Aura

2001 was a fine year for progressive and melodic rock releases - but few were as impressive to me as the latest musical gem from an old favorite,...ASIA! "Aura" is the bands 7th official studio album, and the 4th since vocalist-bassist-songwriter John Payne joined the band for "Aqua" back in 1992. I have been following this band since the day that their first album was released (and no, I'm NOT exaggerating, I actually bought "Asia" on it's day of release back in 1982!), I have seen them live on 3 different occassions (in their various incarnations of 1983, 1992, and 2001) and I have even met some of the band members. Being the long-time fan that I am; I must say that I have never been more impressed with Asia than I am with the outstanding and emotional music on "Aura"! This band just seems to be riding on the crest of a creative awaking since the formation of the Geoff Downes/John Payne songwriting partnership, and I am actually quite glad that the planned (then abondoned) Asia/Wetton-reunion never came to fruition (if it had, we would probably just have another "greatest hits live" album, instead of this excellent album of colorful & vital new material!) While the John Wetton-faithful may ring in all they like with their snide comments, I find that the music on "Aura" (and other recent Payne-era albums) reflects a more mature, sophisticted, and even "adventurous" musical direction than the bands early-80's popular heyday. Some have commented that "Aura" represents a "mellower" Asia, and in many cases it does - but it also shows an Asia more atuned to musical detail, variation, shading, and intricacy. The music here shows a far wider range of styles and moods than one can find on the bands earlier works, and I for one like the musical progression that they have made! Geoff Downes lush & layered keyboard "wall of sound" sets the foundation for many of the songs, and as usual, he turns in some wonderful work. Downes is often up-front-and-center doing solos, melodies, countermelodies, and swirling arpeggios; at other times plays the "chordal" backing role and let's the guitars take center-stage. John Payne's distinctive voice is central to all of these songs (well, except the one instrumental!), and Payne just never fails to impress me with his soulful, nuanced, and passionate vocal performances! Yep, I am among that number of Asia fans who definitely prefer Payne's voice to Wetton's. While Wetton is a smooth singer, a fine talent, and VERY good at what he does, he seems (to me) at times to be something of a one-trick-pony vocally - never varying much in his tone or phrasing (no matter what sort of emotion the lyrics may convey). Payne, on the other hand, is a far more versatile vocalist - sounding deep, resonant & soulful at times, smooth, sweet & mellow at other times, and then gritty and agressive when the song calls for it! The way that Payne alters his voice to hightlight a certain word in the lyrics, or put an extra bit of "oooomph" into an arrangement, shows an artist who is putting a lot of heart and soul into his music...and he should be credited for it! Payne is also quite excellent as a songwriter, and his melodic & memorable collaborations with Downes here on "Aura" represent some of his best work to date. Payne's lyrics also seem to be a strong point of newer-Asia albums, and he often tackels far more varied, thoughful, & serious lyrical ground than some of the love/relashionship songs of Asia's past. There is a very tangible "spiritual" vibe to this album (with many references to God, forgiveness, sin, salvation, heaven, redemption, etc.), as well as an emotional renunciation of warfare! The futility/immorality of war is sort of a "recurring theme" that Asia has adressed in many songs (dating back to "Wildest Dreams" on the first album, and continuing the all of the Downes/Payne-era albums), and it is adressed here with the evocative and theatrical track "The Longest Night". Based on a quote from veteran/anti-war poet Wilfred Owen, "Longest Night" seems all the more wise & relevant in the patriotic-fervor of post-9/11 America. Some other standout tracks include "Awake", "Wherever You Are", "Ready To Go Home", "Kings of the Day" and "Free". All in all, if you are a fan of Asia, or an old listen who has not heard from the band in awhile - "Aura" is not to be missed!

By the time the band calling itself Asia released Aura in 2001, most of what was left of its dwindling fan base had checked out. After the departure of their charismatic and famous lead singer/bassist/songwriter, John Wetton, in the early 90s, the lineup became increasingly unstable. Guitar legend Steve Howe returned at first, but after he and drummer Carl Palmer recorded only a portion of what would become 1992’s Aqua with keyboardist Geoff Downes and new lead John Payne, they both left simultaneously, requiring the record be completed with several session musicians. The perpetual revolving door of members then began turning faster than Blackmore’s Rainbow, with only Payne and Downes being consistent, resulting in a different-style sound with each new studio release. So, who could blame the fans for getting frustrated?But, it’s really a shame. While the third proper Payne/Downes album, Arena, was far removed from the original Asia sound, it was actually one of their strongest. It featured a fresh, new direction, incorporating world music, soul, New Age, prog metal and even new wave into something very authentic and non-contrived. At times even reminiscent of Santana, it was heartfelt and surprising for a band mostly known for a blustery, bombastic arena rock style.Aura, then, actually continues this direction, evolving it into an even more consistent and strong work as a whole. Where Arena could sometimes lapse into more cliched celebrations of the genres it experimented with, Aura more solidly and seamlessly works them into its unique style. After a vibrant, spiritual opening with “Awake”, Santana-like jams again appear in “Kings of the Day”, “You’re the Stranger” and “Aura”, while heavy progger “Free” and the soaring synth-pop of “The Last Time” showcase legendary guests Steve Howe and underrated Saga axe master Ian Crichton. The latter is especially delicious, featuring a lead dual between both men where you get to hear Howe’s trademark slide and pick style against Crichton’s distinctive warbling lines and tasteful crunch. The record is not absolutely perfect; the low-key “On the Coldest Day In Hell” veers a tad too much into adult contemporary territory. But when considered in the context of the rest of the album, even it contributes to the overall beautiful atmosphere that is simultaneously energizing, relaxing and emotionally fulfilling. And if you are fortunate enough to get a limited edition copy, you’ll find that the bonus tracks are just as good. Like that line in “Come Make My Day”— “This Useless radio/There’s traffic everywhere”— how well it reflects the frustration and anxiety of modern, Western life.Yes, here is a masterpiece that will sadly go barely recognized, and that no lineup of Asia ever developed further. This lineup went back into a more stripped-down but predictable version of their Aqua/Aria years with Silent Nation, and then the reunion of the original members picked up where Astra left off. And while we can’t help but be pleased with that reunion, Aura is so good, so achingly beautiful, one could be forgiven for wishing Downes and Payne could have gone on just a bit longer so they could go back to developing its style. We can only hope this music will gain continuing life via the digital download and streaming world so it doesn’t just disappear forever.

I was looking for this album by ASIA.Tried other sources but searched amazon and found this used.But the quality is great and AURA is in my collection !

I have been delving into the John Payne era of ASIA alot more lately. I was always partial to the John Wetton era/original lineup, but I decided to dig deeper and see what the John Payne era had to offer. I started with Aqua, which definitely impressed me. So I went to check out Aura next! It is a very adventerous sounding album, almost like you are on a long journey. 'Free' was the first song I checked out, which blew my mind! Definitely one of the most under rated ASIA tracks out there. I had to check the rest of the album out, so I went ahead and bought it. Awake, Wherever You Are, The Last Time, On The Coldest Day In Hell, You're The Stranger, Aura and Come Make My Day were my particular favorites after my first 2 listens. This album is a must have for the ASIA fan! I will check out 'Aria' next!

I stumbled across this album a couple of months ago, and I have to admit I was not particularly eager to pony up and see what the boys were up to these days. But on a whim I took a chance and boy am I glad I did. It is a truly wonderful listening experience. It is a more mellow piece than much of their earlier work and that may turn off some of the hardcore fans, but it is a beautiful album. Very uplifting almost spiritual in nature. I think people that do not like this work have misplaced expectations, this is not the same band as in their 80's hey-days. But it has evolved into something just as good, just a bit different. There are 14 tracks on this CD and they are all solid, which let's face it, is pretty rare. I consider this album the equivalent of buried treasure and I am glad I stumbled upon it.

Una obra absolutamente brillante, quizá demasiado melódica, pero de una calidad indiscutible, con toda la banda al 100% de su capacidad creativa. Si te gustan los Asia no te defraudarán, entre otras cosas porque Asia no tiene ni un disco malo.

必ずしもASIAのアルバムではベストではないかもしれませんが、JP時代の最高傑作でしょう。突出した楽曲はありませんが80点から90点の粒よりのミディアムテンポの楽曲が配列され全曲心地良く流れていきます。演奏は超絶技巧よりもベテランならではのいぶし銀の技巧が安定したグルーヴ感を引き出しています。ある意味80年代中期のRUSHのアプローチに近いです。それにしてもこのアルバムのJPのボーカルは歴代のプログレバンドのなかでも屈指のものと言えます。これ以前のアルバムも決して悪くはありませんでしたがこのアルバムでは西城秀樹的なあのアクがなくなったせいで普通に上手くなった感じです。ミディアムレンジはいつものダウンズKEYに加えて個性派のギターがそれぞれ異なる彩を与えているせいでマンネリ感を上手に消しておりこの辺りも計算されています。中でもハウ先生やっぱりいい仕事してましたね。エリオットランドールも渋すぎです。発売当時西森マリーさんのレビューで芳しくない評価だったこともあり長らく聴くチャンスを逸してしまいましたが、90年代を代表するプログレの一枚ではないでしょうか。一般に名盤とされるアルバムにはこれよりも完成度の低いものがいっぱいありますから。

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

This CD is absolutely amazing. I'd venture to say it's probably their best overall work, although I still haven't heard Phoenix. There isn't a less-than-good song among the 14 tracks. As usual, amazing writing, composition, and musicianship. Some of the songs have a spiritual bent, not unexpected among a group of guys that have been around this long. This group is so under-exposed - it's such a shame. This work is a true gem!!

à mon écoute,c'est mon preféré! de trés bon morçeaux puis ce double contient un petit bijou en bonus 4 titre interprété par le guitariste de yes;steve howe à écouter sans moderation