MR

I got to thinking after listening to some cds the other day just how great Journey's background vocals sound on various songs. I got to thinking of the various classic rock bands and really couldn't come up with one with such sweet background vocals that work so well with the songs.
In particular Escape (the song), I'll Be Alright Without You jump to mind immediately, along with Wheel In The Sky and Anytime/Feeling That Way.
I know there are LOTS more but those are ones that came to me right off the top of my head.

Listen to Shy. Very strong melodic BG vox, like Journey. Some samples:

http://www.nehrecords.com/SHOP/ShySunset.htm

They've got great harmonies and bg vox especially the Rolie and Deen eras.
You raised ROR wich DID have some beauties. Anybody know if it was Cain Perry or Schon who sings the "YYYYOOOOOOUUUUUUU DON'T NEED IT people wondering why we broke apart...." part in IBAWY? I love that part. I alsways thought it could be perry doing the latter line but one of the others doing the former, louder part...

Red13JoePa wrote:They've got great harmonies and bg vox especially the Rolie and Deen eras.
You raised ROR wich DID have some beauties. Anybody know if it was Cain Perry or Schon who sings the "YYYYOOOOOOUUUUUUU DON'T NEED IT people wondering why we broke apart...." part in IBAWY? I love that part. I alsways thought it could be perry doing the latter line but one of the others doing the former, louder part...

"You don't need it" was sung by Jon in concert. But I always thought it was still Perry on record.

Journey's bg vox were better in the early days because it was all the guys doing the harmonies. Frontiers and ROR pretty much sound like multiple layers of Perry's voice. That always bothered me. They had the talent and ability to do "real" harmonies and they decided just to layer one man's voice!

jrnyman28 wrote:

Red13JoePa wrote:They've got great harmonies and bg vox especially the Rolie and Deen eras.
You raised ROR wich DID have some beauties. Anybody know if it was Cain Perry or Schon who sings the "YYYYOOOOOOUUUUUUU DON'T NEED IT people wondering why we broke apart...." part in IBAWY? I love that part. I alsways thought it could be perry doing the latter line but one of the others doing the former, louder part...

"You don't need it" was sung by Jon in concert. But I always thought it was still Perry on record.

Journey's bg vox were better in the early days because it was all the guys doing the harmonies. Frontiers and ROR pretty much sound like multiple layers of Perry's voice. That always bothered me. They had the talent and ability to do "real" harmonies and they decided just to layer one man's voice!

How about Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Supertramp for harmanizing?

Journeytroll

It was the greatest with Classic Journey and I missed Greggs voice when he left. Imo,the harmonies now and on the last two efforts are a far cry from what was. There appears to be a lack of control now, but then I understand that the guys are mostly just having fun.

Great harmony vox? In addition to Journey, I always think of Boston, Queen, the Carpenters, Def Leppard... some AMAZING background vocals on songs by those groups, too.

heardonthestreet wrote:It was the greatest with Classic Journey and I missed Greggs voice when he left. Imo,the harmonies now and on the last two efforts are a far cry from what was. There appears to be a lack of control now, but then I understand that the guys are mostly just having fun.

By last two, do you mean Arrival and Red13? Or have you listened to Generations?

Fernando Ramirez wrote:Great harmony vox? In addition to Journey, I always think of Boston, Queen, the Carpenters, Def Leppard... some AMAZING background vocals on songs by those groups, too.

Queen! Definately. DL sounds too over-produced IMO.

jrnyman28 wrote:Queen! Definately. DL sounds too over-produced IMO.

The two standout Queen songs IMHO are YOU TAKE MY BREATH AWAY and LOVE OF MY LIFE. Phenomenal background vox by Freddie.

I've recently been listening to EUPHORIA. That album has some great background vox. And of course, HYSTERIA is a high-water mark for background vox.

Queen absolutely. Def Leppard.

My overall choice would be Yes. Jon Anderson, Chris Squire and Rick Wakeman put forth amazing vocals.

how about the little river band?

Jeremey wrote:how about the little river band?

Dude, "Take it Easy On Me...!!!!"

JourneyTroll wrote:
How about Styx, REO Speedwagon, and Supertramp for harmanizing?

Journeytroll

Don't forget the Eagles-ERIC