Eclipse - Your Reviews

[Don]

If you don't have Eclipse yet but do have a Demonoid account.........and for the record, my Journey stuff on that site is limited to non-commercial bootleg DVDs.

[Gideon]

If you don't have Eclipse yet but do have a Demonoid account.........and for the record, my Journey stuff on that site is limited to bootleg DVDs.

Thoughts on "Someone"?

[Don]

If you don't have Eclipse yet but do have a Demonoid account.........and for the record, my Journey stuff on that site is limited to bootleg DVDs.

Thoughts on "Someone"?

If it was released as a second studio track on Captured, I think it would have been a top 40 hit. To me it's got that Journey sound that was happening right before Escape hit, where the older songs started picking up tempo in th live shows as Perry's voice changed and the real keys were coming into full play in place of the organ starting with The Party's Over. It may be that notion of nostalgia that is causing me to enjoy this song more than anything else.

[Gideon]

If you don't have Eclipse yet but do have a Demonoid account.........and for the record, my Journey stuff on that site is limited to bootleg DVDs.

Thoughts on "Someone"?

If it was released as a second studio track on Captured, I think it would have been a top 40 hit. To me it's got that Journey sound that was happening right before Escape hit, where the older songs started picking up tempo in th live shows as Perry's voice changed and the real keys were coming into full play in place of the organ starting with The Party's Over. It may be that notion of nostalgia that is causing me to enjoy this song more than anything else.

Am I the only one not digging the intro?

[Don]

If you don't have Eclipse yet but do have a Demonoid account.........and for the record, my Journey stuff on that site is limited to bootleg DVDs.

Thoughts on "Someone"?

If it was released as a second studio track on Captured, I think it would have been a top 40 hit. To me it's got that Journey sound that was happening right before Escape hit, where the older songs started picking up tempo in th live shows as Perry's voice changed and the real keys were coming into full play in place of the organ starting with The Party's Over. It may be that notion of nostalgia that is causing me to enjoy this song more than anything else.

Am I the only one not digging the intro?

It does start off with that '80s TV Show Theme Music but for some reason it sort of makes me smile.

[Don]

The faux pas of having an Instrumental reprise at the end of the album loses points with me. If they were out of ideas and still wanted to keep with the theme of the record then put a reworked A Prayer For Peace in that slot. I didn't really dig To Whom It May Concern to begin with and to have to basically listen to it twice? Penalty shot right there.

[Don]

I think I figured out what my issue with Tantra is. I'm used to hearing these type of 'inspirational' songs sang by great tenors like Josh Groban (whose also an outstanding baritone) or other classical crossover artists like Sara Brightman, Hayley Westenra or Russel Watson.
It's not something I'm really interested in on a rock album when I can already listen to other singers knock these types of songs out of the park in their respective genre.
I guess what I'm saying is that I'd prefer that Journey leave the semi-operatic efforts to those that already earn a living doing it.

[Don]

Okay, that pretty much takes care of the stuff I don't like. Luckily, the good far outweighs the bad on this album with the former including a solid set of six songs that I'm very happy with.

[Gideon]

Tantra's problem is the reprise at the end. They should have ended it after the guitar solo.
By the way, Cain and Schon made references in interviews about the "sexuality" that is touched on Eclipse. Did anyone else notice "Edge of the Moment" is referencing an orgasm?

[Don]

Tantra's problem is the reprise at the end. They should have ended it after the guitar solo.
By the way, Cain and Schon made references in interviews about the "sexuality" that is touched on Eclipse. Did anyone else notice "Edge of the Moment" is referencing an orgasm?

That must be an 'Angry Face' orgasm then.

[Don]

I'm a puss, I've done a complete 180° on Resonate. Really starting to dig the recorded version.

[Gideon]

That must be an 'Angry Face' orgasm then.

Neal seems like he likes it rough.
But think about it: "Rapture so rare to be true, I keep holding onto the edge of the moment with you" and "let's see how long we can make it last?" "Melt away with me, there's nothing else." "Let's lose track of time" etc. etc. Definitely some sexual undertones here.

[Gideon]

I'm a puss, I've done a complete 180° on Resonate. Really starting to dig the recorded version.

Easily the best song on the album, IMHO.

[Don]

My six keepers.

Edge Of The Moment
Someone
Chain Of Love
She's A Mystery
Anything Is Possible
Resonate

[Gideon]

My six keepers.

Edge Of The Moment
Someone
Chain Of Love
She's A Mystery
Anything Is Possible
Resonate

No love for Ritual?

[Don]

My six keepers.

Edge Of The Moment
Someone
Chain Of Love
She's A Mystery
Anything Is Possible
Resonate

No love for Ritual?

It's on the outside looking in at #7.
I think it's Journey doing Night Ranger better than Night Ranger.

[Gideon]

I can see that.
The intro is better than "Someone"'s, the chorus is a little weaker, and I love the dueling electric/accoustic guitars starting at the 2:45 mark. Little eclectic touches go a long way towards making this album something extraordinary.

[Majestic]

I'm forcing myself to listen to Tantra again. This has Cain written all over it and if it was a bit restructured (and shortened) would surely be on the Adult Contemporary Stations. As loud as it gets, it's more of an operatic pop/rock song, and like others have alluded to would fit right in with Queen's catalog.

They really messed up on singles. Since AC is the only radio that will play new Journey, they should have made a radio edit of Tantra and To Whom it May Concern, and AC might possibly go for it. Tantra is a killer tune though, and definitely not Journey by numbers even though a ballad.

[Majestic]

While not being able to getting a copy of Eclipse from the dh's at walmart, I broke down and listened to a couple of tracks on you tube with my son. We listened to City of Hope and Resonate for a bit. The son's comment was wow, this doesn't sound like Journey, they need to change the band name if it's not Steve Perry singing. I tend agree with him, the guitar riffs were really good, but the vocals just weren't quite there for either of us. Hopefully listening to the whole cd will provide a different feel. We both agree it doesn't sound like Journey but we'll see.

The kid says get Hugo into sing or change the band name. I agree, it's not the same. The kid is a chip off the old block.

It never ceases to amaze me when people say Hugo sounds like Perry. Looks and acts like, maybe, but sound? Not even close. Hugo could never pull off this new material and have it work.

[Majestic]

I'm trying to articulate in my mind what's not working with "Someone."
The first 15 seconds of the song just seem really hokey; I'm not sure if it's the synthesizers or what, but I think it's just a bad intro. Too poppy and hokey for the theme of the album; "City of Hope" was an anthem by all counts, but it had a much more appreciable intro.
Then they get to the chorus and it's spectacular (all of it: the tempo, the guitar, the keys, the voice) until Arnel sings "before" -- instead of letting loose a much more appropriate scream or shriek to end the note, he lets the syllables tumble down why Deen does his best impersonation of the BeeGees in the background.
I like the lyrics, I love the chorus, but there were some bad decisions made on this song that turned it from a great one to an okay one.
Score: 6/10

This one didn't knock me over the first listen, but I really like it now. It has a retro (retro Journey) sound and feel, and is pretty tight. It's been growing on me.

[Majestic]

The faux pas of having an Instrumental reprise at the end of the album loses points with me. If they were out of ideas and still wanted to keep with the theme of the record then put a reworked A Prayer For Peace in that slot. I didn't really dig To Whom It May Concern to begin with and to have to basically listen to it twice? Penalty shot right there.

I agree. They should have left it out completely, or, had a radio edit of this song for AC radio as a single, with Venus and To Whom it May Concern whole as the extended version as Andrew suggested. Tantra would have been a great song to end with.

[NoMoreTails]

This may very well be my favorite Journey album. I don't see how it couldn't be a top three for any fan of JOURNEY.

[VirgilTheart]

This may very well be my favorite Journey album. I don't see how it couldn't be a top three for any fan of JOURNEY.

This is my view as well, but sad to say naturally not everyone will love this album like we do.

I suppose I'll evaluate my disappointments on the album (overall I love this album but I don't deny it has its faults).

Like it's been said previously, 'Tantra' dragged on too long. I don't necessarily blame it on the reprise at the end, but I think parts of it at the Queen-esque majority of the song should've been cut down a bit.

'She's A Mystery'. I feel the acoustic section dragged on a bit too much, unchanged. Could've been a lot better if they had changed things up a bit during the acoustic section. I LOVED when the song suddenly turned heavy and Arnel and Neal do their vocal-guitar trade-off. That's an album highlight for me. But the four minutes of unchanging acoustic guitar playing is a bit of a drag to get through at times.

Also, the more I listen to 'To Whom It May Concern', the sadder I get. The verses, and I mean sonically and lyrically, aren't all that great, but the chorus is one of my favorites from the band ever. Really wish they had taken the time to re-work that song around more and perhaps follow Andrew's idea of combining it with Venus and end the album on the combined song.

That said, 'Chain of Love' is almost definitely my favorite song off the album at this point. In fact, it just may end up being my favorite Journey song in general.

Favorite Songs:
'Edge of the Moment'
'Chain of Love'
'Anything Is Possible'
'Resonate'
'Someone'

[SYNCH]

Also, the more I listen to 'To Whom It May Concern', the sadder I get...

I just burst laughing on this But it is true as I can sense some familiar Filipino ballad tune in there, some old song..just can't seem to pinpoint it yet.

I need to listen to it again few more times to list my fave, however at first few spins: Tantra, She's A Mystery, Chain of Love, Resonate, Someone, Human Feel or Ritual (tie)

[Aaron]

Opinions are just like assholes, everybody has one. I've seen Hugo live and he has the capability. I think the miss is the vocals on new Journey stuff is not as high as Perry or Augeri era songs. You don't need someone with range if it's not going to be used, ya know.

Arnels vocals are powerful but not nearly as high as what I expected. Someone mentioned it sounded like the songs were written for JSS, I couldn't agree more. The range I've heard is not the "souring tenor" Schon has talked about in interviews. Let's hope the whole cd has something else to offer. I can say that Night Ranger sounded like Night Ranger on "Growin Up in California". They may just kick Journey's ass on this cd release.

My kid says the new cd sounds nothing like Journey and from what I've heard I agree. I'll wait until I listen to the whole cd before I decide where I stand on it.

While not being able to getting a copy of Eclipse from the dh's at walmart, I broke down and listened to a couple of tracks on you tube with my son. We listened to City of Hope and Resonate for a bit. The son's comment was wow, this doesn't sound like Journey, they need to change the band name if it's not Steve Perry singing. I tend agree with him, the guitar riffs were really good, but the vocals just weren't quite there for either of us. Hopefully listening to the whole cd will provide a different feel. We both agree it doesn't sound like Journey but we'll see.

The kid says get Hugo into sing or change the band name. I agree, it's not the same. The kid is a chip off the old block.

It never ceases to amaze me when people say Hugo sounds like Perry. Looks and acts like, maybe, but sound? Not even close. Hugo could never pull off this new material and have it work.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Opinions are just like assholes, everybody has one. I've seen Hugo live and he has the capability. I think the miss is the vocals on new Journey stuff is not as high as Perry or Augeri era songs. You don't need someone with range if it's not going to be used, ya know.

Arnels vocals are powerful but not nearly as high as what I expected. Someone mentioned it sounded like the songs were written for JSS, I couldn't agree more. The range I've heard is not the "souring tenor" Schon has talked about in interviews.

No idea what you're hearing. Arnel has the highest range of all the Journey vocalists since early-Perry. As for Hugo, he uses airy falsetto and has NO power.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Listened to it twice now.
Some quick scrambled thoughts.

Cain’s an idiot. He’s not marginalized at all on this album. He actually shines, as he’s challenged himself and stretched his creative muscle to add all sorts of complex synth parts and efx. Rather than just playing droning wedding ballads, he’s made the band more interesting. I would compare his role on this album to Steve Porcaro in TOTO. His masterful touch can especially be heard with all the bells and whistles going on in the background of Chain of Love. Awesome tune. Who knew Cain had it in him.

Fans of the Infinity-Deparure era will love She’s a Mystery. This track is a throwback to the days of “Stay Awhile” and “Good Morning Girl” and “Sweet and Simple” but with an ending that just flat-out smokes.

As Drew already noted, the hype about this being a concept album is misleading. The only track that really comes close to a grand over-arching theme is the majestic Tantra. That song is an operatic dreamscape and reminds me of Dream After Dream, or some moody reflective love-spawn of TBF and Escape. Great stuff, and it’s nice to see Journey show this side of themselves. Would love to see them really go for broke and do a whole album of tunes like this. Now THAT would be a concept record. Otherwise, every song on Eclipse touches the subject of love, but then again, what Journey song hasn’t?

The extended guitar on City of Hope helps the song, but really can’t salvage it. The chorus remains too slight and it’s just not lead single material. My vote would have been for Resonate, Someone, or Anything is Possible.

There’s nothing to really say about Neal, except that it’s obvious that someone’s finally got the reigns of his band back and loving it. Inspired playing all around and very melodic – which has always been his strong suit, not just the aimless shredding he’s been leaning towards in recent years.

Not sure why everyone hates the instrumental at the end. I always enjoyed the instrumental tracks on the early albums. Was glad to see it make a return on Revelation, and its welcome on Eclipse as well.

I’ll post more thoughts as they come, but right now I would give the album an 8/10. No filler here, and easily their best album since TBF/Arrival, if not Frontiers/Escape.

[Glenn]

Opinions are just like assholes, everybody has one. I've seen Hugo live and he has the capability. I think the miss is the vocals on new Journey stuff is not as high as Perry or Augeri era songs. You don't need someone with range if it's not going to be used, ya know.

Arnels vocals are powerful but not nearly as high as what I expected. Someone mentioned it sounded like the songs were written for JSS, I couldn't agree more. The range I've heard is not the "souring tenor" Schon has talked about in interviews. Let's hope the whole cd has something else to offer. I can say that Night Ranger sounded like Night Ranger on "Growin Up in California". They may just kick Journey's ass on this cd release.

My kid says the new cd sounds nothing like Journey and from what I've heard I agree. I'll wait until I listen to the whole cd before I decide where I stand on it.

While not being able to getting a copy of Eclipse from the dh's at walmart, I broke down and listened to a couple of tracks on you tube with my son. We listened to City of Hope and Resonate for a bit. The son's comment was wow, this doesn't sound like Journey, they need to change the band name if it's not Steve Perry singing. I tend agree with him, the guitar riffs were really good, but the vocals just weren't quite there for either of us. Hopefully listening to the whole cd will provide a different feel. We both agree it doesn't sound like Journey but we'll see.

The kid says get Hugo into sing or change the band name. I agree, it's not the same. The kid is a chip off the old block.

It never ceases to amaze me when people say Hugo sounds like Perry. Looks and acts like, maybe, but sound? Not even close. Hugo could never pull off this new material and have it work.

The whole point of this cd was to sound a bit different....But it sounds like Journey...I played it for my friend last night who is a "Dirty Dozen" fan. Didn't tell him who or what it was..Just popped it in his cd player....Minute later, "Is that Journey"?


What tracks have you heard so far? I find Ritual and Someone sound closest to "Classic" Journey.. So start with those 2.

[mmberry301]

Okay after a crappy night's sleep. (I hate turning into an insominac in my 30's)

I will warn you that I FREAKING HATE cliched' lyrics....so on a few of these tunes it will be pointed out.

Now whether you agree with me (which is great) or you don't (what is wrong with you... ;-P ) I'll respect your review and thoughts if you'll respect mine.

Deal????

Anyway here is the set list (which alot of you know by now)

City of Hope - First heard this on YouTube via concert and was disappointed. On the CD it sounds great...
Can't really nitpick alot on this tune. Very enjoyable.

Edge of the Moment - The guitar and drums rock on this one (as with most). Solid tune. I kept thinking why didn't they go this direction in '98. Oh well..

Chain of Love - Very different beginning here...and it is takes 2 minutes (out of the four) for this track to get going. I don't mind experimentation, but it must have design and focus. This song feels unfinished to me for some reason. (BTW - Please retire 'state of grace' cliched' lyric...please....)

Tantra - Unlike others on the forum this song is the closest to an actual power ballad without the song being about 'being in love'. I do like the attempt and understand the message of the song. This tune while not one of my faves.....it is growing on me.

Anything is Possible - Took a second listen on this track and liked alot more. Obviously it is an anthem of hope and pretty well done.

Resonate - Again....another song that has a very different beginning. Just could not get into this one.

She's a Mystery - Here's a tune that I thought should have been sung by Deen ...either in the beginning of the track or as a solo tune. This tune also feels very unfinished...
It's not bad mind you... just sounds like a work in progress.. Meaning that it needed one more verse added to it.

Human Feel - This track should been titled 'opportunity lost'...I am in LOVE with Deen's drumming and the guitar solo in the beginning. Reminded me of the old Journey tunes from late 70's....and I kept waiting for it to take off and soar...which Arnel and Deen have the ability to do...but it simply goes no where. Just simply goes in a circle...agggh!!
I want to take this track to the band and have them redo it...ASAP!!! It could be a TRUE classic. Again it's just my opinion. The title doesn't totally work for me but that could be fixed..easy. I do enjoy it though.

Ritual - Very good song...but should have been sang by Deen...period..end of story.
Totally take out Cain's keyboard here.. Nothing personal Jon.
This song does rock and I really can't nitpick at it.

To Whom it may Concern - Ok I do not know why this tune was constructed like a power ballad from the Generations album...
This album really does not have a love song ...which to confess I wanted one...but oh well. Anyway....
Not a bad track but I felt that Deen should have helped on vocals here... When I say that it's not because I don't like Arnel ( I do) but Deen has a more soulful voice in slightly lower key and would work better here.

Someone - This is probably the weakest track on the CD. Seems like this track doesn't get going til halfway into it. This song should have been shelved and worked on some more.

Venus - I like having an entirely instrumental song with no vocals ..but the Generations like keyboard irritated me...and I wanted Jon to stop playing and just listen to Deen and Neal go at it...the drumming and guitar work are excellent.

Okay it might seem I am being critical on alot of tunes...understand I do like this CD. It is the best CD since TBF.

Good job Journey...a real step in the right direction.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Okay after a crappy night's sleep. (I hate turning into an insominac in my 30's)

I will warn you that I FREAKING HATE cliched' lyrics....so on a few of these tunes it will be pointed out.

Now whether you agree with me (which is great) or you don't (what is wrong with you... ;-P ) I'll respect your review and thoughts if you'll respect mine.

Deal????

Anyway here is the set list (which alot of you know by now)

City of Hope - First heard this on YouTube via concert and was disappointed. On the CD it sounds great...
Can't really nitpick alot on this tune. Very enjoyable.

Edge of the Moment - The guitar and drums rock on this one (as with most). Solid tune. I kept thinking why didn't they go this direction in '98. Oh well..

Chain of Love - Very different beginning here...and it is takes 2 minutes (out of the four) for this track to get going. I don't mind experimentation, but it must have design and focus. This song feels unfinished to me for some reason. (BTW - Please retire 'state of grace' cliched' lyric...please....)

Tantra - Unlike others on the forum this song is the closest to an actual power ballad without the song being about 'being in love'. I do like the attempt and understand the message of the song. This tune while not one of my faves.....it is growing on me.

Anything is Possible - Took a second listen on this track and liked alot more. Obviously it is an anthem of hope and pretty well done.

Resonate - Again....another song that has a very different beginning. Just could not get into this one.

She's a Mystery - Here's a tune that I thought should have been sung by Deen ...either in the beginning of the track or as a solo tune. This tune also feels very unfinished...
It's not bad mind you... just sounds like a work in progress..

Human Feel - This track should been titled 'opportunity lost'...I am in LOVE with Deen's drumming and the guitar solo in the beginning. Reminded me of the old Journey tunes from late 70's....and I kept waiting for it to take off and soar...which Arnel and Deen have the ability to do...but it simply goes no where. Just simply goes in a circle...agggh!!
I want to take this track to the band and have them redo it...ASAP!!! It could be a TRUE classic. Again it's just my opinion. The title doesn't totally work for me but that could be fixed..easy. I do enjoy it though.

Ritual - Very good song...but should have been sang by Deen...period..end of story.
Totally take out cain's keyboard here.. Nothing personal Jon.
This song does rock and I really can't nitpick at it.

To Whom it may Concern - Ok I do not know why this tune was constructed like a power ballad from the Generations album...
This album really does not have a love song ...which to confess I wanted one...but oh well. Anyway....
Not a bad track but I felt that Deen should have helped on vocals here... When I say that it's not because I don't like Arnel ( I do) but Deen has a more soulful voice in slightly lower key and would work better here.

Someone - This is probably the weakest track on the CD. Seems like this track doesn't get going til halfway into it. This song should have been shelved and worked on some more.

Venus - I like having an entirely instrumental song with no vocals ..but the Generations like keyboard irritated me...and I wanted Jon to stop playing and just listen to Deen and Neal go at it...the drumming and guitar work are excellent.

"Someone" is one of the few tracks that is pure AOR and radio friendly. I would think you'd like that one, as the others that are a little more non-cookie cutter and progressive (ex. She's a Mystery, Human Feel) you don't.