Which songs will...

[Gideon]

...Convince my girlfriend that Steve Perry was rock's greatest singer? Her music tastes tend to veer more towards the eclectic, alternative, or grunge; her favorite singers are Adele and Freddie Mercury. Perry, in my opinion, had a voice that outclasses either of them. I beseech thee, Loons: What are Perry's best vocals from all eras that will bring my heathen old lady into the light?

[portland]

...Convince my girlfriend that Steve Perry was rock's greatest singer? Her music tastes tend to veer more towards the eclectic, alternative, or grunge; her favorite singers are Adele and Freddie Mercury. Perry, in my opinion, had a voice that outclasses either of them. I beseech thee, Loons: What are Perry's best vocals from all eras that will bring my heathen old lady into the light?

Giddy are you fishing??

[scarab]

try playing I can see it in your eyes by him and Guf, featuring him.
in his early days steve was better live, try captured
Mother father, escape and still they ride on Escape
Edge of the Blade on Frontiers

hard to outshine FM, but Steve comes close.

[Gideon]

Giddy are you fishing??

Not at all.
If I were, I'd say something to you along the lines of "Looks like I've caught a whale" or something. I'll leave the snarking with you to Dan.
It's a legitimate question.

try playing I can see it in your eyes by him and Guf, featuring him.
in his early days steve was better live, try captured
Mother father, escape and still they ride on Escape
Edge of the Blade on Frontiers

hard to outshine FM, but Steve comes close.

I'm looking for, basically, a CD's worth of songs from all eras. 10-12 songs that I can burn for her, make her listen to, and see instant conversion from the Mercury camp to the Perry camp.
Personally, while I know he was a truly fine singer, I think Perry has him beat in pretty much every area except charisma.

[escapefan]

There is a live version of WITS that is out of this world. And I love the King Biscuit Hour.

[Rick]

...Convince my girlfriend that Steve Perry was rock's greatest singer? Her music tastes tend to veer more towards the eclectic, alternative, or grunge; her favorite singers are Adele and Freddie Mercury. Perry, in my opinion, had a voice that outclasses either of them. I beseech thee, Loons: What are Perry's best vocals from all eras that will bring my heathen old lady into the light?

Anyone that can appreciate Adele and Freddy Mercury will surely, eventually, get SP. Adele is one of the most talented singers today, while FM sported a four octave range in his voice, was a terrific singer in his time, except sometimes live.

While she may not dig the song all that much, in Sweet and Simple, Perry is just plain showing off. He goes into the stratosphere with a very controlled vocal down scale that goes from head voice to chest voice, and is probably impossible for nearly any other singer to do.

[Gideon]

And I love the King Biscuit Hour.

I largely prefer Perry's vocals from '83 to '94, but I love the King Biscuit Hour recordings. "People Get Ready" gave her goosebumps and pushed Perry up several rankings in her book, but I'm seeking to topple the late Freddie from his throne.

[portland]

Giddy are you fishing??

Not at all.
If I were, I'd say something to you along the lines of "Looks like I've caught a whale" or something. I'll leave the snarking with you to Dan.
It's a legitimate question.

try playing I can see it in your eyes by him and Guf, featuring him.
in his early days steve was better live, try captured
Mother father, escape and still they ride on Escape
Edge of the Blade on Frontiers

hard to outshine FM, but Steve comes close.

I'm looking for, basically, a CD's worth of songs from all eras. 10-12 songs that I can burn for her, make her listen to, and see instant conversion from the Mercury camp to the Perry camp.
Personally, while I know he was a truly fine singer, I think Perry has him beat in pretty much every area except charisma.

In that case...


you might want a mix of Journey with some solo stuff?

So many choices???

[journey361]

How about Soaked, What Do Ya Want From Me or Aftermath. Oh, and tell her he finished second to Kris Allen.

[Gideon]

Anyone that can appreciate Adele and Freddy Mercury will surely, eventually, get SP. Adele is one of the most talented singers today, while FM sported a four octave range in his voice, was a terrific singer in his time, except sometimes live.

While she may not dig the song all that much, in Sweet and Simple, Perry is just plain showing off. He goes into the stratosphere with a very controlled vocal down scale that goes from head voice to chest voice, and is probably impossible for nearly any other singer to do.

She really likes Perry, but like I said, I seek to persuade her to see that he's number one material. For her, it seems to be more of an issue of range/pitch and tone. Adele and Freddie Mercury can each hit high notes, but they're also known for grit and soul when need be. So I'm trying to gather some of Perry's finest performances (10-12) that showcase his higher tones and lower ones.

[Rick]

Anyone that can appreciate Adele and Freddy Mercury will surely, eventually, get SP. Adele is one of the most talented singers today, while FM sported a four octave range in his voice, was a terrific singer in his time, except sometimes live.

While she may not dig the song all that much, in Sweet and Simple, Perry is just plain showing off. He goes into the stratosphere with a very controlled vocal down scale that goes from head voice to chest voice, and is probably impossible for nearly any other singer to do.

She really likes Perry, but like I said, I seek to persuade her to see that he's number one material. For her, it seems to be more of an issue of range/pitch and tone. Adele and Freddie Mercury can each hit high notes, but they're also known for grit and soul when need be. So I'm trying to gather some of Perry's finest performances (10-12) that showcase his higher tones and lower ones.

Captured By The Moment from Street Talk has some of his lower range and then heads upward. For me, it's one of his best vocals.

[portland]

Anyone that can appreciate Adele and Freddy Mercury will surely, eventually, get SP. Adele is one of the most talented singers today, while FM sported a four octave range in his voice, was a terrific singer in his time, except sometimes live.

While she may not dig the song all that much, in Sweet and Simple, Perry is just plain showing off. He goes into the stratosphere with a very controlled vocal down scale that goes from head voice to chest voice, and is probably impossible for nearly any other singer to do.

She really likes Perry, but like I said, I seek to persuade her to see that he's number one material. For her, it seems to be more of an issue of range/pitch and tone. Adele and Freddie Mercury can each hit high notes, but they're also known for grit and soul when need be. So I'm trying to gather some of Perry's finest performances (10-12) that showcase his higher tones and lower ones.

Captured By The Moment from Street Talk has some of his lower range and then heads upward. For me, it's one of his best vocals.

Agreed

Liberty is a great early work of his voice..IMO

There is a recording of the writing of Missing You...for me it showcases the artist....and how he works.

[Gideon]

Good suggestions: Captured by the Moment and Liberty have been added to the list. Gimme some moar.

[portland]

Anyone that can appreciate Adele and Freddy Mercury will surely, eventually, get SP. Adele is one of the most talented singers today, while FM sported a four octave range in his voice, was a terrific singer in his time, except sometimes live.

While she may not dig the song all that much, in Sweet and Simple, Perry is just plain showing off. He goes into the stratosphere with a very controlled vocal down scale that goes from head voice to chest voice, and is probably impossible for nearly any other singer to do.

She really likes Perry, but like I said, I seek to persuade her to see that he's number one material. For her, it seems to be more of an issue of range/pitch and tone. Adele and Freddie Mercury can each hit high notes, but they're also known for grit and soul when need be. So I'm trying to gather some of Perry's finest performances (10-12) that showcase his higher tones and lower ones.

Freddy is tough to compete with....and Adele is awesome! She has good taste!

[Rick]

Good suggestions: Captured by the Moment and Liberty have been added to the list. Gimme some moar.

If you want to hit her in the soft spot, add Why Can't This Night Go On Forever. Most casual fans have never heard it, and it's a great vocal, especially coming from ROR.

[portland]

Good suggestions: Captured by the Moment and Liberty have been added to the list. Gimme some moar.

If you want to hit her in the soft spot, add Why Can't This Night Go On Forever. Most casual fans have never heard it, and it's a great vocal, especially coming from ROR.

I love that song....it is one of my favorites...it's a girl thing.


If you are going for drama/soundtrack...I Stand Alone is a really good vocal.

[Gideon]

If you want to hit her in the soft spot,

Too many responses to choose from, so I'll settle for this:

add Why Can't This Night Go On Forever. Most casual fans have never heard it, and it's a great vocal, especially coming from ROR.

It was already on my list. Perry's finest hour for me.

[Arianddu]

Solo stuff -
'Harmony' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYeP_D_GMX8 (it's an old Alien Project demo that got added as an extra to a the re-release of Street Talk)
'Strung Out'
'Can't Stop' - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9Zv0mJxjRo (another extra on a re-release.)

Journey stuff:
'Send Her My Love'
'Liberty'
'People and Places'
Any of the live versions of 'Wheel In The Sky'
'Winds of March'

[madsplash]

Once in a Lifetime, Girl is incredible.

As for just pure freakin' tone, Missing You just drips with it.


And there's not one thing Freddie ever had on Steve. Freddie used his falsetto much more than Steve ever needed to.

Steve was, by far, the superior singer. 10 times more power than Freddie had.

[Jana]

...Convince my girlfriend that Steve Perry was rock's greatest singer? Her music tastes tend to veer more towards the eclectic, alternative, or grunge; her favorite singers are Adele and Freddie Mercury. Perry, in my opinion, had a voice that outclasses either of them. I beseech thee, Loons: What are Perry's best vocals from all eras that will bring my heathen old lady into the light?

This is the two that it do for me and shows Neal and Steve at their best on a very simple song lyrically: I could play Stay Awhile and I'm Cryin' over and over, and have.

I'm Cryin': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCZm4-6VVoI - my fav vocally of Steve

Stay Awhile - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfm1xq5EeDA

and Precious Time, also - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rrcwxk2_48

Little Girl - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmL_BcDU0N0

[Don]

Good Morning Girl
I Stand Alone
You Better Wait
Live version of Walks Like A Lady
White Fool (With Clannad)

[steveo777]

Just put on Bolero and go downtown and don't stop until it ends.

[STORY_TELLER]

Jana posted some great choices, but I would also add this one in particular. The important thing to note is it's a live track. Perry not only delivers the song in his unique way, he shows what an artist he was with his spontaneous melodic alterations and how he could hold a note and captivate an audience like no one else:

Patiently (listen all the way through):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMcHKa-LLME

Have her listen to the captured album for how strong he was live, but for depth of emotional delivery, I'd pick stuff from the ROR and FTLOSM studio recordings. If she really loves Freddie (and I do too), I suspect she prefers his more gruff vocal character.

[donnaplease]

DEFINITELY Still They Ride...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jubogiBaUhQ

I like What Was also...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UO4s79IzxqY

[Gideon]

Update: She says "One More Time" broke her heart and made her cry. Is that success?

[escapefan]

To me, no one can deliver like Perry did Live. I almost always prefer Journey's Live work to studio..

Jana, never heard I'm cryin. Perry and Schon were unbelievable together!

[Jana]

To me, no one can deliver like Perry did Live. I almost always prefer Journey's Live work to studio..

Jana, never heard I'm crying. Perry and Schon were unbelievable together!

So true. Here's I'm Cryin' live 1980. The camera goes in and out a few times, but the sound is great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtA9MAZO ... re=related

[Aaron]

The Party's Over should take are of that. Sweet and Simple can be used if back up is needed ....

[Gideon]

Sweet and Simple's definitely on the list.

[S2M]

Daydream
for some reason, a song that gets ignored.