Reviews reporting thread

Easy Livin wrote: I'd already PM'd him Tony, asking if he wrote the original.

To be honest a few years ago I would have said the likelihood of there ever being another album from the original line up of Asia was remote in the extreme. However following a successful reunion tour that started in 2006 here we are with the aptly titled Phoenix album. So what is it like? Well I am happy to say it is an excellent album and in many ways better than the bands second album Alpha which was the last time this particular group of musicians were together in the recording studio. In fact everything about this album from the Roger Dean designed cover artwork through the songs and performance throughout is just right.

The material on this album is generally excellent throughout both in terms of composition and of course musically with every member in the band firing on all cylinders. Opening with the track Never Again which in my opinion along with the closing track should be released as singles it is clear that the signature Asia sound is intact and present throughout. I must say that despite John Wetton’s health problems over the last few years it is great to hear him in such fine voice. As I have said the two tracks that open and close the album should be released as singles and have been road tested on the current tour and fitting in with the classic Asia material with ease proving that the band have once again hit their stride and picked up exactly where they left off in 1983. Not that the album is a retreading of past glories however, far from it.

The material whilst retaining that commercial edge the band always had is no mere AOR fodder, there is a depth to the songs such as Nothing’s Forever and An Extraordinary Life which has to have been inspired with John Wetton’s health issues of the last few years.

Whilst my personal favourites are the opening and closing tracks Never Again and An Extraordinary Life I really like Nothing’s Forever, Heroine and the extended Sleeping Giant/No Way Back which really lets you know what Asia are all about in no uncertain terms.

Whilst Phoenix has been released into a vastly different world from the one twenty five years ago it is certainly an extremely strong album. This is an album the band had to make and an album the fans were almost willing the band to make. Personally I think that Phoenix will be the album that should all things being equal take Asia back to the arenas and stadiums of America. In addition to that the material contained on the album is begging for radio airplay! It really is that good. If Asia had made this album as the follow up to the debut album in 1982 then perhaps they would not have split up. No matter, after twenty five years Asia are back and like the mythical Phoenix rising from the ashes Phoenix really is a re birth for this very special band.

(This review is as it appears on the official website)

I personally can add very little to the above, the sentiments with regard to the first and last track is spot on, both tracks have that ability of getting under your skin. This album would appeal to the legions of Asia fans, whether it will appeal to a newer army is to be seen. I would consider 4 stars to be the correct rating, as a non prog rock album it it surely cannot be awarded the full 5 stars.

Report this review (#164843) | Posted Monday, March 24, 2008, 14:39 EST
Review Permalink | Submit a review for this album | Buy this album from PA partners