MR

Does anyone else suspect that the usage of multiple singers on "Generations" was motivated in part by a deliberate effort to divert the band's focus away from what it has commonly been in the past (i.e. Perry's voice)?
This way, the one unifying binding element prevalent on each track is no longer Perry's voice, but now Neal's stunning guitar work instead.
Is this Neal's belated effort to supplant Perry's voice as the most instantly recognizable earmark of a Journey tune?

I'm sure there was a myriad of other reasons (too many egos, preserving Augeri's voice etc), but to me, this may have been the primary one. Afterall, Neal has expressed a desire lately to become a household name.

And what better way to do that then to calculatedly orchestrate your albums to showcase your awesome skills.

Anyone else thinking the same way?

The_Noble_Cause wrote: This way, the one unifying binding element prevalent on each track is no longer Perry's voice, but now Neal's stunning guitar work instead.
Is this Neal's belated effort to supplant Perry's voice as the most instantly recognizable earmark of a Journey tune?

Anyone else thinking the same way?

You're onto something with that paragraph.

I absolutely believe that the multiple vocalists is a way to alter the Journey image. Since Journey's "image" was primarily Perry's vocals it could be directly related. But ultimately, I would simply say that the fans were digging it in concert so the band saw a win-win situation. 'Fans love it, and it will further distance us from the Perry trademark'.

I think it was a one-time thing for shits and giggles. Although I could see a duet between Augie and Jon on the next CD, or more Deen-sung tunes in the future. Ross and Neal will probably retire their vocal cords.

NealIsGod wrote:I think it was a one-time thing for shits and giggles. Although I could see a duet between Augie and Jon on the next CD, or more Deen-sung tunes in the future. Ross and Neal will probably retire their vocal cords.

I hope you are right. While I enjoy the songs, I do not need to hear Ross or Neal sing. To be honest, I don't need to hear Deen sing, even though he sounds very good. He doesn't bring anything specifically 'different' to a song and he actually draws more comparisons to Perry. (Which may shoot down TNC's theory to some extent). A duet or two could be cool, with any one of them and Steve. But I like the idea of re-focussing on Steve.

But then, this is all dependent on IF there is ever another Journey record...

I agree this was just for kicks as far as Neal and Ross. On the next album (trying to be optimistic) Deen may sing one butI think its more likely that Jon will, I think he's really into thinking of himself as a vocalist. And I would be surprised if Every Generation isn't sung on the next tour at the expense of the more deserving OOHM and TPIYH and any other Augeri era tunes with the exception of FITH.
However, if Perry's back, so is Steve Smith and Deen sings from behind the curtains for Perry.

I think going forward there should and will (Agree with Dave here) be a retirement of all new songs fronted by Ross and Neal.

But future records should include 1 Deen fronted song, 1 Jon/Augie duet and at least 8 Augie owned songs.

NoMoreTails wrote: However, if Perry's back, so is Steve Smith and Deen sings from behind the curtains for Perry.

Tee Hee!!

"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain"

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Does anyone else suspect that the usage of multiple singers on "Generations" was motivated in part by a deliberate effort to divert the band's focus away from what it has commonly been in the past (i.e. Perry's voice)?
This way, the one unifying binding element prevalent on each track is no longer Perry's voice, but now Neal's stunning guitar work instead.
Is this Neal's belated effort to supplant Perry's voice as the most instantly recognizable earmark of a Journey tune?

I'm sure there was a myriad of other reasons (too many egos, preserving Augeri's voice etc), but to me, this may have been the primary one. Afterall, Neal has expressed a desire lately to become a household name.

And what better way to do that then to calculatedly orchestrate your albums to showcase your awesome skills.

Anyone else thinking the same way?

How about simply taking advantage of the collective in-house talents, and allowing everyone to have some fun at the same time? (i.e. some of the core fundamentals to a band?) I know some people will clearly disagree with me, but Generations, IMHO seemed to be more of a band effort than Arrival. Also, Arrival had way too many instances of Augeri's needless simulation of Perry'ism's

p.s. Neal is a bad-ass - as if he needs an excuse or a well-orchestrated opportunity to wail

Although I liked Augeri's vox on Arrival, they really took a step further ahead on Generations. And on the rockers there's just, like a tougher level and quality to the voice. Higher Place had that sound too.
Andrew put it well that on a lot of Gens. he sounds "menacing."

Red13JoePa wrote:Although I liked Augeri's vox on Arrival, they really took a step further ahead on Generations. And on the rockers there's just, like a tougher level and quality to the voice. Higher Place had that sound too.
Andrew put it well that on a lot of Gens. he sounds "menacing."

I agree.
His vocals imbue the songs with alot of character.
Singing for Journey is not just about being high-pitched, it's also about being emotive. If you go listen to "Tall Stories" or "Shine", Augeri doesn't dabble so much in his high range as he does focus on being expressive.
"Generations" was a return of that.
Now if only I could praise his "Generations" solo-writing contributions as much as I can his vocals.

I think that at this point on there Journey, they just wanted to "get kinky", and have a great time trying something new.

Hey Kathy welcome to the Nuthouse!

Thanks, I feel right at home hehehe.