ASIA - (2002) "Anthologia (The 20th Anniversary)"

(Review from Progarchives)

Boxset/Compilation, released in 2002
ASIA had one of the biggest selling debut albums in the 80s with their self-titled art- prog rock masterpiece. Their ascent up the charts was a phenomenon that many groups never experience during a career. They never attained that kind of success again. While ensuing releases had some solid work, their stunning debut proved too difficult to match. The magical formula and achievements of their first recorded works began to dissipate with each successive release. Some of their songs were utter syrupy pop and nothing but a shadow of the powerful artsy progressive rock-pop that they had crafted so perfectly on their first outing.

"This 20th Anniversary" set fills two discs with every song from "Asia", "Alpha", and "Astra" including B sides and some rarities. John Wetton's vocals always reminded of Greg Lake of ELP. He has one of the great rock voices with an immense history behind him. For me, that is why I was originally attracted to this group because I was really into ELP. Besides the fact that is all you heard on the radio and nearly everyone had the album or cassette, it was and is great music.

This was good for me to go beyond the first album and really listen closely. I heard some tracks that I truly enjoyed, like "Countdown To Zero" and "After The War." Although the keyboards remained predominant, the energy was entirely different as you go from album to album, because of shifting personnel.

As sweet as success can be, it's even harder to maintain, and it doesn't matter what field you are in, it isn't specific to music alone. A modicum of success was maintained for several years then eventually the group faded to become another classic prog-rock historical metaphor. They are once again active with a recent release titled "Aura", which is a very good album in my opinion; just don't be too over anxious about what you will hear.

If you are looking for an all encompassing "Asia" set this is this one to pick up.


Track Listings

DISC 1:
1. Heat of the Moment
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Sole Survivor
4. One Step Closer
5. Time Again
6. Wildest Dreams
7. Without You
8. Cutting It Fine
9. Here Comes the Feeling
10. Ride Easy
11. Don't Cry
12. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
13. Never In A Million Years
14. My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)
15. The Heat Goes On
16. Eye To Eye
17. The Last To Know
18. True Colors

DISC 2:
1. Midnight sun
2. Open your eyes
3. Daylight
4. Lyin' To Yourself
5. Go
6. Voice Of America
7. Hard On Me
8. Wishing
9. Rock And Roll Dream
10. Countdown To Zero
11. Love Now Till Eternity
12. Too Late
13. Suspicion
14. After The War
15. Am I In Love?
16. Summer (Can't Last Too Long)
17. Prayin' 4 A Miracle
18. Days Like These

Total Time: 159:27
Line-up/Musicians

- John Wetton / bass, vocals
- Geoff Downes / keyboards
- Steve Howe / guitar
- Steve Lukather / guitar
- Ron Komie / guitar
- Mandy Meyer / guitar
- Scott Gorham / guitar
- Carl Palmer / drums