Not Fragile

"'Not Fragile' is Bachman-Turner Overdrive's third album and was originally released in 1974. The arrival of Blair Thornton (replacing Tim Bachman) gave the band a true second lead guitar to pair with Randy Bachman, and dual-guitar solos are prominent throughout. 'Not Fragile' proved to be the group's most popular album, and is the only BTO LP to have reached #1 on the US Pop Album charts. "Roll On Down The Highway" and the irresistible "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" were smash hit singles worldwide. Elsewhere on 'Not Fragile' the guys stretched out musically, delivering excellent numbers such as the chugging riff-laden title track and the super cool "Rock is My Life, And This is My Song". Mighty good indeed!"
- GEOFF

"After gaining some recognition from the success of the band's previous album, Bachman-Turner Overdrive got around to recording Not Fragile. Not only had one of the three Bachman brothers (Tim, the rhythm guitarist) left the band to BTO's advantage, but Randy Bachman and C.F. Turner had clearly grown musically. To the album's benefit, most of the material on Not Fragile are the band's much-liked rock anthems, ranging from the hyper-distorted title track, through the famous but far more timid song "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet." Indeed, for hard rock fanatics, it doesn't come much better than on Not Fragile. Randy's electrifying lead guitar is here more raucous than ever before, as are his rowdy vocals (particularly noticeable on the predictable, but fun "Sledgehammer"). The man steals the show on Not Fragile through his extensive and often astounding guitar solos. Generally, though, Bachman-Turner Overdrive are at their prime as a whole, both in songwriting and playing terms. As regards the mixing, it's hard to find fault with this release. The drums are clear but not so prominent that they dominate the recording, while the guitars, along with the bass, are kept rigidly in their place. Not Fragile is one of the finest arena rock albums of the era, featuring all the hallmarks of what makes a classic release in the genre. Randy's impressive guitar work and typically boisterous vocals complement the overall framework of the album superbly, as do the crunchy rhythm guitars. This release will astound fans of the genre and band, while those thoroughly against stadium rock may find something to convert their views."
-All Music