Songwriters bassist/singer John Wetton, keyboardist Geoff Downes and producer Mike Stone really create a vibrant Rock/pop album. Don't Cry and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes were the big hits from this album. Never In A Million Years, My Own Time, Midnight Sun and Open Your Eyes are the other standout songs.

Songs from the likes of The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac and the producing qualities of Phil Spector seem to be a big influences on this album. Producer Mike Stone really creates a lush "wall of sound" quality that incorporates Geoff Downes' diverse and richly textured keyboards, Steve Howe's peerless guitar work, Carl Palmer's powerful drumming and John Wetton's impassioned vocals into a superb melodic Rock/pop album.

Call it Power Pop, Melodic Rock, either way if you're a fan of classic 80's rock then Alpha is a must have.


Rock That's Beautiful and Alluring   May 13, 2000
Steven Alexander (Tracy, CA United States)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This album is a definite classic. Asia's first ablum was a bit rougher (although overall they're not a very rough band, period) and this one shows a softer side to them. Sensitive, sweet, beautiful, yet still with a good beat and a full sound that drives this album home. Highlights are the classics "Don't Cry", "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", "Open Your Eyes", and "The Heat Goes On" accompanied by lesser known but still beautiful "Never In A Million Years", "My Own Time", and "Eye To Eye." Heck, I've named about 75% of the album right there. Really though, its tough to pick what stands out because the whole work is a masterpiece. Pick it up. This is only one of three outstanding Asia Albums.


Music Ahead of it's Time!   April 29, 1998
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This is absolutely one of the best rock albums ever. This may sound too strong, but after a couple of listenings you will see why. It is not just the fact that you have one of the best musicians around, gatehered in a supergroup (John Wetton/King Crimson, UK, Steve Howe/Yes, Geoffrey Downes/Buggles, Yes and Carl Palmer/Emerson, Lake & Palmer) but that the album is also superbly produced and as it was done in 1983, it sounds ahead of it's time even today. Powerfull vocals from one of the best voices in the bussines - J. Wetton, fantastic guitars from S. Howe, Keyboard magic from G. Downes and some of the best drumming in the world by C. Palmer. Although their first album ASIA received higher acclamation and succes, for me personally this one was more stronger vocaly and musicaly. Album that takes you to places in your past, present and future. Very strong but also very romantic. It is still music that nobody is able to copy or reproduce, nor these days, come ven close! Simfo/Melodic Rock at it's best. Favorites are: Don't Cry, The Smile has left your eyes, Eye to Eye, Heat Goes on and Open Your Eyes. Actually there isn't a song. It's a pity some tracks were left out, like Daylight. For this price you will be getting a superb album.


Solid second album   October 21, 1999
Todd M. Pence (Fairfax, VA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Although generally forgotten in the shadow of Asia's first album, Alpha is nonetheless a worthy follow-up and a strong album in its own right, even if it does not contain songs as visible as "Only Time Will Tell" or "The Heat of the Moment" from that album. This is actually in some ways a more diverse album, with different songs capturing your attention each time you listen to it. If you liked the debut, you'll probably want to get this one as well.


Asia is a magnificent, feel-good band!   April 20, 1999
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

"Alpha" is an indelibly vivacious Prog Rock powerhouse from Asia. This CD, along with their debut "Asia" (1982), "Astra" (1986), and "Then and Now" (1990), has the ability to uplift you from Life's most bleakest misfortunes! Why shouldn't it?! Asia combines John Wetton along with Prog Rock overlords Carl Palmer (ELP), Steve Howe (Yes), and Geoff Downes; that says it all! The guitar work and the keyboards are a work of art, and Wetton's vocals burst with inspirational energy in each song.

Every track on "Alpha" is musical medicine for the broken soul. The very best tunes include "Don't Cry", "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes", "Eye to Eye", "Midnight Sun", and "Open Your Eyes". However, I'm most madly in love with "My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)". This is one of the most positively healing rock tunes ever written! It seeks to tell you that you are worth something in this sometimes chaotic world, even if you do the right thing in your own way in lieu of much pain, opposition, or doubt because you know that good things will eventually come, even if you face it on your own. I don't think I would have ever gotten over breaking up with my First Love if it weren't for this song! God bless you, Asia!