Customer Reviews

Icon II - Rubicon

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the finest work that John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes have done in years. And that's saying a lot because both have done extraordinary work since the last official Asia album "Astra". Downes carried on with Asia, releasing more albums with John Payne that with Wetton. And Wetton had several solo albums as well.

But when these 2 guys work together, there is magic there that can never be duplicated when they are apart. I dare to say that Rubicon is the finest work of either of these guys careers, from the rockin THE DIE IS CAST to the valiant closer RUBICON, this album is pure heaven!

Song by song review:

1. THE DIE IS CAST: The song begins with a beautiful and mellow piano and srings by Downes, with a haunting bell sound rounding out the melody. There is a certain feel of circus music to this intro, but soon enough the circus leaves town and the tune just starts to ROCK. Wetton's voice sounds great when layered on multiple tracks, and you can hear the quality of this recording right when the first "DIE IS CAST" comes out of your speakers. This song's a 10/10. NOTE: The musical interlude in the middle/bridge part of the song and also at the end of the song is identical to a section from the end of "A FAR CRY" from the Downes/Payne release Asia "AQUA". It's always been a favorite progression of mine and Downes clearly is obsessed enough by it to include it fearlessly again here. Hey, if it works, why the heck not? :)

2. FINGER ON THE TRIGGER: Another rockin number, this one starts with bouncy keyboard work then kicks it up a notch. Once again the layered voice work excels, and Wetton has never sounded more content with his songwriting skills. Then there's a breakdown in the middle where the intro piano comes back, all by itself, and Downes throws in an arpeggio that will make you grin from ear to ear. 10/10.

3. REFLECTIONS (OF MY LIFE): A wonderful ballad, seems to me this is a bit more of Wetton influence than Downes, though they share songwriting credit. Very enjoyable, though the next track is better. Placing this song next to #4 wasn't a choice I would have made, as the 2 songs seem flow into each other with a little too much similarity. Still, a beautiful song. 8.5/10.
NOTE: Downes has fun at the end with a little BUGGLES-era vocal trickery, and it works just fine. Gives the song a nice haunting end/fade out.

4. TO CATCH A THIEF: Wow! When that voice starts in, you'll be captured. She is amazing. Before listening to this, I had never heard her before, but now I want more! The voices blend nicely, the unique tenor with the angelic is a unique combination that makes this a clear standout track. Listen for the background "Ooohs", great work by Downes I believe. Downes again uses arpeggio towards the end, you'll be reminded of ALPHA again. Also listen for the vocals at the end that go off the standard melody, the female voice singing "You were the one who stole my heart....." and the way she takes the word "Heart" and flows down and up and down again with an epic-sounding counter-melody (at 4:47). Then Wetton shortly after sings "You turned my life inside out, I had to fall in love so deep" - the way he follows the bass line is so classic John Wetton. It's all just so heartfelt and epic I can't say enough good things about this song. 10/10.

5. TEARS OF JOY: Instrumental for a while, showing off the cello work, which is superb throughout this album. This song is still growing on me, but I do enjoy it. 7.5/10.

6. SHANNON: A fun song that is upbeat and makes me happy! Listen for the "Oh I know it's not easy for you, but I can love you forever" part, check out Downes work on the synth in the background. It's classic! Love that. I also love the end of the chorus "Never say never, ever, ever, again". Wetton and Downes sure do love their diminished chords, as any Asia fan knows. :) 8.5/10.

7. THE HANGING TREE: Wow! Another knockout. Lyrically mature, musically deft, and sung with true passion by Wetton, this track is sure to be a favorite. And check out Downes work on the keys! This is one dramatic, moody song. Love it. 9/10.

8. THE GLORY OF WINNING: The CD sleeve has a picture of high-rise buildings behind the lyrics for this track, and after listening to the words you'll know why. This one's got a story to tell, and it strikes me as genuine. Don't sacrifice love for ambition and success. In the end, love is what matters the most. Love the bridge on this song "You're playing to win, you'll never give in, you're counting on victory...." The driving keyboard work and punchy drumming will have you rocking along. Then the solo lead synth work by Downes kicks in and I just gotta smile to myself. After all these years of listening to the music of these 2 guys, I know the progressions that posess them, and it's a real joy when they get it right. Again at the end Downes brings out the vocoder, for a little "I Love You Miss Robot" feel (from the Buggles). 9/10.

9. WHIRLPOOL: Hello! Wow! Another Asia-esque track that just rocks. The chorus gets in your head, it goes "deeper and deeper" into your head with each listen. When Wetton sings "Silently" you'll think of "Welcome to Heaven", if you've heard it. The start of the chorus "Falling" reminds me of the track of the same name from Arena. But it quickly goes to new and unique places not traveled before. The last 4th of the song is ALL DOWNES, and he does not disappoint. He goes off, as he often likes to do, and it's just a real joy to listen to. His many lines of intersecting melodies on top of a progression Asia fans will die for repeats and repeats to close. Remember the end of "Enough's Enough" off of Aria? After "turning this wheel?" It's like that. I didn't want it to end, I could have listened to it for hours. 10/10.

10. RUBICON: This is flat-out the best track on the album. Fitting that it's the title track, too. This song has shades of "Rock and Roll Dream", "Wishing", and several other Asia tunes you know and love. Then it hits a chorus that's unlike anything you've ever heard from these guys. It's valiant, majestic, heroic, and stunningly beautiful. "True as an arrow, so we soldier on, right out across the rubicon", indeed! All doubts be gone, Wetton and Downes have triumphed and close their new album with a sonic boom. Just when you think its over, as Wetton sings to you as well as to himself and his longtime friend Geoffrey Downes, "And there's no way back from here", the chorus comes back again for another go-around, and you'll be glad it does. You'll want to invite this chorus in to have a few drinks and spend the night, and you'll never want the morning to come. Corny? Just listen and tell me it's not true. 10+++/10!

I wish John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes the greatest success with this CD, the pinnacle of both their careers in my opinion. I can't wait for Icon 3.

With Icon II Rubicon the Wetton/Downes renaissance continues. "Die is Cast" and "Finger on the Trigger" both have a "Heat Goes On" up tempo feel to them. "Reflections" and "Tears of Joy" sound like something that they could have written for Wetton's "Rock of Faith" album. Shannon is played like an old limerick, not my favorite but I knew what they were going for with the song. Another noteworthy track I did like was "Whirlpool" with interesting transitions musically from the verses to the chorus.
Overall I think it is a stonger album than Icon I. Perhaps they were shaking the rust off of their writing skills on the first Icon album. Icon II feels more cohesive.
John Wetton and Geoffrey Downes are masters of what most people would call Progressive Rock. I would venture to call it Cathedral Rock. I don't mean it to be like gospel music, but just the sound mix, Wetton's harmonies, and Downes' keyboards remind me of some great Gothic Cathedral projecting great power and energy with the music literally shaking the walls of the place. They achieved that sound in the first 3 Asia albums and certainly Wetton's solo "Rock of Faith" and now again with Icon II.

I bought the first ICON with high hopes. I could only find about 3 or 4 songs that I liked. The lyrics were pretty lame. I told myself when I first heard about this CD that I would not buy it. It wasn't until I saw the reunited ASIA in Milwaukee and read MANY reviews that I thought I would drop the money. It is worth EVERY penny!!! Two things are missing that make this CD just shy of the best thing these guys have ever put out------Palmer and Howe. The guitar playing sounds like a session player to me (background stuff) and the drums are OK but not the thunder that Carl Palmer can bring. Watching Steve Howe play live made me realize what has been missing for many years (although his clothes are MR Rogers knockoffs). Govan was very good , don't get me wrong but he was more ROCK to me.
the song WHIRLPOOL made my arm hair stand on end and my eyes well up with tears!! IT is THAT GOOD!!!!

The former Asia cohorts team up once again for the sequel to their early 2005 release Icon (read CD review). The second time around isn't much different from the first. The spiritual theme is still intact. The vocal melodies are superb, especially with the addition of a female vocalist (uncredited) on a couple of tracks. The themes and moods range from upbeat to sorrowful to passionate. Of course most tracks are dominates by Downes' warm keyboard tones. Wetton and Downs prove once again that you can go home.

As a long-time admirer of John Wetton's work (Uriah Heep, Asia, etc.), I was happy to see the Asia-like follow-on of Icon. While the original album had many high points (God Walks With Us, In the End), it was uneven in spots. Not so with Rubicon, which is consistently excellent throughout. The album is bookended with "The Die is Cast" and "Rubicon" (check your history books if you don't get the reference), with moments of sheer genius between. Can't wait for the next installment...I hope the upcoming Asia reunion won't spell the end of Icon.

John Wetton's liner message says 'All in all, if there is a message to be gleaned from all of this, maybe it is a personal motto: "Just do it!"' If only he and Geoff had done it better.

This music should not be compared with Wetton's impeccable moments with King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Roxy Music and U.K. Even his pop hungry Asia following will be disappointed with ICON II, a 2006 release with Asia mate Geoffrey Downes.

Though Wetton was one of the strongest vocalists to come out of the progressive rock movement of the 1970s, no one should expect him to stay within the sales limitations of that genre-- and I do not. The first trio of ASIA albums were followed by a mildly successful solo career that far outdistances these recent ICON albums. Check out the live Chasing The Dragon (1994, Mesa Records) and John Wetton Anthology (2004, NMC) as better non-ASIA choices.

This release is as disappointing as the first Icon. In both cases, the strong and melodic lead tracks are followed by 45 minutes of mediocre fluff. Even Rob Aubrey's great production can't save ICON II.

I was warned this might not arrive in time for Xmas yet it was here 4 days after I placed my order! Before the USPS package tracker even updated. From AZ to Buffalo NY. Impressive in this holiday madness, THANKS! Gift for my BF for Xmas. He is a HUGE ASIA fan.

My Husband is a huge Asia/Wetton/Downes(?) fan so I got this as a Christmas gift for him.

They came in new condition, in about a week and will buy from this seller again. No problems....and when you get close to the Holidays, sometimes "mail oder" can be tricky.

The former Asia cohorts team up once again for the sequel to their early 2005 release Icon (read CD review). The second time around isn't much different from the first. The spiritual theme is still intact. The vocal melodies are superb, especially with the addition of a female vocalist (uncredited) on a couple of tracks. The themes and moods range from upbeat to sorrowful to passionate. Of course most tracks are dominates by Downes' warm keyboard tones. Wetton and Downs prove once again that you can go home.

After the positive reception of "Icon", Messrs Wetton and Downes decided to record a follow-up. "To Catch a Thief" and "Tears of Joy" feature Anneke van Giersbergen of Nederlandse band The Gathering. "Shannon" starts out sounding like an Irish folk song, until it has slightly racy lyrics. "The Glory of Winning" was written back in the '80s, but only released before as a demo.
When they tour as Icon, these songs will be in the setlist instead of the usual Asia fare.
In South Korea and Japan, there's a bonus track called "The Harbour Wall" which sounds like a rewrite of "Sleep Angel" from the last album.