This marriage of four players with impressive pedigrees proved to be the success story of 1982 when Asia's debut lodged itself at the top of the U.S. album charts for two months. The album spawned a massive number four single in "Heat of the Moment," a follow-up Top 20 hit in the sweeping "Only Time Will Tell," and a handful of other tracks that received heavy radio play despite going against the grain of the new wave styling of the day. Produced by Mike Stone, Asia's strengths were the powerful vocals of John Wetton, the nimble, classically tinged guitar work of Steve Howe, Geoffrey Downes' majestic keyboard playing, and anchoring the band, Carl Palmer's propulsive drumming. The lyrics are overwrought at moments, but there's no denying the epic grandeur of the music, which provided some much-needed muscle to radio at the time, and did so with style. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide
The album reached #1 in the U.S. on the Billboard album charts, and according to Billboard was the best-selling album in the United States for the year 1982.[1]Asia was certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA on February 10, 1995.
The album contains the band's biggest hit and signature song, "Heat of the Moment", which reached #4 in the U.S. on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Live in Moscow ·Alive at Hollowed Halls ·Now (Nottigham) ·Live In Buffalo ·Dragon Attack ·Asia Enso Kai (Live in Tokyo 83) ·Quadra ·Live in Massachusetts ·Fantasia: Live in Tokyo ·Extended Versions
