Gideon wrote:Bry, I'm not anti-Pineda by any means, I just call it like I see it. (Or in this case, hear it.)
He doesn't sound good to me at all on Separate Ways in either the Crossroads or Japan clip. My friend pointed out that Arnel's posture might have something to do with the obvious strain; when he lifts his chin off his chest and lengthens his throat, he seems to have a much easier time with the money notes.
Faithfully also sounds rough. I'm not saying he's at Augeri levels, he's clearly got a stronger voice than Augeri ever did, but this is not the same guy I heard in 2008.
I'd like to reply more... but I think Slucero's avs, etc. are going to get me fired!

His posture and his delivery of the Journey songs has changed a lot. That's what I was saying, his Rascal Flatts songs are GREAT. When he sings the Journey stuff though, he completely changes his vocal approach and delivery and just how he sings. It's really odd and I'm not understanding it. It doesn't sound like strain to me. It sounds like a stylistic choice. I've never been on a major tour, so I can't really comment, but I think a lot of singers at some point have to do what they can to get through the gig. He seems to be a pretty sensitive dude, so maybe it's nerves. I remember for a long time Ann Wilson (The greatest woman rock vocalist ever in my opinion) could hardly sing all due to stage fright that she developed later in her career. I don't think he sounds "bad" on the songs you mentioned, but he does sound different. I prefer a more open sound from him. I think he may be getting advice from a new teacher or something.