Search - Asia :: Differant Worlds

Little Did John Payne Know

Glenn O. Kirms | Anywhere, USA | 07/31/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Little did John Payne know that soon after he would be parting ways with ASIA. Reading some excerpts from websites and his (GPS Band) it seems he might have been a little bit startled that all of a sudden he was out of the band. That's the music business. If you loved ASIA from their first three albums (many people think they broke up after that and are excited that the boys are back touring in 2007 - where have they been, they ask) this live cd might not be for you. It features second lead singer John Payne that recorded five studio albums with Geoff Downes as ASIA. Although I was never a huge fan of Payne's voice, only a few songs really delivered for me off their five albums, this live cd is proof that Wetton was the voice of ASIA. As I've said before Payne's voice just didn't fit the music. For this live outing it's a stretch. For the songs that he and Downes wrote, it's just okay. But then, as always he does sing the ASIA classics and his singing style is just lacking for these songs. Now, I know there are some die-hard fans out there of the Payne era ASIA so this is just a matter of personal opinion here. I loved the music of ASIA with Payne in the band and I hope they continue that with their new studio album coming out in 2008 with the original four members. So, if you only love Wetton singing ASIA do not purchase this as you will be disappointed. If you love Payne then you can add this to the multitude of live cd's that they put out between 1990 and 2005."

Half good

C. Cramer | Brighton, MI, USA | 09/11/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Disc 1 is not worth listening to if you are a fan of the original Asia line-up, yet disc two (all acoustic) has some redeeming qualities and seems to be the best way to hear the personnel of Asia on this 2 disc live recording."