Wishbone Ash-Number The Brave (1981)

In 1981, Wishbone Ash released their eleventh studio album, "Number the Brave", whose main novelty was the addition of John Wetton on bass. And although his contribution is noticeable in the vocal melodies and his powerful bass playing, he left the band shortly after recording to join a new lineup, Asia, alongside Steve Howe, Carl Palmer, and Geoff Downes. The rest of the band consisted of Andy Powell (guitar and lead vocals), Laurie Wisefield (guitar), and Steve Upton (drums), with additional musicians Claire Hammill on vocals and Gasper Lawal on percussion. On “Number The Brave”, the band opted for a frenetic album with powerful guitar riffs, featuring standout tracks like their cover of Rare Earth's "Get Ready", the melodic title track "Number The Brave", the rhythmic "Where Is The Love", the fast-paced "That's That", and the commendable "Rainstorm", "Underground", and "Kicks On The Street". However, poor reviews and limited commercial success led to Wishbone Ash's contract with MCA Records being terminated. Even so, as a farewell gesture, the label released the live album "Hot Ash" that same year, featuring a setlist based on some of the band's classics like "Blowin' Free" and "Goodbye Baby Hello Friend". But it was "Way Of The World", "No Easy Road", and "Bad Weather Blues" that truly made this live album appealing, primarily because these songs were not typically included in their concert setlists.