Alpha is the second album by Asia and musically it ties in with the first record, but it's different. In comparison with the enormously successful debut album, Alpha focuses more on mainstream pop rock sounds and is less characterized by progressive rock elements. In my opinion, they have implemented the label's commercial wishes too much and have lost their individuality. The songs are structured in a simple way, one and two verses, a chorus and finally a lame fade-out at the end. The simple framework of a song that is spoiled for success. Overall not a bad album and yet worth listening to, but a perfect example of how stupid, greedy record bosses of a band take their radiance and only thinking for profit. A few official facts: The album has received lukewarm reception from music critics. J. D. Considine in his review for Rolling Stone described Alpha as "a sort of sonic confection, a concoction of tasty melodies, sweet harmonies and goopy lyrics intended more for greedy consumption than for artistic appreciation". Chas de Whalley of Kerrang! was less than restrained and openly said that "this album is complete and utter rubbish from beginning to end and a waste of the good vinyl it's pressed on". Tom Demalon has given the album a retrospective rating of three stars out of five on AllMusic. "Don't Cry", "My Own Time (I'll Do What I Want)" and "Open Your Eyes" have been selected as three "Track Picks". He has compared the album with Asia and has summarized that "nothing on Alpha packs the sheer sonic force of the band's debut." Well, I even still have the third album (Astra) in my closet and even with new guitarists they didn't come close to their old strength, comes at some point in this theater, but after that my interest was finally extinguished, suitable for a cold, gray & rainy Sunday, ENJOY!
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