WETTON-DOWNES
Icon
Frontiers Records 2005
www.johnwetton.co.uk

What’s the 4-1-1?
Wetton and Downes first came together as members of the eighties supergroup Asia, but went their separate ways in 1985. They crossed paths here and there throughout the years. After Downes appeared on Wetton’s solo album in 2003, the duo decided they wanted to do a project together that recaptured their classic Asia magic.

Genre
Melodic rock / pop rock / soft rock

The Good
“Let Me Go” starts off with a beautiful string introduction that abruptly switches to an in-your-face vocal. Wetton still has the melodic touch, while Downes carries him along with his pulsating key strokes. Their harmonics are spot-on. You tend to think this song is about getting out of a bad relationship, but the two have commented it’s about getting out of a record contract. “God Walks with Us” is an inspirational ballad about faith. Wetton flexes his powerful pipes with confidence and conviction. The added pan flute and piano only enhance the track. It’s sure to jerk an emotion or two out of you.

Wetton and Downes keep the spirituality theme going with “I Stand Alone”. The welcoming church organ section gives way to a driving AOR rocker. “Hey Josephine” has a little bit of everything driving it; clean acoustics, piercing electric licks, and pulsing keyboards. If you listen to the words carefully, it will bring a smile to your face when you figure out what it’s about. The serine ballad “In the End” is a duet between John Wetton and Annie Haslan. They sing about their enduring love and devotion.

The Bad
Nothing

The Verdict
You know that feeling when you reunite with an old friend after years apart? You know you can’t quite describe it, but you know it feels right. That’s Icon!

Did You Know?
In addition to the Icon album, Asia’s biggest hit “Heat of the Moment” has been licensed this year to be re-recorded as the lead song to the upcoming Pierce Brosnan movie The Matador.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne