Customer Reviews

Omega

5 star:		(44)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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First off let's dispense with the following critiques...

1) They are old.

The alternative is to quit or die, so cool it with calling them old. They are old. We get it.

2) They have forgotten their Prog roots.

Asia is the only successful Pop band to be formed by former Prog stars. That is what they do, so stop pretending that they should be YesELPcrimsonbuggles. They are Asia.

3) They are not as good as the 1980's.

In 1982 the critics hated even the debut hit "Asia" because it was too much Pop and not enough Prog. These guys have gotten better with age. Wetton and Howe are both better than ever.

Additionally, the "prog snobs" should hate it. In fact, they hate most everything that has melody, harmony or sounds good. Make no mistake this CD is well written, well performed, pure rock ear candy.

If you are an Asia fan, you already have the CD. If you are a casual fan and can't decide...buy it NOW! The music is classic Asia with better than ever sound quality. Listen with headphones and be prepared to be carried off to pop/prog heaven that only Asia can deliver. It just sounds good, check it out.

Wetton is singing better than ever, and as always the driver with his cutting bass. His amazing voice has gotten even richer. You cannot mistake the Steve Howe sound, and it is evident on every track especially "Emily" where the Fender slider is played flawlessly by the master. Palmer is spot on as always and because of the mix really cannot be appreciated until you don the headphones. Downes fills the canvas behind Howe Wetton and Palmer. Downes, as always, is awesome on this CD.

On any CD I look for 2 to 3 strong tracks. Omega delivers 5! All 5 are airtime ready, but won't get any. The haunting "There Was A Time" features Wetton and has a Court of the Crimson King sound and is the best "Proggy" song on the CD. "Finger on the Trigger, "Holy War", and "Listen Children" would all be hits if these were the 1980's. That said ALL TRACKS ARE VERY GOOD. Buy this CD. NOT The DOWNLOAD. GET THE REAL SOUND. (Rip it only if you must jog)

***** Track Ratings*****
1. Finger on the Trigger *****5
2. Through My Veins ***3
3. Holy War *****5
4. Ever Yours ***3
5. Listen Children *****5
6. End of the World ***3
7. Light The Way ****4
8. Emily (bonus track) ****4
9. Still The Same ***3
10. There Was a Time *****5
11. I Believe *****5
12. Don't Wanna Lose You Now ****4

For the first time since the debut ASIA in '82, the band chose an outside producer. Mark Paxman does a great job crafting the sound and is a great addition. The production quality is amazing. The harmonizing that Asia has always done sounds even better on Omega.

This is the BEST ASIA ALBUM. Asia's debut album will always be viewed (like Boston's) as the standard by which the rest are measured. I say the standard is now OMEGA! ENJOY!

OK, first off: let me tell you where I'm coming from. I am a serious prog rock fan, but enjoy lots of stuff, and always appreciate a well-written and performed song, as I am a songwriter myself. I am NOT an Asia nut or partisan in any way. I had the 1982 debut record like everyone else, and loved it (I was 12, so take it for what it's worth), but I would more likely throw on King Crimson, Yes, or ELP than anything else the band has done (and I've never even listened to the John Payne version--Asia is Wetton's band, to me, and his distinctive vocals and personality in singing is a big reason I even thought about looking into this new record). It never occurred to me to look into 2006's Phoenix, and I assumed that the band would be a pale imitation of its former success. I am not a huge fan of AOR rock (e.g., I don't listen to Journey, REO Speedwagon, et al), and have little tolerance for dumb lyrics and lighter-raising stadium rock moves. But. . . .I love Omega. I read the strong review in Classic Rock magazine and was surprised they had such good things to say about how revitalized the band was. So, I listened to the 30 second samples here and was surprised how good they sounded. Still, I didn't buy it; I've been burned before on samples that turn out not to represent the song as a whole. But a funny thing happened. I couldn't get the melodies from those 30-second samples out of my head. That is very unusual, and a sure sign that there is some strong songwriting on Omega. So, I finally downloaded it via Amazon, and seriously, guys, it is GOOD. Firstly, the record sounds fantastic--the excitement and power of the debut record but with no early-80s, dated production sheen. Clear strong sound, lots of air, not overly compressed and loud. Second, from the playing it is immediately clear that these old guys are not going through the motions (as I gather many thought they were on Pheonix, which I've not listened to yet). They are pumped up. The playing is really strong, tight, not flashy, no long solos (sorry proggers. . . I wouldn't have minded a few myself), but lots of very thoughtful licks that serve the song. The excitement and FUN is immediately apparent and very winning. I can't really believe how great Wetton's voice still sounds. I'm tempted to say better than ever--he used to have just a little bit of pitch trouble in the old days but his voice is now a very appealing, powerful and strong instrument in itself. Third, and most important--the SONGS. Really good writing, nearly every song has multiple strong melodies in the verses and choruses, that stay with you after one listen. This is an art that is sadly lost today, even by those like Asia who once had a firm grasp on it--well, no more for this group. Like most records today, it should be 45 min. instead of 60 (I'd get rid of "There Was a Time" and "I Believe", two of the weaker tracks), but oh, those 45 minutes--great tunes played with excitement, joy, and power by excellent musicians. To those who blast this release for being pop: oh, jeez, get over yourself. Asia was always a pop band and a great one. They prove it here. For those who lament, for example, that "Carl Palmer is given so little to do here": firstly, don't be misled. I'm a drummer, and to play with strength, control, and to really swing in the beat while driving the song forward---that is not simple. Sometimes banging all over the kit to something like "Tarkus" is actually easier than what Palmer does here, for example. Also: did it ever occur to you that no one is "giving" any of these guys "little to do"? Did it occur to you that, like me, and (hopefully) like you, these musicians like many types of music and choose, in the context of Asia (Howe has played much more proggy material recently with Yes, you know), to write and play great, sophisticated pop songs that sound great on the radio? Maybe "Emily" sounds like the Beatles because. . . hold on to your seats. . . .the guys in Asia LIKE THE BEATLES. Who doesn't? The relevant question is not: is it prog, or is it Asia? The relevant question is: is it good? And the answer is yes. I was not at all prepared to love this record, but I do. The guys have really pulled it off, and I hope that they get recognized for it. Are the lyrics sometimes banal? Sure, just like they were on the debut record, and frankly, in much of what Wetton does. But this is not the Shins, or Belle and Sebastian, or Grizzly Bear, OK? This is classic, big, catchy, prog-pop that would sound awesome blasting out of a radio this summer (not that it will probably get much airplay these days). Enjoy it for what it is, check your cynicism for a minute and dig it. With "Finger on the Trigger" blasting away, I can tell you, I at least feel like I did in 1982, when I heard "Heat of the Moment" and raced to the stereo to hit record on my cassette tape filled with airshots of top 40 hits on WKTI, Milwaukee, 94.5 FM. At $7.99 to download the album, you can't go wrong.

John Wetton had mentioned that this album was very much in the vein of "Alpha", their 1983 release. I would have to agree. "Alpha" was a bit less prog and more accessible pop/rock. Much the same can be said about "Omega". Though I would have liked to see the guys veer more into the prog-rock genre, I am pleased with what they've dished up on this one. Signature Asia sound with Wetton's fantastic, distinctive vocals and Steve Howe's unmistakable virtuoso guitar work. Carl Palmer is solid as always and Geoff Downes holds it all together with his keyboards. The songs are all quite good and there isn't a weak one in the bunch. As much as I liked "Phoenix", I am tempted to say that "Omega" just might be consistently better overall. I am pleased to note that Howe's guitar is featured a bit more prominently on this cd. Overall, nice work guys! Asia fans will be pleased. Here's hoping that in two more years we will be celebrating yet another new Asia album. Thumbs way up!

Just to have the chance to be able to listen to this kind of music with these great musicians is reason enough to buy the cd!. Enjoy it!!!

First off,let me say that I am not biased as I love all of the work Asia has put out with all the past and current members. I still listen to the John Payne era line up and was disappointed to see it fade away. Well who in the progressive rock community would not love to see all four original members put out more great music? I have read the reviews and it seems that there are many who tag this as too melodic and not progressive enough for their particular tastes! Well it is 28 years since the first album by this supergroup and I gave Omega a couple of weeks to listen to it before writing a review. First off I hate the digipak format which is why I opted for this more expensive Japanese release which has a bonus track just like the American version on the Frontier label ( which I also recently purchased).

To see these four musicians continue to put out great music is a a thrill for us middle age people who know that music should not be dictated by record companies for the sake of sales or just for a quick buck by an old group who has fallen short on cash. Neither of these applies to Asia. They have already proved,"Time and Time again",that they can write and still perform better in their sixties then any teenie group out there. They are all accomplished musicians and skilled writers who deserve praise,not criticism for their tireles efforts.

And No this isn't as progressive as it used to be,they have changed with the times and progressed into a more melodic pop/prog rock group,but can still write a well thought out song. And if John Wetton wants to sing about God,then that is his perogative. This isn't cheesy contemporary christian rock.It is from his heart,that is the difference.

Five stars for great upbeat music that still has great song structure and four guys who I admire for coming back and saving us from all of the hateful,negative music we have been fed for the last 15 years or so. Cheerio!

"Omega" is the second album since the reformation of the four original members of Asia, and it shows further musical, lyrical and even, spiritual development within the band.

Sonically, what is most noticeable about "Omega" is the presence of John Wetton's bass guitar high in the mix. Along with Carl Palmer's stellar percussion work, Asia's rhythm section provides a driving beat that hasn't been heard to this extent on any previous Asia album. The opening track, "Finger on the Trigger," is a real tour-de-force. Who said 60-year olds can't still rock? Others like "Listen Children," and "Light the Way" rock with a renewed energy.

Although it lacks the progressive elements of its predecessors, "Omega" is full of great hooks, even on the mid-tempo numbers. And the arrangements are such that they allow keyboardist Geoff Downes and guitarist Steve Howe plenty of opportunities to overlay their instrumentation above the rhythm. The album is well-produced by Mike Paxman and this results in an abundance of wonderfully multi-layered musical textures. "Omega" sounds as if all four members truly enjoyed the recording experience.

Most of all, Wetton's voice is in peak form; strong and sounding better than ever and he sings with great emotion throughout. As is typical of his songwriting, Wetton's lyrics are mostly autobiographical and are influenced by the spiritual renewal he has recently experienced in his personal life. This is particularly apparent on songs such as "Ever Yours," "End of the World," and "I Believe." Musically, the latter two, along with "Holy War," maintain Asia's identifiable majestic keyboard-driven sound.

Interestingly, the eighth song of the twelve on this album, "Emily," is billed as a bonus track. Along with "I'm Still The Same" and "Don't Wanna Lose You Now," they provide the albums' most pop-influenced moments. The emotional "There Was A Time," begins with a sparse arrangement highlighted by Howe and Downes' flavorful instrumentation. It gradually builds in intensity as the subjects' pain is reproduced in Wetton's vocalization. "Through My Veins," one of two Howe/Wetton compositions on the album, speaks of the pain and emptiness one can experience in coping with the loss of a loved one.
There aren't too many albums where every song is a keeper, but "Omega" is one of them. Simply put, this is a sensational album, undoubtedly Asia's best since their debut album in 1982. Brilliant!

In my early days as a journalist, I tried many different kinds of writing, including reviewing new record albums. The first one I did was the second album from what was then -- as now -- my favorite music group: Asia. The album was "Alpha," the band's followup to its powerful self-titled debut.

Sadly, I lost my copy of that review long ago, but I remember much of it. I wrote about how I invited my sister to listen as I dropped the newly purchased vinyl LP onto my turntable. (Yeah, I know, I know...) Her comment as the opening track, "Don't Cry," pounded through the speakers? "It's definitely Asia."

Twenty-seven years later, the original members of Asia have offered up "Omega," arguably the bookend to "Alpha." And what a bookend! It's an impressive musical adventure that shows how the already excellent talents of John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe have become even richer through the years.

Though "Alpha" had plenty of great music, it's generally considered a commercial disappointment. There was tremendous pressure on Asia to quickly recapture the success of the first album, which spent nine weeks atop the charts in 1982 with hits such as "Heat Of The Moment," "Only Time Will Tell" and "Sole Survivor." As if to put a fine point on their expectations, Asia's handlers dropped them into a frozen Canadian wasteland, thinking a remote studio locale--and lack of distraction--would stimulate their creativity. That Asia managed to put out an album at all, and one as good as "Alpha" managed to be, is a testimony to their incredible musical prowess.

"Omega," on the other hand, comes at a time when the band--which, in its original lineup, broke up after "Alpha"--is experiencing an impressive renaissance. Reunited in 2006 and touring annually since, Asia produced a comeback CD, "Phoenix," in 2008. "Phoenix" was a solid effort demonstrating the growth that each member had experienced over the years, even if it didn't shake up the music world the way "Asia" did in '82. (In this iPod era, what album possibly could?)

So "Omega" becomes something of a greater experiment: Was there more to tap from the Asia well? Could one of the best bands of the 1980s one-up their comeback, in a way "Alpha" failed to do?

In my view, the answer is a resounding "yes." "Omega" impresses in every way that "Alpha" perhaps did not. While "Alpha" had good and not-so-good elements, every track on "Omega" pegs the 'Wow' needle. It's how one would expect a band with the great talents of Asia to sound a quarter-century hence, and even more so considering their pre-Asia pedigree (King Crimson, Yes, ELP, The Buggles). The music is richer and more diverse, the themes reflective of longer life and deeper life lessons. And, if this is possible, each member of the band simply sounds better than ever, whether in instrument or voice or both.

One hopes that, despite its name, "Omega" doesn't prove to be Asia's final musical offering. The depth and quality of this outstanding album says that there is much more wonderful music that Asia has to share--and all of us are the better for it.

In short: It's definitely Asia!

I think this album is so great. The songwriting is tight, Steve Howe is in fine form as always, and Wetton's vocals have aged remarkably well.

"I Believe" and "Finger on the Trigger" are up there with the best Asia hits from back in the day. There is no doubt that this album is a little softer that their previous work, but the tunes are better, and that more than makes up for it.

Perhaps John Payne logged in on here and is submitting these negative reviews. Other than that, I can't see why anyone could not get something from listening to this album. It's one of the band's best.

This cd is fabulous. Its everything I remembered that made me love them in the first place. I saw them live in July and they were magnificent. The music -their voices - they are at the top of their game. So what if they they are getting old!! As long as they still have "it" and the "do"!!!!!!!! John Whetton's voice is strong and in tune - I actually think its better than ever. This cd does not disappoint. I love it!!

I am no music critic but I know what I like. I love John Wetton; his lyrics and voice. Downes is an amazing keyboard player and song writer. Howe maybe the best guitarist for commercial songs and Palmer is a throw back to the days when drumming was important. Individually they are terrific but collectively only Paul and John were better song writers. Their lyrics and music can take you to a deeper place in your soul. Phoenix had some great songs but was slightly short of what I desired. I actually thought a couple of the ICON (Wetton/Downes) albums were as good or better. Omega is terrific. It really feels as if these guys put it all together for an complete album. The only thing that concerns me is the title. If this is their last CD then I am troubled. I realize they are older, we all are, but they are important to me. There new music is a highlight to me in a troubled world. I hope you enjoy this great album.