A VETERAN songwriter from Wirral has landed a major international credit on the new album by progressive rock legends Asia.
Dean Johnson, from Oxton, co-wrote the track Change Of Heart on the band’s 14th studio album, Indigo, which was released on Friday (November 6) and is their first new studio album in 12 years.
Dean wrote the song alongside Grammy-nominated producer Chris Braide and Asia co-founder Geoffrey Downes, the keyboardist also known for his work with Buggles and Yes.
Asia formed in London in 1981 and was a collaboration between four members of different progressive rock bands who had enjoyed great success in the 1970s: lead vocalist and bassist John Wetton (King Crimson, Uriah Heep and U.K.), guitarist Steve Howe (Yes), keyboardist Downes and drummer Carl Palmer (Atomic Rooster and Emerson, Lake & Palmer).
Their self-titled debut album, released in 1982, remains their best-selling album and went to number one in several countries.
Downes praised Dean’s lyrical approach.
He said: "Dean's lyrics, rather than being a love plea, the message is more in line with 'let’s see what happens if there is a change of heart.'
"It is not a demanding 'I want you back' statement, but 'in case you have a thought about it, I’m open to that.'
"It mirrors a lot of people’s relationships.
"I think it is a perfect track to come through after such a powerful opener.
The collaboration is the latest chapter in a long-standing creative partnership between Dean and Braide, who met 25 years ago through Squeeze’s Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook.
While Braide went on to write and produce global hits for artists including Sia, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, and Chaka Khan, the pair have continued to work together over the years.
Asia’s current line-up features Downes alongside Harry Whitley, John Mitchell, and Virgil Donati.
Dean said: "To have songs I co-wrote included on an Asia album is a tremendous honor.
"Working with talents like Geoff Downes and my long-time friend Chris Braide has been an incredible journey, and it's amazing to see this track out in the world as part of such an iconic band's legacy."
Indigo also features cover art by renowned English artist Roger Dean, whose surreal landscapes and iconic logos have defined the visual identity of both Asia and Yes for decades.
Dean and Braide recently released a reworked version of their debut album The Upside, which was described by Record Collector’s Nick Dalton as 'Perfect pop'.
Indigo is available now worldwide on CD, vinyl, and all major digital streaming platforms.
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