First and foremost don't expect the Asia of Arena, Aria, Aqua, or even Astra, Asia, or Alpha. This version of Asia pulls together all past efforts, and then some. Amazingly, sounds from the 70s, 80s, 90s and even present sounds are brought together into what I would describe as timeless. The production is crisp, well-balanced, and very studio-like. All of the guys are indeed professional musicians, and it shows. Quality is what comes to mind. John Payne has never sounded better. Where he was once tolerable with Aqua, and matured with Arena, he has come to fruition with Aura, where he blends warmth, excitement, coolness, and sadness together into a very emotionally deep experience. Payne is easily one of the best singers around today, quite an accomplishment considering that few replacement lead singers have ever succeeded in gaining the attention of the 'former' fan base, much less their respect. Payne has indeed earned his stripes with this release.

One of things I notice right away is the atmosphere that Aura sets-up for the listener. Aura will take you back to the keyboard feel of the Wetton-Era; when melody ruled and Geoff Downes enchanted the listener with unworldly chord progressions and keyboard rifts. Where Arena was potent by having the music add effect to the singer, Aura is potent because the music and singer blend together in unison; something that was accomplished superbly with Alpha. There is a feeling of oneness with Alpha, and now with Aura the listener is absorbed into the theme, emotion and fantasy of the artist almost against will. Aura will very likely be a favorite of BOTH Wetton-Era and Payne-Era fans because it is highly harmonic and illuminates its message with subtle beauty, its not as in your face as Astra, Aqua, Aria or even Arena.

For those of you that liked the direction Asia was taking with Arena, the predecessor to Aura, you may not find this album to be overwhelmingly progressive in the traditional sense of the word, and you may even be taken back a-bit. Before subscribing to any idea too staunchly, there are good reasons to reconsider. Although the band doesn't experiment with varying sounds and genres as much as it did with its last compilation, it very much can be defined as progressive. The keyboard selections are reminiscent of what sets much of progressive rock apart from the rest of rock; the lead sounds are melodic and untimely. More importantly, the message from this album is as progressive as it gets. Progressive rock is not only defined by it's experimental nature, but it encourages the listener to consider life and where humanity has been, is and may progress to in the future. This is what makes Asia's latest release so appealing and creative. It pulls together with utter balance the lyrics, music and singer. The listener is very tempted to become enveloped by the art, in other words, there is a streak of genius-like emotive expression pervading this take. The words are very constructive, inventive, and unique. Aura is Asia's most daring album lyrically. Songs about humanities past, present, future, religion, mythology, history, archetypes, and even new age impressionism paint this album throughout. This is what progressive music is all about. Thankfully, Payne pulls off the message without preaching, instead he fills us with energy, possibility, and inspiration. Aura has a 'blue' emotional tone to it, and yet its message is very hopeful. This combination is the very essence of spirit. Interestingly, the human spirit is thought to radiate from the Aura. Masterfully, Asia's latest shines!