CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE

John Wetton's first solo album is a pure Pop Rock affair with a slight infusion of Blues Rock and Rock 'N' Roll. Released between Wetton's work with UK in the late 70's and Asia in the 80's, Caught In The Crossfire has nothing to do with the music of those groups. Listening to this album really puts Asia into perspective. This is just the kind of album that would deserve all the criticism that often is lodged at Asia by Prog fans. Compared to this anyone would admit that Asia is great!

The songs here are all very generic and middle of the road Pop Rock/Blues Rock with absolutely no signs of Wetton's past and future musical projects with bands like King Crimson, Uriah Heep, UK, Asia, etc. Even his future solo albums are far, far better and more interesting than this. But at this time in his long career, Wetton was clearly not ready to go solo.

Wetton is backed up a handful of musicians including none other than Martin Barre from Jethro Tull on guitars. Also Phil Manzanera (Wetton and Manzanera would later make an album credited to them both) contributes guitars. This does not help very much since Caught In The Crossfire is a very vocal driven and song focused album with little room for any interesting instrumental passages.

This album really is an embarrassment that should be avoided by all except the most devoted and fanatic John Wetton followers and collectors. And even those will surely admit that this is not a good album.