Neal in the Mix

[STORY_TELLER]

I get the feeling Caveman's involvement is doing wonders for this new release. From the way he talks, he seems to be the focal point and mediator between Neal and Jon's differing approaches. Granted, his blog entries could just be disguised promotion, but he talks as though he feels Journey is finally focussed and back to what they were doing in the 80's.

My hope is KS is focussing them to come out with an album that feels more like Frontiers era stuff than Arrival stuff. I really don't see TBF happening here. That was 100% Perry's boot heel on the creative necks of everyone else involved.

[Journey69]

I reckon it should be a better-produced album than Red13 and Generations. I'm expecting a very "Arrival"ish vibe out of this particular release, however, I fear it will be closer to the Japanese release and not the American one.

I loved most of Generations and Red13 as well (except for the needless filler ballads), it seemed to be a very good new step in their progression. I think this release will be a bit of a 180 from where they were going with Generations, treading back into the lightest of TBF and Arrival styles.

Neal said doing 15 songs on Arrival was to much..They will do about 10-12 on the new one I bet.. Make no mistake,Neal isn't about ballads,there will be some good rock..I really liked Red 13 and Generations with Augeri and Deen singing.. I think Frontiers production was the worst..

[Red13JoePa]

You will "hear" more of Shirley in ARRIVAL than TBF, simply due to the fact that SP was in charge, tacitly, if not overtly.
For a REAL good dose of the Shirley / Cain / Schon potential, look to "Remember Me", although I will say, Blades' songwriting ability practically removes the potential for "producer abuse". It ( Jack Blades material) practically records itself.

Point well-taken.

Though TBFey in many places, Arrival is tighter and more rocker feels more Journey and Remember Me may be top 5 of all post perry material. Now wether loons care for the vox is another argument.
I could be over-worrying the Caveman factor.