). So, without further adieu, here is her review:
Journey’s Eclipse
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I will preface this to say that you will not get a review picking this album apart note by note nor any comparisons between singers or other albums. I leave that to others as I’m sure there will be plenty of it. I will also give my thoughts primarily on the overall picture that each song presents and focus more on the feel and the message of the songs from both lyrically and instrumentally. I’ve been a fan of this band since 1978 ... a long time to take in and know this bands work but I try to look at each offering without bias and an open mind to what is presented. I must admit that this album I had not held out high expectations for, though, mistakenly thinking the band had slowed down and had lost a good bit of their creative passion. I was wrong. On first listen I was very pleasantly surprised from one song to the next. I was looking to hear that distinct Journey sound along with something fresh and different and that’s exactly what I found.
The most pleasant surprise of all, besides the spirituality expressed with more depth of understanding then expected, was the clear tonal quality in Arnel’s voice and in gaining glimpses of his soulfulness when he lets it into his voice here. In the beginning when he joined the band I thought he had a good voice both in concert clips and in Revelation but that he was holding back too much, understandably in the start nerves and fear had their effect. To go from a small stage to a big one, singing in a second language and going to another country surrounded by people he didn’t know with family and friends far away with immediate pressure to perform…who wouldn’t have had some fear and nerves affect them. This album shows the remarkable growth he’s made and the confidence gained is readily apparent. He sounds like he is at the point of being able to relax and pull deeper within himself to bring that extra bit of something into his voice called soul. So far I’ve felt he is more of a technical singer…someone who just sings the words as precisely as he can but lacking any real depth of emotion…well, he’s come far because in the album I can hear him reaching deeper to bring out that magic special ingredient that makes a singer stand out from the crowd. Some soulfulness. When a singer doesn’t just sing the words but feels them and injects some of that power of passion into their voice. That’s when a singer really connects with their audience, when they, in essence, are passionate about what they are singing and therefore, in a sense, make love to the music.
The musicians, of course, are all seasoned pros, which is readily apparent upon listening even to anyone not familiar and may never had heard this band before. Again they show they are instrumentally polished to a brilliant shine. The surprise here is that Neal takes a page out of Steve Perry’s book and layers his guitar in places which gives this album some very rich texture, with some golden threads woven into the tapestry. This artwork is not as thin as some may first believe with just a passing glance. Upon further inspection one will find there are layers of texture to be seen through sound.
It may have come in an unadorned cardboard exterior but what I found inside, overall this is a fine work of art…a tapestry with unexpected glimpses of glimmer, that I feel compelled to put on and envelope myself within again. Take a listen and look further then the surface….there are some fascinating things to be seen. Shed off any preconceived notions before entering relax and listen with an open mind looking only for the sheer enjoyment of the music. You may also find the layers of texture and get a better feel of the fabric. It’s a bit more lush in places then it first appears.
Song by song breakdown:
City of Hope
~ This is the lifeblood sound of Journey running from the same vein as Don’t Stop Believing. An uplifting song of inspiration for these trying times. Everyone can use an injection of positive, optimistic vibes now and then and this is some good medicine here. Not too complex and chemically complicated structurally, just a good organic blend that works. Very nice Neal solo ending.
Edge of the Moment
~ The opening grabs a hold and pulls you into this song from the start and doesn’t let go as it keeps you listening to see where it leads. This is tantric sensuality. A seduction call to delve deeper in love and fly higher in ecstasy delivered with a current sound of rock vibe flavor. There are layers of sound here revealed more upon each subsequent listen.
Chain of Love
~ This takes you along on a Spirit Quest letting go of all worldly thought searching for a connection to Spirit. A desire to go forward without reservations of long held notions without fear as a hindrance from seeing clearly, not unlike a newborn child. A place that only deep meditation can get one to, to find that Spirit which resides within. The intro of this is like a voice in the wind. The soft voice of the piano then enters into a deeper groove of frustration. Chains signifying the linked connections between all life and the universe and also in another way signifying self imposed binds that constrict and hold back. The intro leading into more aggressive rock really works in conveying the meaning and emotion of this song.
Tantra ( My Eyes Can See )
~ What an unexpected absolute jewel of a song! A rock operetta that would fit right into a TSO show. This is excellent… vocally, instrumentally, lyrically…this is one of the best songs ever written and performed by this band in any era. Yes, this is that good. Lyrically saying that no matter what religion leads one to spirituality or path ones life takes in search of spirit and belief, all roads lead to the same God, one God for all, one love. It also speaks of the Spirit of God not being something separate, outside ourselves somewhere….but can be found within each of us. Sometimes we travel a road of full of hurdles until we find the Spirit within our hearts that was always there to guide. A pure spirit of love, acceptance and forgiveness, for ourselves and for others. The heart, the truth and the light that can shine from within. When found within it can be more readily seen when it resides in others and in the world around us. Congratulations, Arnel, you sang this beautifully. You and the whole band radiantly shine on this song. Well done!
Anything Is Possible
~ A motivational song performed with a classic Journey groove. A message that has been heard before from many others in throughout history to believe in yourself and that obstacles can be overcome if you try, don’t live with regrets, work for what you want and go for your dreams. Said before but said here in an uncomplicated, enjoyable sonically pleasing way. Put this in your iPod for that morning run or workout…or just play it loud and dance in your living room…it will uplift and get you moving.
Resonate
~ This is another exceptional song. A love song with a one word description of totally clicking with someone …being on the same wave length with them. To feel someone’s presence even when apart when they are never far from frontal thought. Lyrically describing a love that develops into two becoming one = soul mates. A love that grows so deep that they develop their sixth sense overtime where they are always within each other wherever they may be. This is one of the best descriptions of soul mates I have heard. This sensual and romantic song, both lyrically and musically, certainly does Resonate.
She’s A Mystery
~ The first half of this song is a beautifully gentle, melodic flow. A man who wonders if the woman he loves, loves him in return as passionately and deeply. It illustrates the duality of gentle caressing passion and then switches up to convey a more aggressively expressed passionate emotion…this mood filled with a touch of anxiety over the unknown yet being drawn to her like a moth to a flame. Knowing he cannot completely possess or restrain her or he may harm or lose her. She is a spirit which captivates him and the song illustrates well the joy and sometimes pain of love and the wonderment of the unknown. Both lyrically and musically this song expresses a range of emotions with the unexpected change up from quiet desire to explosive passion. Kudos to the writers/ performers for a very well illustrated piece in all ways.
Human Feel
~ Feel that drum beat! This flat out rocks from beginning to end. The lyrics brilliantly express the frustration many may be feeling in this digital age. So much communication between people being done now by text which lacks true emotions and nuances of voice and body language. Text can very sterile and too strive with misunderstandings of full meaning. Often too emotionless, so yes! Give me that human feel! I want to talk to a person and not to a screen! ( had to rant on this subject a bit. Lol ) This song rocks! Jungle drum beat, layered guitar, the organ, bass, this one sung a bit rougher, appropriately, the guitar solo….this band is firing on all cylinders here and well.
Ritual
~ This song is one in which I don’t understand some folks saying there are no hooks or danceable tunes on this album. Oh really? With this driving beat and chorus? Better take another listen because this definitely has both. ( I have found some others danceable as well, I might add ) Good, sexy, rocker with a sweet little nugget of acoustic moment tucked in.
To Whom It May Concern
~ Another well written song speaking of mans inhumanity to man and in how far humanity has come yet how far behind they still are in some ways. In how many seek the spirit through various teachings but only learn the words and don’t live and feel the meanings. How false profits, some in power and others use religion and twist meanings for their own purposes. The song speaks of the downfall of man when some profess that only their religion is the true religion and will go to war and kill to prove the are the chosen few and want to wipe out all others who aren’t just like them and don’t think just as they do. Man corrupts religion and it no longer resembles the God they speak of. Man has made many denominations to separate and have called the spirit many different names but by whatever name it is but one spirit for all, exclusive to none. Heaven and hell isn’t up and down or after life, either is right here before us by how we choose to live and in how we influence and affect others. We can make our life and the lives of others a living hell or a heaven on earth. To whom it may concern…an address to all concerned…all of us….a prayer, a wish, a call…to make this world a better place. The combined strength of the human spirit can become one which exemplifies the great spirit of love, care and compassion for all. A utopian dream song? Perhaps, but it’s better to dream, wish for and work towards a heaven on earth rather then to decline further into a hellish atmosphere of hate, greed and destruction. Decline or evolve…war or peace…heaven or hell…the choice is ours to make and the results from our choices will be of our own making. Now, does anyone question if this album has any depth? Maybe not deep enough for some and maybe too deep for others but it has some to some degree. Another awesome tune.
Someone
~ Another with a classic Journey sound yet fresh groove with the to someone who holds back and doesn’t allow themselves to love or to be loved. To loosen those self imposed constraints of doubt and fear of hurt and rejection and not to trust…to let it all go and open up to let it happen and let love in. Good message, good danceable song.
Venus
~ This is a bit too mish mash for me. It kind of meanders and doesn’t go anywhere. An instrumental addition which sounds like a part of a free form jam session without structure. This is the only part of the album I don’t care for. Too shredded without a cohesive start and destination. I’m digging all of the textures and grooves throughout the album but I can’t connect with this riff. I would like to have heard something a bit more melodic…something a bit more flowing. I think the album as a whole had enough rocking solos that this could have been a more tranquil, smooth, sexy vibe to close out on. Kind of a touch of after play would have been a nice here.
Overall, I love this album when I look at the completed full picture. It is a work of art that I will continue to enjoy viewing through my senses from a band of skilled artisans along with a lead singer who has overcome many obstacles to get where he is now. Mr. Pineda has the quality of voice to match the bands musicianship…he has arrived.
What I like the most about this body of work is that they didn’t fake it and cover up and correct every little thing…they recorded this as naturally as they could, little flaws and all. That, folks, is artistic integrity. Congratulations on a work well done. Rock on.
