Customer Reviews

Phoenix

5 star:		(65)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(21)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

When I learned that the original Asia was releasing a new album, I was struck with the thought that, yes, this was an event I never thought would happen, but at the same time this was an event ripe for a big let down. I will admit I have been a fan of Asia since 1982 and loved the first two albums (yes, I love the Alpha album, what of it?) I am also a fan of the Astra group, as well as the Live in Moscow 1990 Pat Thrall version of the band. I guess what I'm trying to say is John Wetton is the voice of Asia, and as long as his voice is there it will always be Asia.
This takes nothing away from Howe, Palmer or Downes. I only said Wetton is the voice of Asia, not the complete sound. Well, Asia did release a new album, and it's a wonderous thing. John Wetton is singing better than ever, and all four are playing with a unity and strength I thought I'd never hear again. Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise and Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya have to be two of the greatest pieces of music they have ever created. If you've followed John Wetton's ups and downs these past few years, the song An Extraordinary Life will have more meaning.
Steve Howe has written two great songs for this album as well. Wish I'd Known All Along and Over and Over are top-flight songs and show why Howe's complaint of not having any songs on Alpha is justified. Everyone is playing well, Wetton is singing well, and the song selection is just great. The original Asia has released a new album. Life is good.

What seemed to be an impossible dream finally came true in 2006 when all four original members of Asia reunited on stage. Two years later, the band presents their long overdue follow-up to 1983's ALPHA, and it seems they haven't missed a beat. This album has all the hallmarks of the classic band, with the more introspective lyricism of Wetton's recent solo and ICON outings. Three songs date to the eighties, letting the band wrap up some unfinished business: "Déyà," "Over and Over," and "Alibis" (previously known as "Jodie"). Furthermore, the verses on "No Way Back" sound strikingly like those from the Wetton/Downes tune, "Walking On Air," now attached to a catchier chorus. After the success of the Wetton/Downes ICON albums which helped pave the way for the full reunion, I was pleased to find that two of the most captivating songs were those written by Steve Howe. Surprisingly, one of the more haunting tunes, "Orchard of Mines," is a cover of a song from "Epicon" by Globus, and it is perfectly suited to John Wetton's voice. This is a mature album from a classic band; it almost makes me believe I've found myself in '82 again.

"Phoenix" is, I think, what Asia should have been from the outset. This is, in my opinion, the band's most varied album musically. I hear more of Steve Howe's contributions here than I did on either the debut album or its follow-up, and that's a definite plus. Howe reportedly left the band because he had been relegated to a bit player behind John Wetton and Geoff Downes, but the new album really makes up for that.

Wetton's voice is as rich as ever. I would never have guessed at his health problems based on his performance here, which so far surpasses anything John Payne (with his overly forced, throaty vocals) ever contributed to Asia-light. Not only does Wetton put Payne to shame as a singer, he runs rings around him as a songwriter, producing melodic pieces infused with heart and soul. This is not to say that Payne's work is altogether without merit, but more rather a tribute to Wetton's ability, creativity and musical instincts.

Some reviewers have commented that some of the material on the new CD seems closely related to the two Icon releases. But why shouldn't it? These two CDs are the most recent collaboration between Wetton and Downes and a natural precursor to "Phoenix." What's more, they're both killer albums in their own right. In fact, I'd venture to say that, despite its overall excellence, no single track on this album can equal the soaring grandeur of "To Catch a Thief" off the "Rubicon" release.

Here some hightlights from the album (you'll notice that most of the songs are covered here, which indicates just how good it is). In no particular order:

"Never Again" is a great title for the first song on the CD, reminiscent of the Eagles' reunion under the title "Hell Freezes Over." The original Asia's albums almost always start out with a hard-driving rock anthem, and this is definitely in that vein. I'm not sure it quite lives up to "Heat of the Moment," "Don't Cry" and "Go," but it's definitely a worthy follow-up to those classics.

"Over and Over" features the sort of guitar work prominent on Yes albums, circa "Going for the One" and Howe's solo album "Beginnings."

"Wish I'd Known All Along" is another great showcase for Howe, sounding alternatively jazzy and almost like Renaissance music. The musicianship is the kind of stellar display one expects from Howe, and he's unleashed here as he is on no other song in Asia's catalogue.

"Shadow of a Doubt" sounds like it would have been at home on Alpha - it's very catchy and melodic, and I can see myself listening to it time and time again (pun intended). I know a lot of people knock Alpha as too disjointed and not proggy enough, but it has always been among my favorites.

"Alibis" is an enjoyable enough tune, but listen to the instrumental outro. It's Howe again, providing what sounds very much like a Renaissance-era sequel to "Wurm" off "Starship Trooper." Like "Over and Over," it has elements of late-'70s Yes music to it, mingled with a lightness and airiness that would have fit in well on Alpha.

"Heroine" is a phenomenal ballad by Wetton very much along the lines of his solo tune "Arkangel" from the album of the same title. I loved that one, and this is a suitable follow-up. "I Will Remember You" is another stellar ballad that sounds like something from the recent Icon era.

I think Wetton's voice shines most on "Orchard of Mines," a brooding, almost melancholy cut that's among the most engaging on the album.

The album also includes two intriguing triplets that are more progressive than most of what Asia has produced before. My favorite of the two is anchored by "Parallel Worlds," a haunting tune that leads into two instrumental passages that provide the kind of textural variety that I haven't seen on any other Asia album.

The closer, "An Extraordinary Life," is melodic and anthemic at the same time, another highlight. It reminds me of the upbeat final track on "Alpha" - "Open Your Eyes" (one of my favorite Asia tracks of all time). Though not quite in the same class, it's definitely close.

Two points here first:

1) As a young'un I was a huge fan of the first release "Asia". It's the biggest reason I got into 70's progressive rock and discovered Yes, ELP, King Crimson, Genesis, UK, etc. As much as I loved "Asia" (the album), I admit after discovering the original bands Howe, Wetton, Downes, and Palmer had played in, I realized "Asia" was a watering-down of their musical abilities. There was little in any of the music of "Asia" that taxed their respective talents on a level equal to early Yes, ELP, etc. BUT, there was a feel and energy with the first album that helped negate the complaints of how "de-progged" their music had become. These guys appeared to be enjoying playing together, writing simpler songs, and enjoying the merits of executing them well.

2) For most of the folks pulled into Asia (the band) by their first or second album, the drug-on-too-long, Geoff Downes version wasn't ever really "Asia". And that's the simplest reason why they were so easily "closed down" and replaced with the "original" line-up. John Payne (from the Downes-led, new version of the band) must have felt a bit of sting in the announcement that the original line-up was pre-empting his work and use of the Asia name, but I'm sure lots of other folks (including me) didn't care so much.

So, I'll mostly look at the CD in comparison to the work from the original line-up.

And how is it? Well, as some review mentioned, it's kind of like meeting up again with an old friend. They look familiar and sound familiar, but they've aged a bit, slowed a bit, and mellowed a bit as well. The good news is it DOES sound sort of like the same musicians who made "Asia" (the CD). It just sounds like they're not quite as nimble and sprite. The BAD news (for me, maybe not so many other folks), some of the songs have lame lyrics (not a first for Asia) and are obviously-crafted pop tunes (not a first for Asia either). But, Wetton's voice sounds good, Howe gets in quite a few licks that sound Howe-ish, Downes gets to use some big bold brassy synth patches, and Palmer keeps a steady beat, not unlike his earlier role in Asia.

So the classic Asia elements are there, just in a version diluted a bit from the first Asia album. As well, the music has been arranged and mixed to focus more on Wetton's voice. On the first Asia album Wetton's lead and multi-tracked backing vocals were catchy and clear, but the arrangements let the instruments take prominence as well, and there was better balance between vocals and instruments. On this, the guitar and keys do occasionally come out front, but not as often as I'd like. Unfortunately, a lot of the keyboard and guitar work seems frequently just complimentary background for the vocals. Lastly even the recording, mixing and mastering seems "nicer" and less aggressive than the first CD.

As a side note, it's interesting to see that 2 of the songs were written entirely by Steve Howe (no collaboration). Part of the reason Howe left the band in the early days was he felt the band was getting too commercialized and his music was getting squeezed out for album selection by the more radio-friendly Wetton-Downes tunes. Appropriately, the 2 less trite, less poppy songs on here are the Howe-penned tunes.

So, if you're looking for something with a similar (though not exact) feel to the first couple Asia albums, this definitely delivers. It just doesn't do so with a boatload of energy. As for Asia videos let me recommend the "Live in Tokyo" DVD from the 2007 tour over "Live in Moscow". For a group of geriatric rockers, they pull off quite a nice show.

An excellent CD from start to finish. From the kickstart rocker "Never Again" to the powerful anthem, and my personal fave, "An Extraordinary Life," Asia has returned with a solid effort. A little something for everyone who appreciated their first two - and only two - albums with this lineup. If you haven't seen them in concert since they reunited, try to catch them on tour. Incredible musicians at the top of their game.

Welcome back John, Geoff, Carl and Steve. It's been FAR too long!

OK, time to slap the headphones on again and crank up "Phoenix" for another listen...

In early 1984, after months of internal struggles, guitar superstar Steve Howe was asked to leave the group. With Steve's departure, the band lost it's focus and went totally pop, losing a great deal of it's audience as well.
The next few years saw a myriad of changes in the band's personnel and sound. Though much of it was interesting, it still wasn't the original band.
In 2006, the original quartet reformed for 2 years of tours, and an outstanding live CD & DVD.
What the fans really wanted was a new studio recording just to show that the group still had it.
In the spring of 2008 - 25 years after the original group's last release, "ALPHA" - the original Asia rose from the ashes with th appropriately titled "PHOENIX".

The Tracks:

The album sounds like vintage 1980's Asia, more than likely how a 3rd album would have sounded back then.
John Wetton's solo composition "Nothing's Forever" is punctuated by Geoff Downes' trademark brass stabs and layered strings on keyboards, while Steve Howe switches from acoustic to steel guitars with ease. John's layered vocals tell us plainly to "live for the future".

"Heroine" is a classic power ballad. Simple, emotional & to the point.

"Sleeping Giant"/"No Way Back" starts out with Geoff's keyboards laying out a foundation typical of 1990's Asia output, while Steve adds jazzy electric guitar and Coral electric sitar which are reminiscent of his work with Yes. The instrumental opening segues into the vocal portion, which features John's strong voice and wah-wah bass. Following the vocal section, the intro reprises to a conclusion.

"Alibis" is a leftover song from the aborted 1984 sessions.
Credited to all four members, first part of the song is classic Wetton/Downes song writing. Hooks galore, multi-tracked harmonies, and excellent solo from Geoff & Steve are all Asia trademark arrangements. The 2nd half of the song is obviously the Steve Howe/Carl Palmer contribution. A 4-chord vamp typical of Steve's solo output with Carl's assorted percussion sets the backdrop for Steve's jazz/rock guitar solo. Very 1982.

"Shadow of a Doubt" is "Don't Cry" revisited.

"I Will Remember You" is a haunting ballad in the Wetton tradition, that tugs at the heart strings.

The album's progressive piece is a 3-part epic.
"Parallel Worlds" features one of John's best ever vocals and Steve's tasty electric 12-string.
"Vortex" is segued into by Geoff's piano & Steve's guitar, with a staccato figure that sets the tone for Carl Palmer's supreme moment on the album. Double bass drums combine with rapid fire snares and tom toms.
"Deya" is the calm after the storm, a quiet nylon string and steel mood piece.


The track least at home on this collection is "Orchard of Mines", the one non-group composition they ever recorded. It's the one weak link on the album.

Steve contributed two solo compositions to the album.
The first "Wish I'd Known All Along" is the the type of song that Yes would have recorded, and the presence of Steve on harmony vocals, His high speed guitar breaks & Geoff's 'Yes-type' keyboards, reminds us where these guys came from.
"Over & Over" is a 1984 leftover that other than John's vocal is Steve all the way.

The albums closer " An Extraordinary Life" is a wonderfully optimistic feel-good song that's one of the group's very best.

My favorite track, however, is the opener, "Never Again".
Steve's Gibson ES Artist is showcased from the distortion-soaked opening riff, to the Fenderesque bridge tone, to the bluesy/jazzy end solo.
Geoff's textures are just right.
Carl's speedy high hat and rounds on the toms are rock solid.
John's vocal strong and proud as he vows 'never again' to wish evil on another.
A magical performance; the best since the first albun.


Asia rose from the ashes, and the dragon met the phoenix. A must-have for Asia fans.

The beauty of this "reunion" album is the fact that they don't try and create another album that is just like their debut. They wrote and played songs in the style which fits them today. There aren't alot of rockers on this, but a great mix of adult comtemporary songs. Great song writing adn great lryics all the way through. What one must get past it that ASIA isn't a progressive rock band, and I don't think they ever were. People complain because of the history of the members, they want them to write Close To the Edge, or Starless. It's been pretty consistent what these guys do, when they perform together and this album doesn't deviate from that. Songs played extremly well, and Wetton's voice never has sounded better, which is quite amazing considering what he's been through and you hear what Jon Anderson and Greg Lake sound like today. And Steve Howe's guitar playing clearly was what was missing on Astra, it's evident here.
I am a fan of Payne era Asia, and I'm thankful for it as it kept the ASIA flame burning somewhat, but i think it's clear that with this release, on top of the other 2 (Asia and Alpha) that there is no comparison.

I was surprised at the freshness of this album. Featuring the orginal line up was such a treat, it put me back to those exiting earlier years when Asia first formed. One of there best.

Granted this type music with soaring vocals and guitars and words with meaning probably don't appeal to people addicted to the mediocrity of music today. The CD has some of the best cuts I have ever heard anywhere (and I have over 9000 on my iPod) some of the best cannot be sampled in 30 seconds due to the nature of their music many times starting out very slow and low key with a major break in tone and beat. I was never a huge Asia fan but it is sad that this outstanding effort could not have come at the hight of their popularity and given more airplay. I don't know how many way I can say what an achievement this is, you need to spend 99 cents and get Never Again just to give you an idea. You will want the rest of the album after that if you have any musical taste at all.

I have been a fan of Asia since the early 80's and have just purchased their new CD Phoenix. I can tell everyone this and it is great to listen to real muscians, not the de sensitised so called music of todays generation of mindless rap crap and its off shoots. I am not saying there is not great muscians today but I don't feel they get to bring forth there talents as muscians of the 70 & 80's.

This new CD from Asia has the sound and sophistacation from these true muscians. This collection purely broght back memories of an age gone past, this age could do much good in its re surgence.

Sit back and indulge yourself in this age less collection. I hope there will be further colaberations from these talented muscians