MR

I suppose that an introduction is unnecessary, but appropriate: I'm Strange Medicine, age 16, and I'm a new member of the Melodic Rock forums. I'm a diehard Journey fan (thanks to my father) and I've been very fortunate to see Journey in concert three times. Now that that has been taken care of, I would like to express my opinion on Journey's new decision regarding the position of lead singer. I would also like to say that I've been reading these forums daily for months, and so I do not consider myself "jumping" into this opinion on ignorance.

First, I would like to say that I respect, enjoy, and admire Journey's three previous lead singers: Steve Perry, Steve Augeri, and Jeff Scott Soto. Obviously, I wasn't lucky enough to catch a concert with Perry, but Youtube does him justice, lol. I enjoyed Augeri's tenure as lead vocalist; he had a quiet charisma about him and I truthfully thought him to be a skilled and talented singer. Jeff Scott Soto was amazing; his charisma was anything but quiet and he reenergized the band. I remember telling myself that "Journey could be big again!" with this guy fronting them. He was also a skilled and versatile singer, accentuated by his showmanship.

Second, I would like to say that I am disappointed and -- truthfully -- disgusted with the transparent "excuses" for which both singers were let go. I'd like to say that I am disappointed, in particular, with Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, who seem to control the band completely.

Third, I would like to say that despite those decisions, I am still a Journey fan. I still hold both Schon and Cain in very high regard as musicians and I still get enjoyment out of seeing them play. The truth is, folks, I'm weird in that I don't go to a Journey concert for a lecture on morals or business ethics, I go to watch a uniquely talented five-man ensemble perform. Hell, people around the world get a thrill out of Axl Rose, despite the fact that he's one of the biggest documented pricks in history. I hate GNR, but I think some of us could learn to become "enlightened" like them. :p

Lastly, here are my thoughts on Arnel: I think that Arnel is a very talented singer, just like Soto, Perry, and Augeri. In fact, I'm of the opinion that Arnel sings those songs closer to Perry than either Augeri or Soto. And I bare in mind that you're all big into Jeff Scott Soto, and respectful of him and of his talent, I would also say that -- technically speaking -- I'm more impressed with the control, versatility, power, and range of Arnel's performances than either Augeri or Soto. You can argue "emotion" and ect. all day and night, it's subjective (though I agree that Arnel isn't a fourth of the frontman Soto is). But really? Arnel can cover (off the top of my head) BRAD DELP, and STEVE PERRY and do them excellent justice. Whereas Soto and Augeri had to lower keys and sing them "their own way". I don't fancy JSS pulling off "Lay It Down" or "Something to Hide" because he can't perform at Perry's upper register (or even Augeri's). I don't fancy Augeri pulling off a credible version of "Edge of the Blade" or "Rubicon" because he lacks Perry's and JSS's power and strength. And I reiterate: I love JSS and Augeri as singers and I plan to see them in concert the second I can and I'm fanboys of both.

I try to be objective and I'm sure this comes off as sermonizing. I apologize, but I wanted to voice my opinion for a long time here. And if you don't like my opinion, that's okay. But I've read some harsh posts and extreme perspectives from numerous people and I wanna know why they think and feel the way they do.

Hope this is a suitable first post.

-SM.

Strange Medicine wrote: Hope this is a suitable first post.
SM.

You are how old?!? Excellent first post and welcome.

Welcome to MR.

Lora wrote:

Strange Medicine wrote: Hope this is a suitable first post.
SM.

You are how old?!? Excellent first post and welcome.

Looks like we may have a new intelligent member on here. What do you think, Lora?
Welcome, SM

Thanks, people. I appreciate the warm reception, though I must be honest that I wasn't expecting one.

Anyways, I'll be off for a bit, I have to study for an AP US history quiz. I'll be back on later, and you're encouraged to discuss this, whether you agree or disagree with my opinion.

Well Strange Medicine,first time I have read a post from a 16 year old that sounded more like a hypothesis.Suppose we are neighbors huh? Welcome to MR!

Welcome!

Very eloquent and well-thought first post. Are you sure you are only 16
and not 26 with a PHD in English Composition???

I can't really say how I feel about Mr Pineda's talent because I can't get
to YouTube from my present location.

I can say, however, that after being a Journey fan for 27 years and having a very,
disticnt "image" of this band in my mind, I will have a hard time accepting/enjoying
this band fronted by Mr Pineda. It was hard to re-connect w/ the band when Mr Augeri came in
but he did great, stayed pretty true to the "Journey Image" that I have and the music was great.
Jeff was an easy pleasure because I was already a fan. Although his vocal stylings were just a hair
different and a little "edgier", he brought something to my "Journey Image" that hadn't been there
for years-- a true excitement in the future.

Now we may have Mr Pineda but I can't seem to get excited. Comments Neal and Jon have made in the
recent past suggest touring behind nothing but the Perry-Era material; not a lot of desire to try anything new,
nothing exciting that hasn't been done before. What's even more absurd is the possibilty that the band is in a studio
right now w/ Shirley. Is there new material being made or is the band following thru w/ an idea supposedly
tossed around/aborted while Jeff was around, ie, re-recording some of the classics? What would that prove?
We already got that this year w/ Chalfant's lastest album and I'd be hard pressed to believe Mr Pineda could
do those tunes better than Kev.

I guess, for me, Journey has become boring. they've become a band that I would much rather
enjoy thru older albums and videos than to see now in a concert setting.
Ok, I'm done

16? Sorry, I don't think so. Probably a mask to post under. Welcome to the forum anyway.

Strange Medicine wrote:Thanks, people. I appreciate the warm reception, though I must be honest that I wasn't expecting one.

Anyways, I'll be off for a bit, I have to study for an AP US history quiz. I'll be back on later, and you're encouraged to discuss this, whether you agree or disagree with my opinion.

You can get a year of college under your belt by the time you graduate high school taking the AP courses. That's what my son's working on. What are you going to major in? Just curious. Good first post, BTW.

great first post. i felt alone in still being a journey fan after all the negativity on this board. hopefully, we'll some positivity back when the band starts touring.

I plan to major in either political science or something in theatre. As for my age, there's a link to my Myspace to prove it.

Strange Medicine wrote:I plan to major in either political science or something in theatre. As for my age, there's a link to my Myspace to prove it.

That's great! Welcome.

SM... welcome. A very well thought out, intelligent discussion. Bravo!

and go theater...just my two cents. There's nothing like it!

What Journey does with Arnel will be interesting and I'm betting that no matter what any Journey fan here posts at present, either pro or con, they will give the band a chance to try to get it right. I don't blame them for trying to stay afloat. I don't really feel that they have let anybody down either. They are trying for the impossible, imo. I have always felt that Journey's greatness was because of Perry's influence and I can't blame them for trying to find that magic again. They always come to my area when on tour and I will always check them out. I really think that they have more to do in showcasing a good vocalist. Just as Perry may have lost some range, from what I have noticed, the guys in the band have lost quite a bit of control and direction in their support of each other.

Now this is the way that people should introduce themselves on a forum. Well done and don't mind the mess.

Carlitto H@kk wrote:Are you sure you are only 16
and not 26 with a PHD in English Composition???

My thoughts exactly.

Great first post Strange Medicine. I may not agree with a couple of your points, but hey that's what makes the world go around, right? Nice to see someone new bring their opinions across with civility. Welcome to the board.

No problem. I remain skeptical about Journey's ability to "move forward" with Arnel at the helm; he certainly has a superior voice, but both Augeri and Soto managed to add some originality to their tenures, and both of them (especially Soto) were capable lyricists. I listen to Augeri-era songs as much as I do Perry-era's. I'm also one of the very few people who believe that, towards the end of their time with Steve Perry, the quality of the songs increased. Trial By Fire is my very favorite Journey album, and though Perry is not as powerful or as soaring here, his voice was matured and appealing and nicer to listen to than most modern singers -- the songs themselves seem so much well rounded. TBF has some of Journey's hardest rockers and their best ballads.

But, back on topic, Schon and Cain need a third party to spice up the songs a bit. You can always listen to a Journey song and tell who wrote it.

Edit: I appreciate it Deb. Might you tell me what it is that you disagree with?

Voyager wrote:

Carlitto H@kk wrote:Are you sure you are only 16
and not 26 with a PHD in English Composition???

My thoughts exactly.

Really. Most 16 year olds don't know what the shift key is or, for that matter, know that there are keys on the keyboard for adding punctuation.

conversationpc wrote:Really. Most 16 year olds don't know what the shift key is or, for that matter, know that there are keys on the keyboard for adding punctuation.

Or they're like Liam and use arbitrary apostrophes all over the damn place.

Strange Medicine wrote:No problem. I remain skeptical about Journey's ability to "move forward" with Arnel at the helm; he certainly has a superior voice, but both Augeri and Soto managed to add some originality to their tenures, and both of them (especially Soto) were capable lyricists. I listen to Augeri-era songs as much as I do Perry-era's. I'm also one of the very few people who believe that, towards the end of their time with Steve Perry, the quality of the songs increased. Trial By Fire is my very favorite Journey album, and though Perry is not as powerful or as soaring here, his voice was matured and appealing and nicer to listen to than most modern singers -- the songs themselves seem so much well rounded. TBF has some of Journey's hardest rockers and their best ballads.

But, back on topic, Schon and Cain need a third party to spice up the songs a bit. You can always listen to a Journey song and tell who wrote it.

Edit: I appreciate it Deb. Might you tell me what it is that you disagree with?

Alright! That post was better than the first and the first was good.

Somebody who gets the beauty of TBF.

heardonthestreet wrote:Alright! That post was better than the first and the first was good.

Somebody who gets the beauty of TBF.

Must be gay or female.

Oh, yes. I mean, no one can exclude Escape or Frontiers, but I prefer Perry's voice in RoR, and TBF is the best all around album in my opinion. But that might also be because Escape and Frontiers are played continuously throughout my life. TBF had great vocals, stellar musicianship, outstanding quality, and the highest form of lyrics. "If He Should Break Your Heart" is likely my favorite Journey ballad.


Edit: Neither, lol. I just have a wide spectrum of appreciation.

Strange Medicine wrote:Oh, yes. I mean, no one can exclude Escape or Frontiers, but I prefer Perry's voice in RoR, and TBF is the best all around album in my opinion. But that might also be because Escape and Frontiers are played continuously throughout my life. TBF had great vocals, stellar musicianship, outstanding quality, and the highest form of lyrics. "If He Should Break Your Heart" is likely my favorite Journey ballad.


Edit: Neither, lol. I just have a wide spectrum of appreciation.

And probably a Democrat, lol.

Strange Medicine wrote:Oh, yes. I mean, no one can exclude Escape or Frontiers, but I prefer Perry's voice in RoR, and TBF is the best all around album in my opinion. But that might also be because Escape and Frontiers are played continuously throughout my life. TBF had great vocals, stellar musicianship, outstanding quality, and the highest form of lyrics. "If He Should Break Your Heart" is likely my favorite Journey ballad.


Edit: Neither, lol. I just have a wide spectrum of appreciation.

You're really SP aren't you?

This kid should be the new MR poster boy.... errr.... young man.

Being either Democrat or Republican would compromise my desire to live life objectively; it's pointless to subscribe to one deluded or one rigid faction in life. Be it social, political, or practical. One must be open to different interpretations. At least in my world.

JH'sTXfan wrote:

Strange Medicine wrote:Thanks, people. I appreciate the warm reception, though I must be honest that I wasn't expecting one.

Anyways, I'll be off for a bit, I have to study for an AP US history quiz. I'll be back on later, and you're encouraged to discuss this, whether you agree or disagree with my opinion.

You can get a year of college under your belt by the time you graduate high school taking the AP courses. That's what my son's working on. What are you going to major in? Just curious. Good first post, BTW.

HI SM. welcome.

she's right. those AP classes are great. my daughter started college with 15 college hours AP credit.

Great job!! good luck to you.

bluejeangirl76 wrote:

Strange Medicine wrote:Oh, yes. I mean, no one can exclude Escape or Frontiers, but I prefer Perry's voice in RoR, and TBF is the best all around album in my opinion. But that might also be because Escape and Frontiers are played continuously throughout my life. TBF had great vocals, stellar musicianship, outstanding quality, and the highest form of lyrics. "If He Should Break Your Heart" is likely my favorite Journey ballad.


Edit: Neither, lol. I just have a wide spectrum of appreciation.

You're really SP aren't you?

Come on! Steve's not 16.

Strange Medicine wrote:No problem. I remain skeptical about Journey's ability to "move forward" with Arnel at the helm; he certainly has a superior voice, but both Augeri and Soto managed to add some originality to their tenures, and both of them (especially Soto) were capable lyricists. I listen to Augeri-era songs as much as I do Perry-era's. I'm also one of the very few people who believe that, towards the end of their time with Steve Perry, the quality of the songs increased. Trial By Fire is my very favorite Journey album, and though Perry is not as powerful or as soaring here, his voice was matured and appealing and nicer to listen to than most modern singers -- the songs themselves seem so much well rounded. TBF has some of Journey's hardest rockers and their best ballads.

But, back on topic, Schon and Cain need a third party to spice up the songs a bit. You can always listen to a Journey song and tell who wrote it.

Edit: I appreciate it Deb. Might you tell me what it is that you disagree with?

Just my opinion, but Augeri didn't add enough originality into Journey for me. And I know Arnel won't either, if I want to listen to somebody who sounds just like Perry, I'll listen to Perry himself. And I think Soto would do a great job on Lay It Down. After listening to the majority of his back catalogue, the guy has got more range and soulful motown delivery than most give him credit for. When he first became lead singer, there was 2 songs that I absolutely love because of SP's passionate delivery and soaring vocals and wondered what JSS would sound like on them. To my surprise, one he performed in Virginia (just saw the footage).....Only The Young....and he pulled it off fabulously. Sadly, I'll probably never hear JSS's version of Still They Ride.

SM, agree with your take on TBF.