ASIA – XXX

It’s probably safe to say that the two albums released since the original Asia reunited in 2006 have been a little underwhelming.  Sure, they each had their moments but they just seemed to lack that pomp that made their classic debut such a huge success and the laid back vibe suggested a band heading into retirement

It’s been 30 years since that 10 million selling debut album sat on top of the Billboard chart for an incredible 9 consecutive weeks and Asia really needed to capture some of that spirit for their latest release.  XXX is the result of some intensive song writing between Geoff Downes and John Wetton on the whole with some input from Steve Howe and the results will undoubtedly please most Asia fans.

“Tomorrow The World” features all of the traits of classic Asia from the haunting piano opening to the pumping bassline of the verse and an absolute killer of a chorus.  Add in a parping Geoff Downes keyboard refrain and some dynamite runs from guitarist Steve Howe and you have a bona fide Asia epic to kick things off.

“Bury Me In Willow” on first listen seems to meander into middle of the road territory and just at the point you reach for the fast forward button the towering, grandiose chorus kicks in and the song takes off big time.  This is definitely one that grows after repeated listens.

“No Religion”, with its Magnum like verse and “Face On The Bridge” both impress with their up-tempo, pumping rhythms and big hooks.  “Ghost of a Chance” that closes the album, is a classic Asia ballad that builds up as the song progresses.  Steve Howe delivers a stunning, spine tingling understated solo towards the climax of the track.  Howe on the whole seems to take more of a back seat on the album but when he does step up, the results are well worth it making you wish that he’d feature more prominently throughout.

Stylistically XXX steers a course more towards Alpha rather than the more Pomp orientated debut album.  There is sometimes the feeling that Asia could push things a little further if they really wanted to.  This is both a strength and a weakness in that sometimes you wish that they would break free and really let fly with the musicianship we all know they have in abundance but that is also the strength.  They don’t over egg the pudding and rather than showboat, the songs are their main focus and not over-elaborate playing.

XXX is a vast improvement over the last two albums and features a fine collection of well-crafted songs making it a welcome addition to Asia’s library that can proudly stand alongside their classics of the early ’80s.