A question to all who are Journey fans - past & present

[Don]

I'll tell you what. If they would have put as much work into Revelation as they did for Arrival, having Blades and others come in as the third songwriter, putting out at minimum a dozen new songs and having the Wal-Mart deal I think Revelation would have blown up big time, Maybe even album of the year at 3X platinum. But alas, we got ten new songs, written by the same two guys with half of them being ballads. 750,000 units moved after all the promotion, hype, superbowl pre-game, etc. And before someone starts about the music scene being different these days, AC/DC's album went platinum in less then a month so that argument doesn't wash. Put out a great product with a great price and you can still achieve multi-platinum these days even if you're an old school rock band. Maybe this next album will be that album.

[kgdjpubs]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic, drift off to another world, and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

Why do people still want to hear the music? what makes it so good now, is the same magic there? what is it that keeps you interested in listening to Journey without Steve Perry.

I think there has been magic in all of the lineups as far as new material goes. Livin' to Do from Arrival, A Place in Your Heart/Faith... from Generations, What I Needed from Revelation. Maybe not so much on the greatest hits, but I have to admit the Graspop video (for those of you lucky enough to see it) went a LONG way towards letting Arnel make the songs his own. In the end though, I hear "Journey", and the sound is bigger than any one person's voice, no matter how good it is.

Part of it for me though is hearing the '94 Pittsburgh show where Perry had no high range, and sounded absolutely dreadful on the majority of the Journey hits. Most of the shows on that tour sounded very good--the NYC one was great. Pittsburgh wasn't. He was straining a lot, and missing most. It was an isolated incident and probably not repeated on the tour (as best as I have heard), but if he came back, you would hear it a lot more. Personally, I'd prefer to remember him as an exceptional singer, and not the shell of one that did that show. Maybe that's why it's easier for me to move on, because (at least on that night), he couldn't do it anymore.

[journeyrock]

No.
I get it with Perry only. No offense to the others, but something about that era of music and the way those five (give and take a few roster changes) meshed so symbioncially (I think that's the word I want... its 3:30, I'm trying.) can't be replicated.
That's part of why those days are the classic ones. The quality was there, now it feels more like quantity. Not that the material now sucks, but it's not soul stirring, mind melting. It's just there. I feel the same about Perry's solo efforts. More memorable, for sure. But not Journey. Nothing that changed my life.

But I have high expectations out of music.

The reason I'm still here is mostly nostalgia, mostly social. I enjoy the live shows enough to go. They're entertaining me. But you will never catch me blasting Revelation or Generations driving down the highway.

If they step up the game and make something fresh and vivacious, I may change my mind. But all I hear on these newer albums are echos.

+1000

[Don]

No.
I get it with Perry only. No offense to the others, but something about that era of music and the way those five (give and take a few roster changes) meshed so symbioncially (I think that's the word I want... its 3:30, I'm trying.) can't be replicated.
That's part of why those days are the classic ones. The quality was there, now it feels more like quantity. Not that the material now sucks, but it's not soul stirring, mind melting. It's just there. I feel the same about Perry's solo efforts. More memorable, for sure. But not Journey. Nothing that changed my life.

But I have high expectations out of music.

The reason I'm still here is mostly nostalgia, mostly social. I enjoy the live shows enough to go. They're entertaining me. But you will never catch me blasting Revelation or Generations driving down the highway.

If they step up the game and make something fresh and vivacious, I may change my mind. But all I hear on these newer albums are echos.

+1000

+

[Jana]

I'll tell you what. If they would have put as much work into Revelation as they did for Arrival, having Blades and others come in as the third songwriter, putting out at minimum a dozen new songs and having the Wal-Mart deal I think Revelation would have blown up big time, Maybe even album of the year at 3X platinum. But alas, we got ten new songs, written by the same two guys with half of them being ballads. 750,000 units moved after all the promotion, hype, superbowl pre-game, etc. And before someone starts about the music scene being different these days, AC/DC's album went platinum in less then a month so that argument doesn't wash. Put out a great product with a great price and you can still achieve multi-platinum these days even if you're an old school rock band. Maybe this next album will be that album.

I liked Blades' input on Arrival and a couple of my favorite songs had a great piano intro or melody throughout which I loved. When writing this new album, they need to look at Arrival and what worked on there. There was some real heart in some of those songs as far as content lyrically and melodically; even better songs than some on TBF definitely.

[Don]

I'll tell you what. If they would have put as much work into Revelation as they did for Arrival, having Blades and others come in as the third songwriter, putting out at minimum a dozen new songs and having the Wal-Mart deal I think Revelation would have blown up big time, Maybe even album of the year at 3X platinum. But alas, we got ten new songs, written by the same two guys with half of them being ballads. 750,000 units moved after all the promotion, hype, superbowl pre-game, etc. And before someone starts about the music scene being different these days, AC/DC's album went platinum in less then a month so that argument doesn't wash. Put out a great product with a great price and you can still achieve multi-platinum these days even if you're an old school rock band. Maybe this next album will be that album.

I liked Blades' input on Arrival and a couple of my favorite songs had a great piano intro or melody throughout which I loved. When writing this new album, they need to look at Arrival and what worked on there. There was some real heart in some of those songs as far as content lyrically and melodically; even better songs than some on TBF definitely.

If you like Blades input, you'll love Night Ranger. They don't really have ballads but they had at least 11 Hot 100 Hits and three Top 10's. They love to rock. They had a big tour in JAPAN in 2007 where they have a huge fan base these days and released a live DVD from it. Hopefully you'll get to hear High Enough at the show. Sometimes they play it since it's a Blade song for Damn Yankees.

[whirlwind]

Perry had a once in a lifetime voice that I was in awe of. The only other one I can think of is Kate Bush.

Perry is my "once in a lifetime" vocalist also. Very well put.

[DrFU]

I was bitter at first when Steve A. came along, but after listening and realizing those guys still wanted to make music, I understood and judged less and loved more.

Ah... that's beautiful, Bobby

SP, as Bum Phillips used to say, "may not be in class by himself, but whatever class he's in, it doesn't take very long to call roll." I thought his voice was magic from the very first spin of Infinity on a crappy turntable in a crappier dorm room.

I don't compare the others in my head to SP; maybe it's a girl thing, but I tend not to think in either/or categories or get hung up on who's best at what; have always been a both/and thinker, so I enjoy and appreciate what each person brings to the music.

I really, really like SA's voice; it does something for me; I play his stuff from various bands on my Ipod more than I play anything else.

And how can you not love Arnel? In addition to having a wonderful voice, his obvious joy and enthusiam for life and for Journey music just shines through.

[KenTheDude]

I was bitter at first when Steve A. came along, but after listening and realizing those guys still wanted to make music, I understood and judged less and loved more.

Ah... that's beautiful, Bobby

SP, as Bum Phillips used to say, "may not be in class by himself, but whatever class he's in, it doesn't take very long to call roll." I thought his voice was magic from the very first spin of Infinity on a crappy turntable in a crappier dorm room.

I don't compare the others in my head to SP; maybe it's a girl thing, but I tend not to think in either/or categories or get hung up on who's best at what; have always been a both/and thinker, so I enjoy and appreciate what each person brings to the music.

I really, really like SA's voice; it does something for me; I play his stuff from various bands on my Ipod more than I play anything else.

And how can you not love Arnel? In addition to having a wonderful voice, his obvious joy and enthusiam for life and for Journey music just shines through.

How many voices in your head do you have?

[MrsPerry]

I can hear it with augeri .

[brywool]

All 3 lead singers have things to bring to the party and each of their contributions have had merit. I get something out of every Journey album. Always have. It's what's in the finished song rather than who's singing it. Augeri, while not as strong a singer (power wise) as SP and AP can't have his contributions denied. "Knowing that You Love Me" is one of the best vocal performances I've heard in a long time. Great friggin track. Maybe one of the reasons some aren't 'touched' is because they're not the same people they were when they first heard Journey. When you're younger, music connects with you and gets more woven into your life. As you get older, more BS interferes in your life and in my opinion, music has a tougher time getting into your soul. Maybe it's because as you get older, some of the soul gets covered in a hard candy shell. I will say that when I heard "Turn Down the World Tonight" that it connected with me HUGE. So did "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever" and "Raised on Radio". It's all good, why waste time negating the contributions of some members? It's a waste of time and is really pointless. Pretty transparent too.

[DrFU]

How many voices in your head do you have?

some days it's a freakin' chorus ... some live and some on tape ...

[Jana]

All 3 lead singers have things to bring to the party and each of their contributions have had merit. I get something out of every Journey album. Always have. It's what's in the finished song rather than who's singing it. Augeri, while not as strong a singer (power wise) as SP and AP can't have his contributions denied. "Knowing that You Love Me" is one of the best vocal performances I've heard in a long time. Great friggin track. Maybe one of the reasons some aren't 'touched' is because they're not the same people they were when they first heard Journey. When you're younger, music connects with you and gets more woven into your life. As you get older, more BS interferes in your life and in my opinion, music has a tougher time getting into your soul. Maybe it's because as you get older, some of the soul gets covered in a hard candy shell. I will say that when I heard "Turn Down the World Tonight" that it connected with me HUGE. So did "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever" and "Raised on Radio". It's all good, why waste time negating the contributions of some members? It's a waste of time and is really pointless. Pretty transparent too.

I agree about Turn Down the World Tonight. Love, love, love that song. A song that really connects to me as an adult, and what a haunting piano intro. It grabs you right from the beginning, and has such a classic Journey sound but fresh.

[Babyblue]

Perry is my "once in a lifetime" vocalist also. Very well put.[/quote]

That is so true about Mr P. But i left out Elvis my other man.

[Saint John]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic

No. I just hear really incredible music. "Magic" is pulling a Volkswagen out of your asshole.

drift off to another world

Only time that's ever happened was in college. I was on some pretty heavy shit, though.

and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

I admire the "skills" they all had, but more than anything I admire the chemistry they had together.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling?

At times, yes. Just not with the same frequency.

Why do people still want to hear the music? what makes it so good now, is the same magic there? what is it that keeps you interested in listening to Journey without Steve Perry.

I still want to hear the music because there are some awfully talented guys still on that stage and that music LIVE is an incredible experience. Couple that with the infusion of energy that Pineda has brought to the band and the songs are "alive" again. The crowds have been electric. I was at 3 shows last year (8 total) where there were more than 20,000 people and were they loud. The fans sensed the rebirth of the band and you could feel it.

[Rockindeano]

I'll tell you what. If they would have put as much work into Revelation as they did for Arrival, having Blades and others come in as the third songwriter, putting out at minimum a dozen new songs and having the Wal-Mart deal I think Revelation would have blown up big time, Maybe even album of the year at 3X platinum. But alas, we got ten new songs, written by the same two guys with half of them being ballads. 750,000 units moved after all the promotion, hype, superbowl pre-game, etc. And before someone starts about the music scene being different these days, AC/DC's album went platinum in less then a month so that argument doesn't wash. Put out a great product with a great price and you can still achieve multi-platinum these days even if you're an old school rock band. Maybe this next album will be that album.

I don't know Gunbot. They're damned if they and damned if they don't. You mention ACDC. Yeah, them, Bruce and U2 went platinum not in a month but a day- but they did it on name recognition alone. They're established acts with worldwide power. Journey has done an amazing job if you ask me of coming back from the dead. I hate saying that, but moving a half million units isn't too shabby.

I agree they need other songwriters. Cain is dreadful. Same sappy shit with the words changed around. Schon just "sews them together" anyway. Pineda isn't going to write a top ten hit ever. They need Blades back and maybe someone else.

[mikemarrs]

neal schon has been the main ingredient since day one when the band was formed up until now.he is the one who has kept this thing going through all lineups,breakups,reunions,etc. perry was a huge part of the biggest years and he is the reason they got successful but neal is definitely the most valuable part of journey.

[Rockindeano]

neal schon has been the main ingredient since day one when the band was formed up until now.he is the one who has kept this thing going through all lineups,breakups,reunions,etc. perry was a huge part of the biggest years and he is the reason they got successful but neal is definitely the most valuable part of journey.

And he would be gone yesterday if he thought the money train would derail. I bet you your bottom dollar Schon would much prefer to be in a rock band like Soul Sirkus or Chickenfoot rather than a pop light band like Journey. He so much as told me so.

[Rockindeano]

Know what Journey needs? Seriously? An outside songwriter to write a mega hit. Maybe Bryan Adams or Rob Thomas. Before you laugh, those two have written more hit songs than Schon and Friga.

[KenTheDude]

Know what Journey needs? Seriously? An outside songwriter to write a mega hit. Maybe Bryan Adams or Rob Thomas. Before you laugh, those two have written more hit songs than Schon and Friga.

Only if Bryan Adams reaches back to his rock roots and not that sleepy stuff he's doing now. Then I'd say hell yes.

[Rockindeano]

Know what Journey needs? Seriously? An outside songwriter to write a mega hit. Maybe Bryan Adams or Rob Thomas. Before you laugh, those two have written more hit songs than Schon and Friga.

Only if Bryan Adams reaches back to his rock roots and not that sleepy stuff he's doing now. Then I'd say hell yes.

I think he would write what they asked for.

[Saint John]

Know what Journey needs? Seriously? An outside songwriter to write a mega hit. Maybe Bryan Adams or Rob Thomas. Before you laugh, those two have written more hit songs than Schon and Friga.

Only if Bryan Adams reaches back to his rock roots and not that sleepy stuff he's doing now. Then I'd say hell yes.

I think he would write what they asked for.

Alimony checks?

[brywool]

I'll tell you what. If they would have put as much work into Revelation as they did for Arrival, having Blades and others come in as the third songwriter, putting out at minimum a dozen new songs and having the Wal-Mart deal I think Revelation would have blown up big time, Maybe even album of the year at 3X platinum. But alas, we got ten new songs, written by the same two guys with half of them being ballads. 750,000 units moved after all the promotion, hype, superbowl pre-game, etc. And before someone starts about the music scene being different these days, AC/DC's album went platinum in less then a month so that argument doesn't wash. Put out a great product with a great price and you can still achieve multi-platinum these days even if you're an old school rock band. Maybe this next album will be that album.

I don't know Gunbot. They're damned if they and damned if they don't. You mention ACDC. Yeah, them, Bruce and U2 went platinum not in a month but a day- but they did it on name recognition alone. They're established acts with worldwide power. Journey has done an amazing job if you ask me of coming back from the dead. I hate saying that, but moving a half million units isn't too shabby.

Totally.

I agree they need other songwriters. Cain is dreadful. Same sappy shit with the words changed around. Schon just "sews them together" anyway. Pineda isn't going to write a top ten hit ever. They need Blades back and maybe someone else.

Blades would be cool, but just having him there and writing doesn't guarantee anything. The last Night Ranger albums have sold zip. The last Shaw/Blades album was great... but covers.
The timing needs to be right, the record needs to be pushed by a proper company. Right now, with Journey's touring this past year, they really should hit the studio now while fans memories are still fresh around the world. It's been proven that the band puts on great shows with "the new guy" and they're doing well ticket-wise.
Not sure how you can say "Cain is dreadful". Might be a dork, but the guy can write great songs. The only thing I can say Neal might've strung together would be NWA which borrowed heavily from past Journey tunes, but no more than Message of Love did. Jeez, the band was on Ellen, Superbowl, etc. They weren't on Itunes with it, they weren't on the grammies ala U2, they weren't on Letterman ala U2. I think they've done pretty well considering they're not the flavour of the month.


I don't think that the U2 album did that great, did it? It sold DISMALLY in spite of all the hype crap they did. They were EVERYWHERE and the album didn't sell nearly as well as their past two. The album just wasn't good (and I like U2). U2 is one of those bands that critics LOVE. So no matter if it's a great album from them or not, the critics will be out there singing U2 praises, which helps sell albums. Journey has not played that game.

Look at the last new-song Styx record, Cyclorama. That was a really good album. So was (gasp!) Loverboys. People are just not as into 'classic rock' as they were. U2 has been around a while, but they're ALWAYS a hip band. Hip bands get all over the place. Old ones really don't. Those albums didn't do anything. (the Styx one's a definite great album)

I hope the next album will be the album that does well for them. Could also be Walmart. Did the Eagles album sell well? It shouldn't have cuz it sucked comparatively speaking.

[Rockindeano]

Know what Journey needs? Seriously? An outside songwriter to write a mega hit. Maybe Bryan Adams or Rob Thomas. Before you laugh, those two have written more hit songs than Schon and Friga.

Only if Bryan Adams reaches back to his rock roots and not that sleepy stuff he's doing now. Then I'd say hell yes.

I think he would write what they asked for.

Alimony checks?

LOL, I knew this was coming. BA could buy Journey 5 times if he wanted to. Wow, have times a changed.

[brywool]

BA could buy Journey 5 times if he wanted to.

What makes you say that? Are his albums doing any better than Journey's?

Funny, I've actually bought all of his albums recently going back to whatever was after Waking Up the Neighbors. They're not great 'ROCK' records, but he's a great writer.

[This'll draw fire!]
What SHOULD happen is that since Perry won't put up and sing, he should write with the guys, have Arnel sing and rake in the dough. If he's burned out on the road and his voice is toast, fine, just have him write with Schon and Cain, have Arnel sing the tunes and rake in the royalties.

As if...

[Don]

LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN 7X Platinum. I'm even surprised at that. And no sales on ITUNES.

[Rockindeano]

Not sure how you can say "Cain is dreadful". Might be a dork, but the guy can write great songs.

Syrupy sappy horse shit is what turns people off from Journey. Cain writes syrupy sappy horse shit.

I don't think that the U2 album did that great, did it? It sold DISMALLY in spite of all the hype crap they did. They were EVERYWHERE and the album didn't sell nearly as well as their past two. The album just wasn't good (and I like U2). U2 is one of those bands that critics LOVE. So no matter if it's a great album from them or not, the critics will be out there singing U2 praises, which helps sell albums. Journey has not played that game.

U2 cd was and is shit. Complete crap album. However, they stay fresh and relevant. it helps that their lead singer is an original and had the ear of the president of the United Fucking States regarding world poverty! I agree, and and like I said, U2 got their platinum on name recognition. I am proud of Bruces record, and it has sold more than U2's piece of shit. A much better record.

Look at the last new-song Styx record, Cyclorama. That was a really good album. So was (gasp!) Loverboys. People are just not as into 'classic rock' as they were. U2 has been around a while, but they're ALWAYS a hip band. Hip bands get all over the place. Old ones really don't. Those albums didn't do anything. (the Styx one's a definite great album)

100% agree.

I hope the next album will be the album that does well for them. Could also be Walmart. Did the Eagles album sell well? It shouldn't have cuz it sucked comparatively speaking.

I don't know. Does Journey really have any options? If they can't get Walmart to back em, or maybe Best Buy, what's the incentive to go to Frontiers? They may sell 50,000 if they are lucky. If I was a huge Journey fan, and i'm not, I would be very concerned as to whom will carry them next effort. To me, that will tell the entire story.

[brywool]

LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN 7X Platinum. I'm even surprised at that. And no sales on ITUNES.

WOW. SERIOUSLY? I stand corrected.
I heard nothing off of it anywhere. I got the CD and I thought it was so dull. I couldn't believe how boring it was.

[KenTheDude]

BA could buy Journey 5 times if he wanted to.

What makes you say that? Are his albums doing any better than Journey's?

Funny, I've actually bought all of his albums recently going back to whatever was after Waking Up the Neighbors. They're not great 'ROCK' records, but he's a great writer.

[This'll draw fire!]
What SHOULD happen is that since Perry won't put up and sing, he should write with the guys, have Arnel sing and rake in the dough. If he's burned out on the road and his voice is toast, fine, just have him write with Schon and Cain, have Arnel sing the tunes and rake in the royalties.

As if...

I'm gonna spin that around and ask this. If Perry came back, (he won't but run with me here) do you think he'd be open to singing any post-Perry material? I'm thinking maybe not.

[Don]

LONG ROAD OUT OF EDEN 7X Platinum. I'm even surprised at that. And no sales on ITUNES.

WOW. SERIOUSLY? I stand corrected.
I heard nothing off of it anywhere. I got the CD and I thought it was so dull. I couldn't believe how boring it was.

They played Hard Ball with Apple and moved their catalog to Amazon because of Apple's refusal to make the album only available as a complete download instead of individual tracks.