Track Listing

1. Heat of the moment
2. Only time will tell
3. Sole survivor
4. One step closer
5. Time again
6. Wildest dreams
7. Without you
8. Cutting it fine
9. Here comes the feeling

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12142 in Music
• Released on: 1999-03-20
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 44 minutes

CD Description
Prog-rock fans everywhere got very excited when they found out that ex-members of such bands as Yes (guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downes), King Crimson (bassist/vocalist John Wetton), and ELP (drummer Carl Palmer) were forming a supergroup, Asia. With its 1982 self-titled debut, the quartet surprisingly crossed over to the more mainstream pop audience with no problem, hitting the top spot on the album charts.
Time and again here, each member shows his mastery of his respective instrument. ASIA is chock full of compositions showcasing the quartet's keen pop sensibilities, suchas the uptempo Top 10 hit "Heat of the Moment", and the more laid back "Only Time Will Tell".

Customer Reviews

A Solid Debut
Asia are a curious supergroup, with their roots firmly entrenched in Progressive Rock, boasting members who derive from progressive mainstays, such as Yes, King Crimson and Emerson Lake & Palmer. However, their approach is appreciably dissimilar. Asia's sound is probably best classified as Arena Rock, defined notably by an intrinsic accessibility, prompted by their mostly concise song structures, and the clean, produced vocals of John Wetton.

Elements of the individual band members' progressive leanings are traceable here, on their eponymous debut, with the keyboards, in particular, reminding me of Yes, during their most productive 1970s period. The guitar work is also invariably impeccable, considering Yes maestro, Steve Howe, is the man behind the six-string.

Despite this, nearly all the songs on this album are hook-laden, sing-along affairs, lacking any legitimate lyrical or thematic depth, but remain great fun nonetheless. That's the appeal of Asia for me: they present music which requires little mental exertion to enjoy, and which can consequently act as an apposite antidote for progressive rock fans, who may occasionally require music that is less taxing and more immediate than their customary favourites.

The main flaw of this album, I feel, is its debilitating lack of variety. Whilst 'Heat of the Moment', 'Sole Survivor' and 'Wildest Dreams' are paradigms of arena rock, the other tracks have little else to offer. Still, there is no perceptibly poor track; they just seem to merge into a big, redundant mishmash of samey, polished rock. This certainly doesn't render the album utterly inadequate, as it can still be relished in moderation, however, ideally, Asia would have been well advised to eliminate this stylistic dearth before releasing the album.

Also, from a completely personal standpoint, I feel that the vocals are a little too refined. This can lead to a sense of needless overproduction and, resultantly, the vocals and the music can appear somewhat detached and incongruous at times.

Overall, though, this is a solid debut from Asia, and a decent album for those who simply crave an occasional, mindless rock-out, accompanied by music that is fun, yet remains technically impressive.

A Standard Which Has Not Been Equalled
ASIA's debut album was a shot of near-perfection, accomplishing the seemingly impossible: encapsulating progressive rock motifs and elements within the confines of more mainstream rock songs. Everyone remembers the hits: "Heat of the Moment," "Only Time Will Tell." But the best tracks remained for album rock listeners: "Sole Survivor," "Time Again," "Without You," and "Wildest Dreams." The electric interplay of four rock maestros, with its precision and show of amazing skill, gives the album an almost timeless quality. You hadn't heard anything like it then, and nothing like it has come along since. ASIA was never able to equal such heights again, but who cares? This is tasty, challenging rock several notches above the usual AOR/arena rock fare. A masterpiece.

THERE'S SOMETHING MISSING!
Asia were a band I had eagerly awaited. The vibes were good: you'll never have a more impressive quartet of CVs than Messrs Downes, Wetton, Howe and Palmer. Wetton's closing bass lines in "One Step Closer" sounded awesome in my stereo speakers, when previewed by Tommy Vance about 3 weeks prior to the album's release back in Spring 1982. I bought the album on the day it was released. I've played it countless times since, both on vinyl then on CD. My wife absolutely loves it! Problem is...I don't. There's something missing! The album's production is first class. On the face of it the songs are fine also: all the band members are able to express themselves and play to their full capabilities. It's as if the whole thing is too good to be true...or natural! Nowadays Asia could be classed as a Boyzone or Westlife, albeit with infinitely more talent, ie the songs are synthetic: there's nothing real or deep in them. The album and band lack soul! Later on I bought Alpha then Astra. Same story. The only one I swapped vinyl for CD was Asia, if only for nostalgia, or old times sake. It wasn't because I loved the music. Best compliment I can pay Asia is...it's okay...no better than that.

Sorry, my dearest darling wife.