Asia - XXX (2012) [Japanese Ed.]

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Asia - XXX (2012) [Japanese Ed.]

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For those of us of a certain age, Asia’s “Heat Of The Moment” is one of those anthemic songs from the glory days of rock. Asia’s debut album was released in 1982, and now, 30 years on, we have ‘XXX’ which is Roman Numerals for 30, and that can’t just be coincidence.

The album features the original members of the band, namely John Wetton, Carl Palmer, Steve Howe, and Geoff Downes, and on first listen, it is unmistakably Asia. The guys have still got the magic that catapulted this ‘supergroup’ to stardom 30 years ago. Incidentally, to back this album, the band will be undertaking a huge “30th Anniversary” world tour, so they have BIG plans.

This album is greater than the sum of it’s parts, and is another modern masterpiece. One would expect nothing less from musicians as talented as the guys involved with it, but after listening, there is no way that you could expect any more. The thing is though, I could well be biased, as I grew up with these guys. Asia’s debut album is still one of my favourite albums of all time.

After wowing the crowds at 2011′s High Voltage festival, it was confirmed that Asia were back in business, and to say that this album was highly anticipated by a great many (including me), would of course be a massive understatement. It doesn’t disappoint in any way. Yes it’s firmly situated in pop/rock territory, with catchy hooks, and sing-a-long choruses, but that’s what these guys do best. It’s music of such high quality, that you can’t fault it. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but then you can’t please everyone, but even if you don’t like it, you’ll find yourself singing it to yourself long after listening to it, it’s that ability to get inside your head that makes it so good.

For those of us that are old enough to remember these true giants of the music world the first time around, this album is a reminder of just how great they actually were at the start of their career. Starting at the very top unfortunately left them with one direction to go, and their career was short lived. I for one am glad that this album has been made, as it’s a direct link to my childhood, but more to the point, it’s a piece of modern history, marking a new chapter in one of the truly great bands of my lifetime.

Asia’s fans will lap this up, and I dare say there are a great many who after listening to this, will discover Asia for the first time, and they’ll love it just the same. It has mass appeal, and if there’s any justice in the world, it will sell by the bucket load. If you like the lighter side of rock, then give this album a listen, to hear exactly how things were done 30 years ago. I’m probably gushing, but I’m not ashamed of being a fanboy, it just means I have exquisite taste….. This album is one of my essential albums for 2012, you simply shouldn’t miss out on it. ~ Review by Jon Seymour

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Asia - XXX (2012) [Japanese Ed.]

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Asia - XXX (2012) [Japanese Ed.]

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Asia - XXX (2012) [Japanese Ed.]

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