So, I finally bought Revelation...

[Pelata]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

[S2M]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

What do you think about Momentum?

[RocknRoll]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

So what's your favorite track so far??

[Pelata]

So what's your favorite track so far??

Never Too Late
Change For The Better
Wildest Dream
Turn Down The World

I liked Faith In The Heartland already from Generations...

S2M - what do YOU think of Momentum?

[Kingfish]

I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

Well I'm guessing that the "Vibe" that puts you off, might be a bit Arnel's accent, and a bit of inexperience, for hist 1st kick at the can. He had no actual time for discovering his voice, for the band, and in the studio, was really just thrown into the ring. He really did an incredible job, stepping in, with ZERO experience, into the studio with bonafied rockstars, in a Major studio, with a world renowned producer, and is told.. "Ok... Go... you're now the singer for Journey", in his second language to boot.

Revelation is a testament to Arnel's talent, for pulling it off, and being as good as he was on that album... but Eclipse...

Take that natural talent, on the road, around the world, work with vocal coaches, do phonetic exercises with Cain every-night, wrapped WITH the experience of having done Revelation. You can see the clips on youtube of South America.. Arnel is supercharged, his antics are that of a rockstar, and his singing Strong and Clear, like an athlete that's been training and working out, those clips are a preview of what Arnel brought to the studio.

He's knocking it out of the park every night on the road, showing us all what he brought into the studio on this record.

[RocknRoll]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

To me I think the "vibe" thing is maybe a lack of smoothness I'm not even sure that's right, but having seen/heard Journey with Augeri more times than I can count Augeri just has a smoother vibe, which I can't really say the same for AP. Regardless, I still love this AP fronted Journey and have very fond memories of Augeri.

btw Shawn - I like your choices of songs in Rev, some of my favorites as well. I'll always be a fan of FITH. I just bought Momentum and forgot the AWESOME11. Oh well!!

[S2M]

I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

Well I'm guessing that the "Vibe" that puts you off, might be a bit Arnel's accent, and a bit of inexperience, for hist 1st kick at the can. He had no actual time for discovering his voice, for the band, and in the studio, was really just thrown into the ring. He really did an incredible job, stepping in, with ZERO experience, into the studio with bonafied rockstars, in a Major studio, with a world renowned producer, and is told.. "Ok... Go... you're now the singer for Journey", in his second language to boot.

Revelation is a testament to Arnel's talent, for pulling it off, and being as good as he was on that album... but Eclipse...

Take that natural talent, on the road, around the world, work with vocal coaches, do phonetic exercises with Cain every-night, wrapped WITH the experience of having done Revelation. You can see the clips on youtube of South America.. Arnel is supercharged, his antics are that of a rockstar, and his singing Strong and Clear, like an athlete that's been training and working out, those clips are a preview of what Arnel brought to the studio.

He's knocking it out of the park every night on the road, showing us all what he brought into the studio on this record.

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

[Pelata]

Maybe its experience, maybe its smoothness...who knows...both are good points. And yes, to be thrown into the deep end of the pool, he did a fantastic job! I do know that I'll be getting Eclipse when it comes out so I look forward to see if he's completely found his footing...

btw Shawn - I like your choices of songs in Rev, some of my favorites as well. I'll always be a fan of FITH. I just bought Momentum and forgot the AWESOME11. Oh well!!

Dude, you forgot to take your 11% discount? Sorry... Hope you enjoy the album!

[RocknRoll]

I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

Well I'm guessing that the "Vibe" that puts you off, might be a bit Arnel's accent, and a bit of inexperience, for hist 1st kick at the can. He had no actual time for discovering his voice, for the band, and in the studio, was really just thrown into the ring. He really did an incredible job, stepping in, with ZERO experience, into the studio with bonafied rockstars, in a Major studio, with a world renowned producer, and is told.. "Ok... Go... you're now the singer for Journey", in his second language to boot.

Revelation is a testament to Arnel's talent, for pulling it off, and being as good as he was on that album... but Eclipse...

Take that natural talent, on the road, around the world, work with vocal coaches, do phonetic exercises with Cain every-night, wrapped WITH the experience of having done Revelation. You can see the clips on youtube of South America.. Arnel is supercharged, his antics are that of a rockstar, and his singing Strong and Clear, like an athlete that's been training and working out, those clips are a preview of what Arnel brought to the studio.

He's knocking it out of the park every night on the road, showing us all what he brought into the studio on this record.

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

I'm certainly not going to get sucked into whatever stupid agenda/game you are playing. I trust Andrew and the other reviewers who know what they are talking about!! I usually skip your posts since I find them extremely boring, looks like I need to continue.

[RocknRoll]

Maybe its experience, maybe its smoothness...who knows...both are good points. And yes, to be thrown into the deep end of the pool, he did a fantastic job! I do know that I'll be getting Eclipse when it comes out so I look forward to see if he's completely found his footing...

btw Shawn - I like your choices of songs in Rev, some of my favorites as well. I'll always be a fan of FITH. I just bought Momentum and forgot the AWESOME11. Oh well!!

Dude, you forgot to take your 11% discount? Sorry... Hope you enjoy the album!

It's Dudette! I'd better! I'm sure I will, loved the original!!

[Pelata]

Maybe its experience, maybe its smoothness...who knows...both are good points. And yes, to be thrown into the deep end of the pool, he did a fantastic job! I do know that I'll be getting Eclipse when it comes out so I look forward to see if he's completely found his footing...

btw Shawn - I like your choices of songs in Rev, some of my favorites as well. I'll always be a fan of FITH. I just bought Momentum and forgot the AWESOME11. Oh well!!

Dude, you forgot to take your 11% discount? Sorry... Hope you enjoy the album!

It's Dudette! I'd better! I'm sure I will, loved the original!!

My bad... I'm glad you love the debut...be sure to let me know what you think when you get it...thanks again!!

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Well I'm guessing that the "Vibe" that puts you off, might be a bit Arnel's accent, and a bit of inexperience, for hist 1st kick at the can. He had no actual time for discovering his voice, for the band, and in the studio, was really just thrown into the ring. He really did an incredible job, stepping in, with ZERO experience, into the studio with bonafied rockstars, in a Major studio, with a world renowned producer, and is told.. "Ok... Go... you're now the singer for Journey", in his second language to boot.

Revelation is a testament to Arnel's talent, for pulling it off, and being as good as he was on that album... but Eclipse...

Take that natural talent, on the road, around the world, work with vocal coaches, do phonetic exercises with Cain every-night, wrapped WITH the experience of having done Revelation. You can see the clips on youtube of South America.. Arnel is supercharged, his antics are that of a rockstar, and his singing Strong and Clear, like an athlete that's been training and working out, those clips are a preview of what Arnel brought to the studio.

He's knocking it out of the park every night on the road, showing us all what he brought into the studio on this record.

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

I'm certainly not going to get sucked into whatever stupid agenda/game you are playing. I trust Andrew and the other reviewers who know what they are talking about!! I usually skip your posts since I find them extremely boring, looks like I need to continue.

I'm guessing the guy who mixed and mastered the album, who S2M just quoted, knows a thing or two about what he's talking about, too...

[Pelata]

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

I don't think I'd go that far. C+ is a little harsh, IMO. I'd go B just on these first several real spins, IMO. On a musical level, the band is on. Lyrically, there are a couple of campy moments in the ballads, but overall it's not bad enough to take it down to a C+ (for me)...certainly no worse than the lyrics to "Open Arms"...

And while we're on the subject of lyrics, Journey has never been Shakespeare, so I'm not sure what you're really basing that on...but it's all just personal perspective at this point.

[S2M]

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

I'm certainly not going to get sucked into whatever stupid agenda/game you are playing. I trust Andrew and the other reviewers who know what they are talking about!! I usually skip your posts since I find them extremely boring, looks like I need to continue.

WTF are you talking about? I gave an opinion. Same as always. And just because Andrew owns MR, and runs this website doesn't mean he is the end-all be-all of music critics. Dude loves melodic rock, and HUNG A SIGN. That's all. No offense, Drew.

Ok, my posts are boring. Good to know. Let me note that in my files, 'RocknRoll thinks that anybody who doesn't hold the same opinions as she does is boring. Extremely boring.' Ok, noted. Dissent=boring. I shan't forget it. What game are YOU playing? You agree FAR too much.

[WykkedSensation]

I agree. I DO actually think Arnel has a great voice, and he knows HOW to sing....it is just a shame he's not given high quality material to sing. And this point is NOT debatable. Revelation was a C+, at best, and the songs on Eclipse are a step down from that. Seriously, do they even care about their legacy anymore? The material IS sub-standard. Maybe not from a strict instrumental standpoint, but lyrically, and structually - WOW, just WOW....

I'm certainly not going to get sucked into whatever stupid agenda/game you are playing. I trust Andrew and the other reviewers who know what they are talking about!! I usually skip your posts since I find them extremely boring, looks like I need to continue.

WTF are you talking about? I gave an opinion. Same as always. And just because Andrew owns MR, and runs this website doesn't mean he is the end-all be-all of music critics. Dude loves melodic rock, and HUNG A SIGN. That's all. No offense, Drew.

Ok, my posts are boring. Good to know. Let me note that in my files, 'RocknRoll thinks that anybody who doesn't hold the same opinions as she does is boring. Extremely boring.' Ok, noted. Dissent=boring. I shan't forget it. What game are YOU playing? You agree FAR too much.

Opinions opinions eh?
Seems too many people rely on Drews opinions too much on this forum. I gave up on that a long time ago, as we don't all have the same music tastes. Drew (bless his cotton socks) has raved about so many things that i have thought were average at best. Thats a good thing though in a way as its good we all have differering views. Your'e just not allowed your own views too much round here nowadays.

[Pelata]

I can see both sides...there's nothing wrong with trusting Drew (love 'im) but there's also nothing wrong with trusting your own ears.

Drew, like any other reviewer, is a purveyor of opinion...that's one thing I learned writing reviews for over 10 years...I'm no authority...it's just what I think...I used to get plently of disagreeing emails.

[WykkedSensation]

I can see both sides...there's nothing wrong with trusting Drew (love 'im) but there's also nothing wrong with trusting your own ears.

Drew, like any other reviewer, is a purveyor of opinion...that's one thing I learned writing reviews for over 10 years...I'm no authority...it's just what I think...I used to get plently of disagreeing emails.

Everyone loves Drew, it's just he has shite taste sometimes

[Pelata]

OK, spinning the re-records now...and I realize this is old news to everyone here...but I'm just now giving it my full attention.

I do not like the way he sings "girl" and "world" in DSB. He sounds great on other songs like AWYAI and WCN...and ATL...but man, the signature tune? It's a diction thing, I know...but it irks me when I hear it.

[kgdjpubs]

I can see both sides...there's nothing wrong with trusting Drew (love 'im) but there's also nothing wrong with trusting your own ears.

Drew, like any other reviewer, is a purveyor of opinion...that's one thing I learned writing reviews for over 10 years...I'm no authority...it's just what I think...I used to get plently of disagreeing emails.

Everyone loves Drew, it's just he has shite taste sometimes

well, that goes for a lot more people than sir wombat

[kgdjpubs]

OK, spinning the re-records now...and I realize this is old news to everyone here...but I'm just now giving it my full attention.

I do not like the way he sings "girl" and "world" in DSB. He sounds great on other songs like AWYAI and WCN...and ATL...but man, the signature tune? It's a diction thing, I know...but it irks me when I hear it.

I don't think it's diction, but more of a preference on phrasing the lyrics. I think he's just emphasizing the words a bit more than Perry did on the studio cut--he certainly did it about 15 million ways live. Rather close, actually, to the Augeri version if truth be told.

[WykkedSensation]

I can see both sides...there's nothing wrong with trusting Drew (love 'im) but there's also nothing wrong with trusting your own ears.

Drew, like any other reviewer, is a purveyor of opinion...that's one thing I learned writing reviews for over 10 years...I'm no authority...it's just what I think...I used to get plently of disagreeing emails.

Everyone loves Drew, it's just he has shite taste sometimes

well, that goes for a lot more people than sir wombat

Indeed

[Andrew]

'RocknRoll thinks that anybody who doesn't hold the same opinions as she does is boring.

Nah, just your posts

[steveo777]

How's that more in depth Eclipse review coming 'Drew?

[Jana]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

Well, in fairness to Arnel, when he recorded Revelation, from what he said on his site, because of the time crunch, he was given a new song every night to take back to his hotel room and learn and then would record the next day. It's why he was so much better on them live after singing them for a while.

[brywool]

A couple weeks back, I finally broke down and bought Revelation. My only exposure to it prior was my friend's copy (he bought it because of Neal) which I borrowed and tried to get into when it first came out.

I liked the music immediately. But, taking nothing away from his obvious talent, I just couldn't latch on to Arnel's vibe. I was a big fan of the Augeri era and still am. I saw them live with him twice (98 and 99) and they were brilliant both times.

I still counted Journey in my Top 5 favorite bands ever so I would periodically revisit the idea of Revelation...YouTube mostly...listening to songs. I would never quite get to the point of "pulling the trigger" and buying the album.

Anyway, I bought it finally...don't know what came over me...haha! I was in Walmart and just grabbed it without thinking too deeply about it, paid for it and left. I've spun it a few times in its entirety and while I can't say it's my favorite or anything, it's growing on me. Arnel is very, very talented...but I am still warming up to his particular vibe. I can't even explain it. He's got the range and the power and sings beautifully...I can't really nail down what I mean by "vibe", but I know it when I feel it. Still, there's no denying the songs are great.

So, there...on the eve of Eclipse being released, I finally buy the album that came out 3 years ago...haha!

I'll let you all know what I think about Eclipse sometime in 2015...

Doesn't matter if you like it or not. You bought it. Ca'Ching!!

[Pelata]

Taking all these posts into consideration, I can certainly hear that perhaps he was a bit rushed in the studio...that would account for the lack of "vibe" to my ears...if you don't have time to live with a song for a good amount a time and develop the vocal over time, as opposed to just "learn it and burn it", it can affect the performance.

That said, as I've stated, he still sounds very good...just not as comfortable has he could have been given more time.

I watched the Eclipse video on the home page this morning and I have to say, Arnel's performance on those clips is like night and day compared to Revelation...he sounds much more at home in his position...

[brywool]

Taking all these posts into consideration, I can certainly hear that perhaps he was a bit rushed in the studio...that would account for the lack of "vibe" to my ears...if you don't have time to live with a song for a good amount a time and develop the vocal over time, as opposed to just "learn it and burn it", it can affect the performance.

That said, as I've stated, he still sounds very good...just not as comfortable has he could have been given more time.

I watched the Eclipse video on the home page this morning and I have to say, Arnel's performance on those clips is like night and day compared to Revelation...he sounds much more at home in his position...

agreed. You can tell that he had some time to live with them, not to mention, he's there for the entire process as opposed to coming in at the 11th hour. Great pipes on that guy. It'd be awesome to talk voice stuff to him for a few hours.

[JourneyHard]

Revelation is not sub-standard material if you take What It Takes To Win off of there. The rest is awesome! I think Eclipse is a step up in material and Arnel is going to sound even better on Eclipse so it will be a Home Run!

[marco17]

Revelation wasn't bad, I think when you bottom line it, it was a pretty predictable album. It was IMO, basic Journey sound, and insert "X" vocalist here. There are songs on the album that you definitely get the vibe that they were written or demo'd with Augeri in mind, but Arnel's vocal fit in well. Also, much like Augeri on Arrival [if I am remembering my facts correctly] Arnel was suffering from a cold, or so they claimed at the time. I am looking forward to the new album.

[Pelata]

Revelation wasn't bad, I think when you bottom line it, it was a pretty predictable album. It was IMO, basic Journey sound, and insert "X" vocalist here. There are songs on the album that you definitely get the vibe that they were written or demo'd with Augeri in mind, but Arnel's vocal fit in well. Also, much like Augeri on Arrival [if I am remembering my facts correctly] Arnel was suffering from a cold, or so they claimed at the time. I am looking forward to the new album.

See, there should be no excuses...just own it. Either way, Revelation is continuing to grow on me. It will never be my favorite Journey album, and Arnel will always rank 3rd on my list of Journey vocalists, but songs like "Never Walk Away" and "Turn Down The World Tonight" are too good to ignore.