Andrew's preliminary "Generations" review.......

[The_Noble_Cause]

Here are Andrew's thoughts on the new album.
What a glowing review. Thanks Andrew!

JOURNEY - YOUR FIRST TASTE OF GENERATIONS!

My recent trip took me through Los Angeles for a few days and before I flew home I visited the offices of Azoff Music Management. Among the many artists Azoff represent is of course Journey.
I was very privileged to be able to get a sneak preview of the new Journey album Generations.
I know everyone is eagerly hanging out to hear what the guys have come up with, so allow me to paint a small picture, based on one play back of the album. Obviously a far more detailed set of comments and a full review will come once I have the album myself and have lived with it for a few weeks. But I can make some initial observations.
First of all – Neal has been true to his word. This is a ROCK record! I don't think the band have sounded as tough since the Escape/Frontiers era. Guitars are all over this record and it also contains a very tough sounding rhythm section, with Deen Castronovo in major form! The sound is definitely stripped back to basics, with the guitar being the major driving force behind the sound. The production sounds crisp, clean and every bit the high quality fans will expect from a full length release.
The ballads and mid-tempo tracks are the minority here – but definitely have their place.
I didn't take notes on individual tracks, but watch for Faith In The Heartland, which is a classic Journey rocker, although some 7 minutes in length. Surely this track will open the album?
First impressions lead me to think that the some of choruses of Generations are not as immediate as those on Arrival, but have more depth. I'm not sure of the exact title, but watch also for a big Deen sung anthem It Will Be Alright. And there was one of the album's soaring ballads which I thought was killer – a sure fire hit with fans I'm sure.
On the subject of vocalists, my biggest concern with the album was the fact everyone was to feature on lead vocals. I'm very pleased to say that I no longer think of this as a problem. Jonathan Cain sounded amazing on his lead track and Neal Schon has also never sounded better on the Schon & Hammer remake Self Defence. And Steve Augeri and Deen Castronovo make a perfect pair - supplying the Perry-like AOR vocals fans demand from the band. At times I had a hard time telling the two vocalists apart and their tracks run together seamlessly.
Ross Valory's track was a big groove-laiden rocker, reminding me of James Young's role in Styx. Not for everyone, but it did add some character to the overall vibe. As you can see, my first playback left a definite impression and I look forward to expanding on these thoughts with the full album in my hands.
But first impressions are very good indeed. I think this record is one for the fans and will impress those that have been hanging out for this.
Generations features some of the stripped back guitar driven style of Red 13, but with the production and band feel of Arrival. Above everything - it's a rock n roll record without doubt!

[Demontooth]

I still don't know about the multiple vocalists

[froy]

I still don't know about the multiple vocalists

I know
Its a terrible idea
This is Journey not the Journey project
Is anyone going to listen and jam out to Ross Jon and Neal when they sing
No way
Im not liking the idea at all

[Monker]

I know
Its a terrible idea
This is Journey not the Journey project
Is anyone going to listen and jam out to Ross Jon and Neal when they sing
No way
Im not liking the idea at all

well, "Self Defence" isn't a bad song for Neal to sing...it's better then trying to do "Manic Depression". Jonathon's voice fits into "Back to the Innocence" type songs, or duets, so I would be very suprised if he has a "jam out" type of song...I think they could use Jonathan just as well as they used Gregg in the olden days. Don't know about Ross's voice, I've never heard it.

[realrockfan30]

What's wrong with having multiple lead singers? Kansas was successful with two lead singers, so was Chicago. Journey had two lead singers (Perry & Rollie.)

Why all of a sudden it's a bad idea to have the other guys singing on the album?

[jrnyman28]

I think this is a stellar review! I am very excited for this CD. I know Andrew will get a little more into it when he can fully review the CD and I am sure there will be some detractions as well. But for now, this is cool. And since we know that Andrew does not like multiple vocalists, the fact that he feels it works well here, tells me what I need to know. I think Journey did the multiple vocalists because the fans enjoyed it in concert, and the material supported it. I believe that Journey would not have had Ross sing a song if it did not fit what Ross could do. Likewise with Jon, I am sure the song fit his voice. Monker is right that Self-Defense makes sense. Neal sang it originally and I am pretty sure it WILL jam!

As Andrew basically said, final judgement is reserved for the actual release and review...but I respect Andrew's views and opinions so this "impression" is well welcomed.

[Guest]

Sounds like a pretty solid review...
I don't know what the big deal is with multiple singers either...worked fine for the Eagles...

[froy]

Sounds like a pretty solid review...
I don't know what the big deal is with multiple singers either...worked fine for the Eagles...

I don't mind 2 guys but to have 5 singers on one cd is just way to much

[Monker]

What's wrong with having multiple lead singers?

The problem I have with it is Journey was never designed to be that type of band. Vocals are not the strongest attributes of some of these guys. I'd rather have Neal and Ross concetrate on what they do best and let the 'better' singers handle the vocals.

[NealIsGod]

[quote="froy"][quote][quote="ShawRiff"]Sounds like a pretty solid review...
I don't know what the big deal is with multiple singers either...worked fine for the Eagles...[/quote][/quote]

I don't mind 2 guys but to have 5 singers on one cd is just way to much[/quote]

Let's all have an open mind and listen to it before we judge it. It may the best Journey CD, it may be the worst. But go into it with your ears and mind open. That's the best way to judge all music.

[JourneyTroll]

Sounds like a pretty solid review...
I don't know what the big deal is with multiple singers either...worked fine for the Eagles...

I don't mind 2 guys but to have 5 singers on one cd is just way to much

Let's all have an open mind and listen to it before we judge it. It may the best Journey CD, it may be the worst. But go into it with your ears and mind open. That's the best way to judge all music.

Generations will become one of Journey's weakest selling records.

Journeytroll

[yak]

Let's all have an open mind and listen to it before we judge it. It may the best Journey CD, it may be the worst. But go into it with your ears and mind open. That's the best way to judge all music.

The mere fact that this is a ROCK record makes me wanting to hear it. My mind is open to it. If I don't like Ross's singing, I'll be the first to admit it, since I can't imagine what that's going to be like.

Waiting for Andrew's eventual full review, to hear his take on the record.

Thanks for the preliminary review Andrew! You lucky dog!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Generations will become one of Journey's weakest selling records.

Journeytroll

Didn't you say you were taking an extended leave of absence?

[yak]

Didn't you say you were taking an extended leave of absence?

Correct, NC.
Here you have it, from another post, direct from the horse's mouth:

I won't be posting much since I am preparing for an awesome Rolling Stones tour with millions upon millions of fans instead of maybe 150,000 Journey fans. Take care and have fun listening to "Don't Stop Believin'"

Journeytroll

How do you take an extended leave of absence when your carcass is parked in front of a computer 24/7

[Rockindeano]

Didn't you say you were taking an extended leave of absence?

Correct, NC.
Here you have it, from another post, direct from the horse's mouth:

I won't be posting much since I am preparing for an awesome Rolling Stones tour with millions upon millions of fans instead of maybe 150,000 Journey fans. Take care and have fun listening to "Don't Stop Believin'"

Journeytroll

How do you take an extended leave of absence when your carcass is parked in front of a computer 24/7

I tried to tell you guys; yak, shawriff, NC and Jrnyman..this guy is a _______________ fill in the blank...

OOhh, he is watching the Stones!! ouch, that hurts dude. And he calls Journey, "Dinosaurs."

[The_Noble_Cause]

I still don't know about the multiple vocalists

I know
Its a terrible idea
This is Journey not the Journey project
Is anyone going to listen and jam out to Ross Jon and Neal when they sing
No way
Im not liking the idea at all

Why not?
Care to offer some corroboration?
Did you not "jam out" when Neal sang on the Departure album or on Schon & Hammer?
Did you not "jam out" when Gregg used to sing a track or share lead vocal duties?
Why is this any different?
Sounds to me that you just a have a thing against lead vocalists not named Steve.

[froy]

What's wrong with having multiple lead singers?

The problem I have with it is Journey was never designed to be that type of band. Vocals are not the strongest attributes of some of these guys. I'd rather have Neal and Ross concetrate on what they do best and let the 'better' singers handle the vocals.

Wow I agree
Maybe we should hang out over here

[froy]

Did you not "jam out" when Neal sang on the Departure album or on Schon & Hammer?

No I have never jamed to Neal singing.

Did you not "jam out" when Gregg used to sing a track or share lead vocal duties?

Yea but Perry came in middle way to add flavor
I have no problem with 2 singers
5 no way
Bad idea

Sounds to me that you just a have a thing against lead vocalists not named Steve.

[/quote]

I only have a problem with lead singers named Larry Gowan.

[Demontooth]

I'm still going to buy it, I just don't know if it's a good idea.

Take the goo goo dolls for example, the bassist can't sing worth a poop, but he is singing on a couple of their albums. It's disgusting.

[jrnyman28]

When Andrew mentioned Ross' song reminding him of James Young's role in Styx, I knew exactly what he meant. It seems JY ALWAYS has one song on a CD. I am sure it is one that HE writes, and he writes it to fit HIM. So it makes sense that he sings it and it probably sounds best that way. JY songs are not my favorites, but they work. And I think it will work for Journey as well.

Maybe they did go overboard with it. Or maybe it will make a longer CD keep your attention better. Arrival was too long and/or too full of ballads. TBF was the same way. Maybe the inclusion of other vocals will make the cd flow better. After all, they did say they were still looking at around 14 songs.

[SF-Dano]

I think Neal can sing just fine for Rock Songs. I was definately able to "Rock out" to NO MORE LIES and other tunes from the Schon and Hammer days. Also he sang on Departure and Next and sounded fine. This is Rock people, not opera.

I did not totally dig Ross singing on the last tour, but if you can find him a song that fits, I am willing to give it a listen. Jon sings fine, as do Steve and Deen. Not to worried.

Interesting that Neal decided to put Self Defense on this album. Remember that Steve Perry sang back up on the original version. Interesting how Neal had Perry sing on a song of one of his "dreaded" side projects.

[jrnyman28]

Interesting that Neal decided to put Self Defense on this album. Remember that Steve Perry sang back up on the original version. Interesting how Neal had Perry sing on a song of one of his "dreaded" side projects.

Well, Self-Defense was originally written for Journey for Frontiers. Maybe they had already cut the demo of it, and then Jan added HIS parts to it.

But this is, I believe, the ONLY appearance of Perry on any Journey members solo/side projects. (There might be ONE Jon Cain song as well...)

[SF-Dano]

J28 wrote: "Well, Self-Defense was originally written for Journey for Frontiers. Maybe they had already cut the demo of it, and then Jan added HIS parts to it. "


This may very well be the case. If there is anyone out there in the know, I would be interested to find out.

[NealIsGod]

Say what you want, but multiple vocalists on this new CD will only add to the buzz and help sell more records. If it was just another version of Arrival, there would be nothing for casual fans to get excited about. Now they get to hear different singers, one of which has been compared to Steve Perry (Deen, of course!). Augeri still sings most of the songs, so there is nothing to freak out about. IMO, Arrival could have used some jazzing up like this to give it some more personality.

Let's just hope Deen doesn't leave Journey before the tour, forcing the band to re-do the album with a new drummer (ala Soul SirkUS)!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Let's just hope Deen doesn't leave Journey before the tour, forcing the band to re-do the album with a new drummer (ala Soul SirkUS)!

Better not.
I've always maintained (and still do) that Deen is this band's secret weapon.

[Andrew]

Ok, first up - JourneyTRoll - take a break. I'm excited about this record now and I refuse to sit back and read you winge and bitch and moan about it for the next 3 months.

Ok, regarding my comments - let's not call it a REVIEW. It was just some first impressions of what I heard and yeah, I was very pleasantly surprised. Not that I should ever doubt Journey, as for me they have never made a bad record - but I was a little worried after the quality of Red 13 and the use of multiple vocalists.

But in the context of the style and delivery of what I heard - it all works well and sounds great. Can't wait to hear it again and work up a full review.

[lukeisgod]

hi gang..as far as the multiple singers.....why not??! as long as they sound good and the songs are great who gives a shit??? rollie sang great back in the day as did perry so why not have augeri (the main man) sing most of them, and ross (who is a good harmony n back ground guy) do one and neal do a couple..heard neals voice b4 and its not bad..not great but, can sound cool on a certain type of song n key.

I am really psyched to hear augeri n deen sing on a couple!!! mmm mm baby! lol and cain has come a very long ways..so I think he will do fine.

PEOPLE REMEMBER: THEY have been doing this for a long time and know there weaknesses and strengths better than anyone..they won't dissapoint!!

if ur looking for raised on radio 2 or "open arms" you will probably be dissapointed!! they seem to want to keep vibe from arrival n red 13 with new twists..can't wait!!


journey forever!!!


c.m.

[lukeisgod]

btw.. chicago had 4 singers total from 1986 -1994 all good...esp, champlin n bailey...scheff is good too but had his problems then..

kansas is great with more than one...

styx is still good though I fell they really miss glen on vox...not the same!

toto has 2 lead singers...3 if u count paich 's 3-4 songs he sings live...

and they are still great n the fans love the interplay between steven lukather n bobby kimball


and boston !! lets not forget how awesome they sounded with brad delp , fran cosmo, david sykes, gary phil and curly smith ALL SINGING together!!!
just my 2 cents,

c.m.

[JourneyTroll]

Didn't you say you were taking an extended leave of absence?

Correct, NC.
Here you have it, from another post, direct from the horse's mouth:

I won't be posting much since I am preparing for an awesome Rolling Stones tour with millions upon millions of fans instead of maybe 150,000 Journey fans. Take care and have fun listening to "Don't Stop Believin'"

Journeytroll

How do you take an extended leave of absence when your carcass is parked in front of a computer 24/7

I tried to tell you guys; yak, shawriff, NC and Jrnyman..this guy is a _______________ fill in the blank...

OOhh, he is watching the Stones!! ouch, that hurts dude. And he calls Journey, "Dinosaurs."

I didn't call Journey dinosaurs. They just are ____________.

Out of respect for Andrew, I will not state the obvious about Journey.

Have a nice day.

Journeytroll

[jrnyman28]

Yeah right Troll, you are SOOO respectful...

And you HAVE called Journey dinosaurs in the past!