XXX

Great tunes by Wetton and the gang esp Bury me in Willow, Tomorrow the World and Ghost of a chance (amazing guitar by Howe). Highly recommended for the diehard original Asia fan. Don't miss adding this one to your collection - you won't regret it a bit.

If you haven't guessed yet, I like this album and think it deserves a solid recommendation. I'm a fan of only the original Asia (I cannot be convinced to waste my time with the Payne albums). Comparisons to the debut album really don't make any sense to me, other that it's the same guys playing. The sound of this album is clearly 21st century Asia. If you think that is a bad thing, I can't help you there. Initially I wasn't feeling the album, but now that I've been listening to it constantly for a week I'm now addicted to it (remember that feeling?). There are very catchy songs here, and in a just radio environment there would be at least several hit singles here. The reviewers who are giving low ratings and complain about this record I would bet good money they didn't give it a chance and/or didn't listen on a decent stereo. If you are a fan of Asia, don't you think you owe it to the band just out of respect to give it a fair chance? If you are not a fan of just this record but love the band, the same logic applies - listen to it over at least a week! This record grows on you quick I promise. For me it's better than Omega, which I thought was half a good record.I don't think it was ever cool to be a fan of Asia. But thankfully Asia fans love the combination of heavy 80's sounding keyboards without apology. You get that with XXX. I'm a big fan of Steve Howe (his Yes mode and his Asia mode), and although I feel he could be more prominent in some of the songs, you get some good Howe on XXX. Wetton's singing is as good as ever, which is quite an amazing thing IMO. The voice has almost gotten stronger, I dare say. The cool surprise is I hear the bass playing on my system more than on other Asia records. I never realized how good a bass player Wetton is until this record. The drumming is a bit low in the mix, but still great. Conclusion: Fans must pick this up and GIVE IT A FAIR CHANCE. Don't be an instant hater like all the negative reviewers here. My favorite tracks are:Bury Me In WillowFace On The BridgeAl Gatto NeroReno(Silver and Gold)

I have been an Asia fan from the beginning. Asia and Alpha are two of my all-time favorite albums. To me, these three latest albums since reformation are quite good, but not up to the magic of the first two albums. Of the three latest albums, this is the most immediately catchy. I guess that is a sign that this album is as poppy as they ever have been, with many anthemic-style songs (Reno, I know how you feel, Faithful) that have Wetton's singing as their featured element.Others have lamented that Howe is under-utilized, but that's just how things are these days within the band (with Howe sharing time with Yes obligations). His acoustic guitar on "I know how you feel" is sweet, and he is at his best on "Tomorrow the World" (sounds a bit like "Cutting it Fine" on the first album), my favorite track on the album. "No religion," "Faithful", and "Face on the Bridge" (my 2nd favorite track, even if it is a bit anthemic) offer Steve further chances to lay down some licks, so that's better than nothing. I think the most 'missing-in-action' member is actually Palmer. Wetton is in fine voice, and Downes' keyboards are the foundation for most songs.The one striking thing is how much this album leaves a positive vibe. They are not afraid to sound like the band of 30 years ago, without necessarily being derivative. However, they certainly are not trying to atract a new audience today. They are writing and playing to their own fans and to those who like classic rock with an inflection of prog (not the other way around, they really are not progressive enough to merit being considered a full-fledged prog band despite their previous pedigrees). Thus, if you are looking for the Asia of 30 years ago, who have come up with some catchy new tunes, I recommend this album, which is perhaps the most accessible of the three new ones (even if its highest points are not as good as those on Phoenix and Omega). If not, why are you even reading this review?

(I wrote this this morning on John Wetton's guestboard)Finally listened in depth to the new work on my home sound system this weekend and what a musical treat to the ears. My car system just doesn't pick up your bass work very well John. I also heard all of these different nuances in the background of the songs and it's an extremely tight piece of work. You guys have certainly created a vibe very close to the first album.John your bass work is thunderous, low and almost ominous. Your vocal work and especially the harmonizing is almost spiritual. Geoff seems to be the glue creating a sonic landscape around the tunes like a multi colored tapestry. I didn't think in all honesty that Carl and Steve could play like they've caught fire anymore but they've proven me seriously wrong. Carl sounds like he's tightened those drum heads and shows that he still has the fastest hands in rock today. Steve what can I say? I think this is some of his finest guitar work since his Keys to Ascension YES work in 96, 97. His work floored me there and it does so again here.All in all I loved Phoenix and Omega immensely, Extraordinary Life alone being a life affirming triumph. But here on XXX you've all given me the album that I was hoping for. What sounds to me like the true successor to the first album. Putting that Dragon and Pearl on the cover was a risky move on all your parts as it could have easily blown up in your collective faces if the work didn't measure up. No worries as the circle is complete and the music is fully worthy.Thanks again guys. I hope my words were able to express my feelings for the music. Looking forward to seeing where you guys take it from here?