Journey COULD be relevant again

[Badcotune]

Is it possible? Could Journey be musically relevant again beyond being a nostalgic, albeit profitable touring unit? Can they, at this point in time, become more than thier own sonic echo?

If Stallone can make a Rocky or a Rambo film palatable in modern cinema, anything is certainly possible. If Santana can have a new hit, anyone can.

Is it possible? Yes. A good song is a good song but they need to cool it with the saccrine overload and wedding songs that was much of Arrival and Trail by Fire. They need a terrific song with a little bite and sweeping melody to it, and they need to shoot a video and spend a little money on it. The formerly unknown Daughtry's "Over you" is a good example. It's melodic, with got great riffs, and it's catchy. It doesn't make you embarrased to sing along. Arnel is an unknown and talent can come from obscurity, as it often does. Arnel has a rough edge to his voice even in the high registers that will lend itself well to the right rock song. In short, Journey needs to decide if they want to live in 2008 or 1981, and 1981 and the Perry era with it -- are over.

So yes, they COULD be relevant again. But it has to be genuine and heartfelt and without constanstly looking back. They need to decide what they are NOW and that doesn't necessarily have to be defined by what they WERE. Is their idendity an endless emulation of a retired Stephen Ray Perry -- or something as new, vital, unique, and alive as that USED to be? By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming.

By re-recording Perry Era hits -- even for a terrific Walmart payday -- hits that cannot have a hope or prayer to be as good as Perry's beloved takes -- Journey takes one incredibly foolish and gargantuan step backwards. If they throw it in as a freebie novelty disc with some terrific new music, it only becomes slightly less foolish. They are tarnishing thier own musical legacy, not just Perry's -- for some Walmart dollars. You don't step on Superman's cape, and you should know when to leave perfection alone. Why not repaint the Cistine chapel while you're at it? They'll pay you, so it makes perfect sense.

Additionally, they need to publicly apologize to JSS and demonstrate some humility and gratitude for single handedly saving thier last tour for them, and showing tremendous grace under pressure. Schon and Cain must live in an incredible vacuum of ignorance and ego if they don't realize how much of a bad taste thier treatment of singers leaves in people's mouths. Reality check: your peak was over 20 years ago now -- and this is the type of damaging ROR behavoir that you undoubtedly hated from Perry. Remember?

[donnaplease]

This was a great post. In my humble opinion, however, the time to ask that question would've been last year at this time, when the opportunity to shake things up was REAL and PALPABLE. Honoring the past while moving in a slightly (or dramatically, however you choose to look at it) direction was what many of us here were looking forward to.

I don't believe they can do that with Arnel. As much as I have supported Jeremey, I don't believe it would've happened with him either. Because if they are only looking to re-live the glory days of 25 years ago, there is no way to carve a niche in the present or future. Add to that lack of vision the bullshit way they treat their singers, and what do you have? Absolutely nothing. That's what today's Journey is to me. NOTHING. And it's really sad.

[Voyager]

Is their idendity an endless emulation of a retired Stephen Ray Perry -- or something as new, vital, unique, and alive as that USED to be? By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming.

The same could be said about Elvis. When Elvis died and his band was left with no singer, did they hire multiple Elvis impersonators to carry on his legacy - or did they just leave his legacy intact? Did they try to force an "endless emulation" of Elvis impersonators on fans? Did they beat the fans up when they rejected the new Elvis replacement by saying "By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming"?

What "fresh identity" are we talking about here? Are we talking about a new and fresh Journey sound where a new identity is required? Or, are we talking about someone trying to emulate the Steve Perry sound, all the while trying to force fans to separate the two singers? This sounds like insanity to me.

As Donna said, the time to ask fans to accept a new Journey would have been when they had JSS as the singer. They could have written new material and got away from relying on the Perry legacy to sell albums and concert tickets. But they decided to rely on the Steve Perry sound and hire a Steve Perry impersonator. Therefore, they have no right to a fresh identity - because they don't want one.

[STORY_TELLER]

Is it possible? Could Journey be musically relevant again beyond being a nostalgic, albeit profitable touring unit? Can they, at this point in time, become more than thier own sonic echo?

BWAH HA HAHA HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!

Oh wait, you were serious...!

...ahem...

Ummm... short realistic answer, no. They will not become relevant again. Not even if Perry was back. Their style of music is not the mainstream and very few radio or video stations will air their new music. They'll sell their new music to their hardcore fans, but that's it. Income from the sale of their new music will hopefully cover costs for producing it, but at best, it will barely squeak out a profit. Touring is their bread and butter and that's it.

Only hardcore fans so enamored by their favorite nostalgia group consider a return to relevance and prominence in the music industry as a possibility. It's cute, really. Endearing almost. But it's not realistic and I say that as someone who would love to see it happen.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

By re-recording Perry Era hits -- even for a terrific Walmart payday -- hits that cannot have a hope or prayer to be as good as Perry's beloved takes -- Journey takes one incredibly foolish and gargantuan step backwards. If they throw it in as a freebie novelty disc with some terrific new music, it only becomes slightly less foolish. They are tarnishing thier own musical legacy, not just Perry's -- for some Walmart dollars. You don't step on Superman's cape, and you should know when to leave perfection alone. Why not repaint the Cistine chapel while you're at it? They'll pay you, so it makes perfect sense.

Yep, well said THE ONLY WAY they could have become relevant again is to say- "We know there can never be another Perry, and the only way to pay tribute to him properly is to not try to but instead create new material which sounds different than Perry but is excellent and creative in a different way. The only person who could have done that was JSS. That would have worked.

By trying to hire someone who sounds like Perry and perhaps putting new songs in a two cd set with the classics they only invite comparison between Perry and Arnel- it just gonna look stupid. No fault of Arnel's but thats just the way it is.
[/b]

[scarab]

The only way Journey could become more than a blip on the radar, is if Perry came back, (Rolie would help too) for one more reunion (or better yet farewell) tour and maybe a new single.
Otherwise Journey will die a slow agonizing death.

It is sad to see such a great rock and roll band slowly burn out.

I do hope for the best w/ Arnel, but I dont see anything happening as far as success.

[Lula]

Is it possible? Could Journey be musically relevant again beyond being a nostalgic, albeit profitable touring unit? Can they, at this point in time, become more than thier own sonic echo?


So yes, they COULD be relevant again. But it has to be genuine and heartfelt and without constanstly looking back. They need to decide what they are NOW and that doesn't necessarily have to be defined by what they WERE. Is their idendity an endless emulation of a retired Stephen Ray Perry -- or something as new, vital, unique, and alive as that USED to be? By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming.

Hmmmm. I might buy into this if the words of Jon stating they want to sound like their legacy weren't ringing so loud in my head. Steve Augeri tried to get something going and he was shat on with Generations, Jeff was eager to make some music to no avail.... now we have yet a new victim, er I mean singer, what happens is yet to be seen, but relevance is not something I'm expecting.

Remember the insightful words of Brian May? Journey had their chance and blew it, imo of course.

[Escape Artist]

In a word...NO

[Rip Rokken]

If Stallone can make a Rocky or a Rambo film palatable in modern cinema, anything is certainly possible.

Very true!

[Badcotune]

Only hardcore fans so enamored by their favorite nostalgia group consider a return to relevance and prominence in the music industry as a possibility. It's cute, really. Endearing almost. But it's not realistic and I say that as someone who would love to see it happen.

While I appreciate being cute while also being patronized, (actually I could care less) I am pretty far from being a hardcore fan, and I haven't been enamored with Journey in some time.

I take a morbid curiousity stance with objective eyes on an impending train wreck -- while being unable to stop it -- and all the while wishing it could end differently. Comprende?

[Badcotune]

Yep, well said THE ONLY WAY they could have become relevant again is to say- "We know there can never be another Perry, and the only way to pay tribute to him properly is to not try to but instead create new material which sounds different than Perry but is excellent and creative in a different way.

That's precisely it. Instead they stay in the shadow of the nose.

[larryfromnextdoor]

While I appreciate being cute while also being patronized, (actually I could care less) I am pretty far from being a hardcore fan, and I haven't been enamored with Journey in some time.

I take a morbid curiousity stance with objective eyes on an impending train wreck -- while being unable to stop it -- and all the while wishing it could end differently. Comprende?

what? are you writing an intro to a novel or something.. this is not the first page of A Tail of Two Cities..dumb it down some ... would ya.. i have it on good authority that Bad Company fans arent that smart...

[WickedGail]

Is it possible? Could Journey be musically relevant again beyond being a nostalgic, albeit profitable touring unit? Can they, at this point in time, become more than thier own sonic echo?


So yes, they COULD be relevant again. But it has to be genuine and heartfelt and without constanstly looking back. They need to decide what they are NOW and that doesn't necessarily have to be defined by what they WERE. Is their idendity an endless emulation of a retired Stephen Ray Perry -- or something as new, vital, unique, and alive as that USED to be? By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming.

Hmmmm. I might buy into this if the words of Jon stating they want to sound like their legacy weren't ringing so loud in my head. Steve Augeri tried to get something going and he was shat on with Generations, Jeff was eager to make some music to no avail.... now we have yet a new victim, er I mean singer, what happens is yet to be seen, but relevance is not something I'm expecting.

Remember the insightful words of Brian May? Journey had their chance and blew it, imo of course.

I agree 100%

[Enigma869]

As I've said 1000 times, over the years...Journey will NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER be musically relevant, again! They had their run, and it was a great ride, while it lasted. A band, like Journey, that was built around Perry's soaring vocals,(in spite of what Schon fans believe) simply cannot become "relevant" again, without those signature vocals. Also, regardless of how great of a vocalist Arnel might be, he isn't Perry and never will be! Bands can become musically relevant again, if perhaps they actually remember the band that became famous.

The Stallone analogy simply isn't a good one, because it was Stallone, himself, recreating those characters that he made famous! If another actor, other than Stallone, had tried to recreate the "Rambo" or "Rocky" characters, I guarantee you that nobody would have paid any attention to it!


John from Boston

[Badcotune]

The Stallone analogy simply isn't a good one, because it was Stallone, himself, recreating those characters that he made famous! If another actor, other than Stallone, had tried to recreate the "Rambo" or "Rocky" characters, I guarantee you that nobody would have paid any attention to it!

Understood, but who would've thought a 60 year old Rocky "back in the ring for one final round" would engage audiences? That's an incredible long shot. Not disregarding your point, but mine was simply what was once embraced could be again if it's made with the same passion, if not the same players (ie: Adrian's absense)

Still not a perfect analogy of course because Adrian wasn't Rocky (Perry) -- she was probably Neal -- but the absurdity of the anology at this point is at least entertaining.

And Santana still made quite the comeback, regardless of how he did it.

[Rick]

The Stallone analogy simply isn't a good one, because it was Stallone, himself, recreating those characters that he made famous! If another actor, other than Stallone, had tried to recreate the "Rambo" or "Rocky" characters, I guarantee you that nobody would have paid any attention to it!

Understood, but who would've thought a 60 year old Rocky "back in the ring for one final round" would engage audiences? That's an incredible long shot. Not disregarding your point, but mine was simply what was once embraced could be again if it's made with the same passion, if not the same players (ie: Adrian's absense)

Still not a perfect analogy of course because Adrian wasn't Rocky (Perry) -- she was probably Neal -- but the absurdity of the anology at this point is at least entertaining.

I thought that last Rocky movie was really good.

[Deb]

Remember the insightful words of Brian May? Journey had their chance and blew it, imo of course.

Totally agree Lu, IMO Brian May hit it right on the money!

Additionally, they need to publicly apologize to JSS and demonstrate some humility and gratitude for single handedly saving thier last tour for them, and showing tremendous grace under pressure. Schon and Cain must live in an incredible vacuum of ignorance and ego if they don't realize how much of a bad taste thier treatment of singers leaves in people's mouths.

That would be a great start. As in the words of Brian May, they need to "own their own poo".

[SusieP]

Remember the insightful words of Brian May? Journey had their chance and blew it, imo of course.

Totally agree Lu, IMO Brian May hit it right on the money!

Additionally, they need to publicly apologize to JSS and demonstrate some humility and gratitude for single handedly saving thier last tour for them, and showing tremendous grace under pressure. Schon and Cain must live in an incredible vacuum of ignorance and ego if they don't realize how much of a bad taste thier treatment of singers leaves in people's mouths.

That would be a great start. As in the words of Brian May, they need to "own their own poo".

But to own it they need to smell it and they think their poo smells of perfume.

[Ms_M]

Is it possible? Could Journey be musically relevant again beyond being a nostalgic, albeit profitable touring unit? Can they, at this point in time, become more than thier own sonic echo?


So yes, they COULD be relevant again. But it has to be genuine and heartfelt and without constanstly looking back. They need to decide what they are NOW and that doesn't necessarily have to be defined by what they WERE. Is their idendity an endless emulation of a retired Stephen Ray Perry -- or something as new, vital, unique, and alive as that USED to be? By endlessly honoring a past indentity, a fresh one is prevented from becoming.

Hmmmm. I might buy into this if the words of Jon stating they want to sound like their legacy weren't ringing so loud in my head. Steve Augeri tried to get something going and he was shat on with Generations, Jeff was eager to make some music to no avail.... now we have yet a new victim, er I mean singer, what happens is yet to be seen, but relevance is not something I'm expecting.

Remember the insightful words of Brian May? Journey had their chance and blew it, imo of course.

Love it, Lula! All very well said.

[BobbyinTN]

I think we have to face facts guys. Popularity has NOTHING to do with talent anymore. It's all about manorexic guys, and slutty girls with bad tit jobs.

The few talented people working today might have 3 hit on average and then fade away.

It would be cool for them to have one last hoorah before they are too old to jam, but chances are slim.

[texafana]

"Journey COULD be relevant again..." - They are already relevant. Their music is played on radio stations all over the world. When they tour it's profitable for them, etc, etc. And in the modern age where music is going totally digitally distributed, it's not so much about the video these days as it was a few years back. With Itunes, etc, people are actually getting to download the audio music sooner than ever after the artist releases it. All Journey has to do is write 1 decent new song (easier said than done, I know) and they will gain tons of new fans. Arnel looks young enough to pull in some younger new fans, etc. Over seas it's a no brainer, they are going to be huge. I think Journey might just pull a rabbit out of their hat, I do doubt however that Arnel has a long time job here, in a best scenario I can't see this Journey lasting more than a few years. Age is finally a real factor for them.

[Saint John]

The only way I see Journey relevant with this incarnation of the band is to pull another singer in and have her do a duet with Arnel. If Azoff truly believes in this guy, and I think he does, he needs to find a major contemporary female name and have her sing a song with Arnel on the next album. This idea has been thrown around for years, but it still makes sense. Of course you might want to make sure she's not too attractive because you don't want Neal chasing her around the studio while they're trying to get work done. All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

[texafana]

The only way I see Journey relevant with this incarnation of the band is to pull another singer in and have her do a duet with Arnel. If Azoff truly believes in this guy, and I think he does, he needs to find a major contemporary female name and have her sing a song with Arnel on the next album. This idea has been thrown around for years, but it still makes sense. Of course you might want to make sure she's not too attractive because you don't want Neal chasing her around the studio while they're trying to get work done. All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

\

wow..that actually is a very good idea. Would give instand credibility with the band and Arnel. Rhimes though? I'd perfer Gretchen Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, or even Trisha Year..(last name???)

[Saint John]

The only way I see Journey relevant with this incarnation of the band is to pull another singer in and have her do a duet with Arnel. If Azoff truly believes in this guy, and I think he does, he needs to find a major contemporary female name and have her sing a song with Arnel on the next album. This idea has been thrown around for years, but it still makes sense. Of course you might want to make sure she's not too attractive because you don't want Neal chasing her around the studio while they're trying to get work done. All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

\

wow..that actually is a very good idea. Would give instand credibility with the band and Arnel. Rhimes though? I'd perfer Gretchen Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, or even Trisha Year..(last name???)

Gretchen Wilson is a hillbilly skank....though I could see me dating her. Kelly's voice is shot and Yearwood would be out of her genre. Leann has the ability to soar with her vocals, which is what Steve Perry made Journey famous for. Arnel has a hell of a voice and can vocally soar with the best of them. Katharine McPhee would be my second choice only because my homosexual friend despises Journey and idolizes her. It would break his heart. But it would bring back her HUGE American Idol fan base.

[Uno_up]

The only way I see Journey relevant with this incarnation of the band is to pull another singer in and have her do a duet with Arnel. If Azoff truly believes in this guy, and I think he does, he needs to find a major contemporary female name and have her sing a song with Arnel on the next album. This idea has been thrown around for years, but it still makes sense. Of course you might want to make sure she's not too attractive because you don't want Neal chasing her around the studio while they're trying to get work done. All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

\

wow..that actually is a very good idea. Would give instand credibility with the band and Arnel. Rhimes though? I'd perfer Gretchen Wilson, Kelly Clarkson, or even Trisha Year..(last name???)

Gretchen Wilson is a hillbilly skank....though I could see me dating her. Kelly's voice is shot and Yearwood would be out of her genre. Leann has the ability to soar with her vocals, which is what Steve Perry made Journey famous for. Arnel has a hell of a voice and can vocally soar with the best of them. Katharine McPhee would be my second choice only because my homosexual friend despises Journey and idolizes her. It would break his heart. But it would bring back her HUGE American Idol fan base.

1)Amy Lee
2)LeAnn Rhimes

[fightingilliniJRNY]

All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

I'd love to see that. I think her duet with Bon Jovi on "'Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" off the Lost Highway album is phenominal. Call me a fag now...

[Greg]

The only way I see Journey relevant with this incarnation of the band is to pull another singer in and have her do a duet with Arnel. If Azoff truly believes in this guy, and I think he does, he needs to find a major contemporary female name and have her sing a song with Arnel on the next album. This idea has been thrown around for years, but it still makes sense. Of course you might want to make sure she's not too attractive because you don't want Neal chasing her around the studio while they're trying to get work done. All kidding aside I think Leann Rhimes would be perfect. I love that broad.

The duet conversation has come up before. I don't believe a duet with the likes of someone like Clarkston or Amy Lee will help Journey at this point. The only thing that will help Journey at this point is for Journey to retire and for Schon and Cain to reform Bad English.

But, as always, I'm willing to be proven wrong.