XXX

I was quite disappointed when I first got this album on its release. At that point I'd only ever heard Asia's debut album, which I quite liked. I was intrigued by the Roger Dean cover, which - contrary to the album's musical content - is quite beautiful, so I decided to buy it. Seeing as I hadn't heard any of Asia's material from the 30 years in between, I was in for quite the surprise when I heard an album even less progressive than their debut.

The majority of the album is pop rock and soft rock and is largely forgettable and unappealing. There are a select few quality moments, such as the opener, "Tomorrow The World", which isn't unlike something that may have appeared on the band's debut, and Steve Howe's solo in "Faithful", which reminds me a little bit of "Wildest Dreams". So unless you're a die-hard fan of modern Asia, this album will be little more than $20 you'll wish you could get back.