AMG Review of Chronicles

Rob Theakston
All Music Guide

Chronicles packages together (albeit rather flimsily) Asia's first three releases. Their self-titled debut contains two of their greatest hits, "Only Time Will Tell" and "Heat of the Moment," in a one-two sonic punch right off the bat. Unfortunately for casual fans, this isn't exactly indicative of Asia's pedigree, as the remaining two albums, 1984's Alpha and 1985's Astra, are woefully inconsistent and resound more with a thud than a bang. This may be ideal for fans wanting a convenient way to get the group's early works on disc, but casual fans would be better served in listening to 2003's sensibly priced 20th Century Masters collection for a more even tempered and comprehensive look at the arena rock supergroup.