ALPHA

Alpha is the more-keys-and-less-rock oriented followup to Asia's legendary debut. Looking for some melancholy pop and power ballads with the golden voice of Mr. Wetton? Look no further. Looking for a complex progressive rock pur sang record? Go seeking elsewhere.

Personally I really like this album, although some mediocrity creeps in, particularly in the middle of the album. Closing track Open Your Eyes is the most prominent highlight of the disc (and the most prog-oriented song as well). I love Never In A Million Years as well, as I feel it's one of those definitive Wetton power pop songs. The love for it however fainted a bit when getting to know more of his solo work: it seems he's applying the same trick everytime.

The first two tracks were singles. They're more direct and their quality is ok. The guilty pleasure My Own Time, the rocking True Colors and the moody Midnight Sun are good as well. If you're new to Asia, the debut is the record to get, but if you're interested in further listening in this pop vein, this is a good second one.