TRIAL BY FIRE

[Deb]

Easy to fall = one of my favorite Journey songs of all time!

Agree, I think it is definately one of their best ballads!

[tupchurch]

Trial By Fire is simply one of the best albums by Journey ever. Every song is a masterpiece.

[annie89509]

TBF was the last Perry-era Journey record I bought. Picked it off ebay (the original cd, not the re-mastered) for 99 cents + shipping. Couldn't wait to pop it in the player to listen to what SP sounded liked with Journey 10 years after ROR. I was not disappointed, listened to the whole record from start to finish, mesmerized by his voice. The music was fabulous, too. Afterwards, I was thinking, what a deal, best 99 cents I've ever spent in my life.

My favorite tune is WYLAW, very Journeysque, with the soaring vocals, toward the end. TBF is still the Journey record I listen to the most. FTLOSM is quite bland, and I rarely play that. I do believe it's the threesome of Steve/Neal/Jon that produces the magic. It doesn't happen on every song, and music is subjective, anyway. I don't know if they could ever re-create that magic again, even if by some miracle they were to get back together. As someone once said, too much water under the bridge. I guess we'll always have the records.

[finalfight]

Trial By Fire is simply one of the best albums by Journey ever. Every song is a masterpiece.

Except perhaps for 'One More' which is more like a disaster piece! From the whiney guitar tone to the overbearing and downright embarrasing lyrical content. To me it is by far Journey's worst song.

[ohsherrie]

TBF is exactly what the culmination of talent, chemistry and experience that those men had together should be. It's a masterpiece. Hardly a week goes by that I don't listen to all of it at least once, and I usually listen to tracks 11, 13 and 14 more often than that.

[sniper16]

TBF is the second best steve perry solo album, he got some fantastic players on that one.
seriously its not there best, to much filler but after seeing then in 97/98 when they did a few of these songs live, i went back and lie some of it . productions is not the best.arrival is a much better record. but worth picking up used somewhere.

[jestor92]

If you have Perry's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine" and like it, you'll like this cd, if you have FTLOSM and hate it, you'll probably hate this cd and if you don't have FTLOSM then disreguard this post

[finalfight]

If you have Perry's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine" and like it, you'll like this cd, if you have FTLOSM and hate it, you'll probably hate this cd and if you don't have FTLOSM then disreguard this post

I absolutely love FTLOSM but am on the fence about Trial By Fire. I find much of it to be a little bit bland.

[somethingtohide]

TBF is exactly what the culmination of talent, chemistry and experience that those men had together should be. It's a masterpiece. Hardly a week goes by that I don't listen to all of it at least once, and I usually listen to tracks 11, 13 and 14 more often than that.

I agree. I think it's Perry's vocal master piece and Neal, Ross, Jon, and Smitty are master musicians at the top of their games.

It's not my favorite album in tone. But the artistry in the performances is undeniable.

[hoagiepete]

If I were younger and able, this would be a great "parking" cd. It is best listened to in a quiet, cozy place with a loved one.

[tammy]

Excellent CD - highly recommend! "Easy to Fall" probably my fave on it.

[SF-Dano]

Trial By Fire is an odd album to be certain.

There are some very bland, yawn-filled ballads on there.

But then again, there are several songs that are truly unique in the Journey catalogue, and are evidence that the band actually decided to take a few creative risks.

Message of Love- People say it's "Separate Ways" re-done... the only similarity I see between the two is in the vibe, and in the keyboard interlude. Everything else is different. Perhaps more driving and urgent than "SW."

One More- One of my top 5 favorite Journey songs! Absolutely stunning and breathtaking epic. Very cutting-edge performances from the rhythm section, Perry, and especially Schon. Rips me right in two.

Can't Tame The Lion- Neal's guitar tone and intro. Case closed. Never heard a guitar played like that until this song. Incredible.

Colors of the Spirit- They used pan flute in this song, for crying out loud. I love it. Very dreamy tune..

Still She Cries- Breathtaking. My favorite Journey "ballad." Every single member of the band puts on an emotional performance here. The guitar solo from Neal literally made me shiver when I heard it for the first time. Friga... damn. Just LISTEN for Friga's amazing key-tinkling.

Get the album for these five songs alone, I say...

I think you hit on all my faves from this CD expept one. Can't stand Colors of the Spirit. Replace that one with When You Love a Woman and we're good.

I am surprised that One More is such a love it or hate song here. As stated above the rythm section is on fire in this song, some of Smitty's best work. What a rocker of a tune.

And Still She Cries - beautifully written and performed song. Best ballad out of the (too) many on this CD in my opinion.

Is it worth getting TBF? Yea, there are 5 or so really good songs on there. It is a much more "Mature" sounding Journey.

[bluejeangirl76]

Is it worth getting TBF? Yea, there are 5 or so really good songs on there. It is a much more "Mature" sounding Journey.

I had to get past all the gloom and really give it a better chance before this album grew on me. You've got, I think, something like 2 songs (out of the 14 original tracks) that don't mention night/darkness/lonliness or have some kind of violent imagery. I mean think about it.... "Jimmy cried and then he punished her, no one heard her scream...", "demons waiting in the shadows...", "flying like a wounded dove...." almost all the lyrics to "One More"... I could go on (but I won't). Almost nothing happy happens to anyone on this record...LOL! It's a decent album, but you have to go outside and look at a green tree or a pretty bird once you finish listening to it.

Still though, over time and many more spins, I came to appreciate it MUCH more that I did initially. The reappearance of Smith is always a good thing, and there are some excellent vocal gems on this one too.

[Rip Rokken]

When You Love A Woman and Message Of Love are 2 incredible songs. Failure to realize this, and you just don't get it then. Those 2 songs alone are worth the price of the CD.

+ Still She Cries... love that one.

Those 3 + the title track are my favorite songs on the whole album. "Still She Cries" and "Trial By Fire" are my two favorite ballads on the album, and are both great rainy day songs. The album makes great background music if you have a date over... By those two ballads, you should be well into snuggling mode.

[Journey69]

Even though I really like the album.. Most women are going to go nuts over it.. It is totally geared towards women.. Way too much elevator music.. Not enough rock..

[AR]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkbdP7sq0w8

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

When You Love A Woman and Message Of Love are 2 incredible songs. Failure to realize this, and you just don't get it then. Those 2 songs alone are worth the price of the CD.

+ Still She Cries... love that one.

The brightest spot on the album - it's the only song I've ever wanted Perry to stop singing so I can hear the keyboards at the end. A masterpiece - my favorite Jon Cain keyboard performance. I'd love to hear that as an instrumental.

I have ALWAYS said this about this song!!!

and the same goes for KISS ME SOFTLY too. but this is SA's best vocal recording, imho, so I don't want to ditch the vocals because of that. maybe just an extended version with a huge instrumental break.

TBF is TBF. not better or worse than any others--just itself. a necessary part of the 'journey' with Journey. I don't see the point of ranking and classifying. songs or people. imho

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

Even though I really like the album.. Most women are going to go nuts over it.. It is totally geared towards women.. Way too much elevator music.. Not enough rock..

hmmmmm. if we are going to refrain from racism here maybe we should refrain from chauvinism too.

[Red13JoePa]

If you have Perry's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine" and like it, you'll like this cd, if you have FTLOSM and hate it, you'll probably hate this cd and if you don't have FTLOSM then disreguard this post

Happen to agree with this.
There's a lot of sameness there and TBF is like FTLOSM 2 with perry's "sidemen."

[NealIsGod]

If you have Perry's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine" and like it, you'll like this cd, if you have FTLOSM and hate it, you'll probably hate this cd and if you don't have FTLOSM then disreguard this post

Happen to agree with this.
There's a lot of sameness there and TBF is like FTLOSM 2 with perry's "sidemen."

If you like funeral dirges, you'll love FTLOSM and TBF.

[bluejeangirl76]

If you have Perry's "For The Love Of Strange Medicine" and like it, you'll like this cd, if you have FTLOSM and hate it, you'll probably hate this cd and if you don't have FTLOSM then disreguard this post

Happen to agree with this.
There's a lot of sameness there and TBF is like FTLOSM 2 with perry's "sidemen."

I (somewhat) agree as well. I don't know that there's that much sameness, but I do see where TBF can be called FTLOSM II in that they're both very ballady/sad. I like TBF considerably more than FTLOSM. And I take offense at the above remark about "women are going to go nuts over it". I don't mind the album now, but initially I didn't like it, and it still remains at the bottom of the Journey studio album list. Just because it's full of Perry crooning his heart out doesn't necessarily mean most women are going to go nuts. I need more than just sexy crooning, which is probably why TBF and FTLOSM are at the bottom of the list for me. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'll have an instant wet-on over every note that comes out of the guy's mouth no matter what the rest of it sounds like.

Come on. Give some of us some credit for actual musical appreciation here. (and ignore the fact that I just said I liked TBF when applying said credit... )

[Ehwmatt]

My favorite genres of music are melodic rock and progressive rock (dream theater, porcupine tree, yes etc etc). One of the things I love about the latter aside from the outstanding musicianship is the fact that each album is a complete evolution in sound and each album is almost always filled with layers. There's always a nuanced instrument line or motif that I discover, another layer of vocals, a little drum fill, what have you when I listen to albums by bands like Dream Theater. Not that that doesn't often happen with great melodic rock too, but I guess the point I'm trying to get at is I love the sound of TBF for the same reasons.

It's a different Journey but it still sounds like Journey and the album is so beautifully layered, both instruments and vocals. I just love listening to the album, it breathes so well. Aside from that, I happen to think the songs are pretty damn good for the most part. I think of it as my "winter" Journey album because of its general mood.

[scarygirl]

i've had pretty much every journey album except trial by fire,arrival,red 13,etc. basically anything starting with the reunion or after i don't have.is trial by fire worth pick up? is it as good as raised on radio or maybe frontiers? just curious if i could some feedback on if its worth purchasing.

Don't listen to them. TBF, while an aquired taste, is great. There are only two songs that are weak. Castles Burning and Colors of the Spirit. If you're expecting the vocal heights of Escape and prior, you'll be disappointed, but if you're a fan, SP more than ably handles the material given.

Don't miss it. Took a couple listens for me to totally subcomb, but when I DID, OH BOY!

[NealIsGod]

I will admit Message of Love and I Can See It In Your Eyes are worth buying the CD for. The rest of the CD is forgettable IMO.

[mikemarrs]

for a final studio album do you think trial by fire did the steve perry era of journey the standard and quality that prior albums previously had?

[scarygirl]

I will admit Message of Love and I Can See It In Your Eyes are worth buying the CD for. The rest of the CD is forgettable IMO.

Message of Love, yes sir. I thought, yes, JOURNEY is back. Then it all fell to crap. The tour, I mean.

[ProgRocker53]

When I first listened to Trial by Fire, I was hit hard by the hard rocking pseudo-progressive meaty thickness of "Message of Love" and "One More".... and then I proceeded to fall asleep. I was so excited after the first two songs, but then SO let down.

I listened to TBF last night during my block of "night listening" before/during when I go to bed. It was sandwiched between Marillion's "Misplaced Childhood" and Pink Floyd's "Animals."

....And I made it all the way through without falling asleep this time. Someone earlier remarked how superior the actual musicianship is to most of the albums, in TBF... and boy they're right. I took the time to focus on the music, even in the ballads, and noticed a LOT of interesting fills, licks, tones, rhythms, and layers I had never noticed before. Journey's always been an instrumentally deep band, but even moreso on this album.

Neal's pretty much officially the best guitarist ever. No lie.

[jrnyman28]

for a final studio album do you think trial by fire did the steve perry era of journey the standard and quality that prior albums previously had?

I think it stands up with most reunion stuff...never quite the same as we remember. Great sound, production, mix. Good performances. Not the best track-listing or song selection.

[Ehwmatt]

When I first listened to Trial by Fire, I was hit hard by the hard rocking pseudo-progressive meaty thickness of "Message of Love" and "One More".... and then I proceeded to fall asleep. I was so excited after the first two songs, but then SO let down.

I listened to TBF last night during my block of "night listening" before/during when I go to bed. It was sandwiched between Marillion's "Misplaced Childhood" and Pink Floyd's "Animals."

....And I made it all the way through without falling asleep this time. Someone earlier remarked how superior the actual musicianship is to most of the albums, in TBF... and boy they're right. I took the time to focus on the music, even in the ballads, and noticed a LOT of interesting fills, licks, tones, rhythms, and layers I had never noticed before. Journey's always been an instrumentally deep band, but even moreso on this album.

Neal's pretty much officially the best guitarist ever. No lie.

Amen man. Interesting that you "discovered" TBF sandwiched between two prog artists. Misplaced Childhood would make a nice companion listen to TBF. But yeah, TBF's layers are just so intricate and lovely. I love Neal and Jon's tones on the album, just so crisp and clean. That clean lead tone that Neal uses during lots of the album (TBF, When You Love a Woman pre-solo) etc is one of my favorite tones of all time. Not cheesy chorused at all, just crystal clean and glassy.

[venomnation]

Well I'll be the odd man out (and I'm sure that one of my friends here, though not present, is right with me).

I happen to LIKE trial by fire, and it's my opinion that it's the closest they got to a "rock" album than anything....trying not to load it down with commercial radio friendly ballads, and the like (there were some, but not all of them). I think "Castles Burning" is a wicked, wicked song, and I think "Can't Tame The Lion" is one of the classics that could be included in ANY "Best Of" collection. The guitar is wicked (if only for an effect) and Perry's voice is dead on - passionate....and I think "I Can See It In Your Eyes" (which was included in the album I bought, but not on others) is a great rocker...uptempo...and some great vocals...


Musically....as far as musicianship goes...I think TBF IS Journey....at the very top of their game. mature and rockin. They didn't hit "that'" prior, with perry or otherwise, and they have NOT hit it since. They got close with Arrival, which I also think is a great album, but they didn't get to the level of TBF.

I, PERSONALLY, think that TBF is Journey's best album....but that's just my humble opinion.