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Track Listings
| 1. Tomorrow The World; |
| 2. Bury Me In Willow; |
| 3. No Religion; |
| 4. Faithful; |
| 5. I Know How You Feel; |
| 6. Face On The Bridge |
| 7. Al Gatto Nero; Judas |
| 8. Reno(Silver and Gold) (bonus track) |
| 9. Ghost Of A Chance |
| 10. I Know How You Feel(Midnight Mix) (Bonus Track) |
Editorial Reviews
ASIA s debut album exploded onto the worldwide music scene in April of 1982. It was the best selling album of the year around the globe.
Featuring John Wetton (bass, lead vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums), and Geoff Downes (keyboards), ASIA was the
logical successor to the member s collective bands of the 70s - Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.
Thirty years after their eponymous debut ascended to the top of the BILLBOARD TOP 100 chart (where it remained number one for nine
consecutive weeks), the legendary British rock band returns with a brand new studio album aptly titled "XXX".
The new album, which is being hailed as ASIA s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD and collector s
edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos, including one for first single Face On The Bridge , and behind the scenes footage).
Original artwork for XXX album courtesy of famed artist Roger Dean.
Featuring John Wetton (bass, lead vocals), Steve Howe (guitar), Carl Palmer (drums), and Geoff Downes (keyboards), ASIA was the
logical successor to the member s collective bands of the 70s - Yes, ELP, King Crimson, UK and The Buggles.
Thirty years after their eponymous debut ascended to the top of the BILLBOARD TOP 100 chart (where it remained number one for nine
consecutive weeks), the legendary British rock band returns with a brand new studio album aptly titled "XXX".
The new album, which is being hailed as ASIA s best album since its classic early 80s releases, will be released as a CD and collector s
edition CD/DVD (featuring new music videos, including one for first single Face On The Bridge , and behind the scenes footage).
Original artwork for XXX album courtesy of famed artist Roger Dean.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music
This comes from my review on Backstage Axxess
It was thirty years ago when four of progressive rock's most accomplished musicians came together to form Asia. Even before the band's self-titled debut arrived in record bins, there was a great deal of anticipation, and while some prog rock purists dismissed Asia as overly commercial, fans embraced the band's spectacular debut.
In July the quintessential lineup of Asia; Wetton, Howe, Downes and Palmer, will release XXX. The title acknowledges the bands thirtieth anniversary, and is this lineups third album of original material since they reformed in 2006.
Their last album, "Omega," was tremendous and somehow the band has managed to outdo themselves with "XXX." Fans of Asia have come to expect catchy songs, but this collection really exceeds all expectations.
What is unusual about "XXX," is that the truly great songs are on the second half of the album. If this were a two sided album the second side would be the better of the two. The opening songs, like "Tomorrow the World," and "Faithful," are great songs, but the album's set is constructed in a way that each song keeps getting better until the closing song, "Ghost of a Chance," which is the best song this lineup has ever recorded. I say that as a fan who saw this band on their first US tour and also as the owner of the entire Wetton era catalog.
One other thing that seems different is the tandem of Wetton and Palmer on bass and drums. They just seem to be playing together better than they ever have, this is especially noticeable on "Al Gatto Nero," a song that is incredibly catchy.
What really makes "XXX" work is that Asia does not sound like a supergroup, they sound like a band of friends who enjoy performing together. If you enjoyed the band's debut thirty years ago you will appreciate this collection of songs. I highly recommend "XXX" it exceeds expectations and when you have a lineup of Asia's caliber, that is saying a lot.
Original link is here[...]
It was thirty years ago when four of progressive rock's most accomplished musicians came together to form Asia. Even before the band's self-titled debut arrived in record bins, there was a great deal of anticipation, and while some prog rock purists dismissed Asia as overly commercial, fans embraced the band's spectacular debut.
In July the quintessential lineup of Asia; Wetton, Howe, Downes and Palmer, will release XXX. The title acknowledges the bands thirtieth anniversary, and is this lineups third album of original material since they reformed in 2006.
Their last album, "Omega," was tremendous and somehow the band has managed to outdo themselves with "XXX." Fans of Asia have come to expect catchy songs, but this collection really exceeds all expectations.
What is unusual about "XXX," is that the truly great songs are on the second half of the album. If this were a two sided album the second side would be the better of the two. The opening songs, like "Tomorrow the World," and "Faithful," are great songs, but the album's set is constructed in a way that each song keeps getting better until the closing song, "Ghost of a Chance," which is the best song this lineup has ever recorded. I say that as a fan who saw this band on their first US tour and also as the owner of the entire Wetton era catalog.
One other thing that seems different is the tandem of Wetton and Palmer on bass and drums. They just seem to be playing together better than they ever have, this is especially noticeable on "Al Gatto Nero," a song that is incredibly catchy.
What really makes "XXX" work is that Asia does not sound like a supergroup, they sound like a band of friends who enjoy performing together. If you enjoyed the band's debut thirty years ago you will appreciate this collection of songs. I highly recommend "XXX" it exceeds expectations and when you have a lineup of Asia's caliber, that is saying a lot.
Original link is here[...]
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By Arlo.TDM
Format:Audio CD
There is nary a duff song on this album, the eleven-track import. A few of them, however, could have used some editing with regards to some repetitive choruses and some of the lyrics come off as being a little trite in places-- hence, the slight deduction for my part.
There are great instrumental sections in every song-- 'poppier-seeming' productions, courtesy of Mike Paxman, in relation to the previous two 'reunion' albums-- especially the outros to Bury Me In Willow and Face On The Bridge ... reminding everyone one of the four individual talents comprising this band. John Wetton's voice sounds as strong as ever and his bass-playing seems to be a little more prominent these days-- I like his work on Astra the most though, being the most active. Steve Howe also seems a little more engaged in the mix this time around as well--still not as strong as on the debut album-- and all of his solos are top notch, absolutely delightful. Carl Palmer only has a few places to really showcase his chops-- Tomorrow The World, Bury Me In Willow and Faithful-- in keeping tradition with the recent past, but his sensibilities are in tune with this 'poppier' direction of 2012. Geoff Downes' keys are still the mainstay in every song-- driving the melodies to and fro, AND home-- and his parts dovetail very seamlessly with those of the guitar-- again, check out Bury Me In Willow!
Highly recommended ... and second in the pantheon of Wetton-fronted albums, IMO, trailing the debut by only by a few points and slightly ahead of Astra, Alpha, Omega, and Phoenix-- in that order. Enjoy!
There are great instrumental sections in every song-- 'poppier-seeming' productions, courtesy of Mike Paxman, in relation to the previous two 'reunion' albums-- especially the outros to Bury Me In Willow and Face On The Bridge ... reminding everyone one of the four individual talents comprising this band. John Wetton's voice sounds as strong as ever and his bass-playing seems to be a little more prominent these days-- I like his work on Astra the most though, being the most active. Steve Howe also seems a little more engaged in the mix this time around as well--still not as strong as on the debut album-- and all of his solos are top notch, absolutely delightful. Carl Palmer only has a few places to really showcase his chops-- Tomorrow The World, Bury Me In Willow and Faithful-- in keeping tradition with the recent past, but his sensibilities are in tune with this 'poppier' direction of 2012. Geoff Downes' keys are still the mainstay in every song-- driving the melodies to and fro, AND home-- and his parts dovetail very seamlessly with those of the guitar-- again, check out Bury Me In Willow!
Highly recommended ... and second in the pantheon of Wetton-fronted albums, IMO, trailing the debut by only by a few points and slightly ahead of Astra, Alpha, Omega, and Phoenix-- in that order. Enjoy!
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By B. Lynch
Format:Audio CD
After re-viewing ASIA album covers, it seems that this is the first one since their debut which features a dragon ...
'XXX' is usually the label used for hard core porn -- but there's none of that here. XXX is also Roman numerals for 30; as in ASIA has been around for 30 years. True, but still hard to believe, since this album sounds as fresh and energetic as their first two (Self-titled 'ASIA', and the follow up 'ALPHA').
In terms of song writing, XXX is a good balance of what was on 'Phoenix' (a progressive-sounding 'come-back' album) or 'Omega' (a strong rock album, which many fans feared was their last, given the title). All four ASIA members boast impressive progressive rock reumes (Yes, King Crimson, U.K., Emerson Lake & Palmer, and ... The Buggles), so maybe it's not all that surprising that they can improve with age.
Several aspects of XXX stick to ASIA's 'formula': the early 1980's 'sound', flawless engineering & production, sophisticated musical compositions, and Roger Dean cover art -- a reason to get the LP version in additon to the CD/DVD. In other words, all the things fans like about ASIA are still present -- and none of it seems 'dated'.
John Wetton and Geoff Downes are still the main song-writers, but with Steve Howe and Carl Palmer there to collaborate, pop-songs are transformed into strong, memrorable compositions. After 30 years, John Wetton has lost none of his vocal strength and agility. Songs like the "No Religion" (a classic ASIA rocker) and "Faithful" (a Dramatic prog-rock foray) may spark some discussions -- they seem respectful and contemptuous of religion and faith at the same time -- a masterful ambiguity for listrners. NOTE: All members of ASIA were in bands where Atheist members were not shy about stating their contempt for religion or relying on 'belief' and 'faith.'
Even the ballads here are lyrically and musically provocative: "Bury Me in Willow" speaks of a living a life of conflict. Like most other songs on XXX, "Bury me..." mates poetically structured lyrics with a strong (and memorable) melodic theme. As befits a ballad, the tone is somewhat melancholy and resigned to fate. In Celtic mythology, Willows symbolize that we all need to keep growing and reaching regardless of where we are planted; a willow can grow very large from a single branch, and bend without breaking.
"Judas" and "Face on the Bridge" both rock out -- arena rock style; Steve Howe and Goeff Downs team up to remind listeners of their best days with YES (and the first ASIA album), with heavy guitar riffs, and keyboard hooks.
ASIA still sounds like a band that could headline arena shows -- after seeing them in a relatiely small venue on the 'Omege' tour, I have mixed feelings about seeing them in a huge arena venue versus a smaller theater.
'XXX' is usually the label used for hard core porn -- but there's none of that here. XXX is also Roman numerals for 30; as in ASIA has been around for 30 years. True, but still hard to believe, since this album sounds as fresh and energetic as their first two (Self-titled 'ASIA', and the follow up 'ALPHA').
In terms of song writing, XXX is a good balance of what was on 'Phoenix' (a progressive-sounding 'come-back' album) or 'Omega' (a strong rock album, which many fans feared was their last, given the title). All four ASIA members boast impressive progressive rock reumes (Yes, King Crimson, U.K., Emerson Lake & Palmer, and ... The Buggles), so maybe it's not all that surprising that they can improve with age.
Several aspects of XXX stick to ASIA's 'formula': the early 1980's 'sound', flawless engineering & production, sophisticated musical compositions, and Roger Dean cover art -- a reason to get the LP version in additon to the CD/DVD. In other words, all the things fans like about ASIA are still present -- and none of it seems 'dated'.
John Wetton and Geoff Downes are still the main song-writers, but with Steve Howe and Carl Palmer there to collaborate, pop-songs are transformed into strong, memrorable compositions. After 30 years, John Wetton has lost none of his vocal strength and agility. Songs like the "No Religion" (a classic ASIA rocker) and "Faithful" (a Dramatic prog-rock foray) may spark some discussions -- they seem respectful and contemptuous of religion and faith at the same time -- a masterful ambiguity for listrners. NOTE: All members of ASIA were in bands where Atheist members were not shy about stating their contempt for religion or relying on 'belief' and 'faith.'
Even the ballads here are lyrically and musically provocative: "Bury Me in Willow" speaks of a living a life of conflict. Like most other songs on XXX, "Bury me..." mates poetically structured lyrics with a strong (and memorable) melodic theme. As befits a ballad, the tone is somewhat melancholy and resigned to fate. In Celtic mythology, Willows symbolize that we all need to keep growing and reaching regardless of where we are planted; a willow can grow very large from a single branch, and bend without breaking.
"Judas" and "Face on the Bridge" both rock out -- arena rock style; Steve Howe and Goeff Downs team up to remind listeners of their best days with YES (and the first ASIA album), with heavy guitar riffs, and keyboard hooks.
ASIA still sounds like a band that could headline arena shows -- after seeing them in a relatiely small venue on the 'Omege' tour, I have mixed feelings about seeing them in a huge arena venue versus a smaller theater.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Album good, classic Asia
Overall I liked the album, although the material may not have been as strong as their previous album it was still enjoyable. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Kevin Ver Hoef
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great album
I bought this album after seeing their 30 year reunion tour. They performed many of the songs from this album at the concert and I liked them right away. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Jon Luc
5.0 out of 5 stars
XXX
I thought this was an extremely strong effort, highlighted by strong vocals, harmonies and some great hooks. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Robert Bykofsky
5.0 out of 5 stars
CLASSIS ASIA!!
A GREAT ALBUM, I LISTENED TO THREE TIMES THROUGH. IF YOUR NOT AN ASIA FAN TRY THIS ONE. LOTS OF DIFFERENT TEMPOS AND WIDE VAROETY OF INSTRUMENTS MAKES THE MUSIC VERY ENTERTAINING. Read more
Published 1 month ago by CHUCK LAYMON
4.0 out of 5 stars
A mix of new and old Asia
This album contains some rock that reminds me of the 80's Asia supergroup and then towards the end of the album a kinder, gentler Asia with more of a modern sound. Read more
Published 1 month ago by brian d. bouvier
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you love Asia, you'll love this CD
It's always good to hear the old supergroups again. If you need a blast from the past, get this album. You'll really enjoy it.
Published 2 months ago by S. Warner
2.0 out of 5 stars
two and a half for sound
The only thing that stands out about this album is the artwork and the sound. The band sounds as fresh as ever, as if they were frozen in time for 30 years. Read more
Published 2 months ago by E. Minkovitch
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still the Same
Quite refreshing to see that Asia is still Asia, unlike some other bands that not only have at most one or two original members but strain to try and sound like the original. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Richard L. Crowell
4.0 out of 5 stars
4.5 Stars - Asia fans should be happy
I have been an Asia fan from the beginning. Asia and Alpha are two of my all-time favorite albums. To me, these three latest albums since reformation are quite good, but not up to... Read more
Published 4 months ago by A. Caviedes
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Stuff
Awsome album.!! Loved every single song on this album. A must buy for anyone that likes really great melodic music.
Published 5 months ago by RFlowers
