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 - Return of a SupergroupThis is a classic Asia album. Not just a collection of beautiful, lasting songs but an album and that's something you don't find too often these days. Four original members of Asia reunited first on stage and now with this great cd. I do hope there is more to come because, like this album tells, they are in fine form. In 80's they were entitled a "Supergroup" in 2008 they are still firmly in power. Rating:  - Visit with an Old FriendThere seems to be an awful lot of love it/hate it reviews for this album. Perhaps it is related to the hype. Perhaps it is related to all the expectations that listeners bring to this album. I would like to propose a slightly different view of this album. I purchased this album with some trepidation. Namely, recent history is littered with "great come-back/reunion albums" from groups of the 70s and 80s that were anything but. Based purely on the statistics, the odds were against this being a good album from the out-set. As it turns out, I have been pleasantly surprised with this album. However, it did not start out that way. I am a fan of Asia and Alpha and, to a lesser degree, Aqua. If you bring that predisposition to this album, it will likely disappoint, at least initially. That is unfortunate as it is a good album on its own merits. This album has never left me feeling "overwhelmed" or "greatly impressed". However, what it has done better than almost any album I have listened to is leave me feeling...for a lack of better words, pleasant. Listening to this album leaves you feeling like you just spent a great afternoon getting caught up with a good friend you hadn't seen in 20+ years but found out you still consider a good friend! In a general sense, the music in this album plays very much like a summary of everything that has the name Asia attached to it.(both good and not so good) From a production standpoint, there does not seem to be any effort by Asia to make the music "sound like" the '80s. Production is first rate and up-to-date. In fact, it leaves me wondering/dreaming what the first two albums might sound like if they went back into the studio and re-recorded them with today's technology. There are some very good songs on Phoenix, as well as a couple that I usually skip over. The opener, Never Again, feels like it could have been the next track on their first album or Alpha. From there, the album lags and struggles some. Of tracks 2 - 7, I will say this. None, except possibly Sleeping Giant/No Way Back, really delivers anything new nor anything resembling a good reprise, unless you are a big fan of, say Astra. Even then these songs would have struggled to make that album. For these songs especially, the biggest issue I have are the transitions. The musical transitions are often forced or seem completely out of place. It leaves these songs feeling somewhat disjointed or unfinished. However, this album changes notably beginning on track 8. This track, Parallel Worlds/Vortex/Deya, is easily the best track on the album and a true Asia gem! It is very haunting, very engaging. I don't recall ever hearing Palmer's drums sound so impressive while still belonging in a song. The melody is true Asia, Wetton's voice is true to form, Howe's playing is tight, and the song(s) is/are just perfect. This song feels like it could fit on any of the group's better albums. It reminds me of what I appreciate the most about the Aqua album. Tracks 9 - 12 all harken back to the best of what this group offered up over the years, while still being original. Track 9, Wish I'd Known All Along, is an impressive piece. This track almost sounds like a song that could be from a late 70s Genesis album with Tony Banks flying all over the keys, only with Wetton and Co. singing vocals.(To reviewer complaining about a lack of keyboards - You've got to be kidding! Listen to the entire album before writing a review!) Track 12, An Extraordinary Life, is the most positive song I have ever heard from Asia and is a perfect ending for the album. Tracks 8 - 12 leave one thinking/hoping that this album marks a musical turning point for the band rather than the epilog to their career as a band. Needless to say, this album takes some patience to get to know and appreciate. Given that time, you may never be impressed, but you are likely to become comfortable with it in routine play. Rating:  - A major letdownI 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: - 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 MushyGOOD: 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.
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