Eclipse - Your Reviews

[steveo777]

A lot of Neal's guitar playing on Eclipse reminds me not only of his playing on the first 3 Journey albums at times. But at times it reminds me of his playing on the "Schon & Hammer" CD "Untold Passion."

And some of Neal's playing on "Tantra" and "To Whom It May Concern" reminds me of some of his playing on his "Voice" CD. Particularly on his remake of "From This Moment On."

It's funny you say that Bill because as I said, I've done most of my listening to Eclipse on a cross-country road trip from Denver to Cleveland. Anyway, once I hit about Toledo on the turnpike, I found myself pining for some old school Journey after I listened to a lot of Eclipse over lots of the USA. So, I threw Kohoutek, Nickel and Dime, Topaz, and Of a Lifetime on. I think the whole mood of Eclipse made me want to hear those tunes.

That's funny, I actually bust out TBF now after I listen to Eclipse. I immediately go straight for the rockers which I feel are really heavier/ darker than anything I hear on Eclipse.

One More and MOL definitely are on par. I don't think TBF has anything on Eclipse, save for a couple ballads.
For me this is my album after Frontiers.

[Gideon]

TBF has some truly great rockers, but in outright heaviness, the only one that comes close to Eclipse's best is 'One More'.

[S2M]

What you people need to realize is that there are numerous factions of Journey fans.

a) Message board faction - the biggest majority of the CD buyers.

b) The Concert goers that don't care about singers, and don't buy these releases. Journey won't be tapping into this demographic with Eclipse.

c) The plokkers - the people who JUST like journey because their countryman is the singer.


And I contend that the people in faction b) are more concert goers, in general, than Journey fans....

[YoungJRNY]

TBF has some truly great rockers, but in outright heaviness, the only one that comes close to Eclipse's best is 'One More'.

Haha, everytime I hear the song "One More" I think of Progrocker.

Man, where has he been? Haven't seen Prog here for years....

[Don]

What you people need to realize is that there are numerous factions of Journey fans.

a) Message board faction - the biggest majority of the CD buyers.

b) The Concert goers that don't care about singers, and don't buy these releases. Journey won't be tapping into this demographic with Eclipse.

c) The plokkers - the people who JUST like journey because their countryman is the singer.


And I contend that the people in faction b) are more concert goers, in general, than Journey fans....

I agree with you, believe it or not.

[steveo777]

What you people need to realize is that there are numerous factions of Journey fans.

a) Message board faction - the biggest majority of the CD buyers.

b) The Concert goers that don't care about singers, and don't buy these releases. Journey won't be tapping into this demographic with Eclipse.

c) The plokkers - the people who JUST like journey because their countryman is the singer.


And I contend that the people in faction b) are more concert goers, in general, than Journey fans....

Show us some empirical data to back up your claims.

[Don]

TBF has some truly great rockers, but in outright heaviness, the only one that comes close to Eclipse's best is 'One More'.

What about darker tunes, or should they be called edgier? I think the rocker tunes on TBF have a chip on their shoulder, where as Eclipse that's not really the case. There's not that snarl or pissed off sound that I imagine I hear on TBF.

Sometimes I think the theme of Trial By Fire was a hidden slam at Sony of all things.

[Gideon]

TBF has some truly great rockers, but in outright heaviness, the only one that comes close to Eclipse's best is 'One More'.

What about darker tunes,?

As odd as this sounds, it depends on your definition of 'darker'. If you mean strictly in terms of less upbeat songs, then TBF has those in abundance. But if you mean moody, I'd say they're on par.

Listening to the instruments and the playing on the two album, there's no doubt in my mind that the heaviest songs on Eclipse rock harder than those on Trial By Fire, with only 'One More' coming close.

But as I said on another thread this evening, listening to Eclipse has renewed my appreciation for Perry's role as the conduit between Neal and Jon. Honestly, I've never felt that Perry was half the lyricist Cain is or half the musician Schon is, but he was able to incorporate their strengths into a truly well-constructed song. Eclipse is one of the best albums they've produced, but despite having a better singer (Yes, I think Arnel is better than TBF-era Perry; fuck off if this makes you cry), it still is unable to dethrone TBF.

For their next album, they need the input of a talented third writer to help supply that missing Perry dynamic.

[The_Noble_Cause]

For their next album, they need the input of a talented third writer to help supply that missing Perry dynamic.

"Someone" and "Ritual" comes closest to sounding like a Blades effort. Both songs are very Arrival.

[Gideon]

For their next album, they need the input of a talented third writer to help supply that missing Perry dynamic.

"Someone" and "Ritual" comes closest to sounding like a Blades effort. Both songs are very Arrival.

Yes, but sweet Jesus did they fumble the ball with 'Someone'. Blades will suffice, though, since he helped deliver them 'Higher Place' (a far superior and unique opening track than 'City of Hope').

[S2M]

I guess what is REALLY comes down to for me is there is nothing here that makes me wanna sing along. Nothing memorable enough to nudge me to learn the words....and that is the death knell for me. If I don't want to sing it.....game over.

[Don]

I really used to hate TBF but since using it as control device during my early review of Eclipse, I've gone full circle on just what a great album it was when you consider how the band had been for all intents and purposes 'Dead' over the preceding 8 years or so. Actually taking the time to listen to it thoroughly really exposed me to the unbelievable musicianship that these guys possess.

[Majestic]

A lot of Neal's guitar playing on Eclipse reminds me not only of his playing on the first 3 Journey albums at times. But at times it reminds me of his playing on the "Schon & Hammer" CD "Untold Passion."

And some of Neal's playing on "Tantra" and "To Whom It May Concern" reminds me of some of his playing on his "Voice" CD. Particularly on his remake of "From This Moment On."

It's funny you say that Bill because as I said, I've done most of my listening to Eclipse on a cross-country road trip from Denver to Cleveland. Anyway, once I hit about Toledo on the turnpike, I found myself pining for some old school Journey after I listened to a lot of Eclipse over lots of the USA. So, I threw Kohoutek, Nickel and Dime, Topaz, and Of a Lifetime on. I think the whole mood of Eclipse made me want to hear those tunes.

That's funny, I actually bust out TBF now after I listen to Eclipse. I immediately go straight for the rockers which I feel are really heavier/ darker than anything I hear on Eclipse.

One More and MOL definitely are on par. I don't think TBF has anything on Eclipse, save for a couple ballads.
For me this is my album after Frontiers.

and a couple more, and a couple more, and a couple more....

[Majestic]

So, do you guys think this album is going over better than Revelation? I mean here at MR.

I think there is mixed reviews due to the fact of the originality of the path they took rather than giving into their fans and their own "comfort" zones. After the success of Revelation (Newly found singer, rags to riches story, Dirty Dozen/DVD) that pressure was ON for this album, a concept album mind you so considering the stakes were high, I see a lot of positive feedback. I certainly think it'll stand the test of time and will blow Revelation out of the water creativity and quality wise.

I feel like this is an album people will be listening to in 20 years and Revelation won't get there.

I think they'll both be there. Revelation could have been better, if they had taken a bit more time. There are a couple of places where Arnel sounds strained or where another take would have been warranted but he stills sounds great. Also, many of the live versions just smoke what was laid down on the album! They went with longer songs on Eclipse and let the songs stretch out, and it works. I think they could have done that with Revelation and it would have been better. The extended live version of What I Needed is fabulous. Anyway, Eclipse and Revelation compliment each other very well, because Eclipse has the heavy side die hards have been dying for, and Revelation has some excellent songs that give the fans of Journey's softer side what they are looking for. I've been playing both albums together now, and it's a nice mix.

[steveo777]

So, do you guys think this album is going over better than Revelation? I mean here at MR.

I think there is mixed reviews due to the fact of the originality of the path they took rather than giving into their fans and their own "comfort" zones. After the success of Revelation (Newly found singer, rags to riches story, Dirty Dozen/DVD) that pressure was ON for this album, a concept album mind you so considering the stakes were high, I see a lot of positive feedback. I certainly think it'll stand the test of time and will blow Revelation out of the water creativity and quality wise.

I feel like this is an album people will be listening to in 20 years and Revelation won't get there.

I think they'll both be there. Revelation could have been better, if they had taken a bit more time. There are a couple of places where Arnel sounds strained or where another take would have been warranted but he stills sounds great. Also, many of the live versions just smoke what was laid down on the album! They went with longer songs on Eclipse and let the songs stretch out, and it works. I think they could have done that with Revelation and it would have been better. The extended live version of What I Needed is fabulous. Anyway, Eclipse and Revelation compliment each other very well, because Eclipse has the heavy side die hards have been dying for, and Revelation has some excellent songs that give the fans of Journey's softer side what they are looking for. I've been playing both albums together now, and it's a nice mix.

I might try throwing them both in winamp and putting it on shuffle. Ya never know, I might really like that.
I'm not sure if winamp is the best thing out there right now, but it sure used to be.

[Majestic]

I guess what is REALLY comes down to for me is there is nothing here that makes me wanna sing along. Nothing memorable enough to nudge me to learn the words....and that is the death knell for me. If I don't want to sing it.....game over.

WE don't want you to sing it, not only for our ears, but for your own good! Journey music should only be performed by experts and professionals, DO NOT attempt these songs at home! Now step carefully away from the microphone...

[koberry]

. Following with what others suggested (I think Andrew was one of them), I might try grafting Venus onto the tail end of TWIMC with some crossfade action and see what comes out. Having listened to both, it sounds like it's possible to string em together as one track and make it work.

I was thinking if I resequenced those last 3 so that I have TWIMC/Venus running as one song and have Someone as the closing track, the album would seal the deal much better to my mind.

You know what's funny... my iTunes is set up to crossfade. I just checked the settings and crossfade is set right in the middle, which appears to be 6 seconds. I don't recall setting it that way, but listen to most of my collection on shuffle, so that kinda works.

So I've been hearing Eclipse differently than most of you here - the entire CD just flows from song to song. And that's probably what's made it sound as though it's brilliantly tracked. It really links the songs together and reinforces the 'concept' aspects of the album. I could turn off crossfade, but I'm liking how it creates cohesiveness to Eclipse it too much to bother

[koberry]

A lot of Neal's guitar playing on Eclipse reminds me not only of his playing on the first 3 Journey albums at times. But at times it reminds me of his playing on the "Schon & Hammer" CD "Untold Passion."

And some of Neal's playing on "Tantra" and "To Whom It May Concern" reminds me of some of his playing on his "Voice" CD. Particularly on his remake of "From This Moment On."

It's funny you say that Bill because as I said, I've done most of my listening to Eclipse on a cross-country road trip from Denver to Cleveland. Anyway, once I hit about Toledo on the turnpike, I found myself pining for some old school Journey after I listened to a lot of Eclipse over lots of the USA. So, I threw Kohoutek, Nickel and Dime, Topaz, and Of a Lifetime on. I think the whole mood of Eclipse made me want to hear those tunes.

Wow, I hadn't caught the links. I love the old stuff and the Schon & Hammer stuff, too. I'll put it in the rotation today. After nearly a week straight of Eclipse on repeat mode (and I still love it), my ears are ready for a break. My bet is that these songs will steep and I'll like them even more on the next playback.

[koberry]

I guess what is REALLY comes down to for me is there is nothing here that makes me wanna sing along. Nothing memorable enough to nudge me to learn the words....and that is the death knell for me. If I don't want to sing it.....game over.

I don't feel that way, but I can totally understand why you might with this cd.

[Majestic]

TBF has some truly great rockers, but in outright heaviness, the only one that comes close to Eclipse's best is 'One More'.

What about darker tunes, or should they be called edgier? I think the rocker tunes on TBF have a chip on their shoulder, where as Eclipse that's not really the case. There's not that snarl or pissed off sound that I imagine I hear on TBF.

Sometimes I think the theme of Trial By Fire was a hidden slam at Sony of all things.

That's because Perry was on TBF, and not Eclipse. Perry seems to bring out the edginess in folks, I've heard, at least in Neal.

[conversationpc]

My attempt at a serious, song-by-song review...

City of Hope - Though the flow of the lyrics in some places sort of hinders the song, this is still one of my favorites on the album, a near-perfect opener, in my opinion. I also don't like the reference in the lyrics to "Message of Love" but it doesn't really drag the song down. The chorus really lifts the song as it should and Neal's playing going on in the background on this one especially is excellent. 8 of 10

Edge of the Moment - I'm glad they followed up the rocking album opener with another rocker instead of changing the pace with a slower song. The chorus is a little weaker on this song but, overall, it's still a strong tune. I'm not digging Neal's soloing too much in this one but it's not detracting, either, really. I also like the repetition of the opening riff after the choruses. 8 of 10

Chain of Love - Cain's keyboards aren't noticeably in view throughout the album, so it's a nice slight change of pace to hear the repeated piano bit in the intro to this song. This song has a slight Zeppelin and/or Rainbow vibe to it once Neal's bludgeoning riff starts, helped along with Deen's pounding drums and Cain's atmospheric keys in the background (Zeppelin's "Kashmir" or Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon" come to mind). The chorus, like in City of Hope, uplifts the song in good fashion. 9 of 10

Tantra - My worst song on the album, in my opinion. Musically, there are some interesting things going on here. There's more piano by Cain and Arnel displays a softer side to his vocals, which really works as well. However, the "all roads lead to heaven", though not offensive, turn me off to the meaning of the whole song. I also don't much care for Neal's playing on this song. His use of the tremelo bar in this tune is something I've never really cared for in his playing. This song just isn't doing it for me, for the most part. There are enough positives to partially redeem the song but, in the end, it's a skip-per for me. 5 of 10

Anything Is Possible - One thing I like about this song, other than it's one of the more classic Journey-esque songs on the album, is Neal's playing, which is slightly reminiscient of his playing on "The Party's Over (Hopelessly in Love)". I love the upbeat vibe and positive message also. 7 of 10

Resonate - There are two things in the intro that reminded me of Van Halen from their "Balance" album, the sound of something being raked across piano strings and then the monk-like chanting. I love just about everything about this song, the lyrics (best on the album, in my opinion), Arnel's vocals, drums, bass, etc. The chorus again is strong here and the whole song just seems to flow very well. 10 of 10

She's a Mystery - This one didn't catch me at first, although it's a bit of a departure musically, sort of. The acoustic playing by Schon is reminscient of their relatively unknown song "Liberty" or something that Joe Satriani might play. I love the textures that Cain's playing adds to this song. Let me also say that the unlikely heavy ending starting at about 4:50 is awesome, some of the heaviest riffing I've ever heard from Schon. However, it's sounds out of place tacked onto the end of this song and would've served better as a brand new song. Arnel's vocals are excellent on this track also and I really love Schon's soloing on this end section as well as his wah-wah playing there. 7 of 10

Human Feel - Deen does a great African-style drumbeat to open this track and Neal's riffing is perfect. The reference to "jungle" in the lyrics fits the feel of the song perfectly. However, the riffing is perhaps a little too repetitive for my taste and hinders the song to a small degree. Neal's soloing is excellent again here, though, and it redeems the song a bit. 6 of 10

Ritual - The songwriting on this one is a bit pedestrian and I'm not liking some of Cain's keyboard playing that I hear going on in the background. Neal's playing is again good in the soloing department but it's not one of the albums high points. 6 of 10

To Whom it May Concern - Being a Kansas fan, I'm hearing some violin-style stuff going on in the intro here that I like. I could easily see Robby Steinhardt or David Ragsdale joining the band onstage for this one. Similar to "Tantra", I'm not really digging the lyrical content. Musically-speaking, the song is fairly good but it's not one of my favorites on this album. 6 of 10

Someone - This is more of a standard rock number, more similar to classic Journey than most of the rest of the material. It's also one of Arnel's stronger performances. The song sounds like something that could be on either "Raised on Radio" or perhaps even "Arrival". 7 of 10

Venus - I don't like the placing of this instrumental as I'm really not a fan of closing the album that way. Overall, I'm not much caring for the wank-fest by Schon on this one. I think it would've been much better served with a more melodic solo, flowing over the top, rather than dominating the track at points. 5 of 10

Average rating = 7 of 10
I'll give some extra points for the band rocking out more than I thought I'd hear at this point in their career and for doing something a little different. Overall rating = 7.5 of 10

Additional comments: Crap packaging is rather annoying but I will say that I like the cover art better than anything since the 80s.

[Jana]

So, do you guys think this album is going over better than Revelation? I mean here at MR.

I think there is mixed reviews due to the fact of the originality of the path they took rather than giving into their fans and their own "comfort" zones. After the success of Revelation (Newly found singer, rags to riches story, Dirty Dozen/DVD) that pressure was ON for this album, a concept album mind you so considering the stakes were high, I see a lot of positive feedback. I certainly think it'll stand the test of time and will blow Revelation out of the water creativity and quality wise.

I feel like this is an album people will be listening to in 20 years and Revelation won't get there.

I think they'll both be there. Revelation could have been better, if they had taken a bit more time. There are a couple of places where Arnel sounds strained or where another take would have been warranted but he stills sounds great. Also, many of the live versions just smoke what was laid down on the album! They went with longer songs on Eclipse and let the songs stretch out, and it works. I think they could have done that with Revelation and it would have been better. The extended live version of What I Needed is fabulous. Anyway, Eclipse and Revelation compliment each other very well, because Eclipse has the heavy side die hards have been dying for, and Revelation has some excellent songs that give the fans of Journey's softer side what they are looking for. I've been playing both albums together now, and it's a nice mix.

I think for Journey to sell bigger numbers on this album they needed some type of two-disk set, and I still say this, a live album from Manila DVD would have been fantastic as the second disk to this. Not the whole two-hour concert. But all seven songs from Revelation and some of the other songs for like a 12 to 13 song CD. Then you have a better marketing tool for the album to sell in this day and age for an older band.

[YoungJRNY]

Shoutout to Gideon:

It didn't take long brother and I assure you I wasn't on crack when I first took a listen but the song that keeps and sticks with me today is none other than 'Resonate." Absolutley love it. Like Matt said, you don't know where to turn your ear to. An inspiring song just on the muscianship alone. +1, defiantly bumping 'er up to an 8.5-9/10 easily. That's what I love about fresh records. Giving things a chance makes for good experience.

[SF-Dano]

Opening lick of Edge of the Moment are slightly reminiscent of the opening lick of Iron Maiden's Wasted Years. (Just slightly)

[Melissa]

I loved Like a Sunshower on Rev when others weren't so into it, and now same thing is happening I see with Tantra, and even She's a Mystery, and those are my 2 favs on this one, lol. I don't get the "Disney" thing from Tantra at all. It's more Terms-of-Endearment-ish than Disney-ish. Yeah a little sap, but also a bit of darkness, and that's nothing like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" ick

The rest of the songs aside from the 2 I like most, some great guitar stuff, this is really a guitar album over anything else. Still can't shake AP's voice not fitting some of that, it's just too pretty to fit the guitars sometimes. He sings his ass off though.

[Don]

I loved Like a Sunshower on Rev when others weren't so into it, and now same thing is happening I see with Tantra, and even She's a Mystery, and those are my 2 favs on this one, lol. I don't get the "Disney" thing from Tantra at all. It's more Terms-of-Endearment-ish than Disney-ish. Yeah a little sap, but also a bit of darkness, and that's nothing like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" ick

The rest of the songs aside from the 2 I like most, some great guitar stuff, this is really a guitar album over anything else. Still can't shake AP's voice not fitting some of that, it's just too pretty to fit the guitars sometimes. He sings his ass off though.

With YoungJRNY using the "Simba on Pride Rock" parallel, the Disney comparison is even more engrained in my mind, though I think the theater reference from E! Entertainment strikes closer to the mark.

[StevePerryHair]

I loved Like a Sunshower on Rev when others weren't so into it, and now same thing is happening I see with Tantra, and even She's a Mystery, and those are my 2 favs on this one, lol. I don't get the "Disney" thing from Tantra at all. It's more Terms-of-Endearment-ish than Disney-ish. Yeah a little sap, but also a bit of darkness, and that's nothing like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" ick

The rest of the songs aside from the 2 I like most, some great guitar stuff, this is really a guitar album over anything else. Still can't shake AP's voice not fitting some of that, it's just too pretty to fit the guitars sometimes. He sings his ass off though.

With YoungJRNY using the "Simba on Pride Rock" parallel, the Disney comparison is even more engrained in my mind, though I think the theater reference from E! Entertainment strikes closer to the mark.

I didn't hear Lion King as much as I hear it played during an inspirational moment in a princess movie or at one of the theme parks. Maybe the fact I spent a day at Epcot last week didn't help.

[Melissa]

I loved Like a Sunshower on Rev when others weren't so into it, and now same thing is happening I see with Tantra, and even She's a Mystery, and those are my 2 favs on this one, lol. I don't get the "Disney" thing from Tantra at all. It's more Terms-of-Endearment-ish than Disney-ish. Yeah a little sap, but also a bit of darkness, and that's nothing like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" ick

The rest of the songs aside from the 2 I like most, some great guitar stuff, this is really a guitar album over anything else. Still can't shake AP's voice not fitting some of that, it's just too pretty to fit the guitars sometimes. He sings his ass off though.

With YoungJRNY using the "Simba on Pride Rock" parallel, the Disney comparison is even more engrained in my mind, though I think the theater reference from E! Entertainment strikes closer to the mark.

Yeah I can see that theater thing kind of, lol. It is a grandiose song, but I hear more of the darkness and then almost desperation thing over anything sounding Simba-ish, lol. If anything, After All These Years would have been that for me, that's an insulin-drip inducing song, THAT is more WAY more Disney-ish than Tantra

[Liquid_Drummer]

Re: People knocking Anything Is Possible for being "cheesy" or "motivational." This is Journey people, the same band that is famous for a little anthem called Don't Stop Believin. It's good, uplifting music that gives us an escape from our boring (at best) or stressful (at worst) lives and gives us something to wake up to, drive to work to, go home to etc. It doesn't need to be deep or introspective. It's an escape from reality, just like a ridiculous action movie where one man takes down 40 bad guys with a single pistol. If you don't like the music, fine. I'm no blind Journey cheerleader. But to sit there and pretend like a song like Anything is Possible is a disgrace to this supposed once-noble band because of its lyrics is just disingenuous given the band's past catalogue.

Along that action movie analogy, it'd be like someone who has seen and loved all of Arnold's movies from the 80s and 90s, going to see a new Arnold movie, and bitching that it was "unrealistic" because it featured Arnold killing a bunch of bad guys all by himself. Come on people.

Songs can be uplifting or even motivational and be good as we know. Some songs try that and sound forced, fake or cheesy like they belong in a movie montage.

Like this one

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPFCHuEegsk

[Ehwmatt]

I still can't get over how much Resonate kicks ass. This song is the bastard child of Mother, Father, Edge of the Blade, and just a touch of Dream Theateresque influence.