Search - Wetton/Downes :: Icon

Asia revisited

George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 05/18/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Good

"Let Me Go" starts off with a beautiful string introduction that abruptly switches to an in-your-face vocal. Wetton still has the melodic touch, while Downes carries him along with his pulsating key strokes. Their harmonics are spot-on. You tend to think this song is about getting out of a bad relationship, but the two have commented it's about getting out of a record contract. "God Walks with Us" is an inspirational ballad about faith. Wetton flexes his powerful pipes with confidence and conviction. The added pan flute and piano only enhance the track. It's sure to jerk an emotion or two out of you.



Wetton and Downes keep the spirituality theme going with "I Stand Alone". The welcoming church organ section gives way to a driving AOR rocker. "Hey Josephine" has a little bit of everything driving it; clean acoustics, piercing electric licks, and pulsing keyboards. If you listen to the words carefully, it will bring a smile to your face when you figure out what it's about. The serine ballad "In the End" is a duet between John Wetton and Annie Haslan. They sing about their enduring love and devotion.



The Bad

Nothing



The Verdict

You know that feeling when you reunite with an old friend after years apart? You know you can't quite describe it, but you know it feels right. That's Icon!"

Interesting...but classic ASIA fans will be disappointed

A. Calabrese | NJ--United States | 05/30/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased the Italian import of ICON. Despite the imprint on the outer cover stating "The incredible reunion of two of the supergroup ASIA founding members" this CD really has nothing to do with ASIA. So if you are hoping for the original ASIA sound you will be seriously disappointed. The artist billing on this CD is Wetton/Downes in that order, and that is appropriate. This is really a John Wetton CD and like all his CD's can be fairly introspective. Though, like all of his efforts, while impeccable, Geoff Downes keyboard work just seems along for the ride. The better cuts on this musical effort are the hymn God Walks With Us, the heartfelt I Stand Alone, the peaceful Sleep Angel, and the crown jewel of this CD In The End. ICON will appeal to the true John Wetton fan. There was not much in it for this Geoff Downes fan. The real bonus of purchasing this CD is the added vocal of Annie Haslam of Renaissance fame. She really shines on In The End. Also of note on this CD is John Mitchell, currently of KINO. If you are a classic line up ASIA fan proceed with caution, on the other hand this is not an unpleasant album."

A Tale Of Two Icons

the matman | home of the simpsons | 05/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thought of several clever ways to review John Wetton / Geoff Downes new project "Icon". My first was a little wordy jaunt complete with Asia - isms and nods to the pyramids with every sentence. My next exercise in reviewing was to compare each song on the disc to one from their collective pasts. Then I thought, why not just say what you think of the music and see what happens. Ok, here we go.



I went into this with so much excitement. Since I first heard "Heat of the Moment" way back in 8th grade, I was hooked by Asia. I followed their career with great excitement and when Wetton left the band around 1992, I went with him. They say you can never go home again, but at least they can rent a room.



"Icon" kicks off in the fine Asia tradition with "Let Me Go", a rocky song of defiance in the face of turmoil. To me it sounds like a b - side track left from Astra. That is not a bad thing. I put "Lying to Yourself" and "Daylight" in my Asia top ten. It is great to hear the orchestral keyboards, a Downes trademark throughout the cd. "I Stand Alone" illustrates this fact, a quirky mix of "Pet Sounds" and ABBA. "God Walks With Us" is another stand out track. Self reflecting, haunting and very beautiful. As the disc progresses, the songs become softer and more personal. It appears the duo are not the same two men they were in the 80's and are quite happy where they are now.



Over the years, Wetton and Downes have worked with some brilliant and high profile musicians. "Icon" brings together a collection of some of the best. Ian McDonald (flutes), Hugh McDowell (cello) and Annie Haslam (vocals) blend beautifully with Steve Christey (drums) and John Mitchell (guitars). Mitchell provides a David Gilmour flavor to the songs and once again, shows how underrated he is as a player.



Overall, "Icon" is not the second coming of Asia, it is the return of two old friends.

"