ALPHA

We are in 80's and musicians suffer from drastic changes in the fashion waves and commercial requirements. Some artists (I would say, rather, small minority of them) can adapt without losing edge and some not. Forming of Asia is exemplary case of the second. Where Yes and Rush pushed technological limits, virtuosity along with preservation of artistic visions and integrity to create modern masterpieces as 90125 and Signals, it seems Asia came just as a purposeful money-making pop machine priding on the names of legendary musicians.

Second effort of Asia makes even their debut sound as a great album. Here on Alpha you get just the syrupy pop-tracks, with trivial song structures and boring verse-chorus schemes. That's basically it. It completely lacks any effect from emotional or technical point of view.

John Wetton comes with banal melodies and simplistic approach which mean total departure from ingenious albums produced by UK quite recently before. He is strongly supported by plain stadium-rock rhythms of Carl Palmer which are underlined by pompous synths by Geoff Downess.

Then there is Steve Howe - so uninspired and bland guitar which is hard to believe, even more because it is produced by such a guitarist. In my opinion, his greatest, the most spectacular times passed with Relayer and since Drama he didn't composed any really great songs or guitar parts (only exception can be Homeworld). However, this is clearly one of his lowest points.

Even Roger Dean's artwork can't save this album - there is no association with majestic pyramid on the cover sleeve. Four rich musicians with their own limousines (eventually own jets), would suit much better. I can't recommend even by a small dose either to serious proggers or to open-minded music fans. Only my recommendation is - stay away from this album.