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Asia: XXX

AOR/Melodic Rock

4.5/5.0

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Frontiers Records
by Craig Hartranft,  06.22.2012

It's hard to believe its been 30 years since that iconic first Asia album, and its monster hits. That's the meaning of XXX (as opposed to more lascivious notion), the fifth album from the original members Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, and the third since their reunion.

Asia: older, wiser, and ...?

XXX seems more ambitious than its predecessor, Omega a rather mellow album of melodic rock. This album captures more the grandeur and energy of their earlier material, even the first album. Although I'm not sure there's anything as arena shattering as Heat of the Moment. But prog fans will dig tunes like Tomorrow the World and even Bury Me In Willow. Yet these are still, essentially, melodic rock songs. For that simple melodic rock brilliance Al Gatto Nero, the heavier Judas, and masterful No Religion are seminal Asia. That latter song could go in the arena or radio ready category. On that more mild side there's Faithful and Ghost of a Chance, a song with sound close to a mash up between Yes and Floyd.

Asia's XXX is simply classic Asia, doing intriguing melodic rock; maybe older and wiser, but still sharp and sounding good. I wish we could say the same for the latest version of Yes. Very recommended.

Asia's XXX is simply classic Asia, doing intriguing melodic rock; maybe older and wiser, but still sharp and sounding good. Very recommended.

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The Powell Payne project, created in 2022 is the collaboration of Mark "Penfold Powell (ex-drummer of Psycho Kiss) and Adam Payne (former vocalist of Airrace). With guitarist Adam Davies and keyboard player ... [ Read More ]