Jane

The song "Jane" from John Wetton's 1994 album Battle Lines carries a distinct '80s vibe, despite its mid-'90s release, largely due to its synth-heavy sound and thick vocal harmonies. Co-written with Simon Phillips, a renowned drummer who also played on the track, "Jane" was crafted during Wetton's time in Los Angeles, where he was immersed in a creative hub of top-tier musicians and songwriters. In an interview with Something Else! Reviews, Wetton shared that he had stockpiled 45 songs for the album, with "Jane" making the final cut after careful trimming with producer Ron Nevison. The track features Steve Lukather of Toto on guitar, adding to its polished, AOR sheen. However, some fans, as noted in reviews on ProgArchives, found "Jane" a bit out of place, citing its retro sound as a departure from Wetton's progressive rock roots, with one reviewer humorously suggesting it could make prog fans "cringe."

Another layer of intrigue around "Jane" comes from its production context. Wetton described the recording process as a dream, with an unlimited budget for orchestral arrangements and access to stellar session players like Robert Fripp and Michael Landau. Yet, the album, initially released as Voice Mail in Japan, struggled to gain traction, partly because Virgin Records underwent a management shakeup, leaving the project without strong label support. Fans on Amazon have praised "Jane" for its radio-friendly hooks, with one reviewer noting its synth flourishes reminded them of "the 1980s calling to reclaim their Yamaha DX7." The song also appeared in Wetton's live sets, as evidenced by a 2001 YouTube performance cited on Peter Viney's Blog, showcasing its enduring appeal among his dedicated followers.

John Wetton's journey to becoming a progressive rock icon began in Willington, Derbyshire, where he was born on June 12, 1949, before moving to Bournemouth, Dorset. Influenced by his older brother Robert, a classical organist, Wetton initially explored music through church piano, playing bass lines to accompany Robert's organ practice. This sparked his lifelong love for bass, as he recalled in a biography on John Wetton Legacy, finding Bach's bass lines "incredibly interesting." Choosing rock over classical to carve his own path, Wetton started playing bass and singing in local bands like The Corvettes and the Palmer-James Group with Richard Palmer-James. His early band Mogul Thrash marked a significant step, blending jazz and rock, before he joined Family in 1971 and then King Crimson in 1972, cementing his reputation as a formidable bassist and vocalist.

Wetton's career skyrocketed with King Crimson's classic lineup alongside Robert Fripp and Bill Bruford, producing seminal albums like Larks’ Tongues in Aspic and Red. After Crimson's hiatus in 1974, he played with Roxy Music, Uriah Heep, U.K., and Wishbone Ash, showcasing his versatility. In 1981, Wetton co-founded the supergroup Asia with Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, and Carl Palmer, achieving massive success with their 1982 debut album, which sold ten million copies worldwide. His solo career, including Battle Lines, followed years of balancing band projects and collaborations, reflecting his knack for melodic songwriting and powerful vocals. Wetton passed away in 2017, but his legacy endures through his extensive discography and influence on artists like Billy Sheehan and Michael Sweet.

Fans can explore Wetton's work and legacy through his official website, John Wetton Legacy, which details his career and tributes. His official Facebook page remains active with updates and fan engagement, while the John Wetton Legacy Instagram shares archival photos and memories. On X, the @johnwettonmusic account posts about his music and related events. For fan communities, the John Wetton Fan Group on Facebook is a vibrant space for Zoo Freaks to connect, share memories, and discuss tracks like "Jane." Another fan-driven site, Prog & Rock, offers reviews and insights into Wetton's discography, keeping his spirit alive for new and longtime listeners.