ASIA

Asia was one of the first progrock bands that caught my attention, long before knowing anything about the concept of supergroups, "prog-lite" and classic Yes. I think "Then & Now" was my second prog oriented cd, after "Kayleigh" (aka "A singles collection") by Marillion. That collector took a representative set from this album: the excellent songs Only time will tell and Wildest dreams and the (in the Netherlands only and just minor) hit Heat of the moment.

The rest of the album doesn't disappoint either: it's good power pop-rock executed by progressive musicians. Sole survivor almost keeps the momentum of Only time will tell, Without you is a nice ballad and the finale of Cutting it fine is the most progressive part of the disc.

Of course I've learnt to know other (and better) music now, but for this act (in all their incarnations) I'll keep a soft spot. Hence: 3 stars for the music to today's standards + 1 star for nostalgia.