ASIA

When I bought this CD in 1982, I remember I was first very disapointed by this music. How so great musicians could play so commercial music? In fact, everyone was expecting some symphonic rock played by virtuosos : a sort of mix between Yes, King Crimson and ELP. But Asia decided to play another music. Some revievers talk about AOR. Yes they are right. But for me, Asia's main influence is the previous band leaded by John Wetton called UK ( with Eddie Jobson, Bill Bruford and Allan Holdsworth ). UK was the first pop-prog band in history and certainly more prog than pop. Asia is more more pop than prog. It's just a question of balance. I think we have to judge a record for what it is, not for what we expect it'll be. Asia first album is a very good example of Art Rock (as defined in the progarchives). All songs are perfectly composed, arranged and played but the solos are really too short. That's why I can't give 5 stars to this excellent album. In conclusion, you can find more imaginative music, but if you want just to listen "easy music" played by very competent musicians you can buy this CD.