Asia - Asia (1982)

For many today, the idea of a prog rock group is anathema and therefore a supergroup made up from members of prog rock groups is far from an enticing concept. However, back in the 1980s Asia, formed by ex-Yes guitarist Steve Howe, ex-Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes, ex-King Crimson bassist/vocalist John Wetton and ex-ELP drummer Carl Palmer pulled it off with great aplomb!

This, Asia’s first album, contains some classic tracks and the album proved a real commercial success and has since been certified 4 x platinum! Furthermore, the album doesn’t contain lengthy concepts and overblown solos but rather a neat set of AOR-tinged numbers which, I would imagine, somewhat dismayed prog fans as it wasn’t really what was expected from the musicians involved.

As you would expect the level of musicianship is high with all but Carl Palmer (who seemed to be playing with one arm behind his back compared to in his ELP heyday) turning-in good performances. Well, to be fair so does Palmer but as a drummer myself, and a big fan of his flamboyance with ELP, I find his work on this album a bit flat: although more than adequate for what the songs require.

A number of singles were culled from the album with Heath Of The Moment probably the best known as it scored a number 1 in North America and achieved most airplay at the time. Time And Again and Soul Survivor (see the video clip below and yes, that is Greg Lake on bass/vocals!) are also standout tracks and a little less radio-friendly than most of the other material.

All-in-all a good album if not quite what was expected from Howe and co and it stood the band in good stead for several years to come. If you like your rock melodic, well produced and with the occasional tinge of musical virtuosity then this album is definitely for you!

• John Wetton – Bass/Vocals
• Carl Palmer – Drums
• Steve Howe – Guitars
• Geoffrey Downes – Keyboards