Tonight's the night

[Journey/Survivor]

Sounds very interesting, indeed.
A nice departure from the usual cookie-cutter
mix that has been standard.

Wouldn't worry too much about the "lack of keys";
I'm sure the album will have a lot more "depth" than what you're
hearing from these initial live performances.

And I find it hilarious that some folks are now worried that the album
will be "too hard" or "not Journey, more like Soul Sirkus"...
I seem to remember so many people that were THRILLED when
JSS what let go, and replaced with Arnel, because they were
affraid of the band "not sounding like Journey"...

We gonna see cries for Schon's removal now

I say its about time these guys really stretched there musical muscles
a bit, and did something alittle more extreme... Do you really think they care if they have hits or not?

I love Jonathan Cain's keyboard playing. But I think it's awesome if for a change we have a Journey album that is Neal's baby and is guitar driven with little keyboards.

Some people just want to rip on Journey no-matter what, regardless of who the singer is or the style that the band plays.

[slucero]

Does anyone think they'll detune this tour, especially with this type of material? I can't imagine how it's going to sound.

Yes... for the songs played (and sung) a 1/2 step down... Neal and Ross will just change instruments... JC will simply flip a switch...

[S2M]

Sounds very interesting, indeed.
A nice departure from the usual cookie-cutter
mix that has been standard.

Wouldn't worry too much about the "lack of keys";
I'm sure the album will have a lot more "depth" than what you're
hearing from these initial live performances.

And I find it hilarious that some folks are now worried that the album
will be "too hard" or "not Journey, more like Soul Sirkus"...
I seem to remember so many people that were THRILLED when
JSS what let go, and replaced with Arnel, because they were
affraid of the band "not sounding like Journey"...

We gonna see cries for Schon's removal now

I say its about time these guys really stretched there musical muscles
a bit, and did something alittle more extreme... Do you really think they care if they have hits or not?

I love Jonathan Cain's keyboard playing. But I think it's awesome if for a change we have a Journey album that is Neal's baby and is guitar driven with little keyboards.

Some people just want to rip on Journey no-matter what, regardless of who the singer is or the style that the band plays.

This coming from a person who thinks Cleveland is the best place in the country...

Journey/Schon has no one to blame but themselves for how they are preceived. Tapegate, JSS, the Asian Accent....it's been a revolving door since '98. Let's try to distance ourselves from the 'Legacy' sound by firing the lone singer who could've accomplished that, for get this - a singer that embraces that legacy sound you are trying to distance yourself from....then, after one album....decide to finally get serious about expanding the musical horizons with the 'Perry-clone'....Asian Accent may have the powerful voice, the Perry intonations, and an entire Asian country behind him - but he has absolutely no feeling. I wonder if he can imitate Alec Guiness too, 'These are the songs you are looking for' 'You don't need to hear any hooks...'

[Andrew]

There's nothing here that really pulls me in, even like the chorus of "Higher Place". I mean you hear that lead in, "oooh and I try, I try to reason why..." just grabs ya and doesn't let go.

Even a song as catchy as "Higher Place" took more than one listen to get in your head. I've listened to the tracks twice now and am enjoying the hooks. With the absence of keys it reminds me of SoulSirkus, which was both melodic and rocking. That may be a problem for some.

Keys are there...subtle though. And I do think this album will be a long term grower. Some may dismiss it straight up, but they'll be the ones that miss out.

[Journey/Survivor]

Sounds very interesting, indeed.
A nice departure from the usual cookie-cutter
mix that has been standard.

Wouldn't worry too much about the "lack of keys";
I'm sure the album will have a lot more "depth" than what you're
hearing from these initial live performances.

And I find it hilarious that some folks are now worried that the album
will be "too hard" or "not Journey, more like Soul Sirkus"...
I seem to remember so many people that were THRILLED when
JSS what let go, and replaced with Arnel, because they were
affraid of the band "not sounding like Journey"...

We gonna see cries for Schon's removal now

I say its about time these guys really stretched there musical muscles
a bit, and did something alittle more extreme... Do you really think they care if they have hits or not?

I love Jonathan Cain's keyboard playing. But I think it's awesome if for a change we have a Journey album that is Neal's baby and is guitar driven with little keyboards.

Some people just want to rip on Journey no-matter what, regardless of who the singer is or the style that the band plays.

This coming from a person who thinks Cleveland is the best place in the country...

I had thought that maybe you had more class than most of the other Bostonians on here? I guess not?

[Andrew]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I'm in the "pretty good" camp on the 5 new ones. City of Hope and Rise Up (or whatever the title of that one is) stood out on the first listen. No ballads or rock anthems in the group, but I didn't expect any based on the advance press.

They played 22 songs, full out; didn't yak, didn't slack, just gave us two hours of the best of Journey, current incarnation. Arnel sang his ass off. Taking it all in surrounded by friends and fellow fans ... I'm a happy bunny.

And DSB live has become a religious experience, even though I am past sick of the song.

I'm in the absolutely utterly fabulous camp. Rocking and dark...subtle melodies rather than instant love it and leave it style. Growers folks.....growers...

[Red13JoePa]

Nothing should be dismissed or branded as good based off the clips. You can hear that they rock hard and that the choruses are strong but actually making out the music and piecing it together is impossible.
Like most boots you can get a glimmer, but mostly cacophonous din.
I can't make any call on these aside from Neal's rocking some monster hair.

I can't wait to hear the studio versions (or live soundboards).

[S2M]

Sounds very interesting, indeed.
A nice departure from the usual cookie-cutter
mix that has been standard.

Wouldn't worry too much about the "lack of keys";
I'm sure the album will have a lot more "depth" than what you're
hearing from these initial live performances.

And I find it hilarious that some folks are now worried that the album
will be "too hard" or "not Journey, more like Soul Sirkus"...
I seem to remember so many people that were THRILLED when
JSS what let go, and replaced with Arnel, because they were
affraid of the band "not sounding like Journey"...

We gonna see cries for Schon's removal now

I say its about time these guys really stretched there musical muscles
a bit, and did something alittle more extreme... Do you really think they care if they have hits or not?

I love Jonathan Cain's keyboard playing. But I think it's awesome if for a change we have a Journey album that is Neal's baby and is guitar driven with little keyboards.

Some people just want to rip on Journey no-matter what, regardless of who the singer is or the style that the band plays.

This coming from a person who thinks Cleveland is the best place in the country...

I had thought that maybe you had more class than most of the other Bostonians on here? I guess not?

I did that on purpose. Just to see where the focus of your reply would be. You failed.....its too damn easy.

[S2M]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I'm in the "pretty good" camp on the 5 new ones. City of Hope and Rise Up (or whatever the title of that one is) stood out on the first listen. No ballads or rock anthems in the group, but I didn't expect any based on the advance press.

They played 22 songs, full out; didn't yak, didn't slack, just gave us two hours of the best of Journey, current incarnation. Arnel sang his ass off. Taking it all in surrounded by friends and fellow fans ... I'm a happy bunny.

And DSB live has become a religious experience, even though I am past sick of the song.

I'm in the absolutely utterly fabulous camp. Rocking and dark...subtle melodies rather than instant love it and leave it style. Growers folks.....growers...

The term 'grower' is a myth. You either like something, or you don't. 'Grower' is a euphemism for 'I have to like this album, song, movie'....etc. For instance, *I'm* not a grower....you either like me, or you don't....

[Peartree12249]

Sorry I had to go take a leak. What'd I miss?

[conversationpc]

...but he has absolutely no feeling.

I disagree. It's a matter of taste for the most part and I hear it.

[Behshad]

It's tough to really gauge things objectively when we are getting reviews and updates by peeps who follow Journey around, and would have an orgasm no matter what Journey did....'What?! Journey is doing an acoustic show, and they are going to play All That Really Matters on the Theramin? Wow, I'm SO there'

This seems about as inaccurate as a post could get. There are some pretty rabid Journey fans in this thread and not one person has been gushing about these songs. The reviews seem completely objective and are somewhere between uninspired/mediocre-need more listens-good/pretty good. That seems pretty fucking fair me. But you seem to have to bitch or complain about something.

I'm in the "pretty good" camp on the 5 new ones. City of Hope and Rise Up (or whatever the title of that one is) stood out on the first listen. No ballads or rock anthems in the group, but I didn't expect any based on the advance press.

They played 22 songs, full out; didn't yak, didn't slack, just gave us two hours of the best of Journey, current incarnation. Arnel sang his ass off. Taking it all in surrounded by friends and fellow fans ... I'm a happy bunny.

And DSB live has become a religious experience, even though I am past sick of the song.

I'm in the absolutely utterly fabulous camp. Rocking and dark...subtle melodies rather than instant love it and leave it style. Growers folks.....growers...

Nothing wrong with growers, but will Arnel's voice match the music ? That is the question !!

[Ritchie]

There's nothing here that really pulls me in, even like the chorus of "Higher Place". I mean you hear that lead in, "oooh and I try, I try to reason why..." just grabs ya and doesn't let go.

Even a song as catchy as "Higher Place" took more than one listen to get in your head. I've listened to the tracks twice now and am enjoying the hooks. With the absence of keys it reminds me of SoulSirkus, which was both melodic and rocking. That may be a problem for some.

Keys are there...subtle though. And I do think this album will be a long term grower. Some may dismiss it straight up, but they'll be the ones that miss out.

Yep, after listening a couple of times you can hear those songs are solid,we`ll just have to wait how the real sonic quality is on the CD because YT isn`t doing them any justice.

[Andrew]

I watched the clips this morning and it's just not Journey for me anymore - not saying that's bad, but they just don't have the same sound or feel anymore. They should just regroup and call themselves the Neal Schon Project...

My $.02 now back to lurkdom before the bats come out...

Well this bat thinks you are fully entitled to an opinion, but you and others - SERIOUSLY folks....I'm about as critical as it comes with these guys, but wait until you hear the bloomin' studio cuts from the actual album. Not YouTube clips of new songs performed live for the FIRST time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andrew]

And this will, by far, be their lowest selling album....It is Journey in name only, folks....a nice excuse to get together and tie one on, but beyond that - the ship has sailed....

@Rip - insert senseless blathering? Meaning what? My opinions don't count? And your incessant non-stop(redundancy on purpose) opining about Don Dokken notwithstanding?

I'm going to keep repeating myself. Such judgement on songs played live for the FIRST time...with not even an audio preview of the studio cuts? Shame on you lot.

[Behshad]

I watched the clips this morning and it's just not Journey for me anymore - not saying that's bad, but they just don't have the same sound or feel anymore. They should just regroup and call themselves the Neal Schon Project...

My $.02 now back to lurkdom before the bats come out...

Well this bat thinks you are fully entitled to an opinion, but you and others - SERIOUSLY folks....I'm about as critical as it comes with these guys, but wait until you hear the bloomin' studio cuts from the actual album. Not YouTube clips of new songs performed live for the FIRST time!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then lock this thread and we will discuss this in May after the album is out, eh ?

[Andrew]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

HELLO!!

[S2M]

...but he has absolutely no feeling.

I disagree. It's a matter of taste for the most part and I hear it.

I disagree...cause what if I said that SP sang with absolutely no feeling. And if you disagreed with me - I'd just say it is a matter of taste? Feeling isn't a matter of taste.

[Andrew]

While I think Neal is taking the band towards the right direction with a rockier & heavier sound, I'm predicting that the vocals will be a disappointment, because Arnel is still going to try to sound more like Perry than trying to sound like himself....

100% wrong. I have the single here and he sounds nothing like Perry. He is his own man on this.

[Behshad]

While I think Neal is taking the band towards the right direction with a rockier & heavier sound, I'm predicting that the vocals will be a disappointment, because Arnel is still going to try to sound more like Perry than trying to sound like himself....

100% wrong. I have the single here and he sounds nothing like Perry. He is his own man on this.

Glad youre sold on this one mate. Im still skeptical. Arnel doesnt have his own style, or he's been hiding it too well.

Be honest on one point tho, how is his English on the ONE song you have heard so far ? HONEST

[Carlitto H@kk]

I'm in the absolutely utterly fabulous camp. Rocking and dark...subtle melodies rather than instant love it and leave it style. Growers folks.....growers...

Drew, not sure if you've ever admitted it yet, but it really sounds like
you have an advance of the entire album. Now, if thats true, i
would assume that you are in someone's good graces,
whether it be the record label's or the band's.

With that being said, whether they like how criticaal these forums are or not,
these guys can't be that naive not to realize that yours is the ONE site that
supports them the most, like you have for YEARS, and that a majority
of their true, faithful fans hang out here as well...

Any thing in th works to get an interview with these guys anytime soon?

[S2M]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

HELLO!!

Drew....one can discern from the clips whether they like the song or not. It isn't a question about audio quality, or sonic atmosphere. How is listening to the album(which I plan on doing) going to suddenly make the song structures better?

[Andrew]

I'm in the absolutely utterly fabulous camp. Rocking and dark...subtle melodies rather than instant love it and leave it style. Growers folks.....growers...

The term 'grower' is a myth. You either like something, or you don't. 'Grower' is a euphemism for 'I have to like this album, song, movie'....etc. For instance, *I'm* not a grower....you either like me, or you don't....

Utter utter crap. I have a few albums in my collection I dismiised almost immediately only for them to creep up on me and become all time favourites. Some albums I thought were fabulous and instant first listen proved dull in the long run as everything was revealed in those first 2 listens.

Couldn't disagree with you more.

[Andrew]

Be honest on one point tho, how is his English on the ONE song you have heard so far ? HONEST

TOTALLY 100% HONEST - fucking amazing. And I went straight back to Revelation to compare and the difference is night and day. He sounds amazing.

[RedWingFan]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

HELLO!!

Drew....one can discern from the clips whether they like the song or not. It isn't a question about audio quality, or sonic atmosphere. How is listening to the album(which I plan on doing) going to suddenly make the song structures better?

Exactly my thought!

I can't recall any Journey song that I like that I've had to subject myself to hours of repeated listens in order to like it.

[Andrew]

I don't really know how anyone form much of an opinion at all based on the audio quality. They may sound quite a bit different once the actual album is released.

HELLO!!

Drew....one can discern from the clips whether they like the song or not. It isn't a question about audio quality, or sonic atmosphere. How is listening to the album(which I plan on doing) going to suddenly make the song structures better?

Sigh. I'll talk to you about it May 25.

[Onestepper]

So much for liking the show and waiting till the record comes out to pass final judgement on the new material.

Goodness Gracious.

[RedWingFan]

So much for liking the show and waiting till the record comes out to pass final judgement on the new material.

Goodness Gracious.

If everyone loved it would you feel the same way? Thought not.

[Onestepper]

So much for liking the show and waiting till the record comes out to pass final judgement on the new material.

Goodness Gracious.

If everyone loved it would you feel the same way? Thought not.

What? I don't need others acceptance to think for myself. What a waste.

[Saint John]

I can't recall any Journey song that I like that I've had to subject myself to hours of repeated listens in order to like it.

I thought The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love) was about the goofiest fucking song I'd ever heard for a long time ... years. Then one day it just hit me, and I when heard it playing it all came together. Today, it's probably one of my 5 favorite Journey songs.

I do agree with S2M on the song structures. I'm not hearing much variation in tempo and arrangement.