"Rare" is a compilation album released by Asia, a British rock band, in 1999. Primarily a progressive rock group, Asia was formed in London in 1981. The band released the album "Rare" following a large number of line-up reshuffles and solo endeavors.
The album features 14 tracks including "The Mariner's Dream," "4 Minute Warning," and "Gregorian Earthlink." However, it represents a departure from the band's traditional progressive rock sound, as it is exclusively instrumental and features electronic music. The album was created mostly by John Payne and Geoff Downes, who at the time were the only members of the band.
"Rare" was intended to be a collection of ambient, reflective tracks, containing ideas and themes originally intended for movie soundtracks. Unique to its nature, the project showcases a different side of Asia, emphasizing mood and atmosphere over standard rock song structures.
This album is also distinctive because it allows listeners to appreciate the band's musicianship from a different perspective. While Asia's strong melodic sensibility still shines through, the tracks frequently shift focus to create a contemplative, ethereal listening experience that considerably veers from the more commercial catalog of Asia's work. Despite not being one of the band's hit albums, "Rare" still holds its significance in portraying the breadth and depth of Asia's musical talents.
