JOHN WETTON & GEOFFREY DOWNES: ICON 3

Well, one can hardly argue that Geoff Downes and John Wetton make a great songwriting team. It was their songs that took ASIA to the top of the charts in the 80s, and it is their creativity that made their collaborative projects so pleasant a listen. The third Icon album is exactly what you would expect. Rather simple, lushly arranged tunes, with touches of cello, harp and orchestral splendour, Wetton's warm voice and Downes' omnipresent layered keyboards. It doesn't really differ much from the other two, but it still makes an enjoyable listen and is slightly more consistent than any of them. Highlights here include the dreamy Green lights and blue skies, the explosive opener Half the man I was, the charming duet Raven, and the grand closer Peace in our time. It is clear that these two men make the music they want to, and I would wholeheartedly recommend this album to anyone who enjoys any of their prior work.