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Heat of the Moment (Asia song)
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Wikipedia article
{{Infobox song
| name = Heat of the Moment
| cover = Asia Heat of the Moment single cover.jpg
| alt =
| border = yes
| caption = Cover of the European single
| type = single
| artist = Asia
| album = Asia
| B-side =
| released = April 1982
| recorded =
| studio =
| genre = Rock
| length = 3:50 (album version)
3:25 (single version)
| label = Geffen
| writer = John Wetton, Geoff Downes
| producer = Mike Stone
| prev_title =
| prev_year =
| next_title = Here Comes the Feeling
| next_year = 1982
| misc =
}}
"'Heat of the Moment'" is the first single released by English progressive rock supergroup Asia from their 1982 eponymous debut album. It was written by singer and bass guitarist John Wetton and keyboardist Geoff Downes. It was named by Lee Zimmerman of 'Paste' as Asia's signature song.
Background
Singer John Wetton said,
B-sides
"Time Again" is the B-side of the U.K. release. The song was written by all the band members, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, Carl Palmer and John Wetton, and can also be found on the 'Asia' album.
"Ride Easy" is the B-side of the singles released outside of the United Kingdom. This song was written by Wetton and Howe. It was never given a regular release on a studio album, but it was included in the EP 'Aurora' (1986), released only in Japan. It was released on CD on 'The Very Best of Asia: Heat of the Moment (1982-1990)' (2000).
Development
"Heat of the Moment" was the last song recorded for the album. John Kalodner of Geffen asked the band for a single: Wetton had an idea for the chorus and Downes had an idea that made the verse and they wrote the song in an afternoon. The line "You catch a pearl and ride the dragon's wings" was inspired by Roger Dean's artwork for the album.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KybT1T0CKtA Roger Dean and Geoff Downes in conversation, Roger Dean YouTube channel]
Howe overdubbed his Gibson Les Paul Junior playing the rhythm guitar power chords in the verses seven times, each through a different amplifier, to get the "grungy" sound he wanted. During the song's middle eight, he doubled Downes' synth lick with a koto.
Track listing
;US 7" single
;UK 7" single
Personnel
* John Wetton lead vocals, bass
* Geoff Downes keyboards, backing vocals
* Steve Howe guitar, koto, backing vocals
* Carl Palmer drums, percussion
* Mike Stone producer, engineer
Chart performance
"Heat of the Moment" reached #4 in both the Canadian Singles chart and on the 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart. The single climbed to the top position on the U.S. 'Billboard' Mainstream Rock chart, achieving six non-consecutive weeks at #1 in the spring and summer of 1982.
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
In popular culture
* It appears in the TV show 'Supernatural', episode "Mystery Spot".
* In the 2001 'South Park' episode "Kenny Dies", Eric Cartman sings the song during a speech to the House of Representatives on behalf of stem cell research.
* In the 2005 film 'The 40-Year-Old Virgin'.
* In the 2005 film 'The Matador'.
* On a 2021 episode of his podcast, Bill Simmons sparked controversy when he used "Heat of the Moment" in an argument against Cancel Culture affecting Jim Nantz's call of the 2021 Masters-winning shot by tournament winner Hideki Matsuyama.
References
Category:Asia (band) songs
Category:1982 songs
Category:1982 debut singles
Category:Music videos directed by Godley and Creme
Category:Songs written by John Wetton
Category:Songs written by Geoff Downes
Category:Song recordings produced by Mike Stone (record producer)
Category:Geffen Records singles
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