Phoenix is a return to the original 1982 line up with John Wetton back on lead vocals.Geoff Downes on keyboards,Carl Palmer on drums,and Steve Howe on Guitars.
The album sleeve is a welcome return to Roger Deans distinctive artwork,although,i think the inner sleeve is a better picture to the Outer cover.
Whatever the differences that ousted John Payne from the last incarnation,i must admit,i would prefer to see him back.
On first hearing,the album could almost be the next Wetton Downes Icon project.Wetton Downes co writing all tracks here.
Not as rocky as the John payne Asia,this is a far more melodic outing.The first 1982 Asia album stands out as a classic,this ,i'm afraid does not.
The opener,Never Again,is typical Asia,with trademark harmonies and layered keyboards.tHe majority of this album seems to be John Wetton reflecting on his life,especially his recent Heart surgery.This is particularily in evidence on the standout track here,"an Extraordinary Life."There is also an acoustic version of the track on the european version.