Song#: 1654
Date: 10/15/1983
Debut: 65
Peak: 34
Weeks: 13
Genre: Arena Rock
Pop Bits: Asia grabbed their second Pop Top 10 and second #1 Rock hit when "Don't Cry" was issued as the first single from their second album Alpha. For the follow-up, the band chose this big ballad, which found its way inside the Top 40. It seemed to be sure bet to do well at Rock, but it could only muster a #25 showing. The LP was able to reach #6, but the lack of a second significant single put a dent in its popularity. It did get certified platinum, but that was considered a disappointment after their 4x platinum results of their debut.
ReduxReview: If it wasn't already evident that Asia jumped from prog-rock-ish fare to more commercial pop/rock with Alpha, this song should have made that abundantly clear. Honestly, I think this song is a mess. First off, it is just the wrong song for Asia. Their debut was dense and meaty and refrained from a lot of flowery romantic fluff. Could Styx get away with it? Sure. Can Asia? Nope. It is also way over produced. It's too loud and muddy for such a sappy song. The worst part - those effects that seem to want to mimic cannons or explosions at the peak of the song. When I hear that part, I always feel that glittery confetti should be showering down. It just doesn't work. Now, that said, in general I do like the song. I think there is potential here for something good. I just don't think Asia was the band to do it.
ReduxRating: 5/10
Trivia: While only two proper singles were released from the album, three other tracks were circulated for airplay on Rock radio. All three reached the chart. The best showing was from "The Heat Goes On," which reached #5. The other two were "True Colors" (#20) and "Daylight" (#24). The results were good, but considering that their debut album had six Rock chart entries with three of those going Top 10, the five from Alpha were not as strong.
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