John Wetton - Agenda Review

John Wetton has been in a number of acts, whether it was in Family, King Crimson, Asia, or Wishbone Ash. Ey has had a long career in the music industry, so it is not surprising that "Agenda" is a solid album that shows all the skill that such a veteran would bring to the table. There are equal parts progressive metal and hard rock present during "Agenda", to the point that "Red" is an eight minute track that bounces between the styles for its complete runtime.


For those individuals that are looking for a CD that is well worth its purchase price, "Agenda" would have to be that. The 13 tracks on "Agenda" end right at the 73 minute mark, only a few minutes before Wettong would have had to spring for another disc. The first hit for Wetton has to be "Sole Survivor", which has the same writing credits as does perhaps the best known track played on this disc, "Heat of the Moment". The Asia tracks that are culled from the band's discography are a little more approachable than the more progressive tracks that are to be found here. "Nothing's Gonna Stand In Our Way" is another compelling track, with a chorus that will undoubtedly have individuals singing along well after the disc ends. The live setting does not factor in much to the overall sound of Wetton's tracks, as the audience is well behaved throughout the majority of the disc; the quality of the production on the disc is perfect, allowing for Wetton to shine.

When Wetton gets to "Heat Of The Moment", the style of the track is pretty far removed from the original version. The tempo present on the track is leagues faster than the original radio edit, while there is a little grunginess present during the song that individuals will relish. Going into a ska meets psychedelic bridge during the track is the final bit of icing on the cake, and this disc cements Wetton's abilities. It may be twenty years out from the time that ey spent with Asia, but the ability that ey has with the guitar has not diminished in the slightest. For any fan of Asia, Family, or the other acts Wetton has been in, "Agenda" is a fun live album that breaks free of the expectations that one might have of that style of music.