journey writing a new album what are the chances of a hit?

[mikemarrs]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

[squirt1]

cero = 0

[stevew2]

hell no

[STORY_TELLER]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

Except Arnel had nothing to do with the writing of this record.

In an interview he gave, he said he had to learn the songs pretty quickly before recording them. Doesn't sound like he had much input in the writing. By and large, it's probably Cain who created the lyrics and melodies with input from Neal and their producer. You'll note that Winds of Freedom had pretty much the same melody arrangement between both Jeff and Jeremy even though they recorded them at different intervals. Guarantee you they were given a guide track of Cain's vocals to follow.

But forgetting all of that, this is 2008. Melodic rock, even ballads, are not the mainstream in America anymore. They have zero chance of a new hit in the US. Outside the US? Who knows? The fact that their new lead singer is Asian could bring up their profile overseas.

[mikemarrs]

stranger things have happened.melodic rock hasn't totally vanished.there are some bands out there like nickelback,three doors down,etc. that keep that sort of thing from totally going out.it would be interesting indeed to see how the fans of journey would react if they did have their first top ten in 12 years.

[ScarabGator]

Some of these bands do find songs on the Adult Contemporary charts. Wasnt Higher Place a modest hit, I dont mean a top 10 but wasnt it at least in the top 100? EDITED:Sorry, I meant All the way was a modest hit.

[xflajrnylvr]

<0% chance

[Saint John]

It will be difficult...very difficult. In the end, it's gonna take some "payola" and a great tune to see airplay. I'd say the chances of them seeing the Top 40 chart are about 1 in 10...though I wish them the best of luck.

[Rhiannon]

If by some chance they do a collaboration with T.I., Ne-yo, Sean Kingston, Kanye, or Fiddy himself... then sure. Otherwise, not much else has a chance on mainstream airwaves anymore.

[NealIsGod]

It's amazing that anyone thinks Journey can have another hit. Even with Perry it ain't happenin'. Even VH could put out their best song ever and it wouldn't be a hit. We would all just download it for free anyway.

[Saint John]

It's amazing that anyone thinks Journey can have another hit. Even with Perry it ain't happenin'. Even VH could put out their best song ever and it wouldn't be a hit. We would all just download it for free anyway.

Which is why lately I have argued so passionately that JSS and the "new direction" was a stupid idea. His voice deviated too much from their signature sound. They hired a guy with similar range and tonality who can reach those upper registers and satisfy the ears of the general concert going crowds...those are the people that matter. And with Wal Mart's deep pockets and Azoof's access to that $$$, an AC hit isn't as impossible as you're making it sound. If the music is good and the band has management's backing (for once), you never know. I'm just glad we'll get a new album and I get to see Neal onstage again this summer.

[wildone]

It's amazing that anyone thinks Journey can have another hit. Even with Perry it ain't happenin'. Even VH could put out their best song ever and it wouldn't be a hit. We would all just download it for free anyway.

Which is why lately I have argued so passionately that JSS and the "new direction" was a stupid idea. His voice deviated too much from their signature sound. They hired a guy with similar range and tonality who can reach those upper registers and satisfy the ears of the general concert going crowds...those are the people that matter. And with Wal Mart's deep pockets and Azoof's access to that $$$, an AC hit isn't as impossible as you're making it sound. If the music is good and the band has management's backing (for once), you never know. I'm just glad we'll get a new album and I get to see Neal onstage again this summer.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz it will never happen!

[youkeepmewaiting]

I hope it will be, it WONT, but id love it to be.

[Lerxst101]

Just don't see it, no matter how good/great the songs may be. But do they care, as long as they sell albums, and much more importantly, sell more tickets? I don't know if the Eagles had a hit come out of their latest CD, but they sure sold a lot of CDs. And I wonder if the band gets a much better deal with Wal-Mart versus a record label. I would think so. Bottom line for artists is live performances in this environment. Nonetheless, I'd welcome a new CD versus just hitting the road with the Dirty Dozen +.

It's why I admire Rush so much. They likely could sit on their past records and continue to tour, but that's not what motivates them. It's continuing to craft news songs and write great albums. Yes, they'll have a hit or two on the rock charts and still have gold, if not platinum, records. But the more important thing is that they want to stay fresh and somewhat relevant. I wish Journey would do the same.

[4everkop]

slim to none, aint happenin. They arent revelant as much anymore to be perfectly honest. People want Kanye West, in fact in one of his concerts his band played that song and he and his background singer performed Dont Stop Believin. He might make that his next single, I wouldnt be surprised.

[BobbyinTN]

I'm a firm believer in NEVER SAY NEVER.

It would be cool, but I think the mentality of the radio stations works against them.

I simply don't understand why people believe that 20 year olds are more important musically than people who have been doing it for 20 and 30 years.

[sniper16]

chances are slim , even if it was as good as escape, but bonjovi got major airplay/vh1 with its my life so never say never. i doubt management would foot he bill for the payola it would take, and not have a major label dosent help. maybe neal could put some twangy guitar, and get reba mcentire to duet, and get some country airplay.hahahahlolololol.

[Saint John]

It's amazing that anyone thinks Journey can have another hit. Even with Perry it ain't happenin'. Even VH could put out their best song ever and it wouldn't be a hit. We would all just download it for free anyway.

Which is why lately I have argued so passionately that JSS and the "new direction" was a stupid idea. His voice deviated too much from their signature sound. They hired a guy with similar range and tonality who can reach those upper registers and satisfy the ears of the general concert going crowds...those are the people that matter. And with Wal Mart's deep pockets and Azoof's access to that $$$, an AC hit isn't as impossible as you're making it sound. If the music is good and the band has management's backing (for once), you never know. I'm just glad we'll get a new album and I get to see Neal onstage again this summer.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz it will never happen!

That is exactly what you said about them writing new music with Arnel (along with everyone else). At best, you'll be 1 for 2 with your predictions.

[strangegrey]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

About the same chance as me getting in my car, finding Jessica Alba waiting in the car with lip balm and a strong desire to unzip my pants...

[brywool]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

Except Arnel had nothing to do with the writing of this record.

In an interview he gave, he said he had to learn the songs pretty quickly before recording them. Doesn't sound like he had much input in the writing. By and large, it's probably Cain who created the lyrics and melodies with input from Neal and their producer. You'll note that Winds of Freedom had pretty much the same melody arrangement between both Jeff and Jeremy even though they recorded them at different intervals. Guarantee you they were given a guide track of Cain's vocals to follow.

But forgetting all of that, this is 2008. Melodic rock, even ballads, are not the mainstream in America anymore. They have zero chance of a new hit in the US. Outside the US? Who knows? The fact that their new lead singer is Asian could bring up their profile overseas.

Where's that interview? I haven't seen this yet.

Journey needs to get their 'single' EVERYWHERE for it to be a hit. Just releasing an album and giving it away at shows will do nothing for them. It didn't do anything for Prince either, just gave him PR.

"Classic Rock" radio (which is so friggin' short-sighted...) will do nothing for them because they're too stupid to realize that playing NEW stuff by classic rock artists is a smart move. Maddening.

Mellencamp's got a song in a truck commercial. John says "Ford [?- was it Ford?] has been the best record company I've ever had". Apparently, they promoted the crap out of it. Journey needs to do similar things and think outside the box.

Regarding the Asian countries, Bon Jovi's bigger in Europe than the states. They're HUGE there. If Journey can make money in Asian countries because the US could care less (or they've burned the fan bridges), more power to them.

If they want their US fans back, they REALLY need to do some cleanup. Having said all that, Bon Jovi (to cite them again) has hits here. Aerosmith has hits here. Why does Journey not align themselves with those management teams?
The current one doesn't seem to get it.

[ProgRocker53]

Yeah, the only way Journey will have a charting hit with radio play, is if they collaborate with somebody (Lil' Wayne, Soulja Boi, or Lil' Jon anyone?) or perform a very stereotypical down-tuned post-grunge semi-ballad.

[lights1961]

no hit... but will we like it?

[brywool]

Yeah, the only way Journey will have a charting hit with radio play, is if they collaborate with somebody (Lil' Wayne, Soulja Boi, or Lil' Jon anyone?) or perform a very stereotypical down-tuned post-grunge semi-ballad.

When Bon Jovi's new album came out (the country one)- They were EVERYWHERE promoting it. Their special (which was really dull- as bon jovi is these days) was all over Mtv and Vh1, they were on Oprah I think and other places too. I think also Sambora was in the news a lot due to his booze problems, so people were hearing about them everywhere. They hit number one with that (less than stellar) album.

promote. promote. promote.

Having the shitty web site they do sure ain't doing jack for them...

[Rhiannon]

Yeah, the only way Journey will have a charting hit with radio play, is if they collaborate with somebody (Lil' Wayne, Soulja Boi, or Lil' Jon anyone?) or perform a very stereotypical down-tuned post-grunge semi-ballad.

I'd like to see them do something with Soulja Boi... maybe he can teach Neal about the Superman.

[mistiejourney]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

Except Arnel had nothing to do with the writing of this record.

In an interview he gave, he said he had to learn the songs pretty quickly before recording them. Doesn't sound like he had much input in the writing. By and large, it's probably Cain who created the lyrics and melodies with input from Neal and their producer. You'll note that Winds of Freedom had pretty much the same melody arrangement between both Jeff and Jeremy even though they recorded them at different intervals. Guarantee you they were given a guide track of Cain's vocals to follow.

But forgetting all of that, this is 2008. Melodic rock, even ballads, are not the mainstream in America anymore. They have zero chance of a new hit in the US. Outside the US? Who knows? The fact that their new lead singer is Asian could bring up their profile overseas.

Where's that interview? I haven't seen this yet.

Journey needs to get their 'single' EVERYWHERE for it to be a hit. Just releasing an album and giving it away at shows will do nothing for them. It didn't do anything for Prince either, just gave him PR.

"Classic Rock" radio (which is so friggin' short-sighted...) will do nothing for them because they're too stupid to realize that playing NEW stuff by classic rock artists is a smart move. Maddening.

Mellencamp's got a song in a truck commercial. John says "Ford [?- was it Ford?] has been the best record company I've ever had". Apparently, they promoted the crap out of it. Journey needs to do similar things and think outside the box.

Regarding the Asian countries, Bon Jovi's bigger in Europe than the states. They're HUGE there. If Journey can make money in Asian countries because the US could care less (or they've burned the fan bridges), more power to them.

If they want their US fans back, they REALLY need to do some cleanup. Having said all that, Bon Jovi (to cite them again) has hits here. Aerosmith has hits here. Why does Journey not align themselves with those management teams?
The current one doesn't seem to get it.

Mellencamp is right - I downloaded that song from iTunes. He took a lot of flack for doing the commercial but he said something like "it's the only way to get my music out there". It's odd - country music doesn't have this problem. They play new tunes and new artists all the time AND there is room for the classic artists, too (who KEEP making new records, btw). I wonder why rock, melodic or otherwise, can't do the same?

We don't even get new videos anymore. I can't remember the last time I turned on MTV or VH1 and actually had a video showing.

Video may have killed the radio star, but what killed the video star?

Oh, if you love rap or R&B there is plenty out there for ya. How about a good old fashioned Top 40 radio station with new music, and not just the American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest (where did Casey Kasem go?)

Ugh...I'm showing my age.

[strangegrey]

Yeah, the only way Journey will have a charting hit with radio play, is if they collaborate with somebody (Lil' Wayne, Soulja Boi, or Lil' Jon anyone?) or perform a very stereotypical down-tuned post-grunge semi-ballad.

When Bon Jovi's new album came out (the country one)- They were EVERYWHERE promoting it. Their special (which was really dull- as bon jovi is these days) was all over Mtv and Vh1, they were on Oprah I think and other places too. I think also Sambora was in the news a lot due to his booze problems, so people were hearing about them everywhere. They hit number one with that (less than stellar) album.

promote. promote. promote.

Having the shitty web site they do sure ain't doing jack for them...

Neither is the effort to fly under the radar.

This was discussed a few weeks ago. Journey has zero interest in promoting this, because that means they will have to reveal and push forward a new singer. They want the general fan to not even realize they've gone through more singers than underwear.

To that end, they have zero interest in making a spectacle out of having a new singer. They'd rather you just show up to the concert and walk away going "wow, I never knew Steve Perry was asian" or "I never knew Steve Perry was so short" etc, etc, etc


Deano said this perfectly in a past post. For them to manufacture some success out of this, they need to push forward Arnel, make a *big* deal out of him, and promote the living shit out of the band AND their new singer. It doesn't fit in with their efforts to fool people into thinking Arnel is really Perry.

[brywool]

if journey is indeed going to be putting out brand new material in '08 with arnel there is always a chance cain and arnel could write a top ten smash ballad.i wouldn't count these guys out just yet.who knows maybe by putting out new material they are trying to prove to everyone that they aren't just trying to live on the past and are still trying to be relevant......

Except Arnel had nothing to do with the writing of this record.

In an interview he gave, he said he had to learn the songs pretty quickly before recording them. Doesn't sound like he had much input in the writing. By and large, it's probably Cain who created the lyrics and melodies with input from Neal and their producer. You'll note that Winds of Freedom had pretty much the same melody arrangement between both Jeff and Jeremy even though they recorded them at different intervals. Guarantee you they were given a guide track of Cain's vocals to follow.

But forgetting all of that, this is 2008. Melodic rock, even ballads, are not the mainstream in America anymore. They have zero chance of a new hit in the US. Outside the US? Who knows? The fact that their new lead singer is Asian could bring up their profile overseas.

Where's that interview? I haven't seen this yet.

Journey needs to get their 'single' EVERYWHERE for it to be a hit. Just releasing an album and giving it away at shows will do nothing for them. It didn't do anything for Prince either, just gave him PR.

"Classic Rock" radio (which is so friggin' short-sighted...) will do nothing for them because they're too stupid to realize that playing NEW stuff by classic rock artists is a smart move. Maddening.

Mellencamp's got a song in a truck commercial. John says "Ford [?- was it Ford?] has been the best record company I've ever had". Apparently, they promoted the crap out of it. Journey needs to do similar things and think outside the box.

Regarding the Asian countries, Bon Jovi's bigger in Europe than the states. They're HUGE there. If Journey can make money in Asian countries because the US could care less (or they've burned the fan bridges), more power to them.

If they want their US fans back, they REALLY need to do some cleanup. Having said all that, Bon Jovi (to cite them again) has hits here. Aerosmith has hits here. Why does Journey not align themselves with those management teams?
The current one doesn't seem to get it.

Mellencamp is right - I downloaded that song from iTunes. He took a lot of flack for doing the commercial but he said something like "it's the only way to get my music out there". It's odd - country music doesn't have this problem. They play new tunes and new artists all the time AND there is room for the classic artists, too (who KEEP making new records, btw). I wonder why rock, melodic or otherwise, can't do the same?

We don't even get new videos anymore. I can't remember the last time I turned on MTV or VH1 and actually had a video showing.

Video may have killed the radio star, but what killed the video star?

Oh, if you love rap or R&B there is plenty out there for ya. How about a good old fashioned Top 40 radio station with new music, and not just the American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest (where did Casey Kasem go?)

Ugh...I'm showing my age.

You make a great point about country. Today's country is yesterday's rock. If Skynyrd or the Eagles emerged TODAY, they'd be on country stations, not rock stations. One thing about country and country videos, they're pretty safe and pretty wholesome. There's not a lot offensive about them.

Then look at the current mtv / vh1 playlist- gang bangers, skeleton rockers, made up emo kids, divas with their T and A 'out there'... seriously- check out CMT, it's like Mtv was in it's heyday. They play MOSTLY videos. They're mostly safe and they also have artist retrospectives and not some BULLSH*T about the lead singer of Poison trying to get a woman or America's Top Model or some other superficial Garbage. Mtv and Vh1 have done more to kill the music business than digital downloading. They've made rock and r and b distasteful to a large segment of the population.

Country is thriving and I think it's because people really miss that old rock and roll stuff. Again, a lot of today's country is basically bar rock from the 80s. There's nobody there trying to prove how cool they are, how much 'bling' they have, or any of that other stuff. Most of them are in jeans and tshirts and they look like they're having FUN. On Mtv, it's all about how you look and how skanky you can be. I hate mtv and what it's done to music.

[brywool]

Deano said this perfectly in a past post. For them to manufacture some success out of this, they need to push forward Arnel, make a *big* deal out of him, and promote the living shit out of the band AND their new singer. It doesn't fit in with their efforts to fool people into thinking Arnel is really Perry.

EXACTLY. They won't do it.

[Lady Luck]

You make a great point about country. Today's country is yesterday's rock. If Skynyrd or the Eagles emerged TODAY, they'd be on country stations, not rock stations. One thing about country and country videos, they're pretty safe and pretty wholesome. There's not a lot offensive about them.

I was channel flipping the other day and came across CMT. They were showing a Robert Plant and Alison Krauss video...I was like WTF?

[brywool]

You make a great point about country. Today's country is yesterday's rock. If Skynyrd or the Eagles emerged TODAY, they'd be on country stations, not rock stations. One thing about country and country videos, they're pretty safe and pretty wholesome. There's not a lot offensive about them.

I was channel flipping the other day and came across CMT. They were showing a Robert Plant and Alison Krauss video...I was like WTF?

See, even Robert knows- I ain't gonna get played ANYWHERE unless it's country.
McCartney, same deal. I saw his most recent video on VH1 and he's trying to fit in, but it's not working for him.
He's trying the whole Starbuck's as a record label because EMI/Capitol can't seem to think of anything "new" for him.

At this point, ANY rock band should just throw it all at the wall. Whatever sticks, go with it.

If Styx couldn't get a hit with Cyclorama, then there's no place for 'classic rock' artists on today's charts unless they do some kind of genre switch ala Bon Jovi jumping to country.