ROR in an "Alternate Universe"

[TRAGChick]

Imagine, if you will, the ROR Album sung with the "Infinity / Escape" voice.

......thoughts?

[S2M]

Imagine, if you will, the ROR Album sung with the "Infinity / Escape" voice.

......thoughts?

The song writing quality(for the MOST part) just isn't there....i don't even think the different voice could have saved it.....

[Don]

With the exception of WCTNGOF, it doesn't matter what universe your in. ROR still sucks.

[Deb]

With the exception of WCTNGOF, it doesn't matter what universe your in. ROR still sucks.

Bite your tongue mister! His vocal tone on ROR is second to none! Nora, I couldn't imagine his really high vocals from Infinity on something like Girl Can't Help It. They are both good, but I much prefer his later more emotive soulful vocals than his high crystal clear vocals.

[kgdjpubs]

Imagine, if you will, the ROR Album sung with the "Infinity / Escape" voice.

......thoughts?

I think it would destroy the album. I'll make no bones that I have always thought that Perry's voice circa ROR was his best vocal effort. He made huge strides forward in phrasing and melody between Frontiers and ROR. He may have lost a little range and some clarity, but you can tell he had a lot more control over his voice in the later years.

I've always viewed ROR as Perry's attempt to make a Motown album, and if you cross the 1960s Motown sound with Journey, ROR is basically the result. While Perry was able to do a very good Sam Cooke cover earlier (Good Times) with a clear voice, the slight rasp and slightly lower pitch of ROR-era made Perry sound better, as opposed to the penguin on helium effect that you could get when he was reaching towards the really high notes in the Infinity-era.

On the other hand, what I would like to hear is the long guitar solo that Neal stuck in Happy to Give when they played it live a few years ago on the studio version of the song. Stretched the song out by a few minutes, but it was absolute magic to hear.

[Rick]

I've been listening to ROR quite a bit lately, and it's growing on me.

Happy To Give - Could take or leave it, but it's not a bad song.

Girl Can't Help It - Love this one.

Positive Touch - Good little jazzy sounding song.

Suzanne - Love the bass line and the harmonies in this one. A little "flash dancy' but a good song.

Be Good To Yourself - Love this one.

Once You Love Somebody - Not a fan of this one, at all.

Raised On Radio - Can take it or leave it.

I'll Be Alright Without You - Great song. Love Neals guitar work on this one.

It Could Have Been You - Huh uh.

The Eyes Of A Woman - Huh uh.

Why Can't This Night Go On Forever - Not bad for a sappy ballad. One of SP's better vocal performances.

[WalrusOct9]

Perry's voice was fine. The fact that most of it sounded like Street Talk Part II was what did it in, not to mention the dismissal of Valory and Smith. Other than BGTY, there wasn't an ounce of real rock within a 10 mile radius of that record.

[Jana]

With the exception of WCTNGOF, it doesn't matter what universe your in. ROR still sucks.

Bite your tongue mister! His vocal tone on ROR is second to none! Nora, I couldn't imagine his really high vocals from Infinity on something like Girl Can't Help It. They are both good, but I much prefer his later more emotive soulful vocals than his high crystal clear vocals.

I love ROR. His voice was great. Agreed, his voice wasn't quite as good as previously, but, wow, still a great voice. But if on ROR his voice was like earlier recordings, I don't think it would have been high vocals. I look at it more like it would have had the clear richness of Faithfully vocals.

[lights1961]

this CD is not my favorite...but love ROR with the lyrics from the 50s....
and WCTNGF is sappy but the women all seem to love it... think open arms...
Suzanne is great....and love I'll be alright with out you... one of my favorites..
and be good to yourself boring song but great live. Girl cant help it is good too.



Rick

[tammy]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

[Gordon from Edinburgh]

Imagine, if you will, the ROR Album sung with the "Infinity / Escape" voice.

......thoughts?

Totally love the album the way it is - and i like the voice sounding that way too.................

[Onestepper]

Perry's voice was fine. The fact that most of it sounded like Street Talk Part II was what did it in, not to mention the dismissal of Valory and Smith. Other than BGTY, there wasn't an ounce of real rock within a 10 mile radius of that record.

Thankfully ROR was a much deeper musically disc than ST. While I'm not crazy about some of the computer generated shit him and Cain were playing around with, Perry's voice was a great balance between the highs of the early years, and TBF.

[Rick]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

[Ehwmatt]

ROR is a great album when you take it for what it is - an unabashed 80s album! Overproduced? Sure. But when I want that type of sound, ROR is a great choice for me - I love the funky bass lines, the huge layers of vocals, and when I'm in the right mood, even a lot of the "80sized" synths and processed guitars really sound good to me.

Happy To Give - Cool song, not bad.

Girl Can't Help It - Great tune, huge layers of SP on the chorus

Positive Touch - Nice song, peppy intro, love the unison vocal call-n-resposes

Suzanne - Great song. Neal's solo at the end is great, even if it's just a few licks. The wall of SP sounds great here too

Be Good To Yourself - One of my all-time favorite Journey songs. A shining moment for Neal as well.

Once You Love Somebody - Not a bad song, but a hell of a great intro with the harmonics and such

Raised On Radio - Fun little tune

I'll Be Alright Without You - Another one of my all-time Journey favorites. Great emoting/harmonizing from SP and Neal's solo is incredible here. Love Neal playing with that single-coil sound.

It Could Have Been You - I like it. Don't love it.

The Eyes Of A Woman - Worst on the album

Why Can't This Night Go On Forever - As usual, the difference between a killer Journey ballad and a skipper like Open Arms is the presence of Neal Schon's melodic side. Great guitar work. SP's outro note is killer too.

Oh, and to be honest, there's nothing wrong with Perry's voice on this record. Not at all. Just listen to that outro of WCTNGF. KILLER. THen again, I have no problem with th TBF voice either. It's not all about the range for me.

[Deb]

It's not all about the range for me.

[tammy]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

Yes, Visalia is near Hanford (birthplace of one Mr. Steve Perry, of course) Having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's MIL in Visalia. My sister used to live in Tulare and we could smell the cows - lots of cows...lol. Crude, now you made me wonder if it is "used to" or "use to"? Grammar police?

Am I the only one who likes "Once you love somebody" the most on ROR? Those amazing sounds SP makes really get to me.

[TRAGChick]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

Yes, Visalia is near Hanford (birthplace of one Mr. Steve Perry, of course) Having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's MIL in Visalia. My sister used to live in Tulare and we could smell the cows - lots of cows...lol. Crude, now you made me wonder if it is "used to" or "use to"? Grammar police?

Am I the only one who likes "Once you love somebody" the most on ROR? Those amazing sounds SP makes really get to me.

Girl, I can write a whole Dissertation on that song..........love love love it - full front vox; "Escape" sounding backing vox....what more could a chick want?

[Rick]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

Yes, Visalia is near Hanford (birthplace of one Mr. Steve Perry, of course) Having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's MIL in Visalia. My sister used to live in Tulare and we could smell the cows - lots of cows...lol. Crude, now you made me wonder if it is "used to" or "use to"? Grammar police?

Am I the only one who likes "Once you love somebody" the most on ROR? Those amazing sounds SP makes really get to me.

I think it's 'used to'. We went to Tulare to visit some relatives. It was 30 years ago and I can remember the orchard smell, but not the cows.

[Jana]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

Yes, Visalia is near Hanford (birthplace of one Mr. Steve Perry, of course) Having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's MIL in Visalia. My sister used to live in Tulare and we could smell the cows - lots of cows...lol. Crude, now you made me wonder if it is "used to" or "use to"? Grammar police?

Am I the only one who likes "Once you love somebody" the most on ROR? Those amazing sounds SP makes really get to me.

Girl, I can write a whole Dissertation on that song..........love love love it - full front vox; "Escape" sounding backing vox....what more could a chick want?

Why Can't This Night Go On Forever is the top song on ROR - well, for me .

[Glenn]

Perry's voice was fine. The fact that most of it sounded like Street Talk Part II was what did it in, not to mention the dismissal of Valory and Smith. Other than BGTY, there wasn't an ounce of real rock within a 10 mile radius of that record.

thank you for that.

It should have been and pretty much was a Perry solo disc.


I like to use the Jefferson Airplane comparison to this :


Jefferson Airplane :

Journey
Look Into The Future
Next


Jefferson Starship :


Infinity through Frontiers

Starship :


Raised On Radio



The transformation was complete in turning this band into a pop top 40 band.

and Neal if you are to read this, you were a fricken pussy into allowing Ross and Smitty to be axed. We already know Jon was and still is.



Perry's vocals? great

As cool as he sounded in the Infinity days, I don't think it would have changed mind about this album one bit.


Remember who toured with them on this one? Glass Tiger !?!?!?



No offense intended to those love this disc....just my opinion.

[Don]

Perry's voice was fine. The fact that most of it sounded like Street Talk Part II was what did it in, not to mention the dismissal of Valory and Smith. Other than BGTY, there wasn't an ounce of real rock within a 10 mile radius of that record.

thank you for that.

It should have been and pretty much was a Perry solo disc.


I like to use the Jefferson Airplane comparison to this :


Jefferson Airplane :

Journey
Look Into The Future
Next


Jefferson Starship :


Infinity through Frontiers

Starship :


Raised On Radio



The transformation was complete in turning this band into a pop top 40 band.

and Neal if you are to read this, you were a fricken pussy into allowing Ross and Smitty to be axed. We already know Jon was and still is.



Perry's vocals? great

As cool as he sounded in the Infinity days, I don't think it would have changed mind about this album one bit.


Remember who toured with them on this one? Glass Tiger !?!?!?



No offense intended to those love this disc....just my opinion.

Exactly, they should have put a Coca-Cola emblem on the cover as a warning to anyone thinking they were buying a Rock Album.

[tj]

Perry's voice was fine. The fact that most of it sounded like Street Talk Part II was what did it in, not to mention the dismissal of Valory and Smith. Other than BGTY, there wasn't an ounce of real rock within a 10 mile radius of that record.

I remember going into the local Sound Warehouse store to buy the ROR cassette when it came out. They kept the cassettes behind the counter so people wouldn't steal them. When I asked the guy behind the counter for a copy, he said "You mean Steve Perry's 2nd solo album?"

Not having heard it yet, I didn't know what he meant. After 20+ years of listening to it, though, I can see why he would think that. Compared to what had come from Journey before, it certainly was different.

[mikemarrs]

this album had some very good songs but there is one thing that made this album not as great others and that is.....too much filler.

[tammy]

I don't think I can imagine it any different...these songs came about during/after some of his most painful experiences and it shows. I love ROR. The emotions are there. I always have to play ROR on my long drives to Visalia/Fresno (like in a few days for T-giving). BTW, does anyone know where exactly that ROR radio station is located?

Visalia? That's by Hanford. My Grandmother use to live in Lindsay. I spent a whole summer out there roaming that area when I was a teen. Can still smell the orchards. Very cool place.

Yes, Visalia is near Hanford (birthplace of one Mr. Steve Perry, of course) Having Thanksgiving dinner at my sister's MIL in Visalia. My sister used to live in Tulare and we could smell the cows - lots of cows...lol. Crude, now you made me wonder if it is "used to" or "use to"? Grammar police?

Am I the only one who likes "Once you love somebody" the most on ROR? Those amazing sounds SP makes really get to me.

Girl, I can write a whole Dissertation on that song..........love love love it - full front vox; "Escape" sounding backing vox....what more could a chick want?

I shoulda phrased that differently...I remember now you posted a while back about lovin' this song. There's such a depth of feeling in his voice...how will he ever get over her? "so easy to fall, so hard to get over" "it can burn forever, letting go that's the hardest part". Es good stuff!

[conversationpc]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10

Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Happy to Give...One of my favorite Perry vocal moments. 7 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.45 of 10

[Deb]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10

Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.4 of 10

Interesting take on each of those, Dave. I can agree with a little of each comment for the most part, but I would bump up the points more on Raised On Radio (just cuz it's such a fun song) and It Could Have Been You (your right, I don't know if it's the greatest song or not, but LOVE Perry's vocals on it)

[Don]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10
Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.4 of 10

I've always thought of this as a sequel to "Stone in love" written by El DeBarge.

[Arianddu]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10

Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.4 of 10

What about Happy To Give?

I posted my views on the ROR album and each song on it here http://deepgroovin.livejournal.com/2115.html (too long to repost) - including why I don't think it can fairly be called Street Talk II. Would be interested to hear other people's take on it...

[Don]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10

Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.4 of 10

What about Happy To Give?

I posted my views on the ROR album and each song on it here http://deepgroovin.livejournal.com/2115.html (too long to repost) - including why I don't think it can fairly be called Street Talk II. Would be interested to hear other people's take on it...

Finally, a chic that can see the album for what it is. This is what a Rick Astley attempt at rock would probably sound like.

[Arianddu]

My opinon...

Girl Can't Help It...I've simply always loved the harmony vocals at the end of the song. 9 of 10

Positive Touch...Perry's vocals are top-notch but I can't stand the song. Sounds like a castoff from "Street Talk". 3 of 10

Suzanne...Never cared much for this one, either, and I almost never like songs that are named after someone. Just leave it generic, people! 4 of 10

Be Good to Yourself...Great tune. Driving rock song that hits you between the eyes with the opening chord blast. 10 of 10

Once You Love Somebody...Love the bass riff but it doesn't belong on a Journey album. 5 of 10

Raised on Radio...Other than the fact that it's the title track, it sounds like something that should've been a b-side. 5 of 10

I'll Be Alright Without You...Doesn't sound much like classic Journey but it seems to work anyway. Love Neal's jazzy playing here. 8 of 10

It Could Have Been You...So-so tune. Again, great Perry vocal but still sounds like a Street Talk castoff. 5 of 10

The Eyes of a Woman...Perry seems to be enamored of this one. It's okay but it doesn't really belong. 5 of 10

Why Can't This Night Go on Forever...After Faithfully, my favorite Journey power ballad. 10 of 10

Overall = 6.4 of 10

What about Happy To Give?

I posted my views on the ROR album and each song on it here http://deepgroovin.livejournal.com/2115.html (too long to repost) - including why I don't think it can fairly be called Street Talk II. Would be interested to hear other people's take on it...

Finally, a chic that can see the album for what it is. This is what a Rick Astley attempt at rock would probably sound like.

Harsh, but probably fair. I take it that means you agree with my critique?