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Reviews

Geoffrey Downes — Evolution
(Blueprint BP215CD, 1994/1996, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-02-01

Evolution Cover art

Downes of course was a one-time member of Yes; in the absence of Wakeman and Moraz he took over the keyboard duties on their Drama album while former Buggles associate Trevor Horn did his best Jon Anderson impersonation. Since then, Downes has been the main mover in the increasingly commercially oriented rock band Asia (see review of their Archiva album elsewhere in these pages). Evolution is Downes latest solo offering, basically tracing the evolution of his personal influences. To be a bit more to the point, Evolution is an album of programmed easy-listening versions of (mostly) 80s pop hits. All your favorites are here: "Africa," "Little Lies," "Alone," "Who's Crying Now," "Babe," "I Want to Know What Love Is," "Final Countdown," and seven others. If you think you'd like to hear lightweight instrumental versions of these tunes performed exclusively on synths with drum machines backing, stripped of all their original edge, then by all means check this one out. This should be a big hit in supermarkets.

Filed under: Reissues, Issue 11, 1996 releases, 1994 recordings

Related artist(s): Geoff Downes

 

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