That first Asia album ranks right up there with Boston's as one of the best debut albums in history. "Cutting It Fine" is one of my personal favorites from this album.
A supergroup Guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downs from YES , Bass and lead Vocals form John Wetton of King Crimson RIP and Carl Palmer drummer extraordinaire from Emerson Lake and Palmer. John this First album has no bad songs, check out Heat of the moment, Sole Survivor and Only time will tell these are my favorites. enjoy! great songsmiths.
Geoff Downs also was part of The Buggles, together with 80s powerhouse producer Trevor Horn. At the time critics didn't really know what to think of this band. Too much pop influences to please the 'serious music critics'. Whereas the background of Howe, Wetton and Palmer was too heavily connected with serious music for 'pop critics' to think it would be acceptable for the masses. The same masses knew what to do: they loved it enough to make this album one of the biggest sellers of 1982 in quite a few countries.
This song was written by all 4 members of the group. This was my intro to ASIA and I've never was disappointed in them. Their 4 reunion albums are also good albums I wish I saw them durimg the Wetton years, but I do have the cds and dvds to keep me happy. I'm so glad that my high school years were in the early to mid 80's. RIP John Wetton. I hope you are doing great in the afterlife.
This song is firing on all cylinders, and it's probably my favorite from this band. Soul Survivor is right up there too, and of course Heat of the Moment.
Asia is a super group with some of the best of the best. “Wildest dreams” is one of my favorites, “ Days Like These” I Think I Could Change the World” , and “ Here Comes the Feeling “ bangers all.
Haha! Sinister - a John Wetton solo album 💕 funny you mention sounding sinister - that was just one of Wetton’s styles, melancholy, raw, beautiful, emotional also!
I will say this and it's my opinion about generational prejudices. The 90's grunge, shoegazer generation as they got older liked to poke fun of 80's music with Asia being one of the main bands taking the brunt. I couldn't say that about 50's, 60's, 70's or 80's eras. They still had respect and appreciation for the previous era of music. It's just my opinion. But, there was definitely some arrogant snobbery from the 90's.
Now I recall this one. Thanks for dredging up those good memories. And to believe I still have an original pressing of this album purchased in late 82ish - most likely early 83. The songs I remember most are"Wildest Dreams" and "Here Comes the Feeling."
If you like what you heard I would strongly recommend listening to the album Drama from Yes. It will sound a bit familiar, but also very different from the first Asia album. I have always found it very entertaining that so many of the derided and forgotten about progressive rock musicians from the 60s and 70s were able to with very little effort all score number one hits in the 1980s. I also find it a little bit sad that a lot of the progressive rock fans of the 60s and 70s deride a lot of the output of these musicians from the 1980s, they loved their creativity and output in the good old days, and decided that what these progressive rock musicians did in the 80s was somehow beneath them. Good music is good music regardless of which decade it’s made in, or what kind of production techniques are used.
Greetings from germany! I am a asia fan since 1982. My playing tip for you is: "Without You", from this album and "Midnight Sun", from their second album, with a fantastic gutiar solo from steve howe!
You haven't heard about them because you're too young - no offense! This album came out in '82, if I'm correctly mistaken. Even though there isn't a single bad song on this album, only a couple did the run on the newly introduced *Mtv* that started out the previous year. This song was done live with a full orchestral accompaniment once - amazing!
Is this the first song you hear from Asia?! You lucky dog! It’s my favorite deep cut. It was definitely not one of their radio hits. Someone asked me one day what song would I walk use to walk out to in an MMA fight, and this one came to my head immediately.
I know I'm late, but just found the channel. An excellent tune! That part that you thought is organ is actually played on electric guitar (I saw Steve Howe play it live).
Playing it is as equally rewarding as any yes music. Imagine if Trevor did a version of this. They really were a super group but at the time they got less than deserved credit. Some of Steve Howes best runs. Hard driving complex melodic music with hooks all over the place. Whoever gets this music down in the gut is from a planet far away and its calling us.
Your new favorite band? Just before the formation of this band bassist/vocalist John Wetton was playing in a (vastly superior) band called UK. Before that he was in a little obscure group you wouldn't be interested in called King Crimson. Guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downes played in another obscure band called Yes. Carl Palmer played drums in a band called Emerson, Lake and .....wait for it....Palmer! All those bands made better records than anything Asia came up with. And I loved Asia.
Haha nice way with your words. Yeah I have a a whole GANG of artists to check out! King Crimson is definitely on my list. Thanks for the insight! I have a feeling this won't be my favorite band for long :)
@@JohnSlopReacts Ha! I'm not trying to trash Asia. They were a fine band, but I wasn't joking about UK. The first iteration of that group featured Wetton, Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth and Eddie Jobson. After Holdsworth and Bruford left, Terry Bozzio (yes, him) took over on drums. There is a song from the second UK album called "Rendezvous 602" that was a precursor to the stuff Wetton did with Asia. Check it out.
If these four guys were capable to encapsulate KING CRIMSON, YES, ELP in sections and soundscapes in less than 6 minutes such this song (composed by the 4 members actually).. Well.i think you got a thing coming
Yes a very cool song. The "ridiculously cool section" you mentioned took a lot of patience and going back over to learn as a drummer. I'd refer to it as "out of syncopation but so very together" and both times they do it it's a little different so it had to be learned separately. Oh yeah, definitely a "tell off" song. There used to be a couple live versions here on YT. I wish they were able to reproduce their vocals as well as they did the music but that was still worth the price of a ticket. My opinion on their history is that the first 3 albums were excellent with this first one "flexing" as you accurately put it. The second one was mostly love songs and break-ups and the 3rd kind of dark & futuristic back to flexing again with a different guitarist. After that, with a few exceptions I lost interest in Asia. Nice to see some younger people enjoying some of the music I grew up with. 👍
This was their debut self-titled album that came out in early 1982. At the time they were touted as the next, ' Supergroup '. This is certanly their most, ' Schizophrenic ', song; it contains so many different elements that somehow still all work together!
Too bad this band didn't make a lot music because they did have some cool songs. All great musician from various bands that I really love. Only time will tell and heat of the moment are also great tunes. Wish they had done more work. What are you gonna do ?? You should check out the song ''Supper's Ready'' from Genesis.... It is probably the best progressive song ever put to tape. It's a really long song with countless twists and turns but it brings it all home in the end for an epic finally. You will give up your religious beliefs after this.
One of my favorite songs EVER
Carl Palmer one of the greatest drummers ever
That first Asia album ranks right up there with Boston's as one of the best debut albums in history. "Cutting It Fine" is one of my personal favorites from this album.
Boston is my fav group, Asia is second. Cutting it fine and One Step Closer are my favorite from Asia.
Boston, Asia, and Kansas, a bit of goofy juice Ka chow! Instant block party! Ok a little 38 Special wouldn't hurt. Some def Leppard maybe.
A supergroup Guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downs from YES , Bass and lead Vocals form John Wetton of King Crimson RIP and Carl Palmer drummer extraordinaire from Emerson Lake and Palmer. John this First album has no bad songs, check out Heat of the moment, Sole Survivor and Only time will tell these are my favorites. enjoy! great songsmiths.
Geoff Downs also was part of The Buggles, together with 80s powerhouse producer Trevor Horn.
At the time critics didn't really know what to think of this band. Too much pop influences to please the 'serious music critics'. Whereas the background of Howe, Wetton and Palmer was too heavily connected with serious music for 'pop critics' to think it would be acceptable for the masses.
The same masses knew what to do: they loved it enough to make this album one of the biggest sellers of 1982 in quite a few countries.
There debut was the #1 Album of 1982.
I had forgotten how incredible this song is. These days all you hear on FM radio is Heat of the Moment and Don't Cry.
This song was written by all 4 members of the group. This was my intro to ASIA and I've never was disappointed in them. Their 4 reunion albums are also good albums I wish I saw them durimg the Wetton years, but I do have the cds and dvds to keep me happy. I'm so glad that my high school years were in the early to mid 80's. RIP John Wetton. I hope you are doing great in the afterlife.
Their first album is a masterpiece!!
This song is firing on all cylinders, and it's probably my favorite from this band. Soul Survivor is right up there too, and of course Heat of the Moment.
"ASIA"," ALPHA" & "ASTRA" First three albums are legends of all Prog metal song. R.I.P. John Wetton
Asia's "Asia" album .... one of my favorite albums! Appreciate your reaction!
Asia is a super group with some of the best of the best. “Wildest dreams” is one of my favorites, “ Days Like These” I Think I Could Change the World” , and “ Here Comes the Feeling “ bangers all.
Asia is awesome. The entire album Asia is great.
Great reaction! This whole album is fantastic. Unbelievable musicianship.
This was a great choice for your first Asia song. I knew it would get you. My other favorite song on that album is Sole Survivor.
Phenomenal album
MORE ASIA PLEASE JOHN !!!!!!!
Haha! Sinister - a John Wetton solo album 💕 funny you mention sounding sinister - that was just one of Wetton’s styles, melancholy, raw, beautiful, emotional also!
Saw their first show live at forum in LA. Blew us away!!
thanks for the reaction video, it's really an amazing album
Check out the MTV live 1983 Budokan version of Time Again with Greg Lake on lead vocals.
Where was Wetton?
@@johncalvo1743 Temporarily dismissed by the management due to his drinking problems.
@@mvjonsson Really? In '83? That was kind of early in Asia's timeline.
@@johncalvo1743 Yes. But he did return for Astra, and Steve Howe left for GTR.
@@mvjonsson He was also there for Alpha, so he couldn't have been gone long.
Again, another band I miss so much.
Finally Asia has emerged from the shadows!
Rest in peace j wetton, his high tenor voice is the best ❤❤❤❤❤
Nobody sounds like Steve Howe. And Carl Palmer is the penultimate powerhouse drummer.
I will say this and it's my opinion about generational prejudices. The 90's grunge, shoegazer generation as they got older liked to poke fun of 80's music with Asia being one of the main bands taking the brunt. I couldn't say that about 50's, 60's, 70's or 80's eras. They still had respect and appreciation for the previous era of music. It's just my opinion. But, there was definitely some arrogant snobbery from the 90's.
Midnite Sun !!!Album 2
Nice! I saw this tour, we were like 20th row, I think was like 19 haa. They opened with THIS song...good stuff!
Need to check out “Only Time Will Tell” from these guys. Great tune!
Now I recall this one. Thanks for dredging up those good memories. And to believe I still have an original pressing of this album purchased in late 82ish - most likely early 83. The songs I remember most are"Wildest Dreams" and "Here Comes the Feeling."
One of my favorite Asia songs! Great review!
Nice to see you discovering these brilliant old tunes by the masters. Keep it up
Cheers
Harro
Incredible music
If you like what you heard I would strongly recommend listening to the album Drama from Yes. It will sound a bit familiar, but also very different from the first Asia album. I have always found it very entertaining that so many of the derided and forgotten about progressive rock musicians from the 60s and 70s were able to with very little effort all score number one hits in the 1980s. I also find it a little bit sad that a lot of the progressive rock fans of the 60s and 70s deride a lot of the output of these musicians from the 1980s, they loved their creativity and output in the good old days, and decided that what these progressive rock musicians did in the 80s was somehow beneath them. Good music is good music regardless of which decade it’s made in, or what kind of production techniques are used.
This song has its origins in Machine Messiah off the Drama album
Greetings from germany! I am a asia fan since 1982. My playing tip for you is: "Without You", from this album and "Midnight Sun", from their second album, with a fantastic gutiar solo from steve howe!
Hey John, excellent choice! I think you’ll also like ‘Too Late’ off the Astra album… another rocker! 🎸🎸🎸
Carl Palmer makes it swing so well❤
The technical mastery of many Asian bands is often unbelieveable, a true form of Zen.
Incredible album💯
🎉such a great band and song, the best Musicians on earth 1:54
Their first 2 albums are masterpieces.
And this might be their best song
You haven't heard about them because you're too young - no offense! This album came out in '82, if I'm correctly mistaken. Even though there isn't a single bad song on this album, only a couple did the run on the newly introduced *Mtv* that started out the previous year. This song was done live with a full orchestral accompaniment once - amazing!
Is this the first song you hear from Asia?! You lucky dog! It’s my favorite deep cut. It was definitely not one of their radio hits. Someone asked me one day what song would I walk use to walk out to in an MMA fight, and this one came to my head immediately.
Why did they do that Ridiculous part? Because they can!!
I know I'm late, but just found the channel. An excellent tune! That part that you thought is organ is actually played on electric guitar (I saw Steve Howe play it live).
There are connections between Asia , yes and king crimson
Don't Cry, Go, or Go remix this is prog rock at its best from a supergroup. Look them up and enjoy. I got them all, no regrets.
Playing it is as equally rewarding as any yes music. Imagine if Trevor did a version of this.
They really were a super group but at the time they got less than deserved credit.
Some of Steve Howes best runs. Hard driving complex melodic music with hooks all over the place. Whoever gets this music down in the gut is from a planet far away and its calling us.
Listen to Go and Wildest Dreams, both awesome tracks by Asia!
You have good taste.
Songs about romance, revolution, and war for that matter!
Your new favorite band? Just before the formation of this band bassist/vocalist John Wetton was playing in a (vastly superior) band called UK. Before that he was in a little obscure group you wouldn't be interested in called King Crimson. Guitarist Steve Howe and keyboardist Geoff Downes played in another obscure band called Yes. Carl Palmer played drums in a band called Emerson, Lake and .....wait for it....Palmer!
All those bands made better records than anything Asia came up with. And I loved Asia.
Haha nice way with your words. Yeah I have a a whole GANG of artists to check out! King Crimson is definitely on my list. Thanks for the insight! I have a feeling this won't be my favorite band for long :)
@@JohnSlopReacts Ha! I'm not trying to trash Asia. They were a fine band, but I wasn't joking about UK. The first iteration of that group featured Wetton, Bill Bruford, Allan Holdsworth and Eddie Jobson. After Holdsworth and Bruford left, Terry Bozzio (yes, him) took over on drums. There is a song from the second UK album called "Rendezvous 602" that was a precursor to the stuff Wetton did with Asia. Check it out.
If these four guys were capable to encapsulate KING CRIMSON, YES, ELP in sections and soundscapes in less than 6 minutes such this song (composed by the 4 members actually).. Well.i think you got a thing coming
Yes a very cool song. The "ridiculously cool section" you mentioned took a lot of patience and going back over to learn as a drummer. I'd refer to it as "out of syncopation but so very together" and both times they do it it's a little different so it had to be learned separately. Oh yeah, definitely a "tell off" song. There used to be a couple live versions here on YT. I wish they were able to reproduce their vocals as well as they did the music but that was still worth the price of a ticket. My opinion on their history is that the first 3 albums were excellent with this first one "flexing" as you accurately put it. The second one was mostly love songs and break-ups and the 3rd kind of dark & futuristic back to flexing again with a different guitarist. After that, with a few exceptions I lost interest in Asia. Nice to see some younger people enjoying some of the music I grew up with. 👍
Carl Palmer !!! Check him out
You should check out Jean Luc Pony - Cosmic Messenger
This was their debut self-titled album that came out in early 1982.
At the time they were touted as the next, ' Supergroup '.
This is certanly their most, ' Schizophrenic ', song; it contains so many different elements that somehow still all work together!
I now think this sounds like a Drama B side.
Great tune with Steve Howe. Better than the previous one you reacted to by GTR, albeit it's a decent one. Your reactions were great. You got it.
I think the words you want to say is Bad Ass
Sadly for me along with Wildest Dreams they never equalled this quality of excitement and punch. This is a monster track
Queensryche- speak or spreading the disease
I hear a lot about this group. Thanks for the reinforcement :)
@@JohnSlopReacts awright bro
@@JohnSlopReacts Queensryche and Rush are my two favorite bands! Please check out "Roads To Madness" by Queensryche. Epic brilliance!
Too bad this band didn't make a lot music because they did have some cool songs. All great musician from various bands that I really love. Only time will tell and heat of the moment are also great tunes. Wish they had done more work. What are you gonna do ?? You should check out the song ''Supper's Ready'' from Genesis.... It is probably the best progressive song ever put to tape. It's a really long song with countless twists and turns but it brings it all home in the end for an epic finally. You will give up your religious beliefs after this.
Wow thanks for the suggestion! After Selling England By The Pound I'm fully on board with more Genesis!
Fwiw I think their recent set of albums from the original members all getting back together are quite good. (XXX, Gravitas, Omega)
New subscriber here! Yo, you ever listen to Tool? You really need to do some Tool reactions. I'm sure you'll love it!
Interesting that this is the song that got you into Asia. I like it but it''s not even in my Asia top 10.
This is a prime example of what I hated about the drowned out, overproduced sound of the day.
Why would anyone want to pay to watch an unknown guy to listen to an album I bought 40 years ago? Seems kinda silly.
this guy doesnt know rock n roll roots