Augeri, Soto or Pineda?

[Playitloudforme]

Soto. He wasn't trying to recreate Perry on stage. He was his own man (still is), and that's what was great about it. Van Halen worked with Sammy... Journey would have worked with Soto.

I've seen this analogy before and frankly, it's an apples to oranges thing. VH took the world by storm because of Eddie's guitar acrobatics, the likes of which people had never heard. Even seasoned guitar players, like Neal himself, couldn't figure out what the fuck was going on in Eruption at first. Journey, at least the commercially successful brand of it, was first and foremost about SP's vocals (high tenor, strong head voice etc). And I say all of this as a huge fan of the pre and post-SP shit, because I listen to Journey for Neal as much as I do for the vocals or anything else.

I can't entirely agree that it's apples & oranges. VH took the world by storm because of Eddie... AND Diamond Dave. That guy was a freight train for the audience. Enter Sammy, whose vocals were so dramatically different, it took VH to a different place than with Dave. I was actually really looking forward to the change with Soto at the helm, as it would have meant NEW -- not Perry rehashed. But then again, I listened to Journey for the vocals and the harmonies, and could give a rats ass about Neal's performance. But that's just me. Doesn't mean Neal's performance is bad or not worthy, but it wasn't my driving factor.

[journeyMusic]

Soto

[Don]

Pineda, provided he is in reigned in and puts his all into Journey. If Journey uses him as a recycle bin for any more of the older songs though, I'll be done with this lineup.

Journey needs to create Arnel's own legacy with the band. Hit the talk show circuit, play songs from Revelation and get the casual listener interested to what this new lineup has to offer. People can't help but compare AP w/ The Voice everytime they hear him sing legacy stuff. It's a losing battle.

Revelation is done. It's not like Escape and Frontiers which Sony has no problem reprinting as they continue to sell, 20+ years after release. It's been 8 1/2 months and Revelation still hasn't sold a million copies. I think Walmart will just stop restocking it and leave it as a digital download for anyone that is late to the party.
It was a good freshman effort but the next album needs to shine on its own merits, with no gimmicks (re-treads) thrown in.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Augeri, if he could get his shit together.

[Ratgirl]

Never got the opportunity to see Augeri so I really cant comment on him.

I prefer Pineda over JSS though, he just has a couple of kinks he needs to work on and he would be pretty good.

[Eric]

JSS got me the most excited about Journey

[Rick]

Honestly? I'd take any of them. As long as they keep making music and giving me concerts to go to, I'm a happy camper. I'm easy to please. It's about the music and hanging out with friends for me, and nobody else has a catalog that does what Journey's does for me and NOBODY has a group of fans like they do. Craziest, most kick ass group of people I've ever been associated with.

[PowerChords]

Pineda, provided he is in reigned in and puts his all into Journey. If Journey uses him as a recycle bin for any more of the older songs though, I'll be done with this lineup.

Journey needs to create Arnel's own legacy with the band. Hit the talk show circuit, play songs from Revelation and get the casual listener interested to what this new lineup has to offer. People can't help but compare AP w/ The Voice everytime they hear him sing legacy stuff. It's a losing battle.

Revelation is done. It's not like Escape and Frontiers which Sony has no problem reprinting as they continue to sell, 20+ years after release. It's been 8 1/2 months and Revelation still hasn't sold a million copies. I think Walmart will just stop restocking it and leave it as a digital download for anyone that is late to the party.
It was a good freshman effort but the next album needs to shine on its own merits, with no gimmicks (re-treads) thrown in.

I believe there's still life on that album. However, I would very much welcome a new album from them. I agree, no more gimmicks on the second album.

[bluejeangirl76]

It's about the music and hanging out with friends for me, and nobody else has a catalog that does what Journey's does for me and NOBODY has a group of fans like they do. Craziest, most kick ass group of people I've ever been associated with.

Couldn't have put it better if I tried.
I'm hoping for a Journey tour this year JUST so I can party with all you maniacs again.
And if they don't tour... fuck 'em... let's party anyway.

[Rhiannon]

I like them all for what they uniquely bring/brought to the table.
All three great guys and talented musicians.

[Rick]

It's about the music and hanging out with friends for me, and nobody else has a catalog that does what Journey's does for me and NOBODY has a group of fans like they do. Craziest, most kick ass group of people I've ever been associated with.

Couldn't have put it better if I tried.
I'm hoping for a Journey tour this year JUST so I can party with all you maniacs again.
And if they don't tour... fuck 'em... let's party anyway.

I am in. I gotta meet your crazy ass.

[bluejeangirl76]

It's about the music and hanging out with friends for me, and nobody else has a catalog that does what Journey's does for me and NOBODY has a group of fans like they do. Craziest, most kick ass group of people I've ever been associated with.

Couldn't have put it better if I tried.
I'm hoping for a Journey tour this year JUST so I can party with all you maniacs again.
And if they don't tour... fuck 'em... let's party anyway.

I am in. I gotta meet your crazy ass.

Back atcha, Mr. Pryor. Me and my crazy ass look forward to it.

[E5C4P3ING]

Augeri hands down!

His work with the band for nearly eight years produced some quality music and, in my opinion, he helped the band re-establish themselves as a driving force in rock and roll.

Don't know the extent of his voice issues; however, if the band had been just a bit more paitient with him, perhaps they would not be looked at as such a revolving door.

No offense to Mr. Pineda....I just don't see the same charisma or stamina in him long term.

[E5C4P3ING]

Augeri hands down!

His work with the band for nearly eight years produced some quality music and, in my opinion, he helped the band re-establish themselves as a driving force in rock and roll.

Don't know the extent of his voice issues; however, if the band had been just a bit more paitient with him, perhaps they would not be looked at as such a revolving door.

No offense to Mr. Pineda....I just don't see the same charisma or stamina in him long term.

[Behshad]

E5C4P3ING,
what was that again? A bit louder please,,,,, we cant hear you back here....

[Behshad]

well . Augeri did lead the band for 8 years, so we all know how good he was. He doesnt need to "prove" himself , as he already did.

Since Journey wanted to have a Perry clone and keep the sound the same as it was when the band was born, then Pineda is the best choice.

Soto wouldve taken the band to a different level where they wouldve either had huge success with a new range of fans joining, or down to the bottom and ready to retire.

Jana, the same interaction between Neal and Arnel was what most of us witnessed when Neal was on stage with Soto...

[madsplash]

I vote for our own Jeremey H. The voice or Arnel(but better), and would completely devote his time to Journey, and no diction problems.

Plus with his songwriting abilities, I'd love to hear what he, jon and Neil would come up with.

[squirt1]

JSS ! I actually paid to see him.

[G.I.Jim]

I loved SA. He was a genuinely good guy and to be honest, the songs that came out of his era are far superior to the AP era so far. Arrival BLOWS Revelation away any day of the week. Generations would be a competitor if you scratch Gone Crazy and make it halfway decent as far as production goes.

I'm an AP supporter, but he's gotta find a way to kick the accent/diction/delivery problems that are plaguing him once and for all. I wish we could have seen Jeremey get a shot, especially since he's proven that he can write, through NWA and the great songs he's been posting on his own on the net. Arnel has yet to do that, as far as I can see. Jeremey's Can't You See He's Gone would be the best track on Revelation if he had joined the band and gotten that one included.

Hey man,

I've got to disagree with this line right here. I'm not taking anything away from Jeremey and his time with Journey...how cool would that be? But Jeremey did not write "Never Walk Away". He wrote 1 line in the song. Again, not trying to take anything away from him (I've never had a radio hit), but he didn't really co-write it. I don't know how much he's written of his solo stuff, but the stuff he's done with "The Outfields" guitarist sound promising.

As far as the choices go...I'd have to go with Augeri (if his vocals were a little stronger). To me, the dictation issues with Arnel just seem to distract me too much. That, and all the jumping around on stage. I think Augeri was the "coolest" performer they've had, and he did a great job with the crowds.

[alesson]

Augie was so good before he got sick, got the looks and charisma as well. Eight years is no fucking joke staying up and putting up with these guys.
JSS could have taken Journey to a different direction with his gritty more rocker heavy metal style. But we knows that Neal don't want him to bring that Yngwie style up there.
Arnel has been the closest they can get to SP, voice wise. If and only he can get over those health problems, enunciation, diction and a lot of other ..tions, then he is my man.

[Don]

I loved SA. He was a genuinely good guy and to be honest, the songs that came out of his era are far superior to the AP era so far. Arrival BLOWS Revelation away any day of the week. Generations would be a competitor if you scratch Gone Crazy and make it halfway decent as far as production goes.

I'm an AP supporter, but he's gotta find a way to kick the accent/diction/delivery problems that are plaguing him once and for all. I wish we could have seen Jeremey get a shot, especially since he's proven that he can write, through NWA and the great songs he's been posting on his own on the net. Arnel has yet to do that, as far as I can see. Jeremey's Can't You See He's Gone would be the best track on Revelation if he had joined the band and gotten that one included.

Hey man,

I've got to disagree with this line right here. I'm not taking anything away from Jeremey and his time with Journey...how cool would that be? But Jeremey did not write "Never Walk Away". He wrote 1 line in the song. Again, not trying to take anything away from him (I've never had a radio hit), but he didn't really co-write it. I don't know how much he's written of his solo stuff, but the stuff he's done with "The Outfields" guitarist sound promising.

As far as the choices go...I'd have to go with Augeri (if his vocals were a little stronger). To me, the dictation issues with Arnel just seem to distract me too much. That, and all the jumping around on stage. I think Augeri was the "coolest" performer they've had, and he did a great job with the crowds.

That must have been one hell of a oneliner since he's getting royalties for it.

[G.I.Jim]

I loved SA. He was a genuinely good guy and to be honest, the songs that came out of his era are far superior to the AP era so far. Arrival BLOWS Revelation away any day of the week. Generations would be a competitor if you scratch Gone Crazy and make it halfway decent as far as production goes.

I'm an AP supporter, but he's gotta find a way to kick the accent/diction/delivery problems that are plaguing him once and for all. I wish we could have seen Jeremey get a shot, especially since he's proven that he can write, through NWA and the great songs he's been posting on his own on the net. Arnel has yet to do that, as far as I can see. Jeremey's Can't You See He's Gone would be the best track on Revelation if he had joined the band and gotten that one included.

Hey man,

I've got to disagree with this line right here. I'm not taking anything away from Jeremey and his time with Journey...how cool would that be? But Jeremey did not write "Never Walk Away". He wrote 1 line in the song. Again, not trying to take anything away from him (I've never had a radio hit), but he didn't really co-write it. I don't know how much he's written of his solo stuff, but the stuff he's done with "The Outfields" guitarist sound promising.

As far as the choices go...I'd have to go with Augeri (if his vocals were a little stronger). To me, the dictation issues with Arnel just seem to distract me too much. That, and all the jumping around on stage. I think Augeri was the "coolest" performer they've had, and he did a great job with the crowds.

That must have been one hell of a oneliner since he's getting royalties for it.

Journey definitely "Hooked him up", and Jeremey has even stated himself that he was surprised to be included in the credits. Not that Jeremey would do this, but if the band HADN'T included him, he could have probably taken them to court if he wanted to.

[Behshad]

Augie was so good before he got sick, got the looks and charisma as well. Eight years is no fucking joke staying up and putting up with these guys.
JSS could have taken Journey to a different direction with his gritty more rocker heavy metal style. But we knows that Neal don't want him to bring that Yngwie style up there.
Arnel has been the closest they can get to SP, voice wise. If and only he can get over those health problems, enunciation, diction and a lot of other ..tions, the he is my man.

I dont think JSS was trying in any way , shape or form to bring the Yngwie sound to Journey. In fact, Jeff himself has been trying to get away from that Yngwie sound for 2 decades now,,,, Listen to his solo stuff or Talisman and you can tell that his voice is far far away from Yngwie days and it sounds much better . With that said, I think that Journey would sound rockier with Soto, but not metal....

[Jana]

Augie was so good before he got sick, got the looks and charisma as well. Eight years is no fucking joke staying up and putting up with these guys.
JSS could have taken Journey to a different direction with his gritty more rocker heavy metal style. But we knows that Neal don't want him to bring that Yngwie style up there.
Arnel has been the closest they can get to SP, voice wise. If and only he can get over those health problems, enunciation, diction and a lot of other ..tions, then he is my man.

Kudos to all the singers of Journey and their contribution, however large or small it is. No easy feat belting out those songs night after night.

[KDOUBLEU]

Saw Journey with Augeri and JSS liked them both. I like Arnel too i think its mostly the Journey sound that does it for me. I saw Steve Perry on his FTLOSM tour he is pretty much impossible to compare anybody with.

[Indyjoe]

...
I am curious on your favorite?

Jeff Scott Soto

[jrnychick]

Soto for me. Don't get me wrong--I freaking adored SA while he was in the band! I loved every album and every live performance I saw with him as the frontman! I was just really looking forward to Journey doing something different with JSS; something with a harder edge to it. I like the fact that he doesn't sound exactly like SP. Arnel is very talented, and I enjoyed the show I went to last summer. JSS is just my personal favorite of the three.

[Ehwmatt]

I loved SA. He was a genuinely good guy and to be honest, the songs that came out of his era are far superior to the AP era so far. Arrival BLOWS Revelation away any day of the week. Generations would be a competitor if you scratch Gone Crazy and make it halfway decent as far as production goes.

I'm an AP supporter, but he's gotta find a way to kick the accent/diction/delivery problems that are plaguing him once and for all. I wish we could have seen Jeremey get a shot, especially since he's proven that he can write, through NWA and the great songs he's been posting on his own on the net. Arnel has yet to do that, as far as I can see. Jeremey's Can't You See He's Gone would be the best track on Revelation if he had joined the band and gotten that one included.

Hey man,

I've got to disagree with this line right here. I'm not taking anything away from Jeremey and his time with Journey...how cool would that be? But Jeremey did not write "Never Walk Away". He wrote 1 line in the song. Again, not trying to take anything away from him (I've never had a radio hit), but he didn't really co-write it. I don't know how much he's written of his solo stuff, but the stuff he's done with "The Outfields" guitarist sound promising.

As far as the choices go...I'd have to go with Augeri (if his vocals were a little stronger). To me, the dictation issues with Arnel just seem to distract me too much. That, and all the jumping around on stage. I think Augeri was the "coolest" performer they've had, and he did a great job with the crowds.

Good points there Jim, esp. about NWA. I didn't know that. I really enjoy his solo stuff and I have to assume he's at least had a pretty sizeable hand in writing the stuff I've heard so far. Hopefully he'll pop in here and fill us in.

[WykkedSensation]

Seen all 3, and i would have to go with Augeri, if his voice could hold out.

[Don]

I loved SA. He was a genuinely good guy and to be honest, the songs that came out of his era are far superior to the AP era so far. Arrival BLOWS Revelation away any day of the week. Generations would be a competitor if you scratch Gone Crazy and make it halfway decent as far as production goes.

I'm an AP supporter, but he's gotta find a way to kick the accent/diction/delivery problems that are plaguing him once and for all. I wish we could have seen Jeremey get a shot, especially since he's proven that he can write, through NWA and the great songs he's been posting on his own on the net. Arnel has yet to do that, as far as I can see. Jeremey's Can't You See He's Gone would be the best track on Revelation if he had joined the band and gotten that one included.

Hey man,

I've got to disagree with this line right here. I'm not taking anything away from Jeremey and his time with Journey...how cool would that be? But Jeremey did not write "Never Walk Away". He wrote 1 line in the song. Again, not trying to take anything away from him (I've never had a radio hit), but he didn't really co-write it. I don't know how much he's written of his solo stuff, but the stuff he's done with "The Outfields" guitarist sound promising.

As far as the choices go...I'd have to go with Augeri (if his vocals were a little stronger). To me, the dictation issues with Arnel just seem to distract me too much. That, and all the jumping around on stage. I think Augeri was the "coolest" performer they've had, and he did a great job with the crowds.

That must have been one hell of a oneliner since he's getting royalties for it.

Journey definitely "Hooked him up", and Jeremey has even stated himself that he was surprised to be included in the credits. Not that Jeremey would do this, but if the band HADN'T included him, he could have probably taken them to court if he wanted to.

And I think this is what some fans of AP are missing. By doing re-records or letting Neal and Jon handle all the songwriting, Arnel is going to miss the boat on potential royalties. Even if its small, That money will go a long way in the Philippines, and let's face it, Journey is closer to the end of their lifespan than the beginning. Better to make hay while the sun is still shining. Look at Gerry Rafferty, he is still getting 150,000 dollars a year for "Baker Street", a song he wrote over 20 years ago. That's financial security. Steve Perry proves it is so also, by not having to release anything, just ride the royalty train.