Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Darby Self)
For many rock bands that formed during the glam pop-rock era of the ’80s, only time will tell how well they will be remembered as decades pass.
Asia is a classic supergroup rock band that was formed back in 1981 in London. The original band was composed of lead vocalist John Wetton, drummer Carl Palmer, keyboardist Geoffrey Downes and guitarist Steve Howe. Asia’s style is best defined by its upbeat and catchy choruses that define the sound of the ’80s.
The band first rose to fame through the songs on their titular 1982 album, “Asia,” which was the #1 rock album in 1982 according to the “Billboard” magazine.
Their first single, “Heat of the Moment,” was an instant hit when it came out, charting at #4 for six weeks in 1982 according to the “Billboard” Hot 100. To this day, it is the band’s most popular song by a long shot, having been referenced in lots of outside media such as “Supernatural” and “South Park.”
It is no surprise that this song is song is so well-remembered, since you can’t resist the feeling of nostalgia that sweeps over you once you hear the chorus. The upbeat guitar and outstanding vocals strike you as soon as you start listening.
It tells the story of a man reminiscing on a falling out between him and his girlfriend in his youth, dismissing it as an occurrence that just happened in the heat of the moment. The meaning behind this song is resonant with many people, particularly the lyrics that sing, “What were the things you wanted for yourself/teenage ambitions you remember well?”
“Heat of the Moment” is a great song in its own right and very impressive for a band’s first single. But another good contender for their best song was also released in 1982 titled “Only Time Will Tell.”
The song’s first verse starts with a gentle pop beat, as the singer remembers how his girlfriend left. The song starts to pick up more when Wetton would sing one stanza and the rest of the band would chime in with the phrase “only time will tell.” Most importantly, the chorus is unique and powerful, as all the voices sing “Lost, like the tears that used to tide me over.”
While this song is nowhere as famous as “Heat of the Moment,” it is a nice change of pace with its slower and gentler tune, displaying the uncertain yet hopeful feelings one might undergo after a breakup.
After their first album, the band continued to release other great songs such as “Don’t Cry,” a prominent song from their 1983 album “Alpha,” which also captures the classic ’80s upbeat feeling and synth.
Even though not much is heard from this band in the modern day, it can still provide a lot of tunes that can take you back in time to this unique era of rock music.
RECOMMENDED WORKS: Heat of the Moment | Only Time Will Tell | Don’t Cry
