Upon their formation in 1981, the British quartet Asia was immediately dubbed a supergroup as its members had previously spent time in such '70s stalwarts as King Crimson, Yes, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Despite their pedigrees as progressive-rockers, Asia brought a surprisingly concise and pop-oriented feel to their self-titled debut.

Released in 1982, Asia quickly topped the album chart, becoming the biggest record of the year. More unexpectedly was their mainstream pop radio success. The driving and muscular "Heat Of The Moment" - inspired by the Bjorn Borg/John McEnroe Wimbledon final the year before - was one of several songs to receive heavy airplay on album rock radio. As it was topping that chart, the song began to climb the US pop singles chart, too.

With pop radio being dominated by New Wave and synthesizer-driven acts, "Heat Of The Moment" stood out and entered the US Top 40 in May. By June, the song was entrenched in the Top Ten, whrer it would stay for much of the summer. It would eventually peak for three weeks at #4 and help make Asia one of the major success stories of 1982.

To hear this song, and many more hits from the '80s, log on to Pop Go The '80s

What You Can Expect If You Give Pop Go The '80s A Listen

Quick Reference To Pop Go The '80s Blog