Arnel Pineda...So Far So Good?

[Saint John]

I say,"Yes!." What says you? Discuss.

[Andrew]

A nervous start....but far better in Vegas and considering where he came from to where he is now....good job.

[yulog]

The Vegas clips sound good, he sounds great on the ballads ,and the rockers at Vegas sounded much better than Chile, probably some first time jitters, guy sounds very good at this point.

[texafana]

Journey sounds like Journey again. I'm not sure how long the Arnel & Journey story will last, but for now it's pure melodic entertainment at it's best.

[wednesday's child]

So far, so good, but there's work that needs be done, IMO.

He BADLY needs a diction/accent coach.
Not so mch for when he sings, but for when he talks up the crowd.
The Filipino accent distracts me, and I'm a Filipino.

If there's no time for him to take care of that while on U.S. soil,
he can do it on his off-time while home here in Quezon City, which is
chock full of call centers which employ in-house English-diction coaches
who'd be more than happy for some sideline work.

Also, a minor issue, selecting a lower 'pitch' with which to yell out to the crowd,
mid song, might be easier to match to the current pitch of any melody he's singing.

The so-called "best" singers in the Philippines, as adjudged in competitions, tend to be power belters.
Arnel needs to move a little bit away from that mindset; and enjoy singing parts of the slower numbers
with less wattage behind a pefect pitch.

I'm not so worried about his voice holding up (he's been at this thing for some time),
but I think he needs a coach for breathing.

Whoever made 'nel pluck his eyebrows should be hanged.
His new brows make him look goofy.



JM2pesos,
wech.

*Not an issue over on this side of the giant urinal, where cover bands and thick accents are par for the course...
But if pay to enjoy a Journey concert, I want both song and speech as close to the familiar sound as possible.

[wednesday's child]

Nam'pucha...

I re-read my last post... and it somehow comes off wayyyy too negative,
so I'll compensate for it with this:

Arnel's singing is amazing. Great move by Journey to bring him in!
It's so good to now have the vocals loud and clear in the live mix,
and as the (IMHO) to-do list I posted above is quite do-able,
I'm pretty confident Arnel's going to show very marked improvement on all fronts
before the year is over.

I have no doubt 'nel can learn (and unlearn) stuff, as needs be, to make Journey's
upcoming concerts the best possible Live experience for the band's fans today.


wech

[NealIsGod]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

[Vladan]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

Real opinions please. Fanboys, cheersleaders, they just biased and their vision is clouded.

[strangegrey]

Fuck that. They could have gotten the greatest singer in the world (and trust me, Arnel is not in that category)...and it wouldn't have mattered. The fact still remains that this has all of the outward and inner appearances of a complete cluster fuck. Charlie Fox through and through.

I'm sorry, after you've remarried twice, your family members start looking at you funny when you announce you're going to get married a third time. This is #4 since Perry and there have been a handful of serious girlfriends in there. Sorry, this is a fucking sham.

And this has nothing to do with Arnel, so for the fucking race baiters that infest this site, fuck off. This is all about seeing this band out in its final time with dignity, integrity and honor. And NONE of those fucking words mean shit with Journey right now. The magic is gone....

...all Schlong, Yeastboy and the 3 hirelings are doing right now, is pimping Journey out to whoever is still willing to shell out money for this fucking sham. It's sad. It's depressing....I used to be able to tell someone (with pride) that I was one of the biggest Journey fans out there. Now I don't even fucking mention them.....they're a fucking embarassment.


I'll go on record as saying that I was surprisingly impressed with arnel from vegas (although he STILL needs serious diction help) on the ballads. He still can't sing the harder stuff worth a fucking damn. Singing this music is not about screaming....


Regardless, even with the above mentioned comment, Arnel can't save this fucking mess....no one can. It's gone too far. Walmart, touring with over-the-hill seattle fatties and cheap trick isn't going to save this fucking mess.....a piss drunk neanderthal at the mixing board for this new album aint going to save it....shit, this is a bigger fuckup than George Bush's presidency....and the worst thing about it is that there isn't a Hillary Clinton waiting in the wings to clean up the fucking mess!

[NealIsGod]

Frank's right. Arnel sounds OK on the ballads, but pretty lousy on the rockers to these ears. It's just not Journey anymore to me.

[conversationpc]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

Give me a break. Most of the people that post here have posted their honest opinions. The others are losers who have some kind of idol worship going on or don't have enough hearing remaining to notice a decent singer, and I stress decent, because he's not Perry nor is he that bad, either.

In my opinion, he sounds pretty good. Better than Augeri, certainly, and about equal with JSS from the 2006 tour.

[strangegrey]

I'll repeat, Dave...I think he's decent...he sounds almost eyebrow raising on the ballads. When he has to actually sing stuff other than ballads, you hear his true voice come through....which is very, blah.

[Rick]

Arnel is doing a great job. You couldn't ask more from the guy. He's been with the band a very short time. He's recorded two records, is learning the whole back catalog and all the while preparing for a tour and while his spoken english needs work, his singing diction is improving every show.

It's not the Journey that I took my girlfriend to see back in '81, but it's as close as we're going to get. I went to Las Vegas and had a blast at the show. I'd rather do that than be pissed and bitter at them for something I can't change. I guarantee you, all of you would have had a great time if you would just forgive, forget and let shit go. The bitterness and anger is not damaging them, it's only damaging you. Think about it, we ALL could be going to shows and having the same great time that we did in Las Vegas. Now THAT would be something.

[journeyMusic]

Arnel is doing a great job. You couldn't ask more from the guy. He's been with the band a very short time. He's recorded two records, is learning the whole back catalog and all the while preparing for a tour and while his spoken english needs work, his singing diction is improving every show.

It's not the Journey that I took my girlfriend to see back in '81, but it's as close as we're going to get. I went to Las Vegas and had a blast at the show. I'd rather do that than be pissed and bitter at them for something I can't change. I guarantee you, all of you would have had a great time if you would just forgive, forget and let shit go. The bitterness and anger is not damaging them, it's only damaging you. Think about it, we ALL could be going to shows and having the same great time that we did in Las Vegas. Now THAT would be something.

That one of the smartest things I've read on here so maybe it starts at home!

[Jenna]

Arnel is doing a great job. You couldn't ask more from the guy. He's been with the band a very short time. He's recorded two records, is learning the whole back catalog and all the while preparing for a tour and while his spoken english needs work, his singing diction is improving every show.

It's not the Journey that I took my girlfriend to see back in '81, but it's as close as we're going to get. I went to Las Vegas and had a blast at the show. I'd rather do that than be pissed and bitter at them for something I can't change. I guarantee you, all of you would have had a great time if you would just forgive, forget and let shit go. The bitterness and anger is not damaging them, it's only damaging you. Think about it, we ALL could be going to shows and having the same great time that we did in Las Vegas. Now THAT would be something.

That one of the smartest things I've read on here so maybe it starts at home!

Life is how you choose to live it------Bitter or Sweet-Moving on is always the better choice IMO-----

[donnaplease]

Arnel is doing a great job. You couldn't ask more from the guy. He's been with the band a very short time. He's recorded two records, is learning the whole back catalog and all the while preparing for a tour and while his spoken english needs work, his singing diction is improving every show.

It's not the Journey that I took my girlfriend to see back in '81, but it's as close as we're going to get. I went to Las Vegas and had a blast at the show. I'd rather do that than be pissed and bitter at them for something I can't change. I guarantee you, all of you would have had a great time if you would just forgive, forget and let shit go. The bitterness and anger is not damaging them, it's only damaging you. Think about it, we ALL could be going to shows and having the same great time that we did in Las Vegas. Now THAT would be something.

Rick, let me ask you something...

Would you have hopped on a plane and gone to Vegas to see Journey if it weren't for the MR gang that was gonna be there? I bet not. It's not about the band so much as it is about the friends, IMO. I certainly wouldn't have gone to Florida last year to see them if it weren't for my friends that were also going. However, I'm not interested in seeing Journey AT ALL at this point, so I can't imagine myself making any trips for them. I'm just not interested. It's not that I hate Arnel, I think he's okay, it's just the whole situation has me burned out.

I will cherish my memories of shows and parties that I attended with the JSS-era Journey. I met a lot of great people, and consider many to be real friends. I will continue to love the SP-era, as any proper "loon" would do. But my present-day "Journey" is over. All the cheerleading, and telling me that I'm wrong for my opinions, and race-baiting has only served to solidify my views.

For those that choose to follow this incarnation, if it brings you happiness, go for it. There's no reason that folks can't disagree on this era but still remain friendly on other aspects of the life of this band. Life is too short for cyber bullshit.

[jrnychick]

Arnel is doing a great job. You couldn't ask more from the guy. He's been with the band a very short time. He's recorded two records, is learning the whole back catalog and all the while preparing for a tour and while his spoken english needs work, his singing diction is improving every show.

It's not the Journey that I took my girlfriend to see back in '81, but it's as close as we're going to get. I went to Las Vegas and had a blast at the show. I'd rather do that than be pissed and bitter at them for something I can't change. I guarantee you, all of you would have had a great time if you would just forgive, forget and let shit go. The bitterness and anger is not damaging them, it's only damaging you. Think about it, we ALL could be going to shows and having the same great time that we did in Las Vegas. Now THAT would be something.

Rick, let me ask you something...

Would you have hopped on a plane and gone to Vegas to see Journey if it weren't for the MR gang that was gonna be there? I bet not. It's not about the band so much as it is about the friends, IMO. I certainly wouldn't have gone to Florida last year to see them if it weren't for my friends that were also going. However, I'm not interested in seeing Journey AT ALL at this point, so I can't imagine myself making any trips for them. I'm just not interested. It's not that I hate Arnel, I think he's okay, it's just the whole situation has me burned out.

I will cherish my memories of shows and parties that I attended with the JSS-era Journey. I met a lot of great people, and consider many to be real friends. I will continue to love the SP-era, as any proper "loon" would do. But my present-day "Journey" is over. All the cheerleading, and telling me that I'm wrong for my opinions, and race-baiting has only served to solidify my views.

For those that choose to follow this incarnation, if it brings you happiness, go for it. There's no reason that folks can't disagree on this era but still remain friendly on other aspects of the life of this band. Life is too short for cyber bullshit.

I agree with a lot of what you've said, Donna. I think Arnel has a lot of talent, but I'm really not that interested in following the band as closely as I used to. I'm not excited about the new album or tour. The things that have happened have left a bitter taste in my mouth that I haven't gotten past yet. I may feel better about things at some point, but right now I really don't care.

[Saint John]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

I guess the question was too hard for you. Sorry.

[Matthew]

It's just not Journey anymore to me.

NIG - you were the last person I would have imagined coming out with this phrase. It seemed to me that you always defended the concept of Journey as a band and argued against those fans who made the lead singer too much of the focus. Also - you remained a fan after two lead singer changes, the loss of a recording contract, a hundred shows with unimaginative set-lists and lousy venues, tapegate, ruthless sackings, and all the other failures and indignities and cock-ups the band have suffered over the last few years. Yet the moment Arnel arrives you feel the band is suddenly lost to you....and that it is now about the singer after all.

I'm not saying you are necessarily wrong - but just a bit puzzled by the sudden turnaround, that's all....

[Red13JoePa]

From what I've seen, it's so far "eh."

I dig Walk Away and Wildest Dreams a ton, though.

[youkeepmewaiting]

Somse great stuff, some good stuff, some not so great stuff, and some bad.

Great to hear somebody that can hold the notes. Only thing that i really dont like (from the YTUBE clips), is when Arnel doing his big singing bits like at the end of DSB or AWYWI ie. "annywaaayyy eeee eyyyy ey eyeye you want it", he just shouts the tune instead of actually saying any of the words, that really bugs me, i would prefer for him to sing the words instead of just hitting the notes with noise.

But I'm feel positive. Its been a good start.

[Saint John]

From what I've seen, it's so far "eh."

I dig Walk Away and Wildest Dreams a ton, though.

Never Walk Away and After All These Years sound great. WD has yet to grow on me, though.

[brywool]

I say,"Yes!." What says you? Discuss.

DEFINITELY yes. We'll have to see what happens with the new album and if I like it. I think LIVE, he's done great, but it's only been a few shows. We'll have to see how he does when they actually tour. So far, I'm major impressed.

[Lula]

i've liked arnel's voice from the get go. the vegas clips are much better than the chile performane. i want to see heart so i might be seeing journey again by default. i know i'll enjoy the show based on watching neal and deen alone. we'll see. i can say no more pricey seats for me tho, the baby holds the purse strings now .

[brywool]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

Give me a break. Most of the people that post here have posted their honest opinions. The others are losers who have some kind of idol worship going on or don't have enough hearing remaining to notice a decent singer, and I stress decent, because he's not Perry nor is he that bad, either.

In my opinion, he sounds pretty good. Better than Augeri, certainly, and about equal with JSS from the 2006 tour.

Equal to JSS? I disagree. Arnel's got way more range and with Arnel, the songs sound LIKE Journey. Jss, although great, didn't sound like Journey. Sorry if this comes off as 'cheerleading' but I think the guy's a great addition to the band. If you want honest opinions, that's what I'm giving. I find it funny that most that are negative here were negative before he was in the band. The guy's got great vocal chops. I don't have a problem with him on the rockers either. He's way better than Auger was (at least live, recorded has yet to be seen).

[Arkansas]

...
Would you have hopped on a plane and gone to Vegas to see Journey if it weren't for the MR gang that was gonna be there? I bet not. It's not about the band so much as it is about the friends, IMO. I certainly wouldn't have gone to Florida last year to see them if it weren't for my friends that were also going. However, I'm not interested in seeing Journey AT ALL at this point, so I can't imagine myself making any trips for them. I'm just not interested. It's not that I hate Arnel, I think he's okay, it's just the whole situation has me burned out.
...

Interesting comments in this para. I think it's a little deeper than that though. I think it's a personal economic question.

If we all had money to burn, then hitting the Journey groupie circuit may not be a bad deal, although the excitement has certainly waned in the latest years. But I'd bed that most of us don't have free-flowing cash. Blowing a grand or more on a concert weekend, simply isn't doable. Especially in a tight economy, we've all got better purposes for that money. Sure, seeing a Journey show is always good - not great - but a decent party, and meeting & hanging with many of the boobs out here would be a lot of fun. But I'm sure many of us would rather hold on to the cash, or invest it. H#ll, I bet a lot of fans struggle just to pay bills, provide for families, and/or run up credit card debt...which is always a bad idea.


later~

[Saint John]

So do you want real opinions or do you just want cheerleaders to post here?

Give me a break. Most of the people that post here have posted their honest opinions. The others are losers who have some kind of idol worship going on or don't have enough hearing remaining to notice a decent singer, and I stress decent, because he's not Perry nor is he that bad, either.

In my opinion, he sounds pretty good. Better than Augeri, certainly, and about equal with JSS from the 2006 tour.

Equal to JSS? I disagree. Arnel's got way more range and with Arnel, the songs sound LIKE Journey. Jss, although great, didn't sound like Journey. Sorry if this comes off as 'cheerleading' but I think the guy's a great addition to the band. If you want honest opinions, that's what I'm giving. I find it funny that most that are negative here were negative before he was in the band. The guy's got great vocal chops. I don't have a problem with him on the rockers either. He's way better than Auger was (at least live, recorded has yet to be seen).

The recently recorded songs are absolutely outstanding. The ballad especially. I was also lucky enough to hear one of the re-records as well. If you can be sold on on a 15 second clip, consider me sold. It sounded fantastic. I think this package will sell extremely well.

[Red13JoePa]

From what I've seen, it's so far "eh."

I dig Walk Away and Wildest Dreams a ton, though.

After All These Years sounds great.

Yea, well it would you're a weepy balladeering recovering loon and you browneye's blue as such.

[youkeepmewaiting]

From what I've seen, it's so far "eh."

I dig Walk Away and Wildest Dreams a ton, though.

After All These Years sounds great.

Yea, well it would you're a weepy balladeering recovering loon and you browneye's blue as such.

You like it then?

[Saint John]

From what I've seen, it's so far "eh."

I dig Walk Away and Wildest Dreams a ton, though.

After All These Years sounds great.

Yea, well it would you're a weepy balladeering recovering loon and you browneye's blue as such.

Yeah...ok. This coming from the guy that throws on a bandana every Sunday morning at 5am, slams 3 raw eggs, puts on his Guess jean shorts from 87, a pair of crusty Chuck Taylors and does push ups and sit ups while listening to "Eye Of the Tiger." Youtube that for us, dude.