Never Walk Away...Here's Studio Version from WPYX NY

[SF-Dano]

Personally I really like the song. However, numerous people have said that they wish the band would have gone in a new direction with JSS and how this song is just a retread of old Journey material. Now in this same thread people are saying this sounds just like a song that JSS did. Not trying to start anything here, but does that make sense to anyone? because it doesn't to me. If thats the sound you want, it looks to me like thats the sound you got.

I guess if someone wants a different direction they can find a different band. By definition, fans like a particular band because they like the style, presentation, sound, etc. etc. Jimmy Buffett fans love his island music style, and none of his fans want to hear a new direction. That ain't rockit science. Unless you have a particular ax to grind, if you like the classic Journey sound then I don't see how anyone can bitch about this tune. There are a lot of fantastic JSS CDs out there so what's the problem?

I will always love every Journey song out there, and yes I will always like the style of this music, HOWEVER.. I know the band is much more talented than rehashing old songs. It'd be refreshing and delightful to me to see even just a slight venture off the beaten path, while still retaining the Journey vibe.

As Story_Teller said, Remember Me was an all-original song that was totally Journey. Same deal with Higher Place, Faith in the Heartland, Out of Harms Way, Livin' To Do, Kiss Me Softly, Live and Breathe, Beyond the Clouds, All the Things.... BUT... all of those songs have something "different" about them, that I love.. the guys have proven they have the capability of making a Journeyish song without being within a blatant Journey formula, I'd love to see them do it again and more often...

Aside from Higher Place and maybe parts of Faith in the Heartland, I don't really think any of the songs mentioned have the "classic Journey sound". "Journeyish" maybe,bu if I heard those tunes and didn't know they were Journey, I don't think I would think that it was Journey on my first few listens. That said I do like all the songs you mention, and they work for me. But for the casual fan, Journey had to go with an easily recognizable, classic, signature sound on at least this first release. And other than BGTY, does it really sound that much like Perry era Journey? Sounds more like Never Too Late to me. As others have mentioned, when I heard it, I was slightly surprised how much Arnel did not remind me of Perry.

[SF-Dano]

Ok, lets get this straight.

Never Walk Away sounds like Be Good to Yourself..Believe in Me sounds like Never Walk away, which means Believe in me also sounds like a Be Good to Yourself, but if you really want to get techinical, Never Walk away sounds like Never Too late AND Be Good to Yourself, which means Believe in Me is a rip off of Be Good to Yourself, but at the same time it is a mixure of Never too Late and Never Walk Away...making it Never Walk Away?


This is a headache people. I'm just going to listen to the song because I like it, and it's catchy and has an upbeat tempo feel. It's working out pretty good for me, maybe you should try it!

Great post. Alot of over analysis going on here. It should all boil down to - Does someone like this song or not. Thats it.

[ProgRocker53]

Personally I really like the song. However, numerous people have said that they wish the band would have gone in a new direction with JSS and how this song is just a retread of old Journey material. Now in this same thread people are saying this sounds just like a song that JSS did. Not trying to start anything here, but does that make sense to anyone? because it doesn't to me. If thats the sound you want, it looks to me like thats the sound you got.

I guess if someone wants a different direction they can find a different band. By definition, fans like a particular band because they like the style, presentation, sound, etc. etc. Jimmy Buffett fans love his island music style, and none of his fans want to hear a new direction. That ain't rockit science. Unless you have a particular ax to grind, if you like the classic Journey sound then I don't see how anyone can bitch about this tune. There are a lot of fantastic JSS CDs out there so what's the problem?

I will always love every Journey song out there, and yes I will always like the style of this music, HOWEVER.. I know the band is much more talented than rehashing old songs. It'd be refreshing and delightful to me to see even just a slight venture off the beaten path, while still retaining the Journey vibe.

As Story_Teller said, Remember Me was an all-original song that was totally Journey. Same deal with Higher Place, Faith in the Heartland, Out of Harms Way, Livin' To Do, Kiss Me Softly, Live and Breathe, Beyond the Clouds, All the Things.... BUT... all of those songs have something "different" about them, that I love.. the guys have proven they have the capability of making a Journeyish song without being within a blatant Journey formula, I'd love to see them do it again and more often...

Aside from Higher Place and maybe parts of Faith in the Heartland, I don't really think any of the songs mentioned have the "classic Journey sound". "Journeyish" maybe,bu if I heard those tunes and didn't know they were Journey, I don't think I would think that it was Journey on my first few listens. That said I do like all the songs you mention, and they work for me. But for the casual fan, Journey had to go with an easily recognizable, classic, signature sound on at least this first release. And other than BGTY, does it really sound that much like Perry era Journey? Sounds more like Never Too Late to me. As others have mentioned, when I heard it, I was slightly surprised how much Arnel did not remind me of Perry.

It DOES make sense that they'd lead off with a very recognizable single instead of something more challenging.

This song's a good uptempo rocker, hopefully they put out a heavier one for the next single and then the megaballad last.

I do have alot of expectations for the songs "The Journey (Revelation)" and "What It Takes To Win." For some reason I'm expecting the first one to have clean Schon "Beyond the Thunder"ish stylings mixed with Hammond organ from Cain and whimsical basslines from Valory with VERY tasteful percussion from the Deenster. I'm guessing the second one will be a true hard-rocking anthem with Neal all over it and possibly some Cain rhythm guitar work.

[Lora]

I'm not splitting hairs with you anymore, bro. You obviously feel ripped off and I can't help you. I don't see it as a rehash of anything, I see it as a band putting out music in what has become their signature style. If it's good, it's good and, rehash or not, that is a strong, catchy song.

Well, you obviously have different standards for music that you enjoy. Nothing wrong with that. Diversity is what makes the world go around. Personally, I am not interested in what my ears tell me is rehashed material. I don't feel ripped off monetarily, though as I have not (and will not) be paying for this.

[fredinator]

I love Perry but I thought FTLOSM was not up to his usual standard in the same way others feel this song is not up to Journey standards. I even actually didn't think it was a very good album. I thought the lyrics were old and tired but I never felt that anyone was getting ripped off by buying it. Totally agree with the diversity observation.

[Rocker Chic]

It should all boil down to - Does someone like this song or not. Thats it.

Nah... The new Journey single doesn't suck... I've really liked it for many, many years!

Hell, they've even managed to pay tribute to another one of my favorite artists in that same tune!

In fact, I think I'm going to play the original song(s) right now because I'm reminded of how much I really like them...


Debbie

[STORY_TELLER]

It should all boil down to - Does someone like this song or not. Thats it.

Nah... The new Journey single doesn't suck... I've really liked it for many, many years!

Hell, they've even managed to pay tribute to another one of my favorite artists in that same tune!

In fact, I think I'm going to play the original song(s) right now because I'm reminded of how much I really like them...


Debbie

Did I mention how much I love this girl?

[STORY_TELLER]

I love Perry but I thought FTLOSM was not up to his usual standard in the same way others feel this song is not up to Journey standards. I even actually didn't think it was a very good album. I thought the lyrics were old and tired but I never felt that anyone was getting ripped off by buying it. Totally agree with the diversity observation.

I don't know that I agree with you on this. Nothing old and tired about the lyrics in those songs at all. In fact, I thought it was a progression in his song writing. He was actually writing about personal issues in most of those songs. He had something to say.

Not a single song on FTLOSM was derivative of any songs he made before. They were new original works yet it still had the Steve Perry/Journey vibe. NWA is extremely derivative of BGTY. That's where the rip off feeling comes from. Knowing we've heard this very same song before. It's on the greatest hits album for crying out loud...!

I think what FTLOSM did suffer from was a lack of the brilliance that is Neal Schon, the superior songsmith collaboration between Perry and Cain, and the artistic sophisticated drums of Steve Smith (and throw the subtle blending song supporting bass playing of Ross in there for good measure). That would have helped things along nicely, but what I think really made this album not stand out as much as it could have was the melancholy tone of the songs. The energy of the album was borderline depressing. Doesn't mean the songs weren't good, it just means you need to be in a very specific mood to listen to them whereas most of Journey's stuff was very upbeat and put you a damn good mood.

[YoungJRNY]

[journeyinto2001]

Journey will see it's greatest success since the Perry days because of this in my opinion.

Journey will see their greatest success since Perry because of Wal-Mart. Had this deal been in place w/ Augeri, the same thing would have happened.

The new song is still awesome...but so was "Higer Place" and "Signs Of Life"...

Being a fan of Augeri at one time, but now waking up, I see no comparison between Augeri to Pineda. Augeri never measured up to Journey vocal standards. Arnel does. I don't think they would ever have got the WM deal with Augeri. What they got with Augeri was a deal with Sony with absolutely no support behind it.

[STORY_TELLER]

[ProgRocker53]

Advantage Story Teller

[STORY_TELLER]

Journey will see it's greatest success since the Perry days because of this in my opinion.

Journey will see their greatest success since Perry because of Wal-Mart. Had this deal been in place w/ Augeri, the same thing would have happened.

The new song is still awesome...but so was "Higer Place" and "Signs Of Life"...

Being a fan of Augeri at one time, but now waking up, I see no comparison between Augeri to Pineda. Augeri never measured up to Journey vocal standards. Arnel does. I don't think they would ever have got the WM deal with Augeri. What they got with Augeri was a deal with Sony with absolutely no support behind it.

I think you're right, except they didn't get the deal with Walmart because of Pineda. They got the deal because they re-recorded the GH's, regardless of the singer. Because the packaging is going to say "Journey's Greatest Hits" somewhere on that cover which will (in walmart's marketing eyes) will be the sell through branding push that will hopefully move copies off the shelves.

[YoungJRNY]

[ProgRocker53]

NICE! Advantage YoungJRNY! Triple whammy.... a Zendik promotion, a good saying, AND rockin tits!

[pinkvelvet]

omg thats funny

[jrnyman28]

I don't remember the arguments being this heated when Message Of Love was released.
I don't remember the arguments being this heated when we first heard The Place In Your Heart.
Maybe the arguments are this heated because of some underlying issues that actually have nothing to do with the song!

[brywool]

THIS SOUNDS GREAT!!! VERY cool. Arnel hits some great notes and, seriously, how can anybody say it don't sound like Journey?

YABBA DABBA DOO!!! I thought I'd never get excited about these guys again.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Maybe the arguments are this heated because of some underlying issues that actually have nothing to do with the song!

Ya think?

Those who don't want to like it because of who's singing (and who isn't) will find every problem they can with the song. I wish there was an ignore feature on this forum where I could just ignore a few posters whose posts I have to sift through to actually find some meaningful discussion.

[ProgRocker53]

I don't remember the arguments being this heated when Message Of Love was released.
I don't remember the arguments being this heated when we first heard The Place In Your Heart.
Maybe the arguments are this heated because of some underlying issues that actually have nothing to do with the song!

Mainly because MoL only had a passing reference to a past song, and TPiyH was just a solid tune.

Not a single argument here has anything to do with underlying issues at all, believe me.

[brywool]

Sounds a bit familiar actually....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MOAW6Q75FNw

Actually, I mentioned that a while back. By the way I love this song (Believe)
But, you gotta admit that this song also sounds like Be Good To Yourself.

It doesn't bother me that it sounds like what's come before. Either of them. All three of them have their great points and I'd listen to all of them full blast. They bring a smile to my face and make me want to air drum.

I like em all.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Arnel hits some great notes and, seriously, how can anybody say it don't sound like Journey?

I think the problem that some people have created is that it sounds "too much like Journey." As if once one artist has something that even vaguely hints at something any other artist in the world has ever created since the beginning of time, they should be banned from ever recording again. Let alone if it's the same band playing off an undeniably extremely successful formula.

[Rick]

"Be Good To Yourself" and "Believe In Me"???? Yep, clear as day to these ears!!!

I immediately thought that when I first heard it yesterday. I'm sorry, everybody, sure it sounds like Journey, but I thought that I already have these songs in my collection, so why would I go and pay for them again????

Even though I haven't purchased a single thing from them since the last show I attended (a couple of years ago), I feel like I was just ripped off, for God's sake. I know that they re-recorded the classics (yeah, whatever), but now it seems that they can't even record an original tune anymore.

I honestly had to stop listening to it, because it was starting to really piss me off. If I want to hear the same thing over and over, I'll go pull out the original recordings (hell, to me, they're better!). Nothing to get all excited over, IMO. Good yeah, but (also) done already.

Not impressed. :::yawn:::

Debbie

THANK YOU

Finally someone who gets it!

a couple of us do

Tell me exactly what it is that you get that I and others don't. Please.

rick i don't want to argue with you, but rocker chic, myself , storyteller and some others feel this way. someone mentioned how remember me was fresh and new but still sounded like journey, so they are capable of doing it. it's just a matter of not rushing into putting out a new cd. working on the music, creating the music. getting the feel for the new singer, getting his input. that's what creativity is about....putting your heart and soul and faith into something. they haven't done that in a very, very long time.

It's called sticking to a formula that works. Why is that such a sin? Boston did it from the getgo and they were hugely popular. I love both bands. It's a little late in the game to expect these guys to go marching off in a new direction or taking big risks with their future by trying something different. But as the old saying goes, "You'll never please everyone." Makes the world go 'round right?

[E5C4P3 4 U]

I love this song! The only thing that gets me is that Jon is on rhythm guitar. I just wish that they can have the same sound, but add the piano in there. Just my opinion, but great tune overall!

[jrnyman28]

I don't remember the arguments being this heated when Message Of Love was released.
I don't remember the arguments being this heated when we first heard The Place In Your Heart.
Maybe the arguments are this heated because of some underlying issues that actually have nothing to do with the song!

Mainly because MoL only had a passing reference to a past song, and TPiyH was just a solid tune.

Not a single argument here has anything to do with underlying issues at all, believe me.

No way. MOL was SW part II all the way. It was distracting to me at first.
And TPIYH has a very big similarity to ATL at times. It was the first thing I noticed whan I listened to the clips.

Both those songs seemd every bit as big (if not bigger) rip-offs of previous work than this one does. I hear the style of BGTY but I don't consider it a direct rip-off. I admit I am not familiar enough with BIM and will try to listn to it tonight. But as stated, the similarities make sense since Neal (and Jon I think, wasn't he a co-writer on BIM) were involved with all 3 songs.

My point is this is not the first time this has happened but people are acting awfully shocked about it THIS TIME.

[Aaron]

Damn, is he really? I don't hear any good rhythm guitar in there at all. I think a big fat overdriven rhythm guitar is what Journey has been missing for quite some time. If they want to step up the rock level a notch, that's the next step. Come on Mrs. Cain, turn up the reverb and volume a bunch and hit it!

I love this song! The only thing that gets me is that Jon is on rhythm guitar. I just wish that they can have the same sound, but add the piano in there. Just my opinion, but great tune overall!

[chad]

It DOES make sense that they'd lead off with a very recognizable single instead of something more challenging.

Actually, if I were handling their marketing promotions I'd release the strongest cut from their new CD that sounds the least like Journey. Then, get the radio stations to spin the cut as a mystery artist and take call-ins from listeners on the hour guessing who the artist is, with an incentive to the one who gets it correctly.

This would accomplish a push/pull promo....pushing the stations to play it, and provide a pulling demand from joe-consumer.

They need to think different if they want different results.

chad

[ProgRocker53]

It DOES make sense that they'd lead off with a very recognizable single instead of something more challenging.

Actually, if I were handling their marketing promotions I'd release the strongest cut from their new CD that sounds the least like Journey. Then, get the radio stations to spin the cut as a mystery artist and take call-ins from listeners on the hour guessing who the artist is, with an incentive to the one who gets it correctly.

This would accomplish a push/pull promo....pushing the stations to play it, and provide a pulling demand from joe-consumer.

They need to think different if they want different results.

chad

Just thinking about that gets me hot and bothered. Great idea Chad.

[Arkansas]

Sounds a bit familiar actually....

http://youtube.com/watch?v=MOAW6Q75FNw

Funny. I too thought of this song. The guitar sound is very close.
Interesting...


later~

[Vladan]

Well like I said, this song is as good as anything off Arrival! and Arrival was a very good album! but it didn't make it big, why? simply, because Perry isn't there anymore, have I been proven wrong yet? and i've said the same thing when Arrival came out. This can be the best thing ever written! but when your tainted as much as Journey is - not even a miracle can save them.

This new album will be excellent, no doubt about it - but that's as far it goes for us die hards.