- Audio CD (24 Jan 2003)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Limited Edition
- Label: Absolute
- ASIN: B0000594XQ
- Other Editions: Audio CD | MP3 Download
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 115,258 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Present day Asia have always lived somewhat in the shadow of the 'super group' conception they were originally considered as when John Wetton, Geoff Downes, Carl Palmer and Steve Howe started in the early 1980's. At that time they were truly a 'big' band. With so many egos in one group it was difficult to see a long term future and it started to come apart after the the second album 'Alpha'. When John Wetton eventually departed in the early 1990's it was left to Geoff Downes to reconstruct the band and in came John Payne as his main partner and frontman for Asia. Three excellent stuidio albums followed together with a fair share of live offerings, all culminating in the splendid Aura album today. Asia have matured into a band free of all the hype of the early years into a band that delivers superb panoramic rock music, textured by Downes' keyboard prowess and John Payne's superb vocal range. Add Steve Howe's occasional contributions to the album and the emergence of Guthrie Govan as a name to watch out for on guitar then you have an album deserving of attention and hopefully worldwide recognition. There are many tracks that could be considered as 'stand out' so check it out for yourself. Welcome back Asia!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Words cannot express what a treat this album is and what a crying shame that it will probably slip away without gaining the mass success that Geoff, John and the other superb musicans deserve. Asia have evolved from the supergroup formed in 1982 through to this new exciting version. From the opening track 'Awake' with its choral background through to the instrumental title track climax every song is a treat. A couple of tracks are written by Andrew Gold (of 'Lonely Boy' and 'Never let her slip away' fame) and Graham Gouldman (of Hotlegs and 10CC fame)and even guitarist Elliot Randall gets a writing credit on one track. Steve Howe plays his unmistakeable guitar on three tracks and Simon Phillips hits the sticks on one track. So it's very much a pot pouri of famous musicans throughout. The eye catching sleeve is the work of Roger Dean and indeed the whole presentation is pure Yes.
May I recommend this special version as it contains three extra tracks which are certainly not throwaways, taking the running time to over 79 minutes. The sleeve is gatefold rather than the standard plastic so is easy to spot. Well worth paying a couple of extra quid for.
So in summary, if you like Asia or AOR this is for you and spread the word !!!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
THis is another good album from Asia.Great sound quality as with all there albums.I kinda wish Asia would adopt a more guitar driven sound,feel there is too much emphasis on Geoff Downes keyboards and would like to here more up temo songs by these very talented muicians.all in all another good album.If you enjoy the new style Asia this album wont dissapoint you.These guys are really talented and Aura is a welcomed album to my Asia collection,dont be put off by some reviewers saying John Wetton is no longer in the band so they cant be any good.Not True the new Asia sound is great and these guys put a lot of work into there music,off course best judge will be yourself,great Asia albums to start with Archiva 1&2 double cd package remastered superb album and will introduce you to the :new sound of Asia: and its great.I also recommend Aqua, Arena,Aria and Silent Nation all of the same ilk.You will really enjoy.Im glad Asia are still going and making quality music.Really good stuff.
Hope review is of help.
Hope review is of help.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
back in time
The recent Release of the second new album by the original Asia (which is absolutely excellent by the way! Read more
Published 23 months ago by goldbook
Bryan Nesbitt
I have been an Asia Fan since the self titled Asia (1982) album. I think this is an excellant album and one of the best with John Payne on lead vocals. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2010 by Mr. S. B. Nesbitt
AWAKE!!!
Asia fans had to wait a fair few years for 'Aura' to hit the shelves but it was well worth the wait. Read more
Published on 3 Mar 2009 by Stotty
A return to form
A return to form. A shame John Payne left a few years later.Up there with the best Asia albums.Great sound and musicianship.A must have.
Published on 17 Jan 2009 by Mr. R. E. Aird
Good but not THAT Good
Come on people, if you think this is worth 5 stars, how on earth many do you think the first 2 or three albums rate - 6? 7? 10? Read more
Published on 4 July 2008 by D. Storey
Mellow but good.
For those who don't know, John Payne has a voice totally unlike John Wetton - he's more in the "Rick Astley" school (remember '80's pop? Read more
Published on 31 Dec 2002 by Dr Nick
Nice songs
For those who don't know, John Payne has a voice totally unlike John Wetton - he's more in the "Rick Astley" school (remember '80's pop? Read more
Published on 15 Oct 2002 by Dr Nick
ASIA Goes MOR
There's a lot to recommend Aura: John Payne has never sounded better, "Free" is one of the best numbers the current incarnation has done, and the bonus tracks are actually better... Read more
Published on 14 Oct 2002
One of the best Asia albums
This is for sure the best production of Downes and Payne. The compositions as well as the musicians are superb. Read more
Published on 25 Nov 2001 by Mr. Jean-paul Tabja-odria
Rock On
I've been a fan of Asia for quite some time now and I own every official album they have issued until today. I have to say that this new album is very, very good. Read more
Published on 12 Nov 2001
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