The_Noble_Cause wrote:To quote screenwriter William Goldman when it comes to matters of what makes a success a success: "Nobody knows anything."
The Napster leak notwithstanding, "Arrival" got alot more PR than "Revelation" did.
I really chalk it up to the 80's friendly zeitgeist and Walmart prominently displaying the album in stores.
I think part of the reason is two-fold.... Arrival had it's share of publicity, but didn't have the one monster radio single that says "Journey is back". Higher Place never had a chance and All the Way was just tepid--kinda watered-down Journey, which isn't going to sell albums. Add to it, the climate wasn't as conducive to a Journey release...and then there is the no-Perry problem, which didn't help.
Now, it's several years down the road, and Journey has been out of sight, out of mind for a while. The climate towards 80s music has slowly been changing back in favor, and the Sopranos made Journey cool again. Arnel's youtube success story is the underdog saga that everyone loves, and the guy can sing. Perry's been out of the limelight for a while, so you aren't competing directly against him, and people are more willing to accept someone else singing Journey. Add to it, After All These Years is a monster hit just waiting to explode given a chance that just screams "Journey" when you hear it. Add publicity from WalMart to a core audience that likes Journey and you might just sell a few albums.
In the end, it's all timing, quality and publicity. Get all those things together, and you have a chance.