Take the 'Journey' out of Journey

[S2M]

I've often wondered how many songs from Arrival, Revelations, Red13, and Generations people would like just based on the merits of the songs, and not because Journey is playing them. Are they truly great songs, or is it really the singer/band, not the song?

It is MY contention that most songs since TBF have this effect on people....folks are wrapped up in the band.

[steveo777]

Your post makes no sense. WTF are you trying to say?

[S2M]

Your post makes no sense. WTF are you trying to say?

I'm asking a serious question....seriously.

[steveo777]

Your post makes no sense. WTF are you trying to say?

I'm asking a serious question....seriously.

Sure you are.....as serious as serious gets around here.....seriously.

[Jana]

Your post makes no sense. WTF are you trying to say?

I'm asking a serious question....seriously.

You could ask the same question pre Arrival or of any band.

[S2M]

Your post makes no sense. WTF are you trying to say?

I'm asking a serious question....seriously.

You could ask the same question pre Arrival or of any band.

This isn't any other band's forum. I'm asking a question about Journey.

[JRNYMAN]

It's weird you ask that question. I've actually used that question as the baseline when listening to new stuff from Journey. When Revelation was released, I thought I liked everything on the album - well, TDTWT and Like a Sunshower not so much. But then I'd catch myself skipping over certain songs as they would come up in rotation and it made me realize, that for the first time, there were some songs by this band that I actually don't like. That was a first for me. I was actually so caught up in the fact that Journey had been my favorite band for so long that I had blinders on (so to speak).

I understand where you're coming from with your question and I'd have to say yes, definitely, there are plenty of people who fall into that scenario.
Oddly, the example you used citing TBF, is exactly the opposite for me. I really like TBF. There is some amazing writing, performances and production value to that album. The fact that it's by Journey just makes it that much better.

So far, COH is like that. I'd like it even if it was somebody else doing it. I said in a different thread yesterday it sounds like it could have just as easily been a Scorpions song. Give it a listen and think Scorps. When you hear the layered guitars, think of Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker delivering those same kinds of simultaneous riffs in many of their songs. Then finally, substitute Klaus Mein's voice for Arnel and it could totally be just as good by another band.

Great question!

[Ehwmatt]

I've often wondered how many songs from Arrival, Revelations, Red13, and Generations people would like just based on the merits of the songs, and not because Journey is playing them. Are they truly great songs, or is it really the singer/band, not the song?

It is MY contention that most songs since TBF have this effect on people....folks are wrapped up in the band.

I didn't grow up during the Perry years or listen to Journey during my formative years (at least not in the context of Journey being culturally relevant). So, this phenomenon you describe doesn't apply for me.

Off the top of my head, here are the songs that I feel are great on their own merits:

Arrival: Higher Place, Signs of Life, To Be Alive Again, We Will Meet Again, Kiss Me Softly, Livin' to Do

Red 13: None. WAFTE is a decent song, but nothing that keeps me coming back.

Generations: FITH, Never Too Late, Beyond the Clouds, Out Of Harm's Way

Revelation: NWA (shit production though), Change for the Better, and Turn Down The World Tonight.

[S2M]

For me:

Arrival: Higher Place, Signs of Life, I Got A Reason, To Be Alive Again, We Will Meet Again

Red13 - None

Generations - None

Revelation - Like a Sunshower(70s Journey), What I Needed(70s Journey), FITH(more than SA's version)

[Eric]

I've often wondered how many songs from Arrival, Revelations, Red13, and Generations people would like just based on the merits of the songs, and not because Journey is playing them. Are they truly great songs, or is it really the singer/band, not the song?

It is MY contention that most songs since TBF have this effect on people....folks are wrapped up in the band.

Pre-Perry: I "like" about 25% of their stuff overall, "Love" 10%.
With-Perry 78-83: I "like" about 90% of their stuff overall, "Love" 50%.
With-Perry 84-96: I "like" about 33% of their stuff overall, "Love" 20%.
Post-Perry: I "like" about 70% of their stuff overall, "Love" 33%.

[Jana]

I have to answer Perry era and post Perry because how I react to Journey music is no different either way. I go by songs and good music. On every album just about there are songs I don't like, except Infinity and Frontiers. . I love Departure because it has some of my most favorite songs of Perry, amazing vocals, and love Neal on guitar, yet I skip two or three songs on that album consistently. Same with ROR (Really stunning vocals, but some songs are too dated.)

And TBF is uneven for many reasons. It starts out amazing. Slows down too much down the road. A few songs Steve's high range is way too hollow. But also some truly great songs and moving vocals on many. Some average songs.

Generations is crap beyond a couple really good songs.

I love Arrival. It could have been a little shorter. Maybe a couple average songs or skippers.

Revelation is uneven, but when it works I love it. I love Neal's playing on it. A real Infinity era vibe. I love Arnel's vocals and there are some really good songs. But there are definitely some skippers for me on it.

[Don]

Two albums I can listen through all the way are Dream After Dream and Captured. Steve's voice on the live album was just starting to take on that Escape quality. Along with the tempo for the songs being upped a notch, it just comes of a lot better than the studio versions, especially the slow paced stuff from Infinity. Couple that with a great mixing job on bringing the crowd noise in at an operable level, along with great interaction between Steve and the fans and you've got one of the best live rock albums ever as far as I'm concerned.
Including the Studio version of The Party's Over is just icing on the cake.

[G.I.Jim]

Two albums I can listen through all the way are Dream After Dream and Captured. Steve's voice on the live album was just starting to take on that Escape quality. Along with the tempo for the songs being upped a notch, it just comes of a lot better than the studio versions, especially the slow paced stuff from Infinity. Couple that with a great mixing job on bringing the crowd noise in at an operable level, along with great interaction between Steve and the fans and you've got one of the best live rock albums ever as far as I'm concerned.
Including the Studio version of The Party's Over is just icing on the cake.

Dream After Dream??? Don, what the HELL are you smoking over there, and can you send me some? I'll have to wait a few more years until I can partake, but at least it'll be ready for me. BTW... I can live with Captured, but DAD... you lost me on that one.

[Don]

Two albums I can listen through all the way are Dream After Dream and Captured. Steve's voice on the live album was just starting to take on that Escape quality. Along with the tempo for the songs being upped a notch, it just comes of a lot better than the studio versions, especially the slow paced stuff from Infinity. Couple that with a great mixing job on bringing the crowd noise in at an operable level, along with great interaction between Steve and the fans and you've got one of the best live rock albums ever as far as I'm concerned.
Including the Studio version of The Party's Over is just icing on the cake.

Dream After Dream??? Don, what the HELL are you smoking over there, and can you send me some? I'll have to wait a few more years until I can partake, but at least it'll be ready for me. BTW... I can live with Captured, but DAD... you lost me on that one.

Dream After Dream is an office favorite. Probably because no one knows who the hell it is. Some of Neal's best work with Journey.

[Michigan Girl]

It's weird you ask that question. I've actually used that question as the baseline when listening to new stuff from Journey. When Revelation was released, I thought I liked everything on the album - well, TDTWT and Like a Sunshower not so much. But then I'd catch myself skipping over certain songs as they would come up in rotation and it made me realize, that for the first time, there were some songs by this band that I actually don't like. That was a first for me. I was actually so caught up in the fact that Journey had been my favorite band for so long that I had blinders on (so to speak).

I understand where you're coming from with your question and I'd have to say yes, definitely, there are plenty of people who fall into that scenario.
Oddly, the example you used citing TBF, is exactly the opposite for me. I really like TBF. There is some amazing writing, performances and production value to that album. The fact that it's by Journey just makes it that much better.

So far, COH is like that. I'd like it even if it was somebody else doing it. I said in a different thread yesterday it sounds like it could have just as easily been a Scorpions song. Give it a listen and think Scorps. When you hear the layered guitars, think of Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker delivering those same kinds of simultaneous riffs in many of their songs. Then finally, substitute Klaus Mein's voice for Arnel and it could totally be just as good by another band.

Great question!

What an ass~et ...where have you been?!? Good post!

[JRNYMAN]

It's weird you ask that question. I've actually used that question as the baseline when listening to new stuff from Journey. When Revelation was released, I thought I liked everything on the album - well, TDTWT and Like a Sunshower not so much. But then I'd catch myself skipping over certain songs as they would come up in rotation and it made me realize, that for the first time, there were some songs by this band that I actually don't like. That was a first for me. I was actually so caught up in the fact that Journey had been my favorite band for so long that I had blinders on (so to speak).

I understand where you're coming from with your question and I'd have to say yes, definitely, there are plenty of people who fall into that scenario.
Oddly, the example you used citing TBF, is exactly the opposite for me. I really like TBF. There is some amazing writing, performances and production value to that album. The fact that it's by Journey just makes it that much better.

So far, COH is like that. I'd like it even if it was somebody else doing it. I said in a different thread yesterday it sounds like it could have just as easily been a Scorpions song. Give it a listen and think Scorps. When you hear the layered guitars, think of Matthias Jabs and Rudolph Schenker delivering those same kinds of simultaneous riffs in many of their songs. Then finally, substitute Klaus Mein's voice for Arnel and it could totally be just as good by another band.

Great question!

What an ass~et ...where have you been?!? Good post!

Thanks MG! Ha, where've I been?? I inadvertently locked myself out of my own account here for like.... almost 3 years! Long story and really not that interesting. Just happy to be here now.

[Rip Rokken]

Thanks MG! Ha, where've I been?? I inadvertently locked myself out of my own account here for like.... almost 3 years! Long story and really not that interesting. Just happy to be here now.

Good to have ya dude! We are sorely in need of some more "equal time" here, lol!

[JRNYMAN]

Thanks MG! Ha, where've I been?? I inadvertently locked myself out of my own account here for like.... almost 3 years! Long story and really not that interesting. Just happy to be here now.

Good to have ya dude! We are sorely in need of some more "equal time" here, lol!

Equal, fair and unbiased, that's me... and FOX News *cough* bullshit *cough*

Thanks Ripster!

[koberry]

Two albums I can listen through all the way are Dream After Dream and Captured. Steve's voice on the live album was just starting to take on that Escape quality. Along with the tempo for the songs being upped a notch, it just comes of a lot better than the studio versions, especially the slow paced stuff from Infinity. Couple that with a great mixing job on bringing the crowd noise in at an operable level, along with great interaction between Steve and the fans and you've got one of the best live rock albums ever as far as I'm concerned.
Including the Studio version of The Party's Over is just icing on the cake.

Dream After Dream??? Don, what the HELL are you smoking over there, and can you send me some? I'll have to wait a few more years until I can partake, but at least it'll be ready for me. BTW... I can live with Captured, but DAD... you lost me on that one.

Dream After Dream is an office favorite. Probably because no one knows who the hell it is. Some of Neal's best work with Journey.

Really? Festival Dance and The Rape? And, is it just me, or is The Rape the same as the theme from Fantasy Island?

Neal's tone on Destiny just gets me. Wish he hadn't left it behind for his current over-compressed/sustained tone.

[JourneyHard]

Journey - 100%
Look into the Future - 100%
Next - 100%
Infinity - 100%
Evolution - 100%
Departure - 100%
Dream After Dream - 100%
Escape - 100%
Frontiers - 100%
Raised on Radio - 100% (However, it needs more rock songs.)

Trial By Fire - Message of Love, One More, When You Love A Woman, If He Should Break Your Heart, Forever In Blue, Still She Cries, Colors of the Spirit, When I Think of You, Can't Tame The Lion, Baby I'm Leavin' You, I Can See It In Your Eyes. (Maybe they should have cut the tracks down to these.)

Arrival - Higher Place, All The Way. Signs of Life, All The Things, Livin' To Do, World Gone Wild, I Got A Reason, With Your Love, Lifetime Of Dreams, Live and Breathe, To Be Alive Again (Maybe they should have cut the tracks down to these.)

Red 13 - 100%

Generations - Believe, Knowing That You Love Me, Out of Harm's Way, In Self-Defense, Better Together, Beyond The Clouds, Never Too Late.

Revelation - Never Walk Away, Like A Sunshower, Change For The Better, Wildest Dream, Faith In The Heartland, After All These Years, Where Did I Lose Your Love, What I Needed, Turn Down The World Tonight, The Journey (Revelation)

Eclipse - 100% (I am hoping!)