Aura

Asia fans had to wait a fair few years for 'Aura' to hit the shelves but it was well worth the wait. It had been a good four or five years since the last studio album, the slightly experimental 'Arena' so a new album was long overdue.'Aura' offers a few lineup changes too. Guitarist Aziz Ibrahim is gone, paving the way for the talented Guthrie Govan who plays on the majority of the record. He is supplemented by Elliot Randall, Pat Thrall, Ian Crichton and Steve Howe no less, who make some effective cameos, Howe's as you would expect the most satisfying.Drummer Michael Sturgis shares the stool with Vinnie Colaiuta, and more familiar names Simon Phillips and Chris Slade. Indeed, Slade would become the full time drummer after the album's release.As for the music, it's a nice blend of melodic and progressive rock which tries to encapsulate everything that Asia have delivered over the years.'Wherever You Are', 'Ready To Go Home' and 'The Longest Night' could be written by John Wetton, and are instantly memorable tunes.'Awake' and the instrumental title track are lively, bouncy tracks full of energy and both 'Free' and the quite excellent 'Kings Of The Day' are outstanding epics with some top, top individual playing.My favourite track is 'You're The Stranger', which is a classic example of the way that Payne era Asia can be poppy, rocky and proggy, all at the same time, with good musicianship and accessible melodies.Every song on offer is a gem, perhaps with the exception of 'Forgive Me' which is a bit of a duffer. Even the three bonus tracks are good value.Simon Hanhart, who had previously worked with Marillion and Arena, gives 'Aura' a smooth, silky sound, balancing guitars and keyboards beautifully, allowing the instrumental passages to burst out of the record. It's top stuff, which isn't too far removed from what the reformed original lineup are doing now. Ok, technically, you can't match the classic Asia, but this incarnation of the band are more than mere pretenders, and 'Aura' is a highly entertaining work. It's just a shame that Messrs Downes and Payne found it so hard to find a stable lineup and keep it together.Roger Dean's artwork is also jaw dropping.Overall, an excellent package from a top group.

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.

If I'm being honest I preferred Asia when they had John Payne as the lead singer, sure he hit a few off notes now and then but the direction of the music was much more exciting and varied. My only complaint about Asia is their reluctance to let the lead guitar have its head, compare them to Journey who often let Neal Schon do what he likes on lead guitar, it can make the songs feel a bit flat and safe. if you are like me and only just discovered Asia, then Aura is certainly one to include in your collection.

Delivered on time and in excellent condition, comes with lyrics booklet.One of my favourite albums from Asia, soulful and rock.The band is highly talented and deserves all the accolades they are due.Many Thanks!

Very good album! The large number, the invited musicians, yields excellent result. Asia, is super group, and each album is unique. Aura excellent addition to a collection of fans program. And in this album there is everything, even for the most captious fans of this musical direction.

Must be the most underrated band ever

fantastic

Fantastic album - i wore my original CD out - this is the replacement