One of the best progressive bands of the 1980s, Asia gave us nothing but the best progressive rock. Featuring John Wetton (of King Crimson, Uriah Heep and U.K. fame), Steve Howe (of Yes fame), Geoff Downes (of The Buggles and Yes fame) and Carl Palmer (of Emerson Lake & Palmer fame), the group released three superb records in the eighties.

It's so cool to have them back! I had heard rumors for months before this had been released that after the tour that the band had planned to go back into the studio to record a new record.

And the result is perfection. I think this should have come before 'Astra,' personally. Wetton's voice is superb; it's a little deeper and huskier than in the eighties, but it's just awesome. At 58, Wetton's voice is awesome.

The highlights here for me are 'Never Again,' which features great keyboard lines from Geoff Downes throughout, 'An Extraordinary Life,' a tune that I think would have sounded great on 'Alpha,' and 'Sleeping Giant/No Way Back,' an epic Asia tune.

The whole record is great, though. This is a superb album for any Asia fan. This is highly recommended for anyone who loves Asia like I do. If you were disappointed with 'Astra,' than you'll love 'Phoenix' even more. This record won't let you down.

It's not a masterpiece, but it's easily one of the best records of 2008. I've been waiting for an Asia comeback for a long time, and hear it is! And it's even better than I thought it would be!

Highly recommended for any Asia fan.

ENJOY!!!

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ms_shanda2205 I love all your music keep it coming