If you could have made one change to Journey's sound...

[Wheels Of Fyre]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

[sindee67]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

[b]GIVE SOME OF THAT ROCK AND ROLLIN' MUSIC!!!

[ohsherrie]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

Whatever comes together between Jeff, Neal and Jon when the creative juices start flowing. I think Jeff might very possibly add some of the ingredient that's been missing for 10 years.

[ohsherrie]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

Whatever comes together between Jeff, Neal and Jon when the creative juices start flowing. I think Jeff might very possibly add some of the ingredient that's been missing for 10 years.

[Red13JoePa]

Guess what. I think it's absolutely CRITICAL that JSS and Cain try and find a spark together. Obviously it's just inherent between kindred spirits like Neal and JSS.
If JSS and Cain can get something going on and Neal can waltz in a tie it all together nice and neat the album shold be a MONSTER.

[Deb]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

I know you were asking Sher, but I'd love to hear a mix of Classic Journey and JSS solo with a little Soul Sirkus thrown in.

[Marabelle]

JSS would be utterly amazing singing music with a Latin flavor! If he doesn't, then shame on him! It would be insane!

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

I know you were asking Sher, but I'd love to hear a mix of Classic Journey and JSS solo with a little Soul Sirkus thrown in.

bingo

[Wheels Of Fyre]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

GIVE SOME OF THAT ROCK AND ROLLIN' MUSIC!!!

Haven't they tried that on the last 4 albums? The most successful thing they've done is WYLAW and that's a ballad that got recognition only because it had the reunion with SP behind it. Imagine if SP had NOT performed on TBF and instead SA. I don't know that it would've gotten any more recognition than Arrival did.

The problem with JOURNEY playing rock music is that anything they do will be compared to the Perry era. That's a tough era to beat! They haven't beaten it and never will.

Doing something OUTSIDE THE BOX - outside their own perceived genre could very well break them away.

Admittedly, a concept album be it Latin rhythms or WHATEVER would be compared to the Perry era however I don't think the comparisons would have nearly the impact. For example Knowing That You Love Me was touted as this generation's Open Arms. There's no quicker way to failure than when others compare you to your previous work than for you to do it yourself! Most movie sequels stink and/or carry certain expectations that may or may not be validated: "It was better/worse than the first one." I mean, write a song and let it stand on its own merit. No need to compare it to anything in the past! A concept album would stand more on its own merit as it would have little if nothing to compare it to.

[ohsherrie]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

Whatever comes together between Jeff, Neal and Jon when the creative juices start flowing. I think Jeff might very possibly add some of the ingredient that's been missing for 10 years.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

Whatever comes together between Jeff, Neal and Jon when the creative juices start flowing. I think Jeff might very possibly add some of the ingredient that's been missing for 10 years.

Any expectations? What ingredient's been missing?

[ohsherrie]

Sorry for all the posts. I promise I only clicked once. Now it won't let me delete.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

I know you were asking Sher, but I'd love to hear a mix of Classic Journey and JSS solo with a little Soul Sirkus thrown in.

Then I think you've gone beyond the music. DEPARTURE is great NOT because it's a mix of Classic Journey and SP solo with a little Santana thrown in. It's great because JOURNEY puts their signature sound to the Rock, Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Progressive songs that they wrote for it. The same is true of all their albums with ROR being perhaps the most focused effort.

I think it's got to be about the MUSIC.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

JSS would be utterly amazing singing music with a Latin flavor! If he doesn't, then shame on him! It would be insane!

A BIG shame. SP brought R&B and soul to JOURNEY. I think JSS can and should bring some Latin flavors.

I think it's about what you bring. If you're not going to bring anything then don't bother.

[Monker]

Then I think you've gone beyond the music. DEPARTURE is great NOT because it's a mix of Classic Journey and SP solo with a little Santana thrown in. It's great because JOURNEY puts their signature sound to the Rock, Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Progressive songs that they wrote for it. The same is true of all their albums with ROR being perhaps the most focused effort.

I think it's got to be about the MUSIC.

Just a minor note....Departure is not Progressive, it's progressive. There IS a difference.

Journey, Next and "Look Into the Future" are Progressive.

[ohsherrie]

...I'd rather have a whole new distinctively Journey sound than an imitation Perry sound that doesn't quite make it.

When I mention a Latin rhythm effort people puke because, "We don't need an imitation Santana!" I then have to defend that while Santana may be perceived as the standard for this style it doesn't mean that all others should try to imitate him anymore than SA, JSS or Deen should try to imitate SP.

I've stuck my neck out - way out. I've taken A LOT of abuse for my suggestions - I mean A LOT. You have no idea how much I've taken over the last few years. I refuse to give in to abuse. I also refuse to dish any out. Therefore, what I'd like to ask you is this: what kind of new, distinctive sound do you hear coming from JOURNEY - if any?

Whatever comes together between Jeff, Neal and Jon when the creative juices start flowing. I think Jeff might very possibly add some of the ingredient that's been missing for 10 years.

Any expectations? What ingredient's been missing?

My only expectation is good music that has the magic sound that is Journey. I don't know how to define it or what to call it Fyre. I just know that there was a chemistry between Perry/Schon/Cain that produced magic. Maybe it's that they were writing for Perry's vocal abilities. Maybe it had something to do with the contentions between them that created some kind of spark. If I knew what it was and where to get it I'd sure send it to them.

I don't want a Latin Journey. A song or two if the musical spirit moves them in that direction, but I don't think any specific concept is the way for them to go into it. They need to do what sounds and feels right to them.

[Marabelle]

He's Puerto Rican of course he has what it takes to introduce a little Latin in the music!
He dances and moves with the Latino flavor. He's passionate; he can sing whatever music he wants to sing.

[jrnychick]

I count 2 ballads on ROR, HTG and WCTNGOF?

The others, including EOAW are pop, mid-tempo or rockers.

9-2 non-ballad to ballad. Still a LITTLE heavy by my tastes ( ) but good, VERY good.

You know, the only song I still listen to is WCTNGOF. I think the only song that is even in the ballpark of being a rocker is Be Good To Yourself. What do you think IBAWY is? I see that as more of a ballad, but I guess it could be considered pop. What about Girl Can't Help It? I don't see Raised on Radio as a rocker either. Maybe it was because this album came after Frontiers, but I still think ROR is too mushy. I love the edginess to Frontiers. Overall, I like a harder Journey sound.

[jrnychick]

Sorry Matthew--but I would basically re-do ROR. That album was way too ballad-heavy, and sounded too much like a Perry solo record. Too much pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Not enough Neal, and there was no rock and roll attitude.

I don't think ROR was INTENDED to have rock and roll attitude. FRONTIERS was and it did. The "theme" or "motif" of ROR was VOCALS, pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Of course, it sounds like a Perry solo record - he produced it. Nevertheless, to me it sounds like JOURNEY and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

All of the things you just said about ROR support why I don't like it, and that's why I would have changed it.

[jrnychick]

Sorry Matthew--but I would basically re-do ROR. That album was way too ballad-heavy, and sounded too much like a Perry solo record. Too much pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Not enough Neal, and there was no rock and roll attitude.

As Red said...there are only two ballads on that record...far fewer than on some other Journey records...but yes, it doesn't have much in the way of rock and roll attitude.

But does every Journey record have to have the same 'attitude' and style?

ROR was a smooth but melancholic record. Frontiers was driving and aggressive, almost metal at times. Escape was grandiose, epic rock music at its finest. Departure had a strong bluesy feel about it.

The point is that Journey pushed their sound as much as possible between Departure and ROR. They took risks in those days. Fyre was absolutely right when he said that Journey BADLY need to rediscover that same spirit now and so do we as fans. More than anything else I want to be surprised by Journey again.

As for Deen - well, I disagree with Fyre about him sticking to the drumming. "A Better Life" was by far the best track on Generations and it would be a shame if he wasn't used on the next album - as long as he can develop more of his own sound rather than simply imitating Perry, which he's very good at in concert.

I absolutely agree with everything you have said, except for the part about Frontiers being metal. Hard rock in some parts, yes, but metal, no. I do love the fact that every Journey album has a different "feel." That keeps things interesting for the fans. It just happens that I didn't like the feel of ROR. We're all entitled to have our favorites or not-so favorites.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Sorry Matthew--but I would basically re-do ROR. That album was way too ballad-heavy, and sounded too much like a Perry solo record. Too much pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Not enough Neal, and there was no rock and roll attitude.

I don't think ROR was INTENDED to have rock and roll attitude. FRONTIERS was and it did. The "theme" or "motif" of ROR was VOCALS, pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Of course, it sounds like a Perry solo record - he produced it. Nevertheless, to me it sounds like JOURNEY and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

All of the things you just said about ROR support why I don't like it, and that's why I would have changed it.

Why try to change ROR into something that it's not nor intended to be...?

Why not appreciate it for WHAT IT IS?

[Rockindeano]

It's funny to see some here lobby over and over for a certain sound.

I can tell you right now, there won't be a latin sound on the new cd.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Then I think you've gone beyond the music. DEPARTURE is great NOT because it's a mix of Classic Journey and SP solo with a little Santana thrown in. It's great because JOURNEY puts their signature sound to the Rock, Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Progressive songs that they wrote for it. The same is true of all their albums with ROR being perhaps the most focused effort.

I think it's got to be about the MUSIC.

Just a minor note....Departure is not Progressive, it's progressive. There IS a difference.

Journey, Next and "Look Into the Future" are Progressive.

DEPARTURE (the album) is NOT progressive. I'm arguing that Homemade Love with its odd time signature and Someday Soon are Progressive songs.

[Granny]

It's funny to see some here lobby over and over for a certain sound.

I can tell you right now, there won't be a latin sound on the new cd.

Thats good news...I want it to be a a journey sound with JSS bringing a sharper edge and more modern sound(just a little). I've been listening to all his past work and that man can sing anything and make it sound great..so much passion and talent and (don't hit me Deano) sex appeal also which doesn't hurt Journey's image.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

It's funny to see some here lobby over and over for a certain sound.

I can tell you right now, there won't be a latin sound on the new cd.

I'll lobby for what and for as often as I like. If you don't like it then that's too bad.

You're a laugh. You lobbied Tapegate as if your life depended on it. My lobbying pales in comparison.

So now you can tell us how the next album is going to be? Are you saying that you now have creative influence, too!?

I guess us poor fans who aren't in the know ought to just curl up on the floor and die. I mean, since you run the show now - what's the point in any of us bothering?

[Wheels Of Fyre]

It's funny to see some here lobby over and over for a certain sound.

I can tell you right now, there won't be a latin sound on the new cd.

Thats good news...I want it to be a a journey sound with JSS bringing a sharper edge and more modern sound(just a little). I've been listening to all his past work and that man can sing anything and make it sound great..so much passion and talent and (don't hit me Deano) sex appeal also which doesn't hurt Journey's image.

That's not news - it's OPINION.

[jrnychick]

Sorry Matthew--but I would basically re-do ROR. That album was way too ballad-heavy, and sounded too much like a Perry solo record. Too much pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Not enough Neal, and there was no rock and roll attitude.

I don't think ROR was INTENDED to have rock and roll attitude. FRONTIERS was and it did. The "theme" or "motif" of ROR was VOCALS, pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Of course, it sounds like a Perry solo record - he produced it. Nevertheless, to me it sounds like JOURNEY and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

All of the things you just said about ROR support why I don't like it, and that's why I would have changed it.

Why try to change ROR into something that it's not nor intended to be...?

Why not appreciate it for WHAT IT IS?

I posted my opinion because of the thread title. That's the one thing I would change if I had the chance. I love everything else the band has put out. In my opinion, ROR is the clunker in the catalog. I don't appreciate rap music for what it is, so why should I have to appreciate ROR? Why is my opinion being trashed when the purpose of the thread to discuss what we would change about Journey's sound?

[Scarab Pilot]

I would set the bands amps to '11' - because its louder.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Sorry Matthew--but I would basically re-do ROR. That album was way too ballad-heavy, and sounded too much like a Perry solo record. Too much pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Not enough Neal, and there was no rock and roll attitude.

I don't think ROR was INTENDED to have rock and roll attitude. FRONTIERS was and it did. The "theme" or "motif" of ROR was VOCALS, pop, drum machine, and keyboard. Of course, it sounds like a Perry solo record - he produced it. Nevertheless, to me it sounds like JOURNEY and I wouldn't change a thing about it.

All of the things you just said about ROR support why I don't like it, and that's why I would have changed it.

Why try to change ROR into something that it's not nor intended to be...?

Why not appreciate it for WHAT IT IS?

I posted my opinion because of the thread title. That's the one thing I would change if I had the chance. I love everything else the band has put out. In my opinion, ROR is the clunker in the catalog. I don't appreciate rap music for what it is, so why should I have to appreciate ROR? Why is my opinion being trashed when the purpose of the thread to discuss what we would change about Journey's sound?

First of all, I'm not trashing your opinion. I simply asked a question regarding your opinion. If you're going to have an opinion then I think it's only right that you be open to questions regarding it!

If you don't like rap music for what it is then that's fine, too but you can't change it or ROR into something that they're not.

[Rockindeano]

I have an opinion.

Latin music, in ALL forms, sucks ass.