ALPHA

The second recording with the classic lineup (third one will be in 2008!) before Steve Howe's departure, and also ASIA's last enjoyable album. Alpha is in the vein of its predecessor. However, whereas the self-titled debut was quite homogeneous, this one is unequal. It features more commercial poppy songs, without the strength of the melodies of the former album, as well as catchy tracks with some prog elements, more present this time.

The beginning of "Alpha" is quite soapy and can foreshadow the worst. Fortunately, powerful songs follows ("Never In A Million Years", "The Heat Goes On", "True Colors"...). Some contains even more progressive touches and spacey moments ("Eye To Eye", "Midnight Sun", "Open Your Eyes") than in the first opus. The disc ends on an epic fantasy ambiance driven by keyboards and guitar. Not bad, but the overall is irregular.

With "Alpha", ASIA follows the pop-prog path carved in their first album, but going a little more cheesy. The year after, Steve Howe will leave the band. Further albums won't be able to match the quality of the first two and ASIA's career won't be the same. Anyway, "Alpha" should please anyone who enjoyed the first record.

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