Classic Album War: Asia 'Asia' vs Yes '90125'

Join host Pete Pardo as he puts into battle today Asia's self titled 1982 debut vs the revamped Yes and their 1983 album '90125'. #yes #asia

[daveytrain]

I am loving these shows. Thanks Pete for introducing me to so much great music.

[raymondkizer]

The debut by Asia spent nine weeks at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and ended up as 1982's top selling album. It went platinum 4 times. I was in high school when this came out.

[howedelamitri]

That Asia album is fantastic. It's well regarded, but still underrated by the rock world.

[Footjones]

I am absolutely torn as far as which is my favorite. I bought them both when they first came out, wore those records out. "Headphone" albums at their finest. I might need a few days to decide. Great post, Pete. Thank you.

[jskypercussion]

To me I love these 2 albums way too much to take one over the other. They are both perfect. Every song is excellent and flows and fits perfectly on each album.

[jamiecruze]

I just saw them last night in Nashville. Was a great Show by everyone there. I did hope to see some 90215. These two albums were always in my car back in the 80's. Can't loose with either album.

[DpHsHd]

Asia has some lovely songs and Wetton’s voice was at its peak on this recording; a bit rougher live though. But it’s solidly AOR, which ain’t my bag. 90125 was much more edgy: the songwriting was exceptionally strong and the arrangements restrained (for Yes), with Rabin’s guitar bringing an unprecedented LA metal quality to the Yes sound. The clincher was to bring in Jon in lead vocals, which provided overall continuity with the Yes aesthetic within a transformed sonic setting. It’s a product of its time, and I rarely listen to the album these days, but in ‘83/4 it was on constant rotation.

Yes wins and Changes was the killer app.

[Mrtears]

Very tough. I love “Changes” by Yes. A very solid album with other hits. But I’ve gotta go with Asia. Two killer tracks with “Heat Of The Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell” back to back to kick off side one on that album. That was my childhood. So much nostalgia with those tunes.

[Geerladenlad]

As much as I like 90125 it's Asia for me!

[ProgueNation]

These were two from the first handful of albums that I ever owned. I LOVED both and both still inspire me to sing along and drum like a madman on my steering wheel. They fill my heart with nostalgia. I really can't say that I prefer one over the other. Bravo for bringing attention to both classic albums!

[mr]

funny you mentioned Drama. looking back after all these years, Drama was the best of the 3. Asia was more of the same and Yes was just copying on Asia's success. the 80's was the decade of the producer/production. all 3 albums were very heavy on production. i loved both albums at the time but they didn't age well. as for Drama i love it more today then back then.

[bobbycheetah]

I was in 8th grade school band ('82) when we did "Only Time Will Tell". Honestly I don't recall ever listening to Asia's first album. Based on the hits, I thought they were just a touch "sugary". It felt like they were trying to make radio songs. When 90125 came out, it just did something to me. To me, they sounded more artistic than Asia, even tho they were a bit more radio-friendly. I wasn't really fully aware of Yes before that album. I still play drums to this, and use the cd when testing a car stereo system. I really love the follow-up Big Generator too. Thx for the vid. Now I'll go get Asia's first one!

[corkydukeII]

90125 for me. 'It can happen' was one of my fave songs during that era

[MBF]

90125 all the way.
Especially for Hearts.
Hearts has one of the best endings to a song that I've ever heard.

[stevecowder]

Another toss up for me. Loved both of them from the get go. 2 of the greatest albums out of the early 80s.
Great contest once again Pete.

[davidpaul]

Love both albums. The element that both have in common is great production; Trevor Horn and Mike Stone get a lot of credit for what they did. For instance, the Heat of the Moment guitar sound came from seven different amps. That song is flawless.

[drummusicinc]

I remember being sick to death of all the hits from both albums...
I go with yes for the win because of Allen Whites playing on changes... stellar 🎶✌️🍺🔥

[swaggrrman]

Its all preference. But for me, ASIA every day.

[fenderstratocastertelecast]

I love both bands... and both albums...

The weird thing is the involving with trevor rabin in the beginnings of ASIA, the trevor horn production in YES being a former member, and of.course steve howe and geoff Downes as members in drama album, roger dean painting and designing asia cover and logo.... so much mutual facts

[micolsen]

Both are great albums.  Love both bands too.
For the record....ASIA did much better than YES, in the 21st century.