“Aqua” (Pyramid/Rhino) — Asia

Bet you thought Asia was defunct. But, even though they haven’t dented the charts in the U.S. for a decade, they’re alive and well overseas.

The group that gave the world the timeless classic “Heat of the Moment” is back in fine form with their latest release.

“Aqua” proves that Asia remains the heir apparent to such gothic rock groups as Emerson, Lake and Palmer and King Crimson. In fact, they do a better Yes imitation than Yes itself does these days.

Sure, Asia still comes complete with Spinal Tap-style pretensions, but “Aqua” is still an enjoyable listen, showing a band comfortable with its music. The group works within its parameters, and doesn’t overreach.

“The Sweetest Days” (Wing/Mercury) — Vanessa Williams

Since the release of her debut album “The Right Stuff” in 1988, Vanessa Williams has made very few missteps. Unfortunately, her latest release is one.

“The Sweetest Days” is one of those albums that wafts around in the background unsubstantially. There’s nothing as memorable as “Save the Best For Last,” “The Comfort Zone” or “The Right Stuff.”

Williams and co-producer Gerry Brown went to a jazz-influenced album, which she felt would strike a chord with her fans, who are growing older. She eschewed any dance or even marginally upbeat music. As a result, “The Sweetest Days” takes on a bland sameness.

There’s no disputing that Williams’ soprano voice is a wonderful voice is a wonderful instrument. But she would do well to remember that variety, not just in musical styles but in tempos as well, is a necessity.

“Ready To Wear (Pret-A-Porter) Soundtrack” (Columbia) — Various artists

Too often a soundtrack ends up with too much filler having little or nothing to do with the movie it’s attached to. Such is not a case with “Ready To Wear.”

This pulsating, largely uptempo soundtrack is the perfect background music for Robert Altman’s film about the whirl surrounding the annual fashion show in Paris. The listener can almost see the models prancing up and down the runways to these songs.

The selection of artists rounded up for “Ready To Wear” is impressive. The Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Salt-N-Pepa and The New Power Generation are among those supplying new tunes, with The Cranberries and U2 providing remixes.

Standout cuts include Sam Phillips’ version of “These Boots Are Made For Walking” and Terence Trent D`Arby’s “Supermodel Sandwich.”

Not everyone may get a chance to see “Ready To Wear” in the theaters, but the soundtrack deserves a spot on every stereo.

“Give What It Takes” (Warner Alliance) — MidSouth

This trio first made its mark on the Southern gospel circuit, and is now attempting to earn a name in country music.

MidSouth has successful duplicated the wimpiest part of the “country lite” sound of Restless Heart or McBride and the Ride (with a dash of Eagles thrown in). But they fail to come up with any memorable lyrics or hooks. Nothing sticks after repeated listenings.

There’s nothing wrong with the group singing about life from a Christian perspective. It’s a welcome break from the overabundance of songs about drinkin’, fightin’, and pickup trucks found in country music. And yet the tune are so lightweight as to fail to impact upon the listener.

Yes, MidSouth has a great attitude to offer its fans. Now they’ve got to find the right material to go with it, which they didn’t have for “Give What It Takes.”