Eclipse - Your Reviews

[Gideon]

Resonate: Love it, favorite track on the CD hands down...

Good man.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Okay, I have listened to Eclipse enough to add my review. First and foremost, I have and do support all the recent incarnations of Journey, but to me Journey is probably in my top 5 favorite bands, so I would not consider myself a diehard fan.

Overall, I think it is a good effort. I don't feel that it is a classic like some may feel, nor do I think it is an album that will likely appeal to the masses, but I never had the impression that was Neal and Company's intent with this release. I think that it stacks up well with any post-Perry releases, granted with Red 13 and Generations crumby productions, it doesn't take much. That said, I did like Red 13 and Generations [I know shoot me], understanding what the band was aiming for at the time. I think Arnel does a fine job and there are some vocal acrobatics that Steve Augeri would not have done, but their voices and styles are different, not to mention age at this point, so you are talking apples to oranges, in my opinion, even though everyone wants to constantly compare. I get the same vibe as I did on previous albums, and can close my eyes and still see a healthy Augeri led band release this album. That's no diss to Arnel, he's got amazing chops, with some variations, I think Neal and Jon just produce a certain type of song these days, regardless to the vocalist, and frankly the vocalist is interchangeable as long as they can crank out the dirty dozen on tour. Here's my track by track analysis for what it's worth.

City Of Hope: Okay, some aren't getting why the opened with this. I think it screams of Journey wanting to keep the listeners attention with something that has a more classic Journey sound, so those not interested in updated Journey don't hit next or turn it off. A lot of comparisons to FITH.. yeah, i get that, but personally... better production on the Augeri version of FITH, and I'll take that over COH any day.
Edge Of The Moment: Like it, but I think it sounds more like what you would expect on a NS solo rock record.
COL: Same at EOTM, updated Red 13 type track, better production than Red 13, obviously. Good track...funny side note, it downloads to iTunes as Cain of Love...
Tantra: Hate it...next....Dare I say, to me it makes Butterfly seem like a classic!
Anything is Possible: Arrival sound, updated, but classic Journey sound.... Music 90%, lyrics 40% [cheesy to me]
Resonate: Love it, favorite track on the CD hands down...
She's a Mystery: Like it a lot...not sure I like the left turn where Neal rocks it out at the end. Sounds like two songs squished together.
Human Feel: Okay like it... Can totally hear Augeri singing this, where I can't envision Perry. I think this has a Journey meets Tall Stories vibe to it....
Ritual: Another updated Journey-ish track... growing on me...
TWIMC: Hasn't grown on me... sounds very current Bon Jovi balladish with Neal's style of guitar playing.. Can't put my finger on it, but isn't doing much for me, sorry.
Someone: Journey being Journey in 2011... Feel the chorus starts strong and could go to better places, feels like they half-assed the chorus
Venus: Ok... so.. As if Schon hasn't ripped his way through most of the tracks he has to add this at the end to just prove that he's a great guitar player... Signs of an inflated ego... maybe, maybe not... dump it and put something better on.

Overall, personally I'd give it somewhere between a 85%-90%. I think it definitely has it's Red 13 moments with much better production. I think there is a nice balance between new and classic songs. Vocally Arnel does a nice job and like Arrival, Red 13, Generations, & Revelation before, you hear the post Perry vocalists sounding more like themselves then trying to channel their inner-Perry.

Agree with everyone that the packaging is cheap and horrible. Okay, that's all... let the spear chucking at my review commence.

I agree with most of ur thoughts. Some of it IS reminiscent of Red 13, just with better production. The more I listen to Human Feel, the more I feel it's kind of a half-assed tune and just an excuse for Neal to jam. TWIMC is a real grower. Very memorable. When it starts tho, it sorta sounds like Whiter Shade of Pale.

[Jana]

Human Feel should be the radio edit on the album. The album version is a jam to me after a while.

[youkeepmewaiting]

At the moment this album is a 9/10 for me but I think by next year it's going to move to 8/10 once it has worn off a bit as things naturally do.

For me this is in my top 5/6 Journey album beaten by Escape, Frontiers, RoR, TBF and probably on parr with Arrival maybe.

I can see why people don't like TWIMC (side not, ANOTHER Journey song were we have to shorten the title as we are too lazy to type it!) and Tantra but for me these have catapulted into some of my favourite Journey songs of ALL time.

Second tier I would say is City of Hope, Edge of the Moment, Resonate and Ritual.

Third tier is Human Feel, She's a Mystery, Anything is Possible and Someone. - I don't dislike any of these tracks though but I know that in a few months these are some that I will skip more than others.

And venis isnt really a song so much as it is just a way of ending the album. I was hoping for something a bit like Revelation instrumental but never mind.

[Rick]

Neal is a god damned beast on this record. The guitar work on this record is stronger and better than I've ever heard.

Arnel sings his ass off. He has one lyrical gaffe, but other than that, he's amazing. Fuck you to the Arnel naysayers. This guy is amazing.

Deen: Brilliant! Especially on Human Feel. One compliant I had about Revelation was that the drum tracks were so similar. Not here!

Cain, while a bit muted here is brilliant as well. Took the roll as an accompanist on this one and lets Neal shine. Nice.

Ross? Is that you? You're more out front in this record than I've ever heard. I love that.

[ebake02]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

[VirgilTheart]

Neal is a god damned beast on this record. The guitar work on this record is stronger and better than I've ever heard.

Arnel sings his ass off. He has one lyrical gaffe, but other than that, he's amazing. Fuck you to the Arnel naysayers. This guy is amazing.

Deen: Brilliant! Especially on Human Feel. One compliant I had about Revelation was that the drum tracks were so similar. Not here!

Cain, while a bit muted here is brilliant as well. Took the roll as an accompanist on this one and lets Neal shine. Nice.

Ross? Is that you? You're more out front in this record than I've ever heard. I love that.

This sums up my view on the album rather well.

Been listening to this album over and over again. So addictive!

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

After listening to the album over and over again, I may very well agree with this. The only other real competition for Arnel's best performance that comes to my mind is probably 'Tantra'.

[Maui Tom]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

Title is so bad I can't listen to this one......Resonate?

[Gideon]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

Title is so bad I can't listen to this one......Resonate?

Resonate's amazing. You shan't regret it.

[Maui Tom]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

Title is so bad I can't listen to this one......Resonate?

Resonate's amazing. You shan't regret it.

No song is amazing.....lotsa kick ass one's though....

[VirgilTheart]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

Title is so bad I can't listen to this one......Resonate?

Resonate's amazing. You shan't regret it.

No song is amazing.....lotsa kick ass one's though....

Clearly you've never listened to any of the big masterpieces by Iron Maiden. Or the Ronnie James Dio-era of Black Sabbath for that matter. -THAT- is amazing.

And while we're at it, I have to concur with Gideon that 'Resonate' is amazing as well.

[Maui Tom]

I am 56...songs are not "amazing"...get over yourselves...

[Gideon]

I am 56...songs are not "amazing"...get over yourselves...

Get over ourselves?

Maybe the guy who thinks being 56 means something other than being ancient ought to take some of his own advice?

[Maui Tom]

I am 56...songs are not "amazing"...get over yourselves...

Get over ourselves?

Maybe the guy who thinks being 56 means something other than being ancient ought to take some of his own advice?

Norwegian Wood...THAT was amazing...go suck a dick....

[Gideon]

Norwegian Wood...THAT was amazing...go suck a dick....

You know what's really amazing? Being able to get "wood" without needing little blue pills. Maybe you're still young enough to remember what that's like?

[Maui Tom]

Norwegian Wood...THAT was amazing...go suck a dick....

You know what's really amazing? Being able to get "wood" without needing little blue pills. Maybe you're still young enough to remember what that's like?

[Gideon]

You're a good man, Tom. Now go listen to "Resonate" before you drink your Alka Seltzer.

[steveo777]

I am 56...songs are not "amazing"...get over yourselves...

That tiki=tiki shit you guys do over there must help the sex a bit, right???? (steve looking for excuse to move to hawaii)

[Ritchie]

First of all let me compliment Journey for a great album.
Classic or no classic there is some excellent rock music on this album...and it still sounds like Journey to me .
Some songs were right off the bat winners to me,like COL,Resonate but also Tantra which is not your typical Journey ballad but it has something special and that makes it work for me.

1)City Of Hope:
I like the chorus but the bridge to the chorus is somewhat awkward but the more you hear it the more it makes sense. 7/10
2)Edge Of The Moment:
Dark rock song which gave me a reminiscense of the Frontiers album.(my favorite Journey album) 8/10
3)Chain Of Love:
Oh my F&*king God ...It`s ALIVE and it`s a MONSTER 10/10
4)Tantra:
Okay not everyone`s cup of tea but this song has definitely some great moments,Neal`s harmonized lead guitars,Arnel soaring higher and higher,beautiful vocal harmonies.
I swear,when I first heard this song I got goosebumps as big as the size of John Holmes his dick. 9/10
5)Anything Is Possible:
Journey feelgood song with a little dark twist..love that. 8/10
6)Resonate:
Best song from the album..in my book a CLASSIC ! 10/10
7)She`s A Mystery:
Journey meets Styx and Led Zep. 8/10
Human Feel:
Jungle rythm and big heavy rythm guitars..like the "Rise up"shout! 8/10
9)Ritual:
Could`ve been a song from Arrival okay song! 7/10
10) To Whom It May Concern:
A ballad but not with the depth of Tantra..7/10
11)Someone:
Another Journey feelgood song. 7/10
12)Venus:
TWIMC reprise with Neal in charge burning his fretboard 7/10

Journey on,
Ritchie.

[Maui Tom]

You're a good man, Tom. Now go listen to "Resonate" before you drink your Alka Seltzer.

My Deano act gets an F-......

[steveo777]

I just read a review where the guy called the new album a snooze fest. I don't
understand how anyone could sleep through this album.

[Rick]

You're a good man, Tom. Now go listen to "Resonate" before you drink your Alka Seltzer.

My Deano act gets an F-......

Was funny though.

[PianoMan1986]

A little late to the party, but wanted time to just sit and listen to the album and try to convey my own thoughts as sporadic or maybe redundant as they may be...

CITY OF HOPE
Not trying to bash listeners with the obvious, but lyrically the song truly is a song for those of us facing the hard times we live in and currently are experiencing around the world. Some of the first things off the bat I picked up on: the clarity of Arnel's voice as far as his diction goes (which I never had a problem with in the first place as some fans complain about), Ross Valory's more active bass playing as opposed to standard low-end drive, Deen's more bombastic fills and groove, and (as Neal intended) more presence of guitar with the use of layering/looping although Jon's keys/synth aren't necessarily absent. The first surprise -- this album has a few -- is the awesome rocking kick into double time during the closing section of the song to take it from a mid-tempo rocker to a full on driving force as Neal rips into his first of many solos on the album. A decent "hope" (no pun intended) song that could have single potential although I would be more partial to another track or two instead were it my choice.

EDGE OF THE MOMENT
Again another tune that I feel pushes Deen and Ross in the mix -- not to say that they shouldn't be prominent players, but listening to old live cuts Ross in particular seemed to play more freely instead of rigid/structured -- but the point being, I love the punches right off the bat. Neal surprises a bit by playing what you think will be a looped sequence (perhaps it is depending how you listen to it), then strikes another note sequence into sustained gritty chords. Not to say he doesn't on the opening track, but I felt Arnel really comes into his own more on this album as far as a frontman and emoting his vocals/lyrics more. My ears may deceive me, but this may be the first song on the album where Cain uses organ -- a welcome introduction back into the Journey sound. More precision solos from Neal of course. A little more layered harmonies on this one compared to the prominence of Arnel and Deen's voices on the opener.

CHAIN OF LOVE *
A cool synth opening with somewhat of a gated effect (maybe?) on this with a haunting piano sequence in the beginning. Arnel's voice sounds phenomenal, soaring, and majestic on this tune. With the ambient intro your mind assumes ballad territory, but the standard rock drums kick in with a solid guitar riff. I love the chorus on this piece and just the sound of it -- great sing-along material for the doubters that think there isn't any on this album -- "There's no beginning, there's no end. There is no self, no fortress to defend. Endless circle beyond space and time. It's the chain of love that binds me..." Instead of having more keyboard balance or prominence as in past efforts, Cain makes grand use of cool pads, strings, and motion synths to fill the soundscape. Although it can probably go without saying, another blast of Neal soloing. One aspect of many I enjoy about this tune is when the final chorus kicks in, just really cool.

TANTRA *
A very emotional tune that totally throws you for a loop. A beautiful (somewhat) ad-lib opening between Arnel and Cain, with subtle play from Schon. A song about coming full circle. As Arnel finishes a vocal phrase, a new time-signature drum fill kicks off a new/different section of the song and the full band enters and Arnel's voice sings to the sky. I enjoyed Neal's use of a harmonizer or octave pedal on part of his solo during this section of the song, but also a nice change from his shred-style to his smooth, singing style soloing. As this section fades, you return to the opening section as a recapitulation.


ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE *
Right from the opening, it's Journey -- a mid-tempo rocker with balanced use of all the players in the mix (piano, guitar, drums, bass, etc), with a rich harmony chorus; another chorus that I'm fond of singing along with -- "If you can see how you'll imagine your life, you'll want to dream now, then you know that anything is possible. It's not who you are, it's where you want to go, you don't need a miracle, believe that anything is possible." A cool closing to the song as a CODA that would almost seem more fitting as a bridge, but it works/sounds great as a contrast.


RESONATE * (Probably my top fav on the album)
Upon first hearing this piece with it's soft intro for the first few seconds I almost thought something was wrong, then some cool gated effects come into play. A great combination 8th/16th drive (again depending how you listen to it) between guitars, drums, and bass with hard note piano hits in the background. Another great chorus, again a huge part in what makes this song probably my top favorite on the album -- "Feel your presence all around me, on the same frequency, it's all our love can be when we resonate, resonate...even though we're miles apart, I reach for you and there you are, pull the strings that move my heart, resonate, resonate..." A very moody lyric or style coming from Arnel. To me, a head-bopping tune with the overall groove. With the vocal stylings I look at it in the vein (not overly similar by any means) of the Separate Way, Where Did I Lose Your Love, etc. sound -- to me, it's a good thing. Arnel belts on the closing chorus that just builds with a wall of sound and knocks you with a punch.

SHE'S A MYSTERY *
Another curve ball is thrown at the listener, but again it's a good thing and welcome to hear change. To hear shaker percussion, electric twelve string, and a sweet melodic lead from the guitar as well as Arnel's voice. If I had to give a general commentary, I'd say it's a summer groove tune. A cool sidenote is to see Arnel's name in the writing credits (the first of two on the album, but better than none at all on a Schon & Cain dominated album as expected). After you think you've figured out the groove of the tune with it's sweet verses, you go through an instrumental trip to arrive at a crunchy guitar groove that you can still jam and get into even with the stark contrast -- it's great -- listen to the rhythm guitar work during Neal's closing solo.

HUMAN FEEL *
A great comment piece on the lack of true contact in society, longing for "human feel." A bombastic drum groove opens with a jungle-like feel as each instrument enters one by one; enter some guitar riffing to set the mood, but another surprise is a distorted organ from Jon (although a bit lower in the mix than I would expect -- perhaps I wanted the organ run through a Marshall for the "traditional" rock sound). "What I'm missing is true emotion, I get lost in this digital ocean, what I'm needing right now is human feel, can't substitute love and passion, with too much choice there's no satisfaction, comin' straight from the heart it's human feel." Also a great chant/unison to the chorus with the yell to "Rise up!" -- almost a hint of Bryan Adams backing vocal style layering. A true Neal signature tune if I may say so myself.

RITUAL *
With the opening of this one, I felt it sounded like a combination of the Augeri-era and Revelation sound. The chorus is similar in feel/sound to Wildest Dream from the Revelation album. Despite being a keyboard player myself, I thought Cain's verse synth could've been either blended more in the mix or maybe if he played it differently (maybe more chordal rather than note arpeggiations). A cool bridge transition that introduces a blended electric/acoustic guitar and organ riff, followed by a time change during a guitar solo before bringing it back to a straight rock build as the song reaches for the final chorus.

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN *
The second of the two writing credits Arnel received on the album, opens with a very anthemic feel in my opinion and covers the topic of conflict amongst varying religious beliefs/practices -- something I think many people ponder from time to time. Another soaring chorus that just grips me along with others that I've mentioned previously -- "To whom it may concern, I'm sending out a prayer the world finds peace in my lifetime. To whom it may concern, are you listening are you there? I'll keep my hopes for paradise alive, to whom it may concern." Not only holding a writing credit, I feel that emotionally this is another tune where Arnel really shone through conveying a message lyrically.

SOMEONE *
Another song that says Journey, but I have one gripe about it (not necessarily horrible) -- again surprising coming from a keyboard player -- that being the synth horn stabs Jon uses -- to me he could have either played them in more of a chordal sense on the piano and boost that in the mix, or just use more of standard synth saw patch -- of course like all of this it's subjective and personal preference. Another great chorus that I like -- "Once you let someone love you, you'll find an open door, a place in your heart you've never been before. Believe it's never too late, someone to set you free, once you let someone love you..."


VENUS
If solos in songs and signature sound/feel of the songs themselves weren't enough, we've been given an instrumental penned by Schon making a reprise use of a theme used in TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. The only thing that baffled me at first was why there was a fade at about the 2/3 mark of the piece, although I thought it was cool to hear (for lack of better wording) a form of systematic chaos and jamming throughout as the album closes and blasts off into oblivion. Props to Deen on this one too for pounding away with the rapid fills.

Overall, I love the album and think the band DID deliver on this one with a great follow-up to Revelation with something new and different. I feel it requires multiple listens because I find that I pick out something I didn't notice in listening to it in times past. I think Arnel has taken stride as the lead vocalist from the time of his debut with the band and think he sounds great -- I'm not going to debate the past, diction, etc. I like all eras of the band and I'm just glad they're still going and putting out new music. I think they've put together some great songs on an overall aspect (musically, lyrically, etc.) -- just a great album and will probably remain one of my favs for times to come.

*** An added sidenote reading the album liner notes, I thought it was interesting that Neal did all of the rhythm guitar work too -- not surprised, but I've become a little accustomed to seeing Jon's name tossed into that too.

[Eric]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

At about 4 minutes he pulls a spine tingling vocal with the way he sings.

[YoungJRNY]

Resonate is hands down the best song on the album and probably Arnel's best performance to date.

At about 4 minutes he pulls a spine tingling vocal with the way he sings.

I actually felt that one in my balls. Arnel's performance on the whole CD is a work of a phenom. Guy doesn't stop whatsoever. No breaks, no nothing and when he does get it with She's a Mystery, he hits one helluva note towards the end of the performance as well. 95 degrees today, waxed the car. Eclipse hit the spot.

[pf1965]

Neal is a god damned beast on this record. The guitar work on this record is stronger and better than I've ever heard.

Arnel sings his ass off. He has one lyrical gaffe, but other than that, he's amazing. Fuck you to the Arnel naysayers. This guy is amazing.

Deen: Brilliant! Especially on Human Feel. One compliant I had about Revelation was that the drum tracks were so similar. Not here!

Cain, while a bit muted here is brilliant as well. Took the roll as an accompanist on this one and lets Neal shine. Nice.

Ross? Is that you? You're more out front in this record than I've ever heard. I love that.

Totally agree with this and Ross is thumping the hell out of that bass! Glad to hear Him play like that as He has been quite stale in his playing!

[Razor]

Ok, I can't say that I'm too impressed with the new album.
None of the songs kept my attention for long and if I listened to them many of them became annoying. 'She's A Mystery' did remind me a lot of the Steve Perry era though, which was kinda cool but then Neal's play sortof screws it up. Neal Schon is a beast and he certainly can play the guitar. Thing is that I tend to not like what he's playing and that has been ever since the Red 13 album. He's going all wild with his guitar doing funny stuff. I miss his 'old-style' tone and guitar solos of the 80's and 90's.
Arnel, although he definitely can sing, doesn't convince vocally. Drum sound could have been better as well.

[YoungJRNY]

What I don't understand is that only a few odd years ago people couldn't wait for a new sound with JSS and was craving a new direction with the bands sound and needs to get AWAY from the dirty dozen. Not too much longer later, the band does exactly this and some people flame them for it. I get a total edge while listening to Eclipse. A true burner in my eyes, esp the Journey sound that I loved kicked up a few notches. Can't believe a new direction of newer sounding music would garner such heat in some parts. Wasn't that the whole point going in? One that we all agreed that must happen?

[Behshad]

What I don't understand is that only a few odd years ago people couldn't wait for a new sound with JSS and was craving a new direction with the bands sound and needs to get AWAY from the dirty dozen. Not too much longer later, the band does exactly this and some people flame them for it. I get a total edge while listening to Eclipse. A true burner in my eyes, esp the Journey sound that I loved kicked up a few notches. Can't believe a new direction of newer sounding music would garner such heat in some parts. Wasn't that the whole point going in? One that we all agreed that must happen?

Its partially because before they decides to change directions they searched on YouTube and found a singer to keep the legacy sound. Nothing wrong with the new direction, but when the vocals don't fit 100% then what's the point.
The only song that Arnel's voice fits great on is Resonate.

[steveo777]

What I don't understand is that only a few odd years ago people couldn't wait for a new sound with JSS and was craving a new direction with the bands sound and needs to get AWAY from the dirty dozen. Not too much longer later, the band does exactly this and some people flame them for it. I get a total edge while listening to Eclipse. A true burner in my eyes, esp the Journey sound that I loved kicked up a few notches. Can't believe a new direction of newer sounding music would garner such heat in some parts. Wasn't that the whole point going in? One that we all agreed that must happen?

Its partially because before they decides to change directions they searched on YouTube and found a singer to keep the legacy sound. Nothing wrong with the new direction, but when the vocals don't fit 100% then what's the point.
The only song that Arnel's voice fits great on is Resonate.

I've been reading what reviews there are on Amazon and Walmart, as well as around the web. These people must all be Arnel butt kissing
sycophants, since most of the reviews differ from your opinion, correct?