AURA

Aura is perhaps ASIA's best album. I own many albums from this band and I must say this is the most beloved and played in my house. I can't say I'm a fan of Wetton's era or a fan of Payne's era. I enjoy both vocalists. This is, certainly, the best album with John Payne.

Aura seems to me a conceptual album...maybe it is, but songs are without any doubt one better than the other. From the first song, the music concept is strong and keeps you awake for almost 80 minutes. Besides Payne and the restless keyboardist Geoff Downes, many famous musicians contributed to the success of this album (Steve Howe-present on the first two ASIA albums, Pat Thrall -on guitar, Tony Levin-on bass and M. Sturgis-drums). Its hard on me to describe each song, anyone I would choose is great. Personally, my favourite songs are Awake, the splendid love song Wherever You Are and On the Coldest Day in Hell. Payne's warm and peaceful voice is very expressive to the concept of the album-the unity between LOVE and FREEDOM (my own vision here...). Excellent instrumental parts-the music really is beautiful and very, very enjoyable. Not a trace of harsh guitar sound or extravagant keyboard effect, everything is pure melodic and progressive. It's simply ASIA at it's best!!!

So, to you all progressive music lovers...buy it! You won't regret!