John Wetton has certainly made his mark as the singer of Asia and UK, and a member of King Crimson, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash, Family and Roxy Music. He’s also managed to release a few solo albums and the ‘best’ from these are collected on The Studio Recordings Anthology (Volume 1).
There’s the tight snap of “Last Thing On Mind,” which follows the lush instrumental “The Circle Of St. Giles,” both from Wetton’s 1997 album, Arkangel. “Lost For Words” is a poppy mover with a catchy chorus, a tune from 2011’s Raised In Captivity that sees Deep Purple guitarist Steve Morse adding a few licks. As will be the case in lots of these 32 tunes, very well-known players lend their talents to much of John Wetton’s solo work.
A plucked guitar with piano, plus a string synth, reach for dramatic gold on the ballad “Hold Me Now” with Wetton in full voice. Thunder and lightning cracks begin the sweet guitar and piano opening of “Arkangel,” featuring Wetton singing at the top of his range. There’s also a studied Robert Fripp guitar solo here. “Woman” is a low bass slow mover with a decidedly shimmering guitar on top that ends Arkangel. When you hear songs like these, you really know there isn’t anyone with a voice quite like John Wetton.
“Heart of Darkness” starts off with instrumental keys folding into a big thick bass flumping a steady synth drum beat. This song from 2000’s Sinister is pure Asia-influenced Wetton, maybe slightly dated for the 21st century as it boasts pure 80s bombast, but the prog mixes well with the choruses. “Steffi’s Ring” is a medieval-sounding acoustic tune featuring Wetton’s Asia and Icon bandmate Geoff Downes on a lilting keyboard solo.
“Who Will Light A Candle?” and “Rock Of Faith” from Rock Of Faith are the best tunes here with Wetton and Downes working their magic together. The former is a lush killer that sees Downes manning all manner of keys, accompanied by subtle little trills. “Rock Of Faith” features rising guitars and Wetton reaching for sustained thrown-to-the-back wall notes. The booklet in The Studio Recordings Anthology (Volume 1) provides a good amount of information that spans Wetton’s solo output, certainly deserving of this kind of collection.
~Ralph Greco, Jr.
