Asia - Arena CD

 wonderful edition
i first listened to arena back in 96 when it was released. and i loved it. sonically it hasn't changed a lot since then, but there was pretty much nothing to change. the album sounds great. on this cd, inside it states that it's been remastered, but i overlistened and abx-ed tracks from this album and the previous snapper release. noticed no change. what you will love about this cd is the great presentation, booklet and glossy embossed slipcase. looks like finally there has been made justice to this great album. 5 stars! p.s.: aqua seems really remastered (the special edition), sounds more powerful and not compressed. no louder is better here :)
Submitted by Daniel (London, ON, Canada) 
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 An Asian Masterpiece
This is probably the most diverse of any Asia recording.It's a shame they didn't have a label prior to putting down the tracks,because they didn't have enough support for a USA tour then.Arena shows the greatness of the musical minds of Geoff Downes and John Payne.If you missed the Asia tours since 2001 when they have been coming back to the USA,you've missed the best.
Submitted by teomuchofeo (Des Plaines,IL,USA)
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 Simply Brilliant
Keeping drummer, virtuoso, Michael Sturgis, (from British M.I.T School and from the band 21 guns, who also features guitarist Scott Gorham) and bringing the more, diverse and alternative styles of veteran Elliott Randall(Steely Dan), and Aziz Ibrahim( Simply Red and later, H Band) for the guitar spots, 1996's Arena brings back that fresh and direct acustic and electronic sound of the old times. Elliot Randall fits in emulating Steve Howe's sound perfectly, Aziz Ibrahim, on the other hand is in charge of the the stronger patterns and rhythms giving the best of their performances on; Heaven, Two Sides of The Mon, Words and Tell Me Why?, another awesome contribution comes on the percussions of Luis Jardim and of course John Payne is singing very emotional too. This album is another great step on Geoff Downes career who uses his machines as central pivot to create his sounscapes and visions, shinning through the hole record keeping the spirit of the original band with a more "Analog" approach, a natural progression, with more mature and sometimes complex arrangementes, Arena has some high and powerful moments like the instrumental opener and song: "Into the Arena" and "Arena", the strong epic; The Day Before the War, perhaps one of the best songs in Asia's catalog, the heavy, U Bring Me Down, the uplifting, Turn It Around and the closing Bella Nova(following the tradition another instrumental finishes the album), a great return to past progressive and symphonic territories.
Submitted by rodrigo trupp , trupprodrigo (Chicago, Il, usa)
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 Best Asia Album.
Asia is better then ever on this cd.There is not a weak tune on the album.A must for all music lovers.
Submitted by Gyurika (Canada)
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 Totally Mint
The best Payne era Asia album yet.Near perfect sound quality and this CD has a nice flow to it with no dead spots.
Submitted by a reviewer (Naperville,IL)
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