Asia – Alpha (1983) [Audio Fidelity 2017] [SACD / Audio Fidelity – AFZ 263]

Title: Asia – Alpha (1983) [Audio Fidelity 2017]
Genre: Rock
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Alpha, the second studio album by British rock band Asia, released in 1983, achieved platinum status in the US, selling nearly two million copies, but marked the last with the original lineup—featuring guitarist Steve Howe—until 2008’s Phoenix and Howe’s return for 1992’s Aqua. Following the supergroup’s acclaimed debut, Alpha disappointed, landing with lackluster impact despite a Top Ten chart position and the hit single “Don’t Cry.” Lacking the sonic punch of its predecessor, the album leans on lightweight, keyboard-heavy ballads like “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” (a Top 40 hit) and “My Own Time (I’ll Do What I Want),” with only the closing track “Open Your Eyes” offering any real intensity at its end. Rumored creative tensions, tepid reception, and weak tour sales led to John Wetton’s exit by year’s end, making Alpha a sorely disappointing follow-up to a promising start.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

Tracklist:

01. Don’t Cry
02. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
03. Never In A Million Years
04. My Own Time (I’ll Do What I Want)
05. The Heat Goes On
06. Eye To Eye
07. The Last To Know
08. True Colors
09. Midnight Sun
10. Open Your Eyes

Personnel:

John Wetton – vocals, bass
Steve Howe – guitars
Geoff Downes – keyboards
Carl Palmer – drums

Note:

Mastered for this SACD by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio.
Authoring by Stephen Marsh at Marsh Mastering.

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