slowly converting...

[lights1961]

My 4 cents, (inflation)...

After hearing Wildest Dreams over at youtube.. I can imagine how that sounded while being there live!!
WOW. Love the rock edge to it!! Kinda got goosebumps with it... and with generations that did not happen.
so if most of the CD is like that--- i think Arnel just got a another convert. I will purchsae the CD for sure.
still not 100% sure yet on the classic songs---as the faithfully youtube sounded just okay. With the setlist though
that was provided earlier, it will be interesting to hear ARnel with FITHL.

Rick

[Voyager]

I'm sure I will like the new Journey CD with Arnel... and the Live DVD... I just cannot see myself listening to the CD of remastered classics and enjoying it (or even being able to listen to it). I am so content with the Steve Perry classics... I just don't see a need to touch them.

[mistiejourney]

I'm trying. It's not working. My last hope is to hear the songs on CD - You Tube live clips are so hard to base opinions on.

I think Arnel is a great guy, he seems to work the stage much more than expected, his voice is strong almost to the point of shouting on occasion and it sure sounds like Journey.

I'm not sure what disappoints me more. The fact that they hired another singer or the fact that I can't get excited - I'm really trying with an open mind. I just don't feel the thrill I used to get anticipating Journey.

I can appreciate everyone's excitement - it's fun to read about everyone meeting and having fun, but I just don't feel it.

It's like losing a best friend after 22 years. I was pissed off at Journey for awhile. Now I am apathetic.

It sucks.

[Saint John]

I'm sure I will like the new Journey CD with Arnel... and the Live DVD... I just cannot see myself listening to the CD of remastered classics and enjoying it (or even being able to listen to it). I am so content with the Steve Perry classics... I just don't see a need to touch them.

Sounds like the GH re-record idea was scrapped for now as far as releasing it goes. Perhaps it will be an Asia only release.

[TRAGChick]

There ARE going to be studio-quality "sound-bytes" at some point ~ during the "promotion" for the CD....right...?

If so, I'll listen then.

[Saint John]

I'm trying. It's not working. My last hope is to hear the songs on CD - You Tube live clips are so hard to base opinions on.

I think Arnel is a great guy, he seems to work the stage much more than expected, his voice is strong almost to the point of shouting on occasion and it sure sounds like Journey.

I'm not sure what disappoints me more. The fact that they hired another singer or the fact that I can't get excited - I'm really trying with an open mind. I just don't feel the thrill I used to get anticipating Journey.

I can appreciate everyone's excitement - it's fun to read about everyone meeting and having fun, but I just don't feel it.

It's like losing a best friend after 22 years. I was pissed off at Journey for awhile. Now I am apathetic.

It sucks.

This is a pretty solid clip and gives you an idea of what we heard. The show was great.
The "screaming" you referred to is something I think youtube does to his voice. I can honestly say that I didn't hear any of that Thursday or Saturday night. I asked others as well and they expressed that they too were apprhensive over some of the shrill moments that we all heard on youtube. Simply wasn't like that live, and I asked a LOT of people. Hell, my friends are the most casual Journey fans there are and had free tickets. They would've LOVED to have blasted Journey if Arnel didn't perform well. The only comment I heard over and over was "When are we doing another show?" and "When does the new album come out? I'd like to check it out." Give yourself the courtesy of going to one show. If you still don't dig them at least you gave them and yourself a fair shake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfB-qKDN ... re=related

[mistiejourney]

I'm trying. It's not working. My last hope is to hear the songs on CD - You Tube live clips are so hard to base opinions on.

I think Arnel is a great guy, he seems to work the stage much more than expected, his voice is strong almost to the point of shouting on occasion and it sure sounds like Journey.

I'm not sure what disappoints me more. The fact that they hired another singer or the fact that I can't get excited - I'm really trying with an open mind. I just don't feel the thrill I used to get anticipating Journey.

I can appreciate everyone's excitement - it's fun to read about everyone meeting and having fun, but I just don't feel it.

It's like losing a best friend after 22 years. I was pissed off at Journey for awhile. Now I am apathetic.

It sucks.

This is a pretty solid clip and gives you an idea of what we heard. The show was great.
The "screaming" you referred to is something I think youtube does to his voice. I can honestly say that I didn't hear any of that Thursday or Saturday night. I asked others as well and they expressed that they too were apprhensive over some of the shrill moments that we all heard on youtube. Simply wasn't like that live, and I asked a LOT of people. Hell, my friends are the most casual Journey fans there are and had free tickets. They would've LOVED to have blasted Journey if Arnel didn't perform well. The only comment I heard over and over was "When are we doing another show?" and "When does the new album come out? I'd like to check it out." Give yourself the courtesy of going to one show. If you still don't dig them at least you gave them and yourself a fair shake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfB-qKDN ... re=related

SJ, that is the best I've ever heard Arnel sound! He does NOT sound like Perry - he just has a powerful tenor voice and I haven't heard notes held like that since, well, the mid 1990s. His voice has a deeper resonance yet keeps the power, and hits the high notes.

Maybe I'm afraid like looking like an ass if I change my mind. Nah, I always look like an ass so that can't be it. I'll listen to the new songs when they come out and see what the deal is.

You know, it's funny - I once said that Journey didn't NEED a lead singer, just come out and play the music and the AUDIENCE will sing them all!

[Voyager]

I'm sure I will like the new Journey CD with Arnel... and the Live DVD... I just cannot see myself listening to the CD of remastered classics and enjoying it (or even being able to listen to it). I am so content with the Steve Perry classics... I just don't see a need to touch them.

Sounds like the GH re-record idea was scrapped for now as far as releasing it goes. Perhaps it will be an Asia only release.

Good. I'm glad to hear that. I think that move will help longtime fans warm-up to Arnel much easier.

The way I see it we only have two options, it's either Journey with Arnel, or no Journey at all. I'll take the former. I'm glad to see the guys keep playing the music that they/we love to hear. Arnel does a good job recreating the "legacy sound" of Steve Perry.

[Moose]

Arnel sucks.

[mistiejourney]

Arnel sucks.

Moose, you really need to be more succinct in your posting.

[Moose]

Arnel sucks.

Moose, you really need to be more succinct in your posting.

I know...I am sorry. That was a kind of ambiguous post, wasn 't it?

[JrnyScarab]

I have to admit that I was just about done with these guys after the whole Tapegate/JSS crap, but leave it to them to find an absolutely AMAZING singer to carry on with. I wasn't too impressed with the first Chile show but the clips I've seen from Vegas are miles better than that show. Nerves I guess. Needless to say, I think the boys have hit a home run with this choice and anyone that can't see that he has Perry's power and most of his range from years ago is deaf. By the way Moose, do you mean his singing sucks or you just don't like HIM?

[Rick]

I have to admit that I was just about done with these guys after the whole Tapegate/JSS crap, but leave it to them to find an absolutely AMAZING singer to carry on with. I wasn't too impressed with the first Chile show but the clips I've seen from Vegas are miles better than that show. Nerves I guess. Needless to say, I think the boys have hit a home run with this choice and anyone that can't see that he has Perry's power and most of his range from years ago is deaf.

I agree. I think most of the people that keep holding on to the "I'm done with Journey" bullshit sentiment are people that are just too proud or hard headed to retract their statements and face the fact that Journey with Arnel is a great band.

[JrnyScarab]

I have to admit that I was just about done with these guys after the whole Tapegate/JSS crap, but leave it to them to find an absolutely AMAZING singer to carry on with. I wasn't too impressed with the first Chile show but the clips I've seen from Vegas are miles better than that show. Nerves I guess. Needless to say, I think the boys have hit a home run with this choice and anyone that can't see that he has Perry's power and most of his range from years ago is deaf.

I agree. I think most of the people that keep holding on to the "I'm done with Journey" bullshit sentiment are people that are just too proud or hard headed to retract their statements and face the fact that Journey with Arnel is a great band.

Yeah, I know it's hard to come back with your tail between your legs, but I admit that I have to! Man, that's TWICE this year (Patriots loss to the Giants as well). Now I can be excited about seeing them again instead of explaining to my wife why I didn't want to go this year.

[FishinMagician]

Arnel sucks.

your avatar makes up for that lol

[Journey69]

I'm trying. It's not working. My last hope is to hear the songs on CD - You Tube live clips are so hard to base opinions on.

I think Arnel is a great guy, he seems to work the stage much more than expected, his voice is strong almost to the point of shouting on occasion and it sure sounds like Journey.

I'm not sure what disappoints me more. The fact that they hired another singer or the fact that I can't get excited - I'm really trying with an open mind. I just don't feel the thrill I used to get anticipating Journey.

I can appreciate everyone's excitement - it's fun to read about everyone meeting and having fun, but I just don't feel it.

It's like losing a best friend after 22 years. I was pissed off at Journey for awhile. Now I am apathetic.

It sucks.

Get over it and move forward.. Also,get over JSS.. Its over and done with.. And with the bold above..what are you trying that's not working,picking a lock.. Take the blinders off would ya!

[Journey69]

I have to admit that I was just about done with these guys after the whole Tapegate/JSS crap, but leave it to them to find an absolutely AMAZING singer to carry on with. I wasn't too impressed with the first Chile show but the clips I've seen from Vegas are miles better than that show. Nerves I guess. Needless to say, I think the boys have hit a home run with this choice and anyone that can't see that he has Perry's power and most of his range from years ago is deaf.

I agree. I think most of the people that keep holding on to the "I'm done with Journey" bullshit sentiment are people that are just too proud or hard headed to retract their statements and face the fact that Journey with Arnel is a great band.

+ 1.. spot on Rick!

[The Sushi Hunter]

Arnel sucks.

your avatar makes up for that lol

Yeah isn't that the truth. She's so fine even my tongue's getting hard.

[mistiejourney]

I'm trying. It's not working. My last hope is to hear the songs on CD - You Tube live clips are so hard to base opinions on.

I think Arnel is a great guy, he seems to work the stage much more than expected, his voice is strong almost to the point of shouting on occasion and it sure sounds like Journey.

I'm not sure what disappoints me more. The fact that they hired another singer or the fact that I can't get excited - I'm really trying with an open mind. I just don't feel the thrill I used to get anticipating Journey.

I can appreciate everyone's excitement - it's fun to read about everyone meeting and having fun, but I just don't feel it.

It's like losing a best friend after 22 years. I was pissed off at Journey for awhile. Now I am apathetic.

It sucks.

Get over it and move forward.. Also,get over JSS.. Its over and done with.. And with the bold above..what are you trying that's not working,picking a lock.. Take the blinders off would ya!

It's not blinders that's the problem - I can see just fine. The ears are giving in because Arnel can sing. I don't need to get over JSS because I still have JSS, complete with new album! I think I just need to relax and see what happens, instead of trying to force the enthusiasm. If it comes, then good for me. If it doesn't, the Journey continues and I have great memories!

[Aaron]

Dude,

I'm with you. I've listened to Walk Away several times over the last couple of days on Youboob. The sound quality of the clip completely sucks and yet I get goose bumps every time I listen to it. I haven't been too impressed with Arnel's cover of the old material but you can't argue with goose bumps every time. That one is fuckin good, they got one right. Let's how the rest of the record delivers. As I said before, I'm in for the new record and one concert. If the dude can pull them all off like Walk Away, I'm converted too.

We'll see how it goes ...

Aaron

[annie89509]

Look, I have nothing against Arnel's singing, never have. And I was never that upset with Neal/Jon (on any of their lead singer decisions). I have given these new songs a thorough listen. They didn't move me, certainly no tears forthcoming (like some posters have stated)--not even close. I guess my problem is being stuck in the Perry years, as I still listen to these records on a daily basis. But that doesn't mean I won't give the new cd/dvd a full listen to before forming a final opinion.

I do sense a predictable trend happening here, as have occurred during the Augeri years, and during JSS's short tenure, is a movement to sway and convert--using hyperbole statements like "this new line-up KICKS ASS" "better than ever" "this song will give them a Grammy" (remember the J should have statements about Remember Me?).

As well as the mob mentality of ganging up on posters for not jumping on the Arnel bandwagon and telling them to go away is plain wrong. Andrew provides this forum for Journey fans of all eras to post and offer their points of view. Everybody is entitled to their opinions without being shouted down and ridiculed.

[stevew2]

Look, I have nothing against Arnel's singing, never have. And I was never that upset with Neal/Jon (on any of their lead singer decisions). I have given these new songs a thorough listen. They didn't move me, certainly no tears forthcoming (like some posters have stated)--not even close. I guess my problem is being stuck in the Perry years, as I still listen to these records on a daily basis. But that doesn't mean I won't give the new cd/dvd a full listen to before forming a final opinion.

I do sense a predictable trend happening here, as have occurred during the Augeri years, and during JSS's short tenure, is a movement to sway and convert--using hyperbole statements like "this new line-up KICKS ASS" "better than ever" "this song will give them a Grammy" (remember the J should have statements about Remember Me?).

As well as the mob mentality of ganging up on posters for not jumping on the Arnel bandwagon and telling them to go away is plain wrong. Andrew provides this forum for Journey fans of all eras to post and offer their points of view. Everybody is entitled to their opinions without being shouted down and ridiculed.

Nice post, thanks for posting

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

In terms of conversion I think Im halfway up the proverbial road to Damascus, but have stoped in a proverbial roadside rest area for a piss ,a Pepsi and a pensive thought or two before I finish the journey.

I think what I ve heard from Arnel is good, and Ill get the new album and see what they sound like in concert myself. Whether I'll be wildly enthusiastic or not depends on how Arnel does on the "rockers" and if the new album has good rockers. Its nice to see him sound so good on Faithfully, but what I really want to hear is for him to completely nail "Edge of the blade", "Keep on running" or "Rubicon" live.- Then Im in fully. Only Settling for Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) isnt going to fully pass muster for me.

As far as the JSS thing- as a die hard JSS fan I dont think it does JSS any good if his fans are still bitter and vocal about it. I'll stick to supporting JSS new work and will drag as many of my friends along to his concerts. I think that will do far more for him in the long run anyway . Any potential future enthusiasm I have for Journey and my great enthusiasm for JSS will be two separate issues, compeltely unrelated, kind of in the same manner that my enthusiasm for Alice Cooper has no relation to my enthusiasm for Journey or any other band.

[Melissa]

In terms of conversion I think Im halfway up the proverbial road to Damascus, but have stoped in a proverbial roadside rest area for a piss ,a Pepsi and a pensive thought or two before I finish the journey.

I think what I ve heard from Arnel is good, and Ill get the new album and see what they sound like in concert myself. Whether I'll be wildly enthusiastic or not depends on how Arnel does on the "rockers" and if the new album has good rockers. Its nice to see him sound so good on Faithfully, but what I really want to hear is for him to completely nail "Edge of the blade", "Keep on running" or "Rubicon" live.- Then Im in fully. Only Settling for Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) isnt going to fully pass muster for me.

As far as the JSS thing- as a die hard JSS fan I dont think it does JSS any good if his fans are still bitter and vocal about it. I'll stick to supporting JSS new work and will drag as many of my friends along to his concerts. I think that will do far more for him in the long run anyway . Any potential future enthusiasm I have for Journey and my great enthusiasm for JSS will be two separate issues, compeltely unrelated, kind of in the same manner that my enthusiasm for Alice Cooper has no relation to my enthusiasm for Journey or any other band.

Great post. As much of a die hard JSS fan (way before his time with Journey) I am also, my enthusiasm for his new album & Journey's new album with Arnel are unrelated too. Arnel's talent, esp. after seeing him live, has greatly impressed me.

[mistiejourney]

Look, I have nothing against Arnel's singing, never have. And I was never that upset with Neal/Jon (on any of their lead singer decisions). I have given these new songs a thorough listen. They didn't move me, certainly no tears forthcoming (like some posters have stated)--not even close. I guess my problem is being stuck in the Perry years, as I still listen to these records on a daily basis. But that doesn't mean I won't give the new cd/dvd a full listen to before forming a final opinion.

I do sense a predictable trend happening here, as have occurred during the Augeri years, and during JSS's short tenure, is a movement to sway and convert--using hyperbole statements like "this new line-up KICKS ASS" "better than ever" "this song will give them a Grammy" (remember the J should have statements about Remember Me?).

As well as the mob mentality of ganging up on posters for not jumping on the Arnel bandwagon and telling them to go away is plain wrong. Andrew provides this forum for Journey fans of all eras to post and offer their points of view. Everybody is entitled to their opinions without being shouted down and ridiculed.

Nice post, thanks for posting

(1) Steve, that is a hilarious avatar.

(2) Annie, I agree with you 100%. Although I have to say I've never been put down for my opinions, which are not all that favorable with Arnel (and the guy CAN sing), just met with opposing opinions! And that's okay, too. I've never felt like I had to defend myself. Some folks on the board are feeling the old Journey excitement and I'm having fun reading about it.

I just don't feel it anymore, and it has nothing to do with SP, SA or JSS. It would be nice if it did come back, but you can't force what you don't feel. Journey has moved on. I'm just not packing for the trip.

[stevew2]

Look, I have nothing against Arnel's singing, never have. And I was never that upset with Neal/Jon (on any of their lead singer decisions). I have given these new songs a thorough listen. They didn't move me, certainly no tears forthcoming (like some posters have stated)--not even close. I guess my problem is being stuck in the Perry years, as I still listen to these records on a daily basis. But that doesn't mean I won't give the new cd/dvd a full listen to before forming a final opinion.

I do sense a predictable trend happening here, as have occurred during the Augeri years, and during JSS's short tenure, is a movement to sway and convert--using hyperbole statements like "this new line-up KICKS ASS" "better than ever" "this song will give them a Grammy" (remember the J should have statements about Remember Me?).

As well as the mob mentality of ganging up on posters for not jumping on the Arnel bandwagon and telling them to go away is plain wrong. Andrew provides this forum for Journey fans of all eras to post and offer their points of view. Everybody is entitled to their opinions without being shouted down and ridiculed.

Nice post, thanks for posting

(1) Steve, that is a hilarious avatar.

(2) Annie, I agree with you 100%. Although I have to say I've never been put down for my opinions, which are not all that favorable with Arnel (and the guy CAN sing), just met with opposing opinions! And that's okay, too. I've never felt like I had to defend myself. Some folks on the board are feeling the old Journey excitement and I'm having fun reading about it.

I just don't feel it anymore, and it has nothing to do with SP, SA or JSS. It would be nice if it did come back, but you can't force what you don't feel. Journey has moved on. I'm just not packing for the trip.

Thanks My daughter help it alot, I feel the same as you

[Enigma869]

I honestly don't know how anyone can listen to this guy's voice and not come away impressed! I'm not suggesting the guy is perfect, and he certainly isn't Perry. That said, this guy can fucking sing! The power of his voice is actually quite suprising for a guy who is built like I was when I was 8

The bottom line for me is that Arnel has soooooo much more power in his voice than Augeri ever had. You could actually hear Augeri struggling to sing these songs (I actually felt badly for the guy). Although I thought Jeff had the raw power, I thought Jeff struggled with some of the higher notes in the Journey catalog. Time will certainly tell whether or not Arnel's voice can hold up to the rigors of Journey's relentless touring schedule, but I honestly don't think Neal could have found a more competent lead singer for this band, at this point in time. That doesn't mean I think Journey is all of a sudden going to become relevant on the music scene, because that's not happening. It simply means they have a guy who can do justice to their classics!


John from Boston

[brywool]

At this point, with these few shows under his belt, it's tough to say, but from all indications, Arnel is the best singer they could've found. He's got power, he's got soul, he's got range. Let's hope he has the stamina to handle Journey's touring schedule. A few rough spots in Chile, but everything I've heard since has been amazingly good. I like how he's changing the phrasing a bit on some of the tunes. I'm blown away by him. Honestly, the guy can sing anything. Not since Perry have I been this jazzed about a singer. Sorry, but he's that good. Not saying he's 'as good as Perry'. It's too soon. I'm saying that since Perry, I've not been as excited about a vocalist.

I don't see how anybody can not hear that this guy is an amazingly good rock vocalist. People bitching about rasp and tension- it's rock folks. You get that. Perry had it too. The people that are dogging him (or most of them) seem to have other agendas if you ask me...

[annie89509]

I, too, agree Arnel is the best choice for Journey of all the guys that has ever been mentioned or in the job (other than SP, of course). He seems to have a naturally gifted voice, without straining or sounding shrill, to sing Journey songs. Time will tell how long he lasts singing these songs on tour.

His diction problems that some people brought up is hardly noticeable anymore, at least not to me. Singers always have their own interpretation, enunciation to the lyrics, when singing a song. Both SP and SA had their own little quirks. Just makes them unique, that you know who's singing the song when you hear it.

Just as I have done with Arrival, Red13, and Generations, I will wait for the full cd (and it better not be a re-hash of the classics) to form my final opinion about Arnel.

[mistiejourney]

I, too, agree Arnel is the best choice for Journey of all the guys that has ever been mentioned or in the job (other than SP, of course). He seems to have a naturally gifted voice, without straining or sounding shrill, to sing Journey songs. Time will tell how long he lasts singing these songs on tour.

His diction problems that some people brought up is hardly noticeable anymore, at least not to me. Singers always have their own interpretation, enunciation to the lyrics, when singing a song. Both SP and SA had their own little quirks. Just makes them unique, that you know who's singing the song when you hear it.

Just as I have done with Arrival, Red13, and Generations, I will wait for the full cd (and it better not be a re-hash of the classics) to form my final opinion about Arnel.

He definitely has a great voice. I'm with you, though, I'll wait until the new CD (and I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that re-recording the classics is a HUGE mistake), but I don't want the DVD or the classics, so I guess I'll listen on iTunes.