Don’t Cry

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as we spin "Don't Cry" by Asia from their 1983 album Alpha. This track, a synth-driven rocker, was the first single off the album and hit number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, also claiming the top spot on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. In a 1983 radio interview, keyboardist Geoff Downes shared that the song was a last-minute addition, written in a rush because the band felt the album needed a stronger opener. Downes said, "I had an idea, John [Wetton] had another idea, and we cemented them together," highlighting the collaborative spark behind its creation. The song’s lyrics, pulsing with hope and devotion, speak to a new relationship’s promise, urging a partner to leave past struggles behind. Its B-side, "Daylight," didn’t make the Alpha LP but appeared on cassette editions and hit number 24 on the Mainstream Rock charts. The music video, with its pseudo-Indiana Jones vibe, cost over $100,000 to produce due to elaborate set designs, a bold move that stirred chatter among fans on Reddit, with some wondering why they didn’t lean into a sci-fi fantasy theme instead.

The recording of "Don't Cry" wasn’t without drama. Alpha was tracked at Le Studio in Quebec and Manta Sound in Toronto, but tensions simmered within the band, particularly between vocalist John Wetton and guitarist Steve Howe. The record label, Geffen, pushed Wetton and Downes to write all the songs after their hits on the debut album, sidelining Howe’s contributions. Howe’s only song credit, "Lying to Yourself," ended up as a B-side, reworked from an earlier piece called "Barren Land" after label execs feared its Native American theme was too controversial. Producer Mike Stone’s final mix, described by Howe as a "wall of sound," left the band dissatisfied, and technical glitches delayed the album’s release. Fans on Progarchives note that Alpha’s polished, radio-friendly sound marked a shift from the band’s progressive roots, sparking mixed reviews—Rolling Stone called it a "sonic confection," while Kerrang! was harsher, labeling it "utter rubbish." Still, the song’s catchy energy and Wetton’s emotive vocals made it a staple, with Wetton later recording a solo acoustic version for his 1996 album Akustika: Live in Amerika.

Asia formed in London in 1981 as a supergroup of progressive rock veterans. John Wetton, formerly of King Crimson and U.K., linked up with Yes guitarist Steve Howe through Geffen Records’ A&R man John Kalodner. They were joined by Yes keyboardist Geoff Downes and Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer, creating a lineup that promised a blend of prog virtuosity and mainstream appeal. Early sessions saw auditions from Roy Wood of The Move and Trevor Rabin, but Rabin later said there was "no chemistry," and the core four solidified. Their debut album, Asia (1982), was a massive hit, topping the Billboard 200 for the year with "Heat of the Moment" peaking at number 4. The band’s logo and album art, crafted by Roger Dean (known for Yes and Uriah Heep), became iconic, though Geffen’s John Kalodner initially resisted Dean’s involvement. Asia’s early tours sold out theaters and arenas, fueled by heavy MTV rotation, and they earned a Grammy nod for Best New Artist in 1982. Despite their debut’s success, Alpha’s commercial leanings and internal strife—Wetton briefly left in 1983—marked a turbulent chapter, but the original lineup reunited for albums like Phoenix (2008).

Connect with Asia on their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates, including their upcoming April 2025 shows at Trading Boundaries in the UK. Fans can dive deeper on Progarchives, a hub for progressive rock enthusiasts, or join discussions in the Asia Fan Group on Facebook. The r/yesband subreddit also buzzes with Asia chatter, given Howe and Downes’ Yes roots. For Zoo Freaks craving more, these spots offer a treasure trove of stories, setlists, and debates about Asia’s prog-to-pop evolution. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more vibes from the Zoo Crew!