Customer Reviews

Aura

5 star:		(46)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

As an ASIA fan since the beginning, I had become increasingly unimpressed with the Payne/Downes releases after AQUA. I bought this album more out of obligation but expected the same occasional hooks from ARIA and ARENA. Boy, was I glad to be wrong! AURA - 14 songs long - is full of excellent songs, more hook than usual, excellent keyboards and guitar work. Probably their strongest studio album since AQUA (which is even more amazing when OBSESSION is included), with their trademark blend of ballads and uptempt songs on love and war. This album just SOUNDS better, more tightly constructed. AWAKE kicks off the album with inspiring lyrics (albeit a simple, but catchy, keyboard riff). Standouts include WHEREVER YOU ARE (reminds me of the message of 1981's ONE STEP CLOSER a bit), KINGS OF THE DAY (you might even THINK it's John Wetton!), FREE (a nearly-9-minute concert staple that really does ROCK), READY TO GO HOME (a mellow and spiritual ballad with excellent moody guitars) and UNDER THE GUN (on the "extra tracks"... why are they extra if every CD has them) with keyboard sounds that harken back to ALPHA. There is the standard album-ending instrumental, AURA, that is not as good as, say, AQUA II or BELLA NOVA, but sums up the mood well. I was very impressed with this album and it grows on you immensely each time you listen to it again. This makes me hope that there will be a 5th studio release from Downes & Payne. No, it's not as good as the first two Wetton albums - nothing ever will be - but well worth the purchase!

Amongst the floods of mass-produced music of mediocre or very low quality the genre of AOR/Sympho/Art/Melodic/Progressive (or whatever you want to call it) Rock became almost drowned by it. Fortunately brilliant attempts by new artists and bands like The Storm, Two Fires, Transatlantic, 101 South, Alliance, Arena, Ten, etc., and solo acts like Kip Winger, Bob Catley, Hugo and others saved the day. Giants like Journey, Yes, Saga and others made and are making new stuff and survive rather well in the process. Asia was then but it also became 'now'. And 'now' happened with the appearance of the 4th studio album in the new Asia era - the brilliant and sophisticated product called "AURA". The long awaited album proved that the phrase "Worth waiting for..." is definitely true. "Aura" is a magnificent and highly progressive attempt by the Supergroup Giants of the 80's - Asia! This is a new Asia. One shouldn't expect a powerful and striking entré and momentous thread throughout, as the first 3 albums of the old Asia had. It is not so much about dynamics, power, anthemic velocity and over perfection. It is much more about subtle sensory stimulation (as the name of album indicates - AURA), melancholy, mellowness, warmness, appeal and thematic soundness. There is a theme, a place, a moment in time, a special feeling, a story to be told, very intimate and personal music to be listened to. Aura requires your full attention. It is not a simple album and that is what it gives its greatest quality. From the opening mellow anthemic chorus like "Awake", throughout the beautiful and heart striking "Ready to go Home" (with a finish reminiscent of Police) and up to the fantastically consistent thread songs as "The Last Time", "Forgive me", "Kings of the Day". The album just vibrates with such an incredible aura which none of the previous Asia albums had, except maybe for "Alpha", and partly "Asia". Song "Free" with Saga's Ian Chrichton and ex-Asia's Pat Thrall on guitars validates the statement that this is a progressive album, at least for those that want to prove it by some cliché standards.The album moves all the time in a union of incredible music, superb writing, constrained but ever presented, fundamental and dominating Downes keyboard magic. Payne's theater operatic voice leads the whole thing into a perfect whole. His mastery comes up clearly in "On the coldest day in hell". This comes out as the most passionate and mellow song Asia ever produced. The threads continue in the last tracks of the album, "You are the Stranger" and the "Longest Night" (this one has some good guitar work). The standard version closes with a Santana vibe instrumental track "Aura", featuring Elliot Randall. This wonderful tune could fit just about everywhere, and here it closes the whole package nicely. The biggest surprise comes in the limited edition of the album (one which should have been the standard one). Here the listener is awarded with 3 more tunes. And what tunes they are! When you think this magnificent album is over 3 breathtaking tunes arrive at the scene. "Under the gun" brings the 'old' Asia keyboard feeling and drive that "Aria" had. "Come make my day" gives yet another turn, while "Hands of time" is maybe 'the most progressive' track on the album. It's an exciting song, a mixture of today's quality progressive bands with touches of ELO and Queen and the positive vibes from "Arena". Like a nice 70's tune washed in 80's clothes and reborn in 90's touches proudly ready to enter the 00's. These three songs were done in the beginning of the creation of new Asia that was to arrive on Aura. Ian Chrichton (Saga) really shines here as well as the new drummer Chris Slade (ex AC/DC). Maybe the whole album would have benefited if Ian remained throughout all the tracks, though Guthrie Govan does a very nice job. Steve Howe's flash appearances are worth a million. Geoff Downes keys provide a foundation for every Asia album now. This time one can feel that his playing has matured immensely form the old Asia days. It just shows that an incredible talent can never stop in advancement. For Geoff Downes it seems that there is no end. There are breezes of his latest solo works ("Light Program" & "World Service"). Writing on this album is probably the finest in Asia history. Production by Simon Hanhart is top of the notch. The masterful strokes of Roger Dean's thematic paintings are back again. Maybe it's no coincidence that the album features the return/resurrection of the "Alpha" pyramid. John Payne's vocal potentials are awesome. While the album probably won't achieve the success of any of the 3 albums of the 80's, due to so many other things beside the music on the album itself (today's scene, music, preferences, industry, advertisement, etc.) it will certainly assert Asia again with the above mentioned old and new spearheads of quality music. Asia always deserved to receive the music greatest achievement - the Grammy award. It didn't happen in the 80's but there is always a chance for this group to be recognized if the right thing comes along. This year proved that old timers like Steely Dan could take most of the things away from the "plastic" age representatives. Asia is one of the very few groups or singers capable of making high quality music. "Aura" is a special album from a special group. It is an enjoyment from the first to the last minute. It is not a simple product and it requires a lot from the listener. If you decide take this "subtle sensory stimulus journey" don't expect a plain musical ride. It's much, much more complex task. If you decide to take the "Aura" journey, you will be in for a ride of your life. If you decide not to, you missed a hell of a experience.

This is definitely a departure for the Payne-era Asia, although it is still up to the excellent standard they have set with Aqua, Aria, and Arena. The intro song, "Awake", is a good lead-in to the album, and sets the tone for all of the remaining tracks. The next song, "Wherever You Are", is a haunting tune that speaks to everyone who has ever found themselves far from home and missing familiar places. "Ready to go Home" is a very spiritual, uplifting song that would fit in perfectly on any Christian rock station, and "Coldest Day In Hell" is a return to the Asia "classic" style. And, as usual, there is a wonderful keyboard solo track, "Aura". While these are my favorite tracks on the album, the others are all strong, as well. A special bonus on this album is the guest appearance of Steve Howe on a couple of tracks. His presence reminds one of everything he contributed to the first two albums. It's just a shame that quality music like this just can't seem to find its way onto the radio anymore. Asia is still one of the best bands out there. Definitely worth the purchase.

Let's be honest about something, Asia with John Payne is still Asia, and a better one at that. We may even say that with Payne, Asia has progressed (as progressive bands do) musically in such a way that (although I love him), I don't miss Wetton.

Aura is a testimony of how the band has come to mature, musically and lyrically into the solid creative relationship between Downes and Payne. The titles are no longer cliches, the lyrics have improved immensely and the music is more than I've come to expect of Asia.

Aura has many moods to it, with the underlining theme of spirituality and how it affects us as a society and as individuals, from war to tele-evangelism to the loss of a loved one. Yet, there is an uplifting and mystical quality to the album, songs like "Awake", "Kings of the Day" and "Free" are the kind of songs that make you want to get up in the morning. The lyrics are very honest and seem very personal at times.

The album is layered, and the list of guest musicians is astounding (any album who unites Tony Levin, Pat Thrall, Steve Howe, Vinny Colaiuta and Ian Chricton has to be good). Yet some of the chord progressions are often very simple (like something I'd play!).

The guitar work is the only reason I'd give this album 4 1/2 stars, rather than 5. The talent was there, but the guitar players seem to have been asked to "fill in" the songs and their work is reduced to a texturalist approach. Pat Thrall said he had played his best recorded solo ever in Aura, it's not obvious to me that he did.

It's clear the band did not have a clear idea of what kind of guitar player they wanted. They had originally asked Adrian Smith but nothing ever materialized (he later went back to Iron Maiden and recorded one of their best albums to date). Then came Ian Crichton (for three songs), and now the band seems happy with Gurthie Govan (who has an uncanny resemblance to Vivian Campbell), althought they made clear that in future albums other guitar players will participate.

A pet peeve; the introductions in some of the songs seem unnecesseraly long.

Overall the album is great, "You are the Stranger", "Kings of the Day", "Forgive me" ,"Aura" and "Free" stand out, but every song has a story and, like anything well done, there is an intangible quality to Aura. It's comforting to know that with albums like this, Asia will be around for a good long time.

Asia always manages to blow my mind and Aura was no exception. It was way worth the wait and is the logical step to take from the Arena album. Highly recommended!

This is the colsest to prog you'll ever find in an ASIA album. There are many great songs in this album (Awake, ready to go home, wherever you are). Try it, it's worth the buying.

Aura--Asia's seventh full-length album--was released in 2001. Clocking in at almost eighty minutes, it is comprised of 14 tracks--the last three are extra tracks ("Under the Gun," "Come Make My Day," "Hands of Time"). There is also an instrumental, the energetic "Aura." Altogether, I find the songwriting to be solid, the musicianship to be skilled, and the sound quality to be gratifying. Geoff Downes, my favorite keyboardist, performs with proficiency throughout. In comparison with the guitar playing, Downes' keyboard work takes a more primary role. John Payne does an efficient job with the vocals. It is obvious that a lot of work was put into the making of Aura; the material is refined, stately, and layered. It is not easy to categorize this album into a specific musical direction. I would have to say that it is a combination of pop rock, adult contemporary, and New Age. Even though I think that all of the tracks are worthy, the two that I consider to be favorites are "Awake" and "Ready to Go Home." The majestic confection "Awake" presents ambient, serene keyboard atmospherics from Downes and also a flowing, pretty keyboard solo from him. "Ready to Go Home" is a touching, special song that displays impressive, determined singing from Payne and a pleasing, emotional refrain. Examples of other compositions that I enjoy are "Wherever You Are," "Kings of the Day," "Free," and "Under the Gun." "Wherever You Are" sports a nice intro keyboard melody from Downes, a well-crafted, noteworthy guitar solo, and a pleasant refrain. "Kings of the Day" features attractive keyboard playing from Downes and an engaging refrain. "Free" is an epic, grand piece with notable arrangements, and "Under the Gun" displays an indelibly beautiful keyboard line from Downes. The CD packaging includes the song lyrics to all of the songs except for the last three extra tracks. Aura is a recommendable album from Asia.

I received my copy of Aura in the mail a few weeks back. As you can imagine, after five years of Asia drought, I was very anxious.

Here are some of the more temporal highlights; "Awake" is a great opening; positive, promising, and different. "Wherever You Are" very much has hit potential and is a sweet song. "Ready To Go Home" is exceptional, simply spiritual and sublime, this one must be released as a single. "The Last Time" has a great chorus. "Kings Of The Day" fits seamlessly together, and is commanding and magical. "On The Coldest Day In Hell" grows on you, like a 70s ballad, sorta reminds me of Kiss, one word: Classic!, and "Free" is epic, empowering and inspiring. "You're A Stranger" is thought-provoking and Santana-esque. "The Longest Night" is a powerful Aria type ballad. The two Bonus Tracks; "Under The Gun" and "Come Make My Day" are very unique and are among the best Asia has done to date, a crime if they don't include them on the US release. I must say I am astonished at how much Asia has improved since Aqua, not that they were ever bad, just that Asia is better and bolder than they have ever been. If Asia was good then, they are great now. What a blend of songs. This is the best Asia album created since Alpha (my favorite album to date). In fact, I can't currently decide which of the two is better. They are equal in appeal and value, with differences and similarities.

First and foremost don't expect the Asia of Arena, Aria, Aqua, or even Astra, Asia, or Alpha. This version of Asia pulls together all past efforts, and then some. Amazingly, sounds from the 70s, 80s, 90s and even present sounds are brought together into what I would describe as timeless. The production is crisp, well-balanced, and very studio-like. All of the guys are indeed professional musicians, and it shows. Quality is what comes to mind. John Payne has never sounded better. Where he was once tolerable with Aqua, and matured with Arena, he has come to fruition with Aura, where he blends warmth, excitement, coolness, and sadness together into a very emotionally deep experience. Payne is easily one of the best singers around today, quite an accomplishment considering that few replacement lead singers have ever succeeded in gaining the attention of the `former' fan base, much less their respect. Payne has indeed earned his stripes with this release.

One of things I notice right away is the atmosphere that Aura sets-up for the listener. Aura will take you back to the keyboard feel of the Wetton-Era; when melody ruled and Geoff Downes enchanted the listener with unworldly chord progressions and keyboard rifts. Where Arena was potent by having the music add effect to the singer, Aura is potent because the music and singer blend together in unison; something that was accomplished superbly with Alpha. There is a feeling of oneness with Alpha, and now with Aura the listener is absorbed into the theme, emotion and fantasy of the artist almost against will. Aura will very likely be a favorite of BOTH Wetton-Era and Payne-Era fans because it is highly harmonic and illuminates its message with subtle beauty, its not as in your face as Astra, Aqua, Aria or even Arena.

For those of you that liked the direction Asia was taking with Arena, the predecessor to Aura, you may not find this album to be overwhelmingly progressive in the traditional sense of the word, and you may even be taken back a-bit. Before subscribing to any idea too staunchly, there are good reasons to reconsider. Although the band doesn't experiment with varying sounds and genres as much as it did with its last compilation, it very much can be defined as progressive. The keyboard selections are reminiscent of what sets much of progressive rock apart from the rest of rock; the lead sounds are melodic and untimely. More importantly, the message from this album is as progressive as it gets. Progressive rock is not only defined by it's experimental nature, but it encourages the listener to consider life and where humanity has been, is and may progress to in the future. This is what makes Asia's latest release so appealing and creative. It pulls together with utter balance the lyrics, music and singer. The listener is very tempted to become enveloped by the art, in other words, there is a streak of genius-like emotive expression pervading this take. The words are very constructive, inventive, and unique. Aura is Asia's most daring album lyrically. Songs about humanities past, present, future, religion, mythology, history, archetypes, and even new age impressionism paint this album throughout. This is what progressive music is all about. Thankfully, Payne pulls off the message without preaching, instead he fills us with energy, possibility, and inspiration. Aura has a `blue' emotional tone to it, and yet its message is very hopeful. This combination is the very essence of spirit. Interestingly, the human spirit is thought to radiate from the Aura. Masterfully, Asia's latest shines!

Yet Again John Payne turns in a powerful & uplifting vocal performance,

From The catchy opening hook of "Awake" to the downright spiritual "Ready To Go Home" a CD any "ASIA" fan can enjoy,

However if your expecting something along the lines of "Heat of the Moment"
you may want to look some where else.

Aura hearkens back to the great days of 70's & 80's FM rock like The Alan Parsons Project, TOTO, & Traffic. A great CD when you need to unwind & still get a groove on at the same time

Here are some of the more temporal highlights; "Awake" is a great opening; positive, promising, and different. "Wherever You Are" very much has hit potential and is a sweet song. "Ready To Go Home" is exceptional, simply spiritual and sublime, this one must be released as a single. "The Last Time" has a great chorus. "Kings Of The Day" fits seamlessly together, and is commanding and magical. "On The Coldest Day In Hell" grows on you, like a 70s ballad, sorta reminds me of Kiss, one word: Classic!, and "Free" is epic, empowering and inspiring. "You're A Stranger" is thought-provoking and Santana-esque. "The Longest Night" is a powerful Aria type ballad. The two Bonus Tracks; "Under The Gun" and "Come Make My Day" are very unique and are among the best Asia has done to date, a crime if they don't include them on the US release. I must say I am astonished at how much Asia has improved since Aqua, not that they were ever bad, just that Asia is better and bolder than they have ever been. If Asia was good then, they are great now. What a blend of songs. This is the best Asia album created since Alpha (my favorite album to date). In fact, I can't currently decide which of the two is better. They are equal in appeal and value, with differences and similarities.

First and foremost don't expect the Asia of Arena, Aria, Aqua, or even Astra, Asia, or Alpha. This version of Asia pulls together all past efforts, and then some. Amazingly, sounds from the 70s, 80s, 90s and even present sounds are brought together into what I would describe as timeless. The production is crisp, well-balanced, and very studio-like. All of the guys are indeed professional musicians, and it shows. Quality is what comes to mind. John Payne has never sounded better. Where he was once tolerable with Aqua, and matured with Arena, he has come to fruition with Aura, where he blends warmth, excitement, coolness, and sadness together into a very emotionally deep experience. Payne is easily one of the best singers around today, quite an accomplishment considering that few replacement lead singers have ever succeeded in gaining the attention of the 'former' fan base, much less their respect. Payne has indeed earned his stripes with this release.

One of things I notice right away is the atmosphere that Aura sets-up for the listener. Aura will take you back to the keyboard feel of the Wetton-Era; when melody ruled and Geoff Downes enchanted the listener with unworldly chord progressions and keyboard rifts. Where Arena was potent by having the music add effect to the singer, Aura is potent because the music and singer blend together in unison; something that was accomplished superbly with Alpha. There is a feeling of oneness with Alpha, and now with Aura the listener is absorbed into the theme, emotion and fantasy of the artist almost against will. Aura will very likely be a favorite of BOTH Wetton-Era and Payne-Era fans because it is highly harmonic and illuminates its message with subtle beauty, its not as in your face as Astra, Aqua, Aria or even Arena.

For those of you that liked the direction Asia was taking with Arena, the predecessor to Aura, you may not find this album to be overwhelmingly progressive in the traditional sense of the word, and you may even be taken back a-bit. Before subscribing to any idea too staunchly, there are good reasons to reconsider. Although the band doesn't experiment with varying sounds and genres as much as it did with its last compilation, it very much can be defined as progressive. The keyboard selections are reminiscent of what sets much of progressive rock apart from the rest of rock; the lead sounds are melodic and untimely. More importantly, the message from this album is as progressive as it gets. Progressive rock is not only defined by it's experimental nature, but it encourages the listener to consider life and where humanity has been, is and may progress to in the future. This is what makes Asia's latest release so appealing and creative. It pulls together with utter balance the lyrics, music and singer. The listener is very tempted to become enveloped by the art, in other words, there is a streak of genius-like emotive expression pervading this take. The words are very constructive, inventive, and unique. Aura is Asia's most daring album lyrically. Songs about humanities past, present, future, religion, mythology, history, archetypes, and even new age impressionism paint this album throughout. This is what progressive music is all about. Thankfully, Payne pulls off the message without preaching, instead he fills us with energy, possibility, and inspiration. Aura has a 'blue' emotional tone to it, and yet its message is very hopeful. This combination is the very essence of spirit. Interestingly, the human spirit is thought to radiate from the Aura. Masterfully, Asia's latest shines!

I am a fan of the old Asia and the new as well.I can honestly say that this is one of Asia's best releases I have heard.Geoffrey Downes has taken the band in the direction it should have gone in the first place.Do not get me wrong I love the old Asia material, but after the first album it seemed to lack any essence of being a prog band.Aura has brilliant songwriting to say the least! "Free" is definately one of the strongest songs on it,it is comparible to,"The day before the war" and "You bring me down" from the Arena album,which is another well thought out and well written album.John Payne and Geoffrey Downes harmonize better together than John Wetton and Downes ever could.The songs,"Wherever you are" and "Ready to go home" are prog ballads (if there is such a thing) but do very well to make this a complete well thought out and brilliantly put together album. If you are reading any bad reviews about this album it is probably by a disgruntled bitter prog fan who is not open to change. How could anyone call an album that was two years in the making and has such musicians as,Tony Levin (King Crimson),Steve Howe (Asia Yes Gtr),Ian Chrichton (Saga), Chris Slade (Manfred Mann) bad? This album is A BREATH OF FRESH AIR in a world where anger seems to be the theme of music nowadays.