Journey Manila Concert

[Greg]

I downloaded this from Video on Demand from DirecTV the other day. I've watched it twice. It was recorded from VH1 Classic Concert Series. I'm assuming they only show parts of the concert DVD? Just seemed like there wasn't many songs.

Anyways, you all know I am not an Arnel Pineda fan. Nothing against the guy, just how I feel. Anyways, I must say, he sounded pretty good on this DVD. Don't know if there was any pitch correction on the fly and all that jazz, but Arnel definitely channeled his inner Steve Perry on this DVD. I really enjoyed the extended versions of Separate Ways and Open Arms. Had me thinking on Open Arms as to why didn't they allow Neal Schon to do a guitar solo on the original recording? Turn Down The World Tonight was very well down.

Probably the best I have ever heard Arnel perform with Journey; both vocally and diction wise. The diction issues have always been what's kept me from being a fan of Arnel. I heard them big time in Greensboro back a few years ago, have heard them on other video clips, and especially on those Greatest Hits Re-records. I know some here will say they don't hear diction issues at all. That's fine if you don't. And, it's not that I am looking for things to complain about with Pineda. Actually, it's quite the opposite. There are times when I can sit back, close my eyes, and really enjoy some of his vocals, and other times when it just sounds a bit too much like he's reading it off of a song sheet. I think he's the best when he doesn't try too hard, or try to put too much of his spin on a song. But, when he holds a note too long, screams a certain part, or the diction is just not there, it becomes too hard for me to listen to him.

I know Arnel continues to improve, and I really hope he does continue to improve, because overall he is an impressive singer. I just hope he reaches his best with Journey before they use his voice up.

[Jana]

It was a two-hour concert. To me, a lot of songs and seven off Revelation. I loved Arnel and Neal on What I Needed extended version. My fav performance on the Manila DVD.

[Eric]

I think the VH1 and Paladium showings cut like an hour off the setlist:


1. Never Walk Away
2. Only The Young
3. Ask The Lonely
4. Stone In Love
5. Keep On Running
6. After All These Years
7. Change For The Better
8. Wheel In The Sky
9. Lights
10. Still They Ride
11. Open Arms
12. Mother Father
13. Wildest Dreams
14. When You Love A Woman
15. Separate Ways
16. What I Needed
17. Edge Of The Blade
18. Where Did I Lose Your Love
19. Escape
20. Faithfully
21. Don't Stop Believin'
22. Anyway You Want It
23. Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
24. Turn Down The World
25. Be Good To Yourself

[Greg]

I think the VH1 and Paladium showings cut like an hour off the setlist:


1. Never Walk Away
2. Only The Young
3. Ask The Lonely
4. Stone In Love
5. Keep On Running
6. After All These Years
7. Change For The Better
8. Wheel In The Sky
9. Lights
10. Still They Ride
11. Open Arms
12. Mother Father
13. Wildest Dreams
14. When You Love A Woman
15. Separate Ways
16. What I Needed
17. Edge Of The Blade
18. Where Did I Lose Your Love
19. Escape
20. Faithfully
21. Don't Stop Believin'
22. Anyway You Want It
23. Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
24. Turn Down The World
25. Be Good To Yourself

Holy Cow, they did cut quite a bit off! It was only an hour and half!