Search - Asia :: Axioms

Best of Asia in the '90's

Burritoman "USA" | Pennsylvania | 07/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While there are a few essential tracks missing, "Axioms" is still a marvelous compilation of the great Asia material of the '90's. Of course, the best way to hear Asia is to get all three of their classic cd's (now available as a low-priced box set of "Aqua", "Aria" and the amazing "Arena"), but this is a terrific sampler. If you enjoy smooth, adult rock, Asia (the Geoff Downes-John Payne lineup) is definitely for you."

Good collection, could have had more...

Prog Nerd | Southern California | 06/10/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Axioms is a late-90's collection of Asia's best music from that decade, spanning three albums. All the best cuts from this era are represented (at last, more from Arena!) and the track-sequencing is superb. Disc 1 starts and ends with short Geoff Downes instrumental keyboard pieces, while Disc 2 starts and ends with short full-band songs that lyrically and musically bookend everything perfectly.



I'd give this 5 stars, but it gets one less for having each CD be just under an hour. Over twenty minutes of music could have been put on each one. Then, upon reflection, I realized that if all of the good 90's era Asia tracks were on this set, no one would buy the standard albums...



Having said that, Axioms is a good affordable set ($ 12.99 in many stores) and an excellent sampler for 90's Asia if you've only heard the early years with John Wetton ('82-'90), or are a fan of other prog-rock, such as ELP, Yes, King Crimson, Saga, Marillion etc. Track selection is superb, BTW, and there's some tasty liner notes by Asia expert Dave Gallant."

Where is the bass?

Julio F. Lopez | USA | 09/26/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Asia is one of my favorite bands. The music has a "stealth" complexity to it, that one picks up only after several times in the disc player. This CD fits the bill for what one would purchase a Greatist Hits CD; an overview only hitting the highlights. I don't think you'll be disappointed, but know what you are purchasing before putting your money down. As a fan of Prog Rock, I cannot say this disk of Asia's truly fits the bill. The music on this CD is more Rock with a contemporary feel touched by progressive aspects/signatures. Many have faulted Payne for his singing. I don't think the critism is warranted, he is just a different singer than Wetton (who I am a huge fan of); however, where I do fault Payne is his lack of musical personality when playing his instrument (bass guiter). One can say, "Where is the bass, or rythm SECTION for this band?" Asia compensates by picking up GREAT drummers, but I think this is a band-aid as every true Prog Rock act will have personality from ALL their players. I just wish Asia would pick up a great Bass Player ala' Jeff Berlin (not fair I know as Jeff is a great Jazz Fusion musician, but I hope you get the idea). Despite my criticism, Asia's music still grows on me."