Foreigner goes acoustic - Should Journey?

[Don]

I saw that Foreigner has a new three disc package coming out in a few weeks at Wal-Mart. It's one disc of re-records, a DVD of a soundstage performance in Chicago and one disc of acoustic renditions of older songs.
Foreigner already had the PBS show in the vault from a couple of years ago so they didn't even have to think twice about throwing that into this package. Obviously for Wal-Mart to give it a green light so soon after their last release they had to something different, hence the unplugged tunes.
The album is at #10 on Wal-Mart's instore chart so there are obviously diehards that are going to make this purchase on the first day.

Seeing as Journey has pretty much done everything but an unplugged album, should they give it a go? Foreigner has incorporated these type of numbers into their setlist over the last few years so for Journey, maybe laying the groundwork early on will help in sales.

Here's Foreigner's unplugged tracks for their new disc.

1. Long Long Way From Home - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
2. Cold As Ice - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
3. The Flame Still Burns - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
4. Double Vision - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
5. Fool For You Anyway - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
6. Say You Will - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
7. Starrider - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
8. Waiting For A Girl Like You - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
9. Feels Like The First Time - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
10. Juke Box Hero - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged
11. That's All Right (Bonus Track) - Acoustique: The Classics Unplugged

[Eric]

Eff Acoustic. PLUG IT IN!

[Don]

Eff Acoustic. PLUG IT IN!

They did plug it in and no one heard them.

[kgdjpubs]

I wouldn't be surprised to see it at some point. With five-part vocal harmonies raised in the mix to the point you can hear them, it could actually be good. The key is to choose songs that really work in that format--Girl Can't Help It comes to mind. Some of the hits wouldn't work (which might be the problem with making it sellable), but I think the catalog is big enough that you could do a good acoustic album with some forgotten songs to fill it out.

[Deb]

I wouldn't be surprised to see it at some point. With five-part vocal harmonies raised in the mix to the point you can hear them, it could actually be good. The key is to choose songs that really work in that format--Girl Can't Help It comes to mind. Some of the hits wouldn't work (which might be the problem with making it sellable), but I think the catalog is big enough that you could do a good acoustic album with some forgotten songs to fill it out.

I agree on the first point, but not so much on the second point.

Being as vocals are usually my favorite intrument, any band that has a good front vocalist and good harmonies should do this at least once IMO. Bands that don't have great lead vocals or crappy harmonies shouldn't do it......as there is no hiding shitty vocals on an accoustic album/show. Could totally bomb.

I recently purchased (Japan import CD) Live From The Living Room, a Mr Big little accoustic show they did I believe early this year amongst the bigger arena shows. And as much as I love the great hard crunchy rock they deliver, this cd is a real treat. Eric's voice and the Bigs' 4 part harmonies shine on it. And when I read the song choices before I bought it I was wondering how they would pull off some of their hits and real drum/bass/guitar driven songs, accoustically. Especially two favorite rockers Undertow and Take Cover, but was very pleasantly surprised. EM's always at his best accoustically, but Take Cover has some of the most beautiful soft string work I've ever heard from Paul and add the Japanese hand drums instead of a big drum kit and wow, stellar stuff. So if Journey was to do an accoustic, I wouldn't knock any song off the list. If they are as creative and talented as the MB boys, you might be surprised at just what they come up with.

[Arkansas]

Somewhere in the future, Schon might do a few songs like this...as part of a solo effort. But I don't foresee this ever being a real Journey thing. Who knows, when Schon finally ages/slows-down, and is doing his own club thing, maybe he & Perry will reconcile enough for this. That way it'll be after Journey has faded, and Perry doesn't really have to sing that strongly.

It'll be a minor blip on the entertainment news, but it'll be enough to keep the catalog selling.


later~

[The_Noble_Cause]

Mick, unlike Neal, does not care about new material. These retreads are becoming a joke. Kelly deserves better.

[Ehwmatt]

An album would be a fun addition to the collection. WOuldn't be interested in seeing an acoustic show, though.

[The_Noble_Cause]

There's some vids on YT of Foreigner doing acoustic songs back when Gramm was in fine form.

[VirgilTheart]

While I wouldn't mind an album of acoustic renditions of the classics, I'd actually rather them just do an album of new material on acoustic. Maybe not completely acoustic mind you, but something more along the lines of Led Zeppelin III. That could potentially work out rather well.