Asia released sixth studio album, Arena

Arena Asia

Released: July 2, 1996 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US and UK) Genre: rock

Tracks: (Click for codes to singles charts.) Into the Arena Arena Heaven Two Sides of the Moon The Day Before the War Never Falling Words U Bring Me Down Tell Me Why Turn It Around (1996, --) Bella Nova The Players: Geoff Downes (keyboards) John Payne (vocals/ bass) Michael Sturgis (drums) Elliott Randall (guitar) Aziz Ibrahim (guitar)

Rating: 3.526 out of 5.00 (average of 11 ratings)

About the Album: “This is not your father's Asia.” AMG Their original lineup consisting of guitarist Steve Howe, drummer Carl Palmer, vocalist John Wetton, and keyboardist Geoff Downes only lasted only two albums and by 1994’s Aria, only Downes remained. While numerous players would come and go throughout Asia’s career, the 1992-2004 phase was anchored by Downes and vocalist John Payne. Arena saw the departure of guitarist Al Pitrelli; stepping in were guitarists Elliott Randall, who’d worked with Steely Dan, and Aziz Ibrahim, who’d worked with Simply Red. “In its beginnings Asia was a band frequently called the first progressive rock supergroup, although that title really belonged to Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The Asia of old actually had an arena rock sort of sound that, while espousing prog elements and textures, was pretty much straightforward rock. At times the band was definitely a bit formulaic. As Asia has continued on, with members coming and going, the tone of the group has changed. The bandmembers seem to struggle a bit with direction, not going completely prog, but certainly not eschewing that direction altogether.” AMG “This disc reveals one element that could definitely be seen as an improvement over the old days, though: the music has lost much of its slick and almost contrived texture. Sometimes the cuts here come off a bit…adrift, but they…seem…less contrived than a lot of the classic Asia catalog. All that said, the disc is very listenable and has some definite strong points, calling to mind the classic Asia era at times as well as other groups, including Trevor Rabin-era Yes and Dream Theater.” AMG Notes: The song “That Season” was added to later editions as a bonus track.

Resources and Related Links: Asia’s DMDB Encyclopedia entry AMG Gary Hill, All Music Guide Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 4/20/2008; updated 8/6/2021.

Asia released Aria

Aria Asia

Released: May 1994 Peak: -- US, -- UK, -- CN, -- AU Sales (in millions): -- US, -- UK, -- world (includes US and UK) Genre: rock

Tracks: (Click for codes to singles charts.) Anytime (5/94, --) Are You Big Enough? Desire Summer (1994, --) Sad Situation Don’t Cut the Wire Feels Like Love (1994, --) Remembrance Day Enough’s Enough Military Man (1994, --) Aria The Players: Geoff Downes (keyboards) John Payne (vocals/ bass) Al Pitrelli (guitar) Michael Sturgis (drums)

Rating: 3.003 out of 5.00 (average of 13 ratings)

About the Album: When Asia released Aqua in 1992, it was a surprise return for a band who’s last studio album had been released seven years prior. Instead of being a one-off attempt to recapture glory days, however, the album actually signaled a more permanent band than anyone would have guessed. “What could easily have been an isolated one-shot experience” AMG turned into a long-term return. The “new Asia” didn’t have the pedigree of the original band – only keyboardist Geoff Downes remains on 1994’s Aria, with the band’s remaining original lineup of rock superstars Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, and John Wetton replaced by far less than household names. Still, the changes weren’t entirely jarring. Vocalist John Payne had already assumed vocal duties on Aqua and Al Pitrelli had already become the primary guitarist on that same album, with Steve Howe serving only in a guest capacity. “The album does start off with a few weaknesses, but as the music flows and you move deeper into the tracks, melodies become richer and more intricate, and the lyrics more interesting. The fourth track, Summer, is a great song; Sad Situation is a marvel; and Don’t Cut the Wire a work of art.” AMG There’s also “the romantic Feels Like Love” AMG and “the symphonic Aria, which makes for a great finale.” AMG Notes: The song “Reality” was added to later editions as a bonus track.

Resources and Related Links: Asia’s DMDB Encyclopedia entry AMG Alex S. Garcia, All Music Guide Other Related DMDB Pages: First posted 4/19/2008; updated 8/6/2021.