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Asia: XXX
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.
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In Short
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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Three years have passed since Sweden's Cruzh dropped their second long-player, Tropical Thunder, also introducing their new singer, Alex Waghorn. Now the band returns with The Jungle Revolution ... [ Read More ]