Asia - Alpha

Following their smash hit 1982 self-titled debut (click here for that review), the guys from Asia returned to the studio to work on their next album. The result was 1983’s Alpha which today (July 26th) is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary.

Alpha charted at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 200, number 5 in the UK and number 4 in Japan.

Asia - Asia

In 1981, a British rock super group was formed with members from a number of former progressive rock bands. Keyboardist Geoff Downes was a member of Yes and the Buggles. Guitarist Steve Howe was a member of Yes, GTR and Tomorrow. Drummer Carl Palmer was a member of Emerson, Lake & Palmer, and Atomic Rooster. Lead singer, bassist and guitarist John Wetton had previously been a part of King Crimson, Uriah Heep, and Roxy Music. Together, the quartet became known as Asia.

On March 15th of 1982, thirty years ago from today, the group released their self-titled debut Asia. The record went multi-Platinum in the US and Gold in the UK. Chart-wise, it reached number 15 in Japan, number 11 in the UK and number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 200 chart (it spent seven non-consecutive weeks at the top spot). In fact, Billboard has gone on record to say that it was the best-selling album in the US for the year of 1982.