electric piano and harpsichord, Mellotron, and Minimoog synthesiser. Four tracks are group compositions; the remaining five are solo pieces written by each member. The cover is their first illustrated by Roger Dean, who would design many of their future logos, covers and stage sets.
Fragile is J.J. Milteau's thirteenth recording as a leader and it features his regular working band plus guest vocalists Michelle Shocked and Demi Evans. Michelle Shocked is an acclaimed singer-songwriter and she provides vocals on two of her own compositions as well as an ironic version of James Brown's "It's a Man's Man's Man's World". Demi Evans is an American vocalist resident in France, who often appears with J.J.Milteau and she sings on two tracks that she co-wrote with guitarist Manu Galvin as well as the Betty Everett r&b classic, "You're No Good".