http://popdose.com/cd-review-journey-eclipse-1

[Don]

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
CD Review: Journey, “Eclipse”
by Dw. Dunphy


http://popdose.com/cd-review-journey-eclipse/



When I set out to listen to Journey’s latest, Eclipse, I put aside all the things I’ve thought about the band, their back story, their personnel decisions, and so forth, and gave myself a strict rule to work around — focus strictly on the songs. If the songs are good, then how they arrived wouldn’t matter and all the falderal over the band’s inner workings would be rendered moot. It is a solid foundation on which to begin.

I only wish this album made things easier than that, but alas it does not. From the title one would get the impression that this was going to hew close to their benchmark Escape album, but instead is closer in tone to Frontiers, not always for the right reasons. Take, for instance, “Edge of the Moment” which is title-wise a callback to Frontiers‘ “Edge of the Blade.” The song is supposed to be about love, but the backing track sounds so aggressive and mismatched that the two seem completely independent from each other, and frankly so does the band. Everyone is just wailing away at their chosen instrument, and the end result sounds less like a group effort and more like each member showed up, recorded their part with little regard to what the other members had recorded, and producer Kevin Shirley was left to mash all the disparate thrashing together.

It would be easy to throw the album out were it not for a few things – First, the track “Someone” has the one thing most of the album doesn’t, and that is a looseness where everything actually gels together. Sure, the lyrics aren’t earth-shattering, but Journey finally sounds like they’re having a little bit of fun. Second, even though I still feel their singer is there not as Arnel Pineda, vocalist, but as Steve Perry Proxy, Pineda nails it. I’ve come to the point of saying, just maybe, he’s the right guy for the job. Finally, let it not be said that Neal Schon is a mediocre player, because he certainly isn’t. He is a world-class shredder, and under the right circumstances is extremely effective.

It’s just that he is so all over this album, there’s almost no room to breathe. “Tantra,” despite a lyric chock full of new-agey aphorisms and cliches about the circle of life and hopes across the universe, still had the potential to slowly build and grow and be that big meaningful something-or-other the band clearly intends it to be. Instead, Schon jumps into the song about a minute-and-a-half in and widdles it to death. Contrast “Tantra” with “Still They Ride” and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Think about a few more of the band’s highest achievements: “Who’s Cryin’ Now” is pretty darn perfect so far as AOR tunes go, and because Schon is held back until that solo outro, it’s twice as notable. Remember that the band originated as a blues-rock-based jam band of sorts, extracted by Herbie Herbert from the original Santana lineup, and a song like Departure‘s “Walks Like A Lady,” which is all blues-feel in an easy-going stroll seems like a natural. Finally, think of the heights of Journey’s bombast, like the unassailable “Mother, Father” wherein all that guitar flamethrowing is not only justified, but necessary. Why did they have such a keen understanding of dynamics then, but not now?

I have to believe it is because, oddly enough, they’re doing this on their own. Sure, Kevin Shirley is the producer, but I doubt he’s in the position to tell this band what not to do, not like their producers of old. Not to let the band off the hook though. After all, they brought these songs to him, but I have to believe there were times he would have liked the group to back off a bit, and that type of relationship simply wasn’t there.

I came to Eclipse with a wide-open mind and, admittedly, more goodwill than I did with their previous effort, but I’m still walking away disappointed.

[RedWingFan]

Sunday, May 22nd, 2011
CD Review: Journey, “Eclipse”
by Dw. Dunphy


Instead, Schon jumps into the song about a minute-and-a-half in and widdles it to death. Contrast “Tantra” with “Still They Ride” and you’ll know what I’m talking about.

Think about a few more of the band’s highest achievements: “Who’s Cryin’ Now” is pretty darn perfect so far as AOR tunes go, and because Schon is held back until that solo outro, it’s twice as notable. Remember that the band originated as a blues-rock-based jam band of sorts, extracted by Herbie Herbert from the original Santana lineup, and a song like Departure‘s “Walks Like A Lady,” which is all blues-feel in an easy-going stroll seems like a natural. Finally, think of the heights of Journey’s bombast, like the unassailable “Mother, Father” wherein all that guitar flamethrowing is not only justified, but necessary. Why did they have such a keen understanding of dynamics then, but not now?

Great point. Reminds me of how Mutt Lange taught Leppard to lay back sometimes and let the songs breathe rather than go all out constantly like they did with their debut "On Through The Night".

[steveo777]

It's starting to rain, isn't it?
Some want this band to sound just like yesteryear and produce cheesy ballads and other stuff that sounds like their past,
but yet, they get criticized for bringing someone like Pineda in, even labeling him a "Perry clone". So, the band creates a
new sound, where Pineda breaks out of the shadow and brings his own game to the table. Some people don't like that.
Frankly, I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

[Majestic]

I have everything the band has ever done, and they've been my favorite rock band since discovering them in '81, and find there is very little in this review I agree with.

[Duncan]

"widdles it to death"

[StevePerryHair]

I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

Well I saw a 25 year old band (Bon Jovi) a couple of weeks ago. Not ONLY did they SELL OUT a 20,000+ arena... but they ALSO had NO opening act, NO co-headliner.....No Richie even, JUST THEM.... on stage, for just over 2 hours. People were on their feet about the whole concert. NEW SONGS off of NEW albums being sung by a majority of people just dancing and singing away, MEN included... NO POTTY BREAKS AND BEER BRAKES OR PEOPLE SITTING. They achieve this. So you will suggest a "Steve Perry" Journey couldn't? Well you may be right but then who knows! Def Lep can't... Heart can't... REO can't.... and the list goes on and on. You can't blame this stuff JUST on the music industry.

[portland]

I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

Well I saw a 25 year old band (Bon Jovi) a couple of weeks ago. Not ONLY did they SELL OUT a 20,000+ arena... but they ALSO had NO opening act, NO co-headliner.....No Richie even, JUST THEM.... on stage, for just over 2 hours. People were on their feet about the whole concert. NEW SONGS off of NEW albums being sung by a majority of people just dancing and singing away, MEN included... NO POTTY BREAKS AND BEER BRAKES OR PEOPLE SITTING. They achieve this. So you will suggest a "Steve Perry" Journey couldn't? Well you may be right but then who knows! Def Lep can't... Heart can't... REO can't.... and the list goes on and on. You can't blame this stuff JUST on the music industry.

Totally agree with this ^^^^ I witnessed it last year!

[conversationpc]

Falderal? Come on...No one uses that word.

[Michigan Girl]

I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

Well I saw a 25 year old band (Bon Jovi) a couple of weeks ago. Not ONLY did they SELL OUT a 20,000+ arena... but they ALSO had NO opening act, NO co-headliner.....No Richie even, JUST THEM.... on stage, for just over 2 hours. People were on their feet about the whole concert. NEW SONGS off of NEW albums being sung by a majority of people just dancing and singing away, MEN included... NO POTTY BREAKS AND BEER BRAKES OR PEOPLE SITTING. They achieve this. So you will suggest a "Steve Perry" Journey couldn't? Well you may be right but then who knows! Def Lep can't... Heart can't... REO can't.... and the list goes on and on. You can't blame this stuff JUST on the music industry.

Incredible, Lynny ...it went well w/no Richie, that's awesome!!
Love these shows!!

This guy makes a lot of sense ...
Neal's guitar is at times overpowering ...Someone is good
and Tantra is not ...
He started off on a solid foundation and then
ended up comparing it to past efforts and singers ...face
it, it's hard not to! ...you pinheads are as guilty of this as the loons!
It's too bad that he walked away so
disappointed, but he liked it better than the previous
effort ...I did too!!

[ebake02]

If journey would have done another Revelation type of sound these people would have complained that it was another album of cheese and they should have tried something different. It doesn't matter what this band does, they will never win with some critics.

[yogi]

I was hoping for an album with songs such as: Mother/Father, Escape, Edge Of The Blade, Remember Me, Message Of Love, What I Needed(Revelation).

What I am hearing so far( But I have not heard this album near enough) is a alot of Red13 sounding material.

Am I wrong???

P.S. What I Needed was a CLASSIC Journey song!!!

[ebake02]

I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

Well I saw a 25 year old band (Bon Jovi) a couple of weeks ago. Not ONLY did they SELL OUT a 20,000+ arena... but they ALSO had NO opening act, NO co-headliner.....No Richie even, JUST THEM.... on stage, for just over 2 hours. People were on their feet about the whole concert. NEW SONGS off of NEW albums being sung by a majority of people just dancing and singing away, MEN included... NO POTTY BREAKS AND BEER BRAKES OR PEOPLE SITTING. They achieve this. So you will suggest a "Steve Perry" Journey couldn't? Well you may be right but then who knows! Def Lep can't... Heart can't... REO can't.... and the list goes on and on. You can't blame this stuff JUST on the music industry.

Bon Homo has the help of a major record label and they have abandoned their musical roots in favor of a more mainstream pop sound that is more radio friendly. Journey, Def Leppard and Heart hasn't sold out to make a few extra bucks like Bon Jovi has. Their music for the last 10 years or so has been very cookie cutter. This is the same "rock band" that did a country album a few years ago. ( I use the term rock band very loosely, Bon Jovi is anything but at this point)

[Majestic]

I was hoping for an album with songs such as: Mother/Father, Escape, Edge Of The Blade, Message Of Love, What I Needed(Revelation).

What I am hearing so far( But I have not heard this album near enough) is a alot of Red13 sounding material.

Am I wrong???

P.S. What I Needed was a CLASSIC Journey song!!!

I can see why you would say that, in that both were experimental for Journey with a bit more of an edge, but I can't agree beyond that. Eclipse is experimental, but the songs and production are much much stronger than Red 13, not to mention Arnel is an entirely different class of singer than Augeri. Red 13 could have been good, with some better production work, and/or (preferably both) a better singer.

[marco17]

I was hoping for an album with songs such as: Mother/Father, Escape, Edge Of The Blade, Message Of Love, What I Needed(Revelation).

What I am hearing so far( But I have not heard this album near enough) is a alot of Red13 sounding material.

Am I wrong???

P.S. What I Needed was a CLASSIC Journey song!!!

I can see why you would say that, in that both were experimental for Journey with a bit more of an edge, but I can't agree beyond that. Eclipse is experimental, but the songs and production are much much stronger than Red 13, not to mention Arnel is an entirely different class of singer than Augeri. Red 13 could have been good, with some better production work, and/or (preferably both) a better singer.

It should be no surprise that there are those in the media that are not falling all over themselves to praise the album. I figured we all knew that going in, especially since Eclipse was not going to be a "typical" Journey release from the onset. Obivously, as fans you hope that they could be open minded, but to some point, Journey is a brand name product, and if they don't deliver what the public views that brand name being, regardless to the quality of the effort, they will not get positive reviews. The casual fan wants the DSB sound, not this. Diehards wanted this album.

Yes, similarities to Red 13, but really only because that was Neal's attempt to see if the fan base would accept a different Journey sound. It wasn't intended to be produced to the highest quality of Eclipse or any other album. merely to test the waters. I think those tracks fit Augeri's vocals quite well, but nonetheless, not a "Journey" sounding album. After that and some playing around with Generations Neal admitted that he was going to have to accept that Journey was what it was, and there is a certain expectation there.

Regardless to how you regard the various singers, this may be the album that proves that if Journey doesn't have the hype and promotion behind them [like Revelation], their product doesn't sell, regardless to the quality and who is at the helm vocally...with the exception of another reunion album w/Perry which would surely sell incredibly well.

[Majestic]

The worst part about a review like this, is that it's simply very shallow and inaccurate. Eclipse has more than 5 songs on it. If Edge, Chain, Resonate, Human Feel, and Venus were the only songs on this record, I could understand where they are coming from. But what about Someone, Anything is Possible,City of Hope, She's a mystery, Ritual, and Tantra? Are those not near enough to Journey's signature sound to discredit any assertion that Eclipse is a Neal Schon shred fest, or just self indulgence that sounds nothing like Journey? To me this album has 5-6 songs for one type of Journey fan 5-6 for the other type, and 11 for the fan who appreciates the diversity of Journey's sides and styles. I realize these professional reviewers have a lot of different stuff to play and review, but with an album as diverse as this one, it's rediculous to paint it with one brush.

[Rhiannon]

Everyone is just wailing away at their chosen instrument, and the end result sounds less like a group effort and more like each member showed up, recorded their part with little regard to what the other members had recorded, and producer Kevin Shirley was left to mash all the disparate thrashing together.

I agree with this.

I don't think it's fair to try and make that stretch to compare the dynamics of the studio in 2011 to 1981, seeing that there's only 3 of those guys still there, which the author clearly and admittedly knows. And of course what was done when Journey was at the top of their game will never be trumped by anything now. That's just a dumb attitude if I ever saw one.

But again, production wise, I agree. In the band's defense though, with music like this, I'm a firm believer that studio albums are just a consolation prize. The LIVE gig is where it's at.

[Greg]

I think you guys are missing the point with this review. He's not saying Journey should have done a classic album. He's merely saying that there are certain moments with the music where things seemed a bit forced or where each player is trying to stand out in the music, but nobody is willing to pull back and let it have a natural flow. I get that. There are moments on this album where I am thinking to myself, "If they had just did this part like this, or if Arnel had not repeated this line or sang this phrase the way he did...." it's not that the total body of work is crap (except for Tantra, I seriously feel homicidal listening to that song) it's just that there are things in these last two albums, heck even the Augeri albums where it just didn't seem like a natural flow to me. It's really hard to explain without having people in the same room with me listening to a song. Maybe that is the "magic" they used to talk about with the old lineup. The magic is those little things that makes each song flow beautifully to the point where you would not change a thing about them, you expect the songs to flow the way they did. I don't find very much of this magic in present day Journey albums. Not saying it sounds bad, just saying that there are things in the music that while this aspect or that aspect gets you excited, at the end of the day, you do feel left disappointed.

I'm sure most do disagree with probably what I'm saying and what the review stated....you're still in the honeymoon phase. But, I betcha down the road after the newness has worn off, some of you guys will take a step back and understand where I'm coming from with this. Heck, I remember the reviews of Generations...there WERE people saying Generations was the new Escape! Later on, they said it was crap. Time will tell how the reviews change on Eclipse.

[Rhiannon]

I think you guys are missing the point with this review. He's not saying Journey should have done a classic album. He's merely saying that there are certain moments with the music where things seemed a bit forced or where each player is trying to stand out in the music, but nobody is willing to pull back and let it have a natural flow. I get that. There are moments on this album where I am thinking to myself, "If they had just did this part like this, or if Arnel had not repeated this line or sang this phrase the way he did...." it's not that the total body of work is crap (except for Tantra, I seriously feel homicidal listening to that song) it's just that there are things in these last two albums, heck even the Augeri albums where it just didn't seem like a natural flow to me. It's really hard to explain without having people in the same room with me listening to a song. Maybe that is the "magic" they used to talk about with the old lineup. The magic is those little things that makes each song flow beautifully to the point where you would not change a thing about them, you expect the songs to flow the way they did. I don't find very much of this magic in present day Journey albums. Not saying it sounds bad, just saying that there are things in the music that while this aspect or that aspect gets you excited, at the end of the day, you do feel left disappointed.

That's totally true. But again, it's not fair to expect a (for all intents and purposes) completely different band (line-up, whatever you need to call it) to have the same coalescence that Journey had which made them famous. I think it has to be judged separately away from any false expectation that you're going to get something of that quality and caliber from Journey these days. And just accepted for what it is. Whatever it is, it's each fan's right to love it or leave it and change their mind here and there. For me, it sounds amateur in places and the lyrics (while some may find some depth to them and if it speaks to anyone then that's awesome) aren't anything original or captivating. Which isn't a knock at the band so much as I just am looking for a higher quality than is presented here.

[Eric]

If journey would have done another Revelation type of sound these people would have complained that it was another album of cheese and they should have tried something different. It doesn't matter what this band does, they will never win with some critics.

Yep

[Greg]

I think you guys are missing the point with this review. He's not saying Journey should have done a classic album. He's merely saying that there are certain moments with the music where things seemed a bit forced or where each player is trying to stand out in the music, but nobody is willing to pull back and let it have a natural flow. I get that. There are moments on this album where I am thinking to myself, "If they had just did this part like this, or if Arnel had not repeated this line or sang this phrase the way he did...." it's not that the total body of work is crap (except for Tantra, I seriously feel homicidal listening to that song) it's just that there are things in these last two albums, heck even the Augeri albums where it just didn't seem like a natural flow to me. It's really hard to explain without having people in the same room with me listening to a song. Maybe that is the "magic" they used to talk about with the old lineup. The magic is those little things that makes each song flow beautifully to the point where you would not change a thing about them, you expect the songs to flow the way they did. I don't find very much of this magic in present day Journey albums. Not saying it sounds bad, just saying that there are things in the music that while this aspect or that aspect gets you excited, at the end of the day, you do feel left disappointed.

That's totally true. But again, it's not fair to expect a (for all intents and purposes) completely different band (line-up, whatever you need to call it) to have the same coalescence that Journey had which made them famous. I think it has to be judged separately away from any false expectation that you're going to get something of that quality and caliber from Journey these days. And just accepted for what it is. Whatever it is, it's each fan's right to love it or leave it and change their mind here and there. For me, it sounds amateur in places and the lyrics (while some may find some depth to them and if it speaks to anyone then that's awesome) aren't anything original or captivating. Which isn't a knock at the band so much as I just am looking for a higher quality than is presented here.

Agreed!

[StevePerryHair]

I don't think there is anything a 35+ year old band can do right, in the eyes of critics. My belief is that even with
Steve Perry in the lineup all along, the times changed for the music and the band would have had a tough time anyway.

Well I saw a 25 year old band (Bon Jovi) a couple of weeks ago. Not ONLY did they SELL OUT a 20,000+ arena... but they ALSO had NO opening act, NO co-headliner.....No Richie even, JUST THEM.... on stage, for just over 2 hours. People were on their feet about the whole concert. NEW SONGS off of NEW albums being sung by a majority of people just dancing and singing away, MEN included... NO POTTY BREAKS AND BEER BRAKES OR PEOPLE SITTING. They achieve this. So you will suggest a "Steve Perry" Journey couldn't? Well you may be right but then who knows! Def Lep can't... Heart can't... REO can't.... and the list goes on and on. You can't blame this stuff JUST on the music industry.

Bon Homo has the help of a major record label and they have abandoned their musical roots in favor of a more mainstream pop sound that is more radio friendly. Journey, Def Leppard and Heart hasn't sold out to make a few extra bucks like Bon Jovi has. Their music for the last 10 years or so has been very cookie cutter. This is the same "rock band" that did a country album a few years ago. ( I use the term rock band very loosely, Bon Jovi is anything but at this point)

Their music is as much still Bon Jovi as this album is Journey! And Def Lep didnt sell out?? Are you kidding me? Have you heard the song on their last album they did with Tim McGraw? They have turned to a little country to boost themselves too. Def Leps music is NOTHING like what they made in the 70's/80's. And I am a HUGE Def Lep fan!! But people don't want to buy their new stuff anymore than the general public wants new Journey. They go to concerts for the classics. That's not the case with Bon Jovi. I am not even a huge fan if theirs, but I see it at the concerts. It's middle aged people, NOT the youth singing their new stuff. How do you explain that? If you're blaming new sound?

Thing is, Bon Jovi knows how to PROMOTE!!! He pimps himself! Jon HIMSELF pimps them on FB. They run contests, give free after concert pics you can download and print. And SO many more things! Free downloadable music I've seen there. They get themselves out there and heard. It's NOT JUST the record label doing that.

And honestly, Def Lep should be given credit. They've been doing the tv appearances to promote their new album and tour. What is Journey doing?? Where are they??

[Greg]

Bon Homo has the help of a major record label and they have abandoned their musical roots in favor of a more mainstream pop sound that is more radio friendly. Journey, Def Leppard and Heart hasn't sold out to make a few extra bucks like Bon Jovi has. Their music for the last 10 years or so has been very cookie cutter. This is the same "rock band" that did a country album a few years ago. ( I use the term rock band very loosely, Bon Jovi is anything but at this point)

Journey was accused of the very same thing in the 1980's, as well as Def Leppard. Does the term "Corporate rock" mean anything? Look at Def Leppard's body of work since about 2000. There's no early 80's "Leppard" sound. It's all commercialized in hopes of cashing in. Look at Journey's Raised on Radio. Um, mainstream pop? So, why blame Bon Jovi for reinventing themselves and actually being successful at it? I'm not a huge fan of Bon Jovi's recent stuff, but I applaud them for changing things up, writing whatever type of songs they wish to write, and actually being very successful because of it. So what if Jovi has help from a major record label? Journey was with Sony for awhile. They have had the same opportunities as Bon Jovi. Same with Def Leppard. Some bands have it, some don't.

[Michigan Girl]

Bon Homo has the help of a major record label and they have abandoned their musical roots in favor of a more mainstream pop sound that is more radio friendly. Journey, Def Leppard and Heart hasn't sold out to make a few extra bucks like Bon Jovi has. Their music for the last 10 years or so has been very cookie cutter. This is the same "rock band" that did a country album a few years ago. ( I use the term rock band very loosely, Bon Jovi is anything but at this point)

Journey was accused of the very same thing in the 1980's, as well as Def Leppard. Does the term "Corporate rock" mean anything? Look at Def Leppard's body of work since about 2000. There's no early 80's "Leppard" sound. It's all commercialized in hopes of cashing in. Look at Journey's Raised on Radio. Um, mainstream pop? So, why blame Bon Jovi for reinventing themselves and actually being successful at it? I'm not a huge fan of Bon Jovi's recent stuff, but I applaud them for changing things up, writing whatever type of songs they wish to write, and actually being very successful because of it. So what if Jovi has help from a major record label? Journey was with Sony for awhile. They have had the same opportunities as Bon Jovi. Same with Def Leppard. Some bands have it, some don't.

Yep!!

[Don]

Loyalty to your label these days might pay off in big promo, something that was amiss with Eclipse's release. In this day and age, Sony would never have sabotaged Arrival like they did, there would be too much at stake.