Phil Manzanera & John Wetton - One World (CD)

All Music Guide

Following his departure from Asia, Wetton teamed up with Phil Manzanera, fresh from his hiatus from Roxy Music for this album. What should have been a classic rock album is sadly a clichéd mess. In an attempt to sound current, both Wetton and Manzanera emersed themselves in a genre of music in which they do not belong. Heavy drum sounds, screeching guitars, love-lost lyrics, and dance beats are all there, but the classic bass of Wetton and Manzanera's trademark melodic guitar solos are nowhere to be found. At times the two sound like Chris DeBurgh during his peak 1980s sound and nothing like their UK or Roxy contributions. It is hard to believe that one track had a writing contribution from David Gilmour, as it is a very drab song. Even Alan White's contribution is lost in the heavy production sound. Here is one of the greatest rock drummers reduced to programming a typical dance beat. Overall, a very disappointing outing for both Wetton and Manzanera. Both have made much better albums... that fans should explore before buying this CD. - Aaron Badgley, All Music Guide Read more Less