You guys heard this comparison yet?

[ttango1]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/stor ... d=88177928
Journey Takes Cue from Judas Priest

if you want to get an idea of just how faithful he is to the Steve Perry sound, we actually dubbed Pineda on top of Perry to create a virtual duet.

[STORY_TELLER]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88177928
Journey Takes Cue from Judas Priest

if you want to get an idea of just how faithful he is to the Steve Perry sound, we actually dubbed Pineda on top of Perry to create a virtual duet.

The first clip they posted claiming it was the "original" version of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey wasn't Journey at all. It was the Zoo with Pineda. Then they went on to repeat the full length version of that exact same clip claiming the second clip was Pineda as a comparison.

I do, however, hear the studio version of DSB in the fade in duet track. I can tell by his vocal character that is Perry in that section.

What I hear is a guy with a good voice who can sing the song, but that's not what makes it special. Augeri could sing the song as well and even had a very similar tone to Perry, but it wasn't special. You know, that unquantifiable "it" factor?

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

[Rick]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88177928
Journey Takes Cue from Judas Priest

if you want to get an idea of just how faithful he is to the Steve Perry sound, we actually dubbed Pineda on top of Perry to create a virtual duet.

The first clip they posted claiming it was the "original" version of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey wasn't Journey at all. It was the Zoo with Pineda. Then they went on to repeat the full length version of that exact same clip claiming the second clip was Pineda as a comparison.

I do, however, hear the studio version of DSB in the fade in duet track. I can tell by his vocal character that is Perry in that section.

What I hear is a guy with a good voice who can sing the song, but that's not what makes it special. Augeri could sing the song as well and even had a very similar tone to Perry, but it wasn't special. You know, that unquantifiable "it" factor?

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

[STORY_TELLER]

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I have a very good ear.

As to the rest:
Not taking that away from you. In fact, that's 100% of what most people get from the "nostalgia tour" experience. Good times, reliving great music the way you remember it when you first felt it touch you (not sexually you sick freak!).

What I was talking about was the band getting back to being more than that. The majority of Journey fans out there (from their heyday) haven't supported new music from the band since 1996. That's what it will take for them to be a legitimate band and not just a GH's tour and it will take new music, not photocopied and altered here or there, that doesn't sound "tired" to do so.

[Rick]

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I have a very good ear.

As to the rest:
Not taking that away from you. In fact, that's 100% of what most people get from the "nostalgia tour" experience. Good times, reliving great music the way you remember it when you first felt it touch you (not sexually you sick freak!).

What I was talking about was the band getting back to being more than that. The majority of Journey fans out there (from their heyday) haven't supported new music from the band since 1996. That's what it will take for them to be a legitimate band and not just a GH's tour and it will take new music, not photocopied and altered here or there, that doesn't sound "tired" to do so.

I get what you're saying bro, and like you said, we'll probably know shortly after the new record is released.

[ttango1]

I put on the headphones and I think...you're right but the dual track is correct, that part is cool.
Original music...awesome.

[texafana]

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

[YoungJRNY]

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

ding ding ding, we got a winner

[STORY_TELLER]

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

ding ding ding, we got a winner

#1- Time and time again guys like you keep saying "new direction". Yet every time I, or someone else, posts about this issue, not once is this fabled "new direction" brought up by us. This isn't about a new direction. Never said it was. It's not about making the band sound different than the Journey we all know. Never said it was.

This is about putting effort into new songs following the same melodic direction they became famous for. I want a great Journey album, not a mediocre one. Don't you?

and #2 - Tell that to Asia: http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=33370
Just as old as Neal and Jon and still making the EFFORT to put their all into NEW MUSIC while STILL retaining the original sound that made them famous.

ding ding ding!

Fans like you are the reason Neal and Jon think it's okay not to try harder on new material!

[StoneCold]

Good find.

NPR? Whooda Thunk?

[ttango1]

What about Wildest Dreams or After All These Years?

Are those re-worked as well?

[STORY_TELLER]

What about Wildest Dreams or After All These Years?

Are those re-worked as well?

I don't know because I've honestly gone out of my way to not listen to any other new songs with Arnel. I want to hear the studio versions to give as fair a listen as possible before I decide either way.

[lparn]

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I have a very good ear.

As to the rest:
Not taking that away from you. In fact, that's 100% of what most people get from the "nostalgia tour" experience. Good times, reliving great music the way you remember it when you first felt it touch you (not sexually you sick freak!).

What I was talking about was the band getting back to being more than that. The majority of Journey fans out there (from their heyday) haven't supported new music from the band since 1996. That's what it will take for them to be a legitimate band and not just a GH's tour and it will take new music, not photocopied and altered here or there, that doesn't sound "tired" to do so.

I think you are correct and make a gbood point. They spent the last 8 years touring non stop and doing the dirty dozen/
all they accomplished was sidelining their singer and making money off these tours. If they had taken a year or two off
between 2002's red 13 and generations and taken the time to cultivate the material and the contributions of ALL the members of the band at that time instead of touring non stop and playing the greatest hits perhaps generations would have been more of a success unless it is just easier to blame one person for why it is not.
The majority of fans do not care that they have new cds out or that they are releasing this new one as they think of them as a nostalgia act and will go to hear xyz song that they recall from high school or college and not even know sp is no longer there. They will go to the beer tent during the new songs. I cannot understand the logic as to why they did not take more time with some of the material on the 3 cds over the last 8 years and why they are doing this big promotion and puch with the new package. It is like they used SA to keep the gravy train rolling and to keep making money and when he was sidelined cast him aside. Does not sound to me like they are making any decisions based on or care what we as fans and long time one's at that think. It is too bad,
What is next, an in store to sign the new package? sorry wonl;t get me to buy it or go to that store.

[Greg]

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

That's a piss poor excuse to support the band as what it is, a nostalgic act. If that's all you want out of the band, fine. However, others like myself would love for them to become relevant again. And, I'm sorry, but just because most of the guys are older doesn't mean they all of a sudden don't know how to play their instruments or to write music.

I love Steve Perry, but if he's never coming back to the band, then Journey needs to do something completely different.

[ttango1]

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

That's a piss poor excuse to support the band as what it is, a nostalgic act. If that's all you want out of the band, fine. However, others like myself would love for them to become relevant again. And, I'm sorry, but just because most of the guys are older doesn't mean they all of a sudden don't know how to play their instruments or to write music.

I love Steve Perry, but if he's never coming back to the band, then Journey needs to do something completely different.

Okay...explain how they become relevant again?
This one I have to hear.

Like Wombat, I'm a staunch supporter of Richard Springthorpe AKA Rick Springfield, he's gone a bunch of directions since his days as TV/Rock Star and while he has grown musically, his audience hasn't grown exponentially. His Who Killed Rock And Roll song is amazing and the passion displayed on stage at age 58 (just like Neal) is just as amazing. but having said that, he has done IMO what you said, done something completely different, and has it made him more relevant?

Nope, the hardcore appreciate it but the CASUAL fan, the ones that buy everything that affects the bottom line, they aren't coming in droves. At any case, when Rick releases that song this year. You should check it...maybe this youtube link will bring more fans to the shows. I almost had as much fun at an RS concert as I did at Journey in Vegas.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hXcg8YEaE&feature=user

[lparn]

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

That's a piss poor excuse to support the band as what it is, a nostalgic act. If that's all you want out of the band, fine. However, others like myself would love for them to become relevant again. And, I'm sorry, but just because most of the guys are older doesn't mean they all of a sudden don't know how to play their instruments or to write music.

I love Steve Perry, but if he's never coming back to the band, then Journey needs to do something completely different.

Okay...explain how they become relevant again?
This one I have to hear.

Like Wombat, I'm a staunch supporter of Richard Springthorpe AKA Rick Springfield, he's gone a bunch of directions since his days as TV/Rock Star and while he has grown musically, his audience hasn't grown exponentially. His Who Killed Rock And Roll song is amazing and the passion displayed on stage at age 58 (just like Neal) is just as amazing. but having said that, he has done IMO what you said, done something completely different, and has it made him more relevant?

Nope, the hardcore appreciate it but the CASUAL fan, the ones that buy everything that affects the bottom line, they aren't coming in droves. At any case, when Rick releases that song this year. You should check it...maybe this youtube link will bring more fans to the shows. I almost had as much fun at an RS concert as I did at Journey in Vegas.

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=u5hXcg8YEaE&feature=user

have seen Rick Springfield a couple of times. not only is he very talented songwriter he is an awsoemn performer not to mention he aged very very well. Still hot at 58!

[Rick]

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

That's a piss poor excuse to support the band as what it is, a nostalgic act. If that's all you want out of the band, fine. However, others like myself would love for them to become relevant again. And, I'm sorry, but just because most of the guys are older doesn't mean they all of a sudden don't know how to play their instruments or to write music.

I love Steve Perry, but if he's never coming back to the band, then Journey needs to do something completely different.[/quote]

Dude, I love Steve Perry too. There is nobody better in my opinion, but why should Journey do something different? They can make a better living sticking with the current plan of action. If that was your paycheck, I seriously doubt you'd be saying that. Just let them do what they feel they need to do and try to have an open mind and give it a chance. You might just like it. If not, then you've lost nothing.

[Rick]

jesus eh...these guys are in their late 50's, except for Deen and Arnel, what the hell do you expect them to do? Play the greatest hits, tour once in a while, put out some new music if/when they want to, etc. That's enough for me and for most real fans. Some people act as if these guys are spring chickens and should have all the time/energy to go in a new direction, risk everything, etc, etc. Hell no, if they bow out soon, at least they go out sounding like Journey now.

That's a piss poor excuse to support the band as what it is, a nostalgic act. If that's all you want out of the band, fine. However, others like myself would love for them to become relevant again. And, I'm sorry, but just because most of the guys are older doesn't mean they all of a sudden don't know how to play their instruments or to write music.

I love Steve Perry, but if he's never coming back to the band, then Journey needs to do something completely different.

Dude, I love Steve Perry too. There is nobody better in my opinion, but why should Journey do something different? They can make a better living sticking with the current plan of action. If that was your paycheck, I seriously doubt you'd be saying that. Just let them do what they feel they need to do and try to have an open mind and give it a chance. You might just like it. If not, then you've lost nothing.

[Voyager]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

[Granny]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88177928
Journey Takes Cue from Judas Priest

if you want to get an idea of just how faithful he is to the Steve Perry sound, we actually dubbed Pineda on top of Perry to create a virtual duet.

The first clip they posted claiming it was the "original" version of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey wasn't Journey at all. It was the Zoo with Pineda. Then they went on to repeat the full length version of that exact same clip claiming the second clip was Pineda as a comparison.

I do, however, hear the studio version of DSB in the fade in duet track. I can tell by his vocal character that is Perry in that section.

What I hear is a guy with a good voice who can sing the song, but that's not what makes it special. Augeri could sing the song as well and even had a very similar tone to Perry, but it wasn't special. You know, that unquantifiable "it" factor?

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Rickie, you are right on...It's still Journey, sounds like Journey and their live shows are the best. Those get togethers are just awesome. sorry I missed this one....

[Saint John]

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=88177928
Journey Takes Cue from Judas Priest

if you want to get an idea of just how faithful he is to the Steve Perry sound, we actually dubbed Pineda on top of Perry to create a virtual duet.

The first clip they posted claiming it was the "original" version of Don't Stop Believin' by Journey wasn't Journey at all. It was the Zoo with Pineda. Then they went on to repeat the full length version of that exact same clip claiming the second clip was Pineda as a comparison.

I do, however, hear the studio version of DSB in the fade in duet track. I can tell by his vocal character that is Perry in that section.

What I hear is a guy with a good voice who can sing the song, but that's not what makes it special. Augeri could sing the song as well and even had a very similar tone to Perry, but it wasn't special. You know, that unquantifiable "it" factor?

Very easy to tout someone who can imitate what another artist originated. That's much easier than originating new material with that "it" factor. Perry had that "it" factor by the truck load and that's what made Journey the success it became. Neal and Jon agree with this or they wouldn't have hired 3 singers who sound like Perry and fired a 4th because he didn't.

If Pineda can create music with that "it" factor with Journey, then he'll have my vote. But if all he turns out to be is the best voice to date to continue the "tribute to Steve Perry's legacy band", then all this band is going to be is a nostalgia group year after year.

What Journey does with Pineda on original music is what will determine if this band becomes reborn or just continues the GH's tour like they did with Augeri. Waiting for the studio album before I make that determination, but if all they did was make an album of tired photocopies of previously created songs (eg. Never Walk Away/Be Good to Yourself)? No way they move beyond the GH's tour. At least not in the states.

You're dead on with the comparison.

I don't care the whys or whats of the way they're continuing. I would have been there if it were JSS or JH, and I'll be there if it's AP. The music is great and the shows are fun, especially when we have get togethers. The Las Vegas show was excellent, but getting together with that group of people was even better, I wouldn't trade that for anything.

Rickie, you are right on...It's still Journey, sounds like Journey and their live shows are the best. Those get togethers are just awesome. sorry I missed this one....

Carol, just wait til you meet the wonderful new additions to our crew. Great people. Crazy, too!!!

[Vladan]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

Certainly. Arnel can sing, but I find that he's not original - whenever he sings any song from any band or whatever, he sounds like the original vocalist. I believe that's the way he learned to sing, he didn't develop his own style, which a lot of professional singers seem to do as well.

[conversationpc]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

Certainly. Arnel can sing, but I find that he's not original - whenever he sings any song from any band or whatever, he sounds like the original vocalist. I believe that's the way he learned to sing, he didn't develop his own style, which a lot of professional singers seem to do as well.

I don't think that's necessarily a valid criticism. There are some singers who are just going to sound like whoever they're covering at the moment just because of the way their voice is. Other singers are blessed with a unique enough voice that they're only ever going to sound like themselves no matter how hard they try.

[Vladan]

There are some singers who are just going to sound like whoever they're covering at the moment just because of the way their voice is.

Arnel Pineda


Personally, it's not a bad thing! but if you want to be successful and not branded a clone, then it's a smart move to learn and develop your vocal style to suit your own, which you can do - there a methods to do this when you first start out singing, the best singing teachers talk about this.

Other singers are blessed with a unique enough voice that they're only ever going to sound like themselves no matter how hard they try.

Steve Perry
Freddie Mercury
Bruce Springsteen
John Cafferty
Kenny Loggins
Billy Joel
Christopher Cross

[conversationpc]

Personally, it's not a bad thing! but if you want to be successful and not branded a clone, then it's a smart move to learn and develop your vocal style to suit your own, which you can do - there a methods to do this when you first start out singing, the best singing teachers talk about this.

I disagree. You have just go with what you have. Sure you can develop your style with lessons, technique, etc., but in the end, you are going to sound like yourself unless you just totally change what you sound like simply for the sake of being different.

[Vladan]

Personally, it's not a bad thing! but if you want to be successful and not branded a clone, then it's a smart move to learn and develop your vocal style to suit your own, which you can do - there a methods to do this when you first start out singing, the best singing teachers talk about this.

I disagree. You have just go with what you have. Sure you can develop your style with lessons, technique, etc., but in the end, you are going to sound like yourself unless you just totally change what you sound like simply for the sake of being different.

http://www.singingsuccess.com/

I've got this package, it's awesome - lots of hard work involved, but it's fun.

[Voyager]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

Certainly. Arnel can sing, but I find that he's not original - whenever he sings any song from any band or whatever, he sounds like the original vocalist. I believe that's the way he learned to sing, he didn't develop his own style, which a lot of professional singers seem to do as well.

Journey is a tribute band now - so why should Arnel develop his own style? If they wanted someone with their own style, they would have stayed with JSS. They obviously wanted someone who could cover Steve Perry very well, and Arnel does the best Steve Perry impersonation I have ever heard. Am I wrong?

[Vladan]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

Certainly. Arnel can sing, but I find that he's not original - whenever he sings any song from any band or whatever, he sounds like the original vocalist. I believe that's the way he learned to sing, he didn't develop his own style, which a lot of professional singers seem to do as well.

Journey is a tribute band now - so why should Arnel develop his own style? If they wanted someone with their own style, they would have stayed with JSS. They obviously wanted someone who could cover Steve Perry very well, and Arnel does the best Steve Perry impersonation I have ever heard. Am I wrong?

Not wrong. 100% correct!.

[Saint John]

No doubt about it - Arnel does a great Steve Perry impersonation.

Certainly. Arnel can sing, but I find that he's not original - whenever he sings any song from any band or whatever, he sounds like the original vocalist. I believe that's the way he learned to sing, he didn't develop his own style, which a lot of professional singers seem to do as well.

Journey is a tribute band now - so why should Arnel develop his own style? If they wanted someone with their own style, they would have stayed with JSS. They obviously wanted someone who could cover Steve Perry very well, and Arnel does the best Steve Perry impersonation I have ever heard. Am I wrong?

I think Jeremey sounds more like Steve Perry than Arnel does, but I think Arnel is a better singer. Also, why would a "tribute band" put out a new CD? Your post makes about as much sense as a rubber crutch in a polio war.

[Voyager]

I think Jeremey sounds more like Steve Perry than Arnel does, but I think Arnel is a better singer.

Nothing against Jeremey, but I think it's obvious that Arnel sounds more like Steve Perry than Jeremey does. Neal Schon obviously thought so when he chose Arnel over Jeremey after hearing Arnel impersonate Steve Perry on YouTube.

When it was time for JOURNEY to look for a new lead singer, the Internet came to their rescue. Guitarist Neal Schon wanted someone new to the music business, so he turned to YouTube. After finding Arnel singing "Faithfully", he knew he had found the perfect frontman.

I don't think that Journey chose Arnel because he was the "better singer" over JSS, Jeremey, or anyone else. Since Journey can guarantee packed houses (which equals big money) by playing songs that Steve Perry made famous, it would only be common sense to find a singer who can emulate Perry. There are no guarantees that Journey will sell records with any new singer. There are guarantees that they will make big money playing Journey classics on tour if they find a Steve Perry soundalike. Otherwise, why would Journey have already gained headlining status over Heart and Cheap Trick if the decision was based on an album of new original material that hasn't even been released yet?

I know you're a big Journey fan Saint John, and so am I - we definitely have that in common. We are also both fans of Arnel, and agree that he was the best choice as frontman for Journey. However, I think we have slightly different assumptions as to why Arnel was chosen.