Saint John's Review Of Eclipse

[Saint John]

Eclipse:

City Of Hope-This song is, in my mind, a tribute to Ecsape's 30th anniversary and an attempt to pull in the DSB crowd. Unfortunately, the song falls a bit short and seems rather formulaic, by Journey standards. The song does have some really nice moments (vox and guitar outro) and would be an outstanding song anywhere else on the CD, but we were promised a "darker" album showing us "Journey with big combat boots on," and we got a city of hope, founded on faith. This song is anything but that and should not have been the lead single.

Edge Of The Moment-Now we're talkin'. This song is massive right from the beginning. "Blood red sky ... " Yeah! Here's some of what we were promised. We're back on track. Great tune. Everyone shines. Nice guitars, excellent bass and drumming, and Arnel seems comfortable. Jon's really complimenting Neal on this one.

Chain Of Love-Journey's version of one of my favorite DIO songs, The Last In Line. Same sort of intro, followed by a killer riff and some BIG, out front vocals. Easily my favorite song on the CD. Again, that darker Journey, lyrically and musically. The song is focused, concise, has direction, takes you somewhere and leaves you feeling "rocked" when it's done. Just a perfect song, with some killer guitars and a couple of spectacular drum fills from Deen. A top 3 Journey song of all-time for me.

Tantra-One of the most powerful sweeping ballads I've ever heard. Just monstrous in every way. An operatic, emotional story with huge vocals and the band playing in complete unison. The music is so tightly intertwined that it seems like I could continue to listen to the song if it had 25 verses. Just a beautiful song. My lone gripe is that I don't like the intro or the outro. Cut off the bookends and you have a perfect song. Lastly, did anyone else notice that Arnel says "Tantra," "Tontra" and "Tuntra" during various parts of the song? Weird, but I like it!

Anything Is Possible-Arrival, Arrival, Arrival. I can't help but think this song was left off of that album. That's a shame, too, because it would have been the album's best song! Arrival's loss is Eclipse's gain, though. An almost perfect, feel good song, well positioned on the album. Great intro, great lyrics and a simple, yet excellent, chorus.

Resonate-Wow, this is a killer song. Another absolute gem with great vocals, guitars and, to me, it sounds a bit like Kiss Me Softly on steroids! Arnel seems completely relaxed and seems to control and own this song, just like Chain Of Love. Neal's controlled and nuanced in this song. Neal at his best. He's melodic, controlled and his runs are in accordance with the song. Can't think of anything wrong with this song.

She's A Mystery-Beautiful acoustic work to start the song ... that never seems to end! Am I listening to fucking Gordon Lightfoot or Journey? Almost 5 minutes of beautiful, but much too repetitive, Neal and Arnel. Now, what's this toward the end .... Stairway To Heaven? The song waited far too long to send the listener for a loop. I was gone or indifferent by the time the big "twist" occured, and that's a shame because it's killer! Sundown meets Stairway To Heaven. Not much going on here for me.

Human Feel-Great way to start a song! We're rolling now! Unfortunately, this song goes nowhere fast. Man, is this the first song is recorded music history to not have a chorus??? Easily the album's worst song and the only one I find myself physically unable to listen to. This should have been on Generations!

Ritual-We're back on track. This is another very Arrival sounding song that I absolutely love. Hey, is that a 25 year old Steve Augeri singing?!?! The tempo is cool, the chorus is catchy and the music is driven by Deen's drums. I love this song. Neal is once again melodic and playing within the context of the song. I dig the solo starting at 3:20! Great stuff.

To Whom It May Concern-The album's biggest surprise for me. I absolutely love this song. Arnel seems passionate, sincere and almost pleading in the chorus. This song does what a ballad is supposed to do. It catches your senses, sends a message and pulls you in. I could listen to this song at any time. It just makes me feel good. Well done, especially lyrically. Neal's guitar is very emotional in this song. I really like the sound on this one.

Someone-I'm hearing a bit of old school Journey at times and a bit of Revelation on this one. A solid tune, but nothing that really brings me on board. Very listenable and a pleasant surprise this far back on the album. Lyrically, an excellent tune. I just don't hear enough Neal on this one and it's a bit formulaic.

Venus-I found this an odd way to end the album. I really believe in ending strong and leaving the listener satisfied. This song did that, but only because I like the song that it harkens back to. But that still doesn't make it a good choice to end the album. Neal and Deen are just fucking blazing on this!



In summation, Eclipse lands somewhere between very good and almost excellent. I like the direction, but I was miffed at the album's inability to start and finish strong. City Of Hope and Venus were odd first and last songs. But what really elevates this album is the production. It's outstanding! Kevin Shirley, David Kalmusky (especially), Neal and Jon deserve a lot of credit for FINALLY putting together a spectacular sonic experience. Songs 2-6 rank about as strong as any 5 consecutive songs on any Journey album! The band was really grooving here and, for the first time in a LONG time, every member is doing his part, there's chemistry and the production rocks. I'd give this album a 92.5/100.

[steveo777]

Great review and pretty much spot on with me feeling the same way about the first and last songs. Other reviews I've read
away from this board seem to, mostly, give this album great reviews, 'cept for a few haters (normal).

[Don]

Glad to see that I'm not the only one that felt the Dio vibe.

[Argus]

Ritual does have an awesome feel but I hear JSS in the chorus [i.e. Believe In Me]

[DrFU]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

[Saint John]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

This isn't the 80's. Having putrid numbers in the 80's, and part of the nineties, virtually always meant your music was shit. That's just not the case these days. And we ain't done counting!

[Rick]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

This isn't the 80's. Having putrid numbers in the 80's, and part of the nineties, virtually always meant your music was shit. That's just not the case these days. And we ain't done counting!

They have a two year tour coming up to pimp the album. Hopefully that'll help it a bunch.

[Monker]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

This isn't the 80's. Having putrid numbers in the 80's, and part of the nineties, virtually always meant your music was shit. That's just not the case these days. And we ain't done counting!

Wow, so I'm glad you finally see Revelation a bit more realistically. I don't know if I'd call the 80's sound they were trying to emulate "putrid", but it is anything but current or modern.

[RedWingFan]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

This isn't the 80's. Having putrid numbers in the 80's, and part of the nineties, virtually always meant your music was shit. That's just not the case these days. And we ain't done counting!

Only 480,000 more to go to hit the LOW end of your prediction!!! Good luck with that!

[Jana]

I agree with you on Human Feel after listening more. It's a minute and a half too long. The radio edit is better.

I have felt the same way as you, songs two through six, for me, are perfect in order and enjoyment. And it is my favorite part of the whole album because those are my favorite songs.

[Deb]

[steveo777]

You just ain't right. An anomaly, maybe?

[ForceInfinity]

Eclipse:
Human Feel-Great way to start a song! We're rolling now! Unfortunately, this song goes nowhere fast. Man, is this the first song is recorded music history to not have a chorus??? Easily the album's worst song and the only one I find myself physically unable to listen to. This should have been on Generations!

You're probably being facaetious on the no chorus part, but I'll bite...

Actually I can name at least a few other songs off the top of my head that don't have a chorus, all by Dream Theater: "The Killing Hand" from WDADU, "Metropolis Pt 1", and possibly Space Dye Vest (shit, I don't think Octavarium had a chorus as such either)

Even Journey had a couple no-chorus songs that I know of, Good Morning Girl from "Departure" and possibly Sandcastle from "Dream after Dream"

[Abitaman]

In summation, Eclipse lands somewhere between very good and almost excellent. I like the direction, but I was miffed at the album's inability to start and finish strong. City Of Hope and Venus were odd first and last songs. But what really elevates this album is the production. It's outstanding! Kevin Shirley, David Kalmusky (especially), Neal and Jon deserve a lot of credit for FINALLY putting together a spectacular sonic experience. Songs 2-6 rank about as strong as any 5 consecutive songs on [b]any Journey album! The band was really grooving here and, for the first time in a LONG time, every member is doing his part, there's chemistry and the production rocks. I'd give this album a 92.5/100.

I agree with your review, just about spot on. I give it a little bit higher over all, just for the simple fact, I like City of Hope Opening the cd. My favorite song on the cd. I thought it was a great whay to start the city with a song of inspiration. IO would give it a 94 or 95. Heck 94.5 sounds good.

[koberry]

Eclipse:

Human Feel-Great way to start a song! We're rolling now! Unfortunately, this song goes nowhere fast. Man, is this the first song is recorded music history to not have a chorus??? Easily the album's worst song and the only one I find myself physically unable to listen to. This should have been on Generations!

Great review. One thing I'm not getting is the lack of love for Human Feel. I respect the fact that others here might have better formed opinions on how to compose song/chorus structure. It may not be conventional, but I hear a chorus and I like it. Especially with my headphones on. This song remains a highlight for me.

The way it starts with the tribal drum beat and Neal using the side of his pick to create pinch-type harmonics is so cool. And the organ - yeah! This song makes me smile every time.

What we're missing is true emotion. (Make it real)
I get lost in this digital ocean. (Human Feel)
What I'm needing right now is human feel.

Can't substitute love and passion. (Make it real)
Show me you care, baby show me reaction. (Human Feel)
Coming straight from the heart, It's human feel

And I love the trilled rhythm line Neal runs right after "Rise up, find some compassion right now". I know it's quite different, but it reminds me of Dixie Highway in some ways.

There's so much going on here and I think it's brilliant.

[ebake02]

The last 2:00 of She's A Mystery seems to me to be the heaviest Journey has ever put out.

[WykkedSensation]

I agree with you on Human Feel after listening more. It's a minute and a half too long. The radio edit is better.

I have felt the same way as you, songs two through six, for me, are perfect in order and enjoyment. And it is my favorite part of the whole album because those are my favorite songs.

Jana, NOTHING can save Human Feel, not even the radio edit. It's one of the only Journey songs i have ever heard that goes absolutely nowhere. Disasterous song.

[Chubby321]

Eclipse:


Edge Of The Moment-Now we're talkin'. This song is massive right from the beginning.

I begin my day with this song. Simply awesome.

[conversationpc]

Glad to see that I'm not the only one that felt the Dio vibe.

I mentioned this in my review in the other thread, kinda...

Chain of Love - Cain's keyboards aren't noticeably in view throughout the album, so it's a nice slight change of pace to hear the repeated piano bit in the intro to this song. This song has a slight Zeppelin and/or Rainbow vibe to it once Neal's bludgeoning riff starts, helped along with Deen's pounding drums and Cain's atmospheric keys in the background (Zeppelin's "Kashmir" or Rainbow's "Gates of Babylon" come to mind). The chorus, like in City of Hope, uplifts the song in good fashion. 9 of 10

I get first dibs.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

She's A Mystery-Beautiful acoustic work to start the song ... that never seems to end! Am I listening to fucking Gordon Lightfoot or Journey? Almost 5 minutes of beautiful, but much too repetitive, Neal and Arnel. Now, what's this toward the end .... Stairway To Heaven? The song waited far too long to send the listener for a loop. I was gone or indifferent by the time the big "twist" occured, and that's a shame because it's killer! Sundown meets Stairway To Heaven. Not much going on here for me.


.

This song sounds like it could be on Infinity, and reminds me of Patiently in a lot of ways. The idea behind it is great with the twist in the song, but its too long. Get the twist in 45 - 60 seconds earlier , you got a classic song.

[jrnyjetster]

The soaring stratosphere vocals at the end of She's A Mystery sound so much like Tommy Shaw...I almost thought I was listening to a Damn Yankees reunion album... LOVE the song though...one of my favorites on Eclipse, along with Chain Of Love.

[Art Vandelay]

Dan-O, how are you going to reconcile the fact that you think this is a good album with the fact that the sales numbers are shit?

Sales numbers don't necessarily reflect the quality of the music, but rather lack of interest....and yes, I lack the interest.

[Eric]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

[RedWingFan]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

Well in my case, I listened to the stream and thought it was okay. I could see myself listening to it if I was in that mood. But it's nothing that I HAVE to have. Frankly I don't think it's worth $10. There are 2 or 3 songs that are okay, If I see it in the $2.99 bin I'll pick it up.

[portland]

The beginning of She's a Mystery reminds me of another song from the 70's/80's and I can't place it???

[Deb]

You just ain't right. An anomaly, maybe?

Lol, nah not an anomaly, I can think of at least a few other MR ladies that share the same more male sense of humour.

[Art Vandelay]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

Doesn't mater if they were giving it away (they already tried that and it didn't work on me then either). I'm not interested in the new direction. I have never discussed or critiqued the new material, only the marketing aspect of it. It is a chat board after all, dummy.

[Greg]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

Why is that disturbing? If someone doesn't like something, they should go out and spend their hard earned money on it anyway? That's hysterical and disturbing.

[Art Vandelay]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

Why is that disturbing? If someone doesn't like something, they should go out and spend their hard earned money on it anyway? That's hysterical and disturbing.

Exactly!

[Eric]

I find it hysterical (and a little disturbing, too) that there are people who have followed Journey hardcore throughout their lives and have discussed Eclipse for hours and hours but won't spend $8 on it.

Why is that disturbing? If someone doesn't like something, they should go out and spend their hard earned money on it anyway? That's hysterical and disturbing.

Yeah...just discuss it more for hours and hours. That makes sense. Tell us how much you don't like something you haven't really listened to.