Asia - Phoenix
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Published April 02 2008
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Genre |
Melodic/Progressive Rock |
John Wetton
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Vocals
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Tracks |
12 |
Steve Howe
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Guitar
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Runningtime |
65 Min. |
-
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Guitar
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Label |
Frontiers
Records |
John Wetton
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Bass
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Release |
11 April 2008 |
Carl Palmer
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Drums
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Country |
England |
Geoff Downes
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Keyboard
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Similar artists |
Kansas, Journey,
Yes, Boston |
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This is nothing but a BIG happening. The original members
of Asia have reunited for their first album together in 25 years! Their
successful debut was in fact the best selling album in the world in
1982, number 1 in the USA for 9 weeks. The two albums that followed,
Alpha and Astra (without Steve Howe in the line-up), didn't live up
to the debut regarding record sales but quality wise they were equally
as good according to me. After the release of these three diamonds the
band disbanded and has since then reunited in different constellations
and together with bassist/vocalist John Payne they released five albums
that in my eyes and ears should have been released under another moniker.
Phoenix marks the return of not only the original line-up
but also the classic Asia sound. The melodies and the overall sound
on Phoenix are like a cousin of the first two albums. Never Again is
the perfect opener and the album's big hit song. Starting with a riff
reminiscent of the one used on Heat Of The Moment (opener on the debut
album) leading the way to an extremely accessible chorus in typical
Asia style. Nothing's Forever isn't too exciting however because of
quite uninspiring melodies. The beautiful ballad Heroine is much more
intriguing and also the first of a few tracks where the lyrics can be
traced as reflections after John Wetton's major heart surgery last year.
Sleeping Giant/No Way Back/Reprise is one of two mini epics on Phoenix
which has a bit more progressive elements than the rest of the material.
Alibis is one of my favourite tracks with an effective up-beat verse
and a smart chorus that grows on each listen. Shadow Of A Doubt is another
gem that sounds like an Alpha composition in both sound and quality.
An Extraordinary Life that ends the album is just as fantastic as the
opener and it's a brilliant move to place the best tracks as opener
and closer since they frame the album in a perfect way.
The album isn't without flaws though, the original Asia
most definitely proves that they still can be counted with but there
are a couple of fillers that lowers the overall judgement. Nothing's
Forever, Wish I'd Known All Along, Parallel Worlds and Over And Over
are all decent tracks but no way near the quality of the rest that are
presented on Phoenix. My expectations on this release were very high
and even if I'm a bit disappointed right now it's indeed a great record
with highlights that remind me of the good old days. I just hope they
swing by Sweden for some live dates because it would be amazing to finally
get to see the original Asia perform. Welcome back guys!
Performance
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Originality
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Production
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Vocals
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Songwriting
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Summary
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