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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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A major letdown
I ususally don't give bad reviews, but I had to sound off on this. I am a big Asia fan. I stuck by them when the put out Keepin' The Summer Alive. I was glad to see their reunion and resurgence over the past few years. I saw them in concert last year, and they blew me away. I even liked both ICON albums. When I heard they were recording I was overjoyed. Then I heard the album. As one British music critic put it (and he is usually very fair in his reviews) - "this album makes Air Supply sound metal!" There is no spark here. The album hardly rocks. Where is Carl Palmer's great driving playing and exciting drum fills? Where are Steve Howe's usually mind-blowing guitar solos? Do these guys think they are Chicago circa 1983? that's what this album sounds like. Very dissapointing
Rating: 
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Good quality, fast delivery.
The product was of a good quality and it was delivered very fast. I'm very content with this
Rating: -
Too Soft and Mushy
GOOD: These good musicians got back together again - thanks guys! Songs "Never Again" and "An Extraordinary Life" are pretty good, but otherwise not enough good songs in between. If I bought this again, I would just have downloaded those two songs. I do like that some of the lyrics try to be uplifting and positive.
BAD: Too soft and mushy. Also kind of boring. Has a somewhat bubble gum, "pop" production to it, tied to the keyboards I think. It doesn't feel like a rock CD to me. Their first album sounded more rock-like with its songs and production. Is John Wetton the softie who sets the tone like this? He does have a great voice though.
Overall I really wanted to like this CD but it's just not doing it for me. I'd love for these guys to make another one and try rocking out a little bit - I know Steve and Carl can do that.
Rating: -
Dissapointed
Let me start by saying that I am a big fan of Asia. Which makes it all the more painful to say that I cannot recommend this album. No one more than I was excited to listen to the rich sounds of this very talented group. Then came ASIA GOLD which confirmed why I was still an ASIA fan. That 2 disc compilation was probably their greatest album yet in that it completely embodies the best of their music. Alas..it was all the more dissapointing to listen to the lackluster, bland comeback album PHOENIX.
While it starts promising enough with track 1: Never Again..a wonderful song that made me harken back to the glory days of their debut album, as well as the song Nothings Forever and Alibis. Unfortunatly, it quickly decends into bland ballads and pretentious intros into uninspired songs. While the first few songs are pleasant, after track 6 the album spirals down into mediocre, generic, interchangable songs that seemed to have been written while sleepwalking. The last two thirds of the album is a complete waste of time.
Very unfortunate, considering that their last comeback attempt didnt have the powerful songs needed to give the group the staying power that I so desperately hoped it would give them. I fear that this album will fare no better. I sincerely hope that I'm wrong, since I feel this is one of the most underated and talented bands. I cant fault the singing, john wetton sounds great..but the writing just isnt there unfortunatly. For those looking to listen to their greatest efforts yet..try purchasing ASIA GOLD. After hearing that..its easy to see that with a little more effort in the writing, Asia could still come back strong as ever...I hope they do.
Rating: -
Bought on whim. Lived up to expectations
Bought this at the Asia concert (in Phoenix!) in 2008. Wanted to support the group and was pleasantly surprised at the album. I'm not a hard-core UK fan, but I loved Asia and appreciate Palmer's work. I think it's better than Astra, on par with the first two Asia albums.
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