A question to all who are Journey fans - past & present

[Vladan]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic, drift off to another world, and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

Why do people still want to hear the music? what makes it so good now, is the same magic there? what is it that keeps you interested in listening to Journey without Steve Perry.

[JeremyP]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic, drift off to another world, and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

Thanks.

A lot of times I feel that with the Steve A. stuff more than the others. Perhaps that's because that was the lineup that hooked me. Arrival and Red13 are excellent records. (Well, a record and an E.P.) I like about five songs on Generations, but yeah, I FEEL that lineup more than the others although their are magic moments with all the various lineups.

[Vladan]

Cool, thanks Jeremy. Yes I know you are an Augeri era fan, I noticed that over the years of your posts. It's an interesting question, I guess I am bored.

[WykkedSensation]

With Perry, yes indeed, absolutely.
With Augeri, not so much, but there was 'some' magic there.
With Pineda, i feel absolutely nothing. I do not listen to the current lineup any longer.

[Carlitto H@kk]

I keep listening because those albums,
Infinity thru Frontiers specifically, were the
soundtrack to my youth. I was hooked when I was 11 (1981)
and heard DSB on the radio for the 1st time... After that,
Journey and SMFP's voice specifically were a constant part of my
life. Just about every one of those songs dredges up 5-10 golden
memories a piece. And it's really cool, now that I am older,
to listen to those classics, close my eyes and get swept away
in memories of those long-gone, innocent, fun, special times

I love the Arrival tunes and really enjoy Revelation but, sadly,
they weren't as big a part of my life as the Perry-era.

Was that too deep?

[Vladan]

With Perry, yes indeed, absolutely.
With Augeri, not so much, but there was 'some' magic there.
With Pineda, i feel absolutely nothing. I do not listen to the current lineup any longer.

Yeah I hear ya, Arrival did have some magic moments there, Augeri has good qualities when singing on an album, especially his own material.

Was that too deep?

No deeper than Neal's pockets! which is probably deep, haha. Naa just kidding, your cool mate, cheers.

[Rhiannon]

No.
I get it with Perry only. No offense to the others, but something about that era of music and the way those five (give and take a few roster changes) meshed so symbioncially (I think that's the word I want... its 3:30, I'm trying.) can't be replicated.

That's part of why those days are the classic ones. The quality was there, now it feels more like quantity. Not that the material now sucks, but it's not soul stirring, mind melting. It's just there. I feel the same about Perry's solo efforts. More memorable, for sure. But not Journey. Nothing that changed my life.

But I have high expectations out of music.

The reason I'm still here is mostly nostalgia, mostly social. I enjoy the live shows enough to go. They're entertaining me. But you will never catch me blasting Revelation or Generations driving down the highway.

If they step up the game and make something fresh and vivacious, I may change my mind. But all I hear on these newer albums are echos.

[steveo777]

Vlad, I understand what you are feeling. Nobody can ever own Perry era songs.....no singer, period! Those were songs that evolved when Steve was in his prime. Arnel, too, understands what he is trying to fill. And this is not to take anything away from Arnel because I feel he really does have a great voice and does have soul and emotion, but at the same time, I doubt it's genuine for him as well. Difficult role for him, I'm sure. That said, I can close my eyes and listen to Arnel and on certain songs, yes, there is magic. Nobody is fooling anyone, nor is anyone trying to. The landscape for this kind of music has changed over the years. Arnel is a great singer in his own right. When the day comes, when the right new songs come out, those of which he is a majority part of, I believe you will see the true soul and voice of this man come out like you would never imagine. I believe in him.

There are missing links in this deal, but I think ,given some time and patience, on the part of the fans, we are really close to seeing this thing blossom. It either has to shit or get off the pot, as it were.

[Jana]

Well, of course, during Journey's heyday their music with Perry's vocals and brilliant delivery is amazing. So many amazing songs and, like I've always said, a one-of-a-kind voice and vocal delivery. It's not just his voice; it's his phrasing and delivery that make him head and tails above other singers So many songs that showcase this: Still They Ride, Patiently, Stay Awhile, Faithfully, on and on and on. But Steve Perry on his own, without Journey, created SOME memorable songs, but looking at FTLOSM, dragged, dragged and he began over-emoting in his later years sometimes. Oh, Sherrie, I have neve listened to that song on the radio and thought 'THE VOICE.' Maybe all the diehards on here do, but most people don't. It's a cute enough, catchy song, fluff.

I enjoy Arrival a lot, and love many songs on there. Once you get past the disappointment of it not being Perry, I actually enjoy the understatedness of his delivery of the songs, instead of some of the over-emoting on TBF by Perry. The vocals aren't the forefront for the music. it's more they blend in with songs and very soulful job by Augeri, almost reminds me of Rod Stewart in his heyday.

I actually love Arnel for the sheer power of his voice and his crystal vocals when doing Journey's older work. I've said this b/f, when he peforms Faithfully, though, different from Perry, I love just as much. They're both different deliveries and I can appreciate both for different reasons: Perry's world-weary brilliant delivery of a musician on the road (Shows why he's the best), and the powerful delivery by Arnel with great vocals and, yes, I feel his emotion on the song, even though not as polished of a delivery. I don't compare them. I will always listen to my Journey CDs; love them. But Perry isn't performing anymore, and if did, couldn't sing many of Journey's songs live anymore. So I appreciate Arnel b/c Journey is still an amazing band that "TOGETHER" wrote those songs that I love hearing live and b/c of Arnel can showcase their great songs. I feel his rendition of When You Love A Woman in concert, just through rough videos, was especially moving, and hope to see him in concert sing it.

RE their new music, there's many songs on there I like. Do they compare to Perry/Journey? No. But does that stop me from enjoying songs like TDTWT and Like A Sunshower by my favorite band, or the amazing rendition of What I Needed in concert? Absolutely not. I don't sit around and compare. I just appreciate that Neal and Jon are still ticking and found a singer that can still evoke for me in concert the Journey sound. I'm watching Arnel singing in concert and enjoying him, just like someone might love watching Steve Augeri or JSS. To us, we're not watching a Perry wannabe. We enjoy the singers.

[Sarah]

With Perry, yes indeed, absolutely.
With Augeri, not so much, but there was 'some' magic there.
With Pineda, i feel absolutely nothing. I do not listen to the current lineup any longer.

This is pretty much how I feel.

Sometimes I wonder if I would have liked Arnel more if he hadn't come in right after two sour situations with other singers. That really killed the whole Journey thing for me.

[YoungJRNY]

I don't care if Bert and Ernie sing for Journey, I love the songs and everything about them. The energy was always there for me no matter who sang. I love anything from the Greatest hits, to Arrival, to Red13 to Generations and Revelation. There is just SOMETHING about the music as a whole to me, not just vocals. The beginning to BE GOOD TO YOURSELF still gives me chills, even if a tribute band plays it. That's just the way I view Journey songs. They make me feel good in a crazy life, and that'll never go away.

[Eric]

Top 10 most magical (not in order)

1) Augeri "live" on Faith in the Heartland
2) Pineda live on What I needed
3) Perry on Mother/Father
4) Schon's solo in Mother/Father
5) JSS live on Keep on Runnin'
6) Perry/Schon together live on Stone in Love
7) Perry live on I'll be Alright w/o
The Arrival intro
9) When DSB starts
10) Majestic intro

[Red13JoePa]

SMFP's voice

No, Hooks NOT you....you're too cool to use that moniker.


On topic I love ALL the Augeri albums but Generations is the favorite.
Faith In The Heartland has that incredible moment when it starts to pick up and rock RIGHT when you hear Valory come in after the guitar intro Neal digs a little deeper into axe and Augeri grabs the mic and hits the "HEEEYEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAA YYYEAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!"..what a scream.

[Babyblue]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic, drift off to another world, and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

Why do people still want to hear the music? what makes it so good now, is the same magic there? what is it that keeps you interested in listening to Journey without Steve Perry.

For me it has to be with S.P. only.... his voice made you feel he was singing to you.His voice went to the deepest part of your soul.Everytime i hear them on the raido i get that feel good feeling.You just don't get that feeling with other singers.

Thanks
Mr P

[Rocker Chic]

I just don't have the time to close my eyes and feel the magic of anything.

When I listen to music, I'm always doing something else at the same time. Those days have long been over, so I guess the answer is simply:

No.

[NealIsGod]

Perry had a once in a lifetime voice that I was in awe of. The only other one I can think of is Kate Bush.

[slucero]

When you listen to old school Journey (Steve Perry) can you close your eyes and feel the magic, drift off to another world, and just admire the power and skills this man possessed, the timing, all those things.

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

Why do people still want to hear the music? what makes it so good now, is the same magic there? what is it that keeps you interested in listening to Journey without Steve Perry.

With Perry.. I hear - range, power, vibrato control, technical precision, subtlety, emotion

With SA.. I hear - less range, less power, less technical precision, subtlety, emotion

With AP.. I hear - range, power, less technical precision, less subtlety, emotion


Perry had the undeniably unique ability to excel in nearly all facets of singing... SA and AP... do well in some areas but not equally "across the board" as Perry did...

The bottom line is the average person remembers Journey for the Perry era songs... and more specifically the way they were sung... to deny Perry's contribution vocally is a mistake... listen to Winds of March sung by Robert Fleischman compared to Perry's version... Fleischman is a capable singer, BUT Perry is the "missing ingredient" that makes the song what we have come to know it as.

Winds of March - Robert Fleischman - 1977
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSGM_pZw ... L&index=74

Winds of March - Steve Perry - 1978
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX0SpWN_ ... re=related

[youkeepmewaiting]

Perry had a once in a lifetime *voice that I was in awe of. The only other one I can think of is Kate Bush.

girl*

And Perrys vocals on that particular song are out of this world!

[youkeepmewaiting]

I don't care if Bert and Ernie sing for Journey, I love the songs and everything about them. The energy was always there for me no matter who sang. I love anything from the Greatest hits, to Arrival, to Red13 to Generations and Revelation. There is just SOMETHING about the music as a whole to me, not just vocals. The beginning to BE GOOD TO YOURSELF still gives me chills, even if a tribute band plays it. That's just the way I view Journey songs. They make me feel good in a crazy life, and that'll never go away.

+1

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

When you close your eyes and listen to Arnel Pineda and Steve Augeri, do you get the same feeling? the same feeling as you did when you were a Teenager? (for those who grew up with JRNY).

Know what I am saying. Be honest

.

its not the quality of the music like that creates the same old feeling that you had when you were a teenager. Its your subjective feeling If you rolled around in the back seat of your chevvy with your highschools sweetheart getting laid to Slim Whitman's Red Sails in the Sunset, thats what would take you back.

When I listen to perry I feel young and attractive to women, cos thats what I was like back in those days. When I listen to Arnel 10 years from now, I'll feel old fat and past it, which is what I am like now . But neither of those feelings has to do with the actual quality of Perry or Arnel

[Red13JoePa]

With Perry.. I hear emotion

Not a knock on perry here but I nominate "emotion" as not only totally unquantifiable but the single most over-used and overrated label on this board.

[slucero]

With Perry.. I hear emotion

Not a knock on perry here but I nominate "emotion" as not only totally unquantifiable but the single most over-used and overrated label on this board.

OK - probably not a good word to use Joe... but I'll try to put it in quantifiable terms for ya ....

hows about this...

Perry's "across the board" prowess in the areas I mentioned, IMHO exceeds SA and AP, and one way this can be "measured"... is how Perry is perceived to "emote". Naturally that listener perception is a subjective one... hence my prefacing with "IMHO".

[JRNYFan]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who has felt the "magic" across all eras. Granted, there may be more magic moments with Perry, but that's only because he was in the band longer and has had more albums than any of the others.

[Don]

With Perry.. I hear emotion

Not a knock on perry here but I nominate "emotion" as not only totally unquantifiable but the single most over-used and overrated label on this board.

I'm going to swap that word emotion with nostalgia, because that is the kicker for me. A lot of singers have said the reason they cover older material in concert is because they realize that it takes their fans back in time to a moment when they first heard the songs. A new singer can bring the same sound but if he wasn't there, he's not part of that nostalgia. For new fans of course the new guy is great and he will be that fan's nostalgic memory down the road but for people who camped out for Escape tickets, who couldn't wait for the simulcast of the Houston show on MTV, who watched as Open Arms stayed blocked out at #2 on the charts for 6 weeks and wondered if it could get to #1, that's some of the memories that those songs invoke. Hard to go back when it's different players singing the song. I know not every older person feels that way but I bet the ones that do make up the majority. Why do you think their are no triple platinum albums of new material for these groups. The majority of the fans are older and are content with the albums that made these guys famous. The new stuff can sound the same but how do you go back at bust that first cherry or get that first kiss? Melodic bands end up in their own golden prison, locked into their 20 year old setlists whether they like it are not.

I think the thrill of a lot of it was trying to follow the band news. With no internet, you had to work for everything, to get tickets, subscribing to magazines with news 4 weeks late, trying to catch band announcements on MTV or the radio.
On the flipside, you no longer have to settle for what the band gives you now. With moments captured on DVD, and the wonder invention of HD to go with digital surround you can enjoy the past over and over again from your own living room, with friends. No need to spend a hundred dollars or sit through opening acts or have flags swirled around your head. Just sit back, grab the remote and enjoy.

[stevew2]

With Perry, yes indeed, absolutely.
With Augeri, not so much, but there was 'some' magic there.
With Pineda, i feel absolutely nothing. I do not listen to the current lineup any longer.

This is pretty much how I feel.

Sometimes I wonder if I would have liked Arnel more if he hadn't come in right after two sour situations with other singers. That really killed the whole Journey thing for me.

Thats about where im at to

[Since 78]

Well, of course, during Journey's heyday their music with Perry's vocals and brilliant delivery is amazing. So many amazing songs and, like I've always said, a one-of-a-kind voice and vocal delivery. It's not just his voice; it's his phrasing and delivery that make him head and tails above other singers So many songs that showcase this: Still They Ride, Patiently, Stay Awhile, Faithfully, on and on and on. But Steve Perry on his own, without Journey, created SOME memorable songs, but looking at FTLOSM, dragged, dragged and he began over-emoting in his later years sometimes. Oh, Sherrie, I have neve listened to that song on the radio and thought 'THE VOICE.' Maybe all the diehards on here do, but most people don't. It's a cute enough, catchy song, fluff.

I enjoy Arrival a lot, and love many songs on there. Once you get past the disappointment of it not being Perry, I actually enjoy the understatedness of his delivery of the songs, instead of some of the over-emoting on TBF by Perry. The vocals aren't the forefront for the music. it's more they blend in with songs and very soulful job by Augeri, almost reminds me of Rod Stewart in his heyday.

I actually love Arnel for the sheer power of his voice and his crystal vocals when doing Journey's older work. I've said this b/f, when he peforms Faithfully, though, different from Perry, I love just as much. They're both different deliveries and I can appreciate both for different reasons: Perry's world-weary brilliant delivery of a musician on the road (Shows why he's the best), and the powerful delivery by Arnel with great vocals and, yes, I feel his emotion on the song, even though not as polished of a delivery. I don't compare them. I will always listen to my Journey CDs; love them. But Perry isn't performing anymore, and if did, couldn't sing many of Journey's songs live anymore. So I appreciate Arnel b/c Journey is still an amazing band that "TOGETHER" wrote those songs that I love hearing live and b/c of Arnel can showcase their great songs. I feel his rendition of When You Love A Woman in concert, just through rough videos, was especially moving, and hope to see him in concert sing it.

RE their new music, there's many songs on there I like. Do they compare to Perry/Journey? No. But does that stop me from enjoying songs like TDTWT and Like A Sunshower by my favorite band, or the amazing rendition of What I Needed in concert? Absolutely not. I don't sit around and compare. I just appreciate that Neal and Jon are still ticking and found a singer that can still evoke for me in concert the Journey sound. I'm watching Arnel singing in concert and enjoying him, just like someone might love watching Steve Augeri or JSS. To us, we're not watching a Perry wannabe. We enjoy the singers.

I'm with Jana on this. It has always been about the Band for me. In fact, what first drew me to Journey was Neal's guitar work, not Perry's vocals. I love Steve, but personally, I'm over it.

[Don]

Well, of course, during Journey's heyday their music with Perry's vocals and brilliant delivery is amazing. So many amazing songs and, like I've always said, a one-of-a-kind voice and vocal delivery. It's not just his voice; it's his phrasing and delivery that make him head and tails above other singers So many songs that showcase this: Still They Ride, Patiently, Stay Awhile, Faithfully, on and on and on. But Steve Perry on his own, without Journey, created SOME memorable songs, but looking at FTLOSM, dragged, dragged and he began over-emoting in his later years sometimes. Oh, Sherrie, I have neve listened to that song on the radio and thought 'THE VOICE.' Maybe all the diehards on here do, but most people don't. It's a cute enough, catchy song, fluff.

I enjoy Arrival a lot, and love many songs on there. Once you get past the disappointment of it not being Perry, I actually enjoy the understatedness of his delivery of the songs, instead of some of the over-emoting on TBF by Perry. The vocals aren't the forefront for the music. it's more they blend in with songs and very soulful job by Augeri, almost reminds me of Rod Stewart in his heyday.

I actually love Arnel for the sheer power of his voice and his crystal vocals when doing Journey's older work. I've said this b/f, when he peforms Faithfully, though, different from Perry, I love just as much. They're both different deliveries and I can appreciate both for different reasons: Perry's world-weary brilliant delivery of a musician on the road (Shows why he's the best), and the powerful delivery by Arnel with great vocals and, yes, I feel his emotion on the song, even though not as polished of a delivery. I don't compare them. I will always listen to my Journey CDs; love them. But Perry isn't performing anymore, and if did, couldn't sing many of Journey's songs live anymore. So I appreciate Arnel b/c Journey is still an amazing band that "TOGETHER" wrote those songs that I love hearing live and b/c of Arnel can showcase their great songs. I feel his rendition of When You Love A Woman in concert, just through rough videos, was especially moving, and hope to see him in concert sing it.

RE their new music, there's many songs on there I like. Do they compare to Perry/Journey? No. But does that stop me from enjoying songs like TDTWT and Like A Sunshower by my favorite band, or the amazing rendition of What I Needed in concert? Absolutely not. I don't sit around and compare. I just appreciate that Neal and Jon are still ticking and found a singer that can still evoke for me in concert the Journey sound. I'm watching Arnel singing in concert and enjoying him, just like someone might love watching Steve Augeri or JSS. To us, we're not watching a Perry wannabe. We enjoy the singers.

I'm with Jana on this. It has always been about the Band for me. In fact, what first drew me to Journey was Neal's guitar work, not Perry's vocals. I love Steve, but personally, I'm over it.

And no one should have a problem with that. If Neal wasn't there though and Perry was, it would be the reverse. The band would be considered a Steve Perry solo act AND Neal fans would probably be saying what Perry fans are saying now.

[kgdjpubs]

Top 10 most magical (not in order)

1) Augeri "live" on Faith in the Heartland
2) Pineda live on What I needed
3) Perry on Mother/Father
4) Schon's solo in Mother/Father
5) JSS live on Keep on Runnin'
6) Perry/Schon together live on Stone in Love
7) Perry live on I'll be Alright w/o
The Arrival intro
9) When DSB starts
10) Majestic intro

I agree with a lot of the other choices here, but this is one I can't get my head around. JSS did very well on some songs, but the high notes on this one were simply out of his range. I have yet to hear ONE version of this one where he sounded anything other than straining to reach that note. Maybe if he altered the melody, I could see it as he definitely gave it a nice rocking edge, but for singing straight up, his voice just wasn't made for this one.

[BobbyinTN]

I think it's a different "magic" with the latter two. I loved hearing Steve A. sing and I think Arnel is impossibly amazing, but nothing can ever match the "magic" of Steve Perry working with Journey.

I was bitter at first when Steve A. came along, but after listening and realizing those guys still wanted to make music, I understood and judged less and loved more.

[Since 78]

Well, of course, during Journey's heyday their music with Perry's vocals and brilliant delivery is amazing. So many amazing songs and, like I've always said, a one-of-a-kind voice and vocal delivery. It's not just his voice; it's his phrasing and delivery that make him head and tails above other singers So many songs that showcase this: Still They Ride, Patiently, Stay Awhile, Faithfully, on and on and on. But Steve Perry on his own, without Journey, created SOME memorable songs, but looking at FTLOSM, dragged, dragged and he began over-emoting in his later years sometimes. Oh, Sherrie, I have neve listened to that song on the radio and thought 'THE VOICE.' Maybe all the diehards on here do, but most people don't. It's a cute enough, catchy song, fluff.

I enjoy Arrival a lot, and love many songs on there. Once you get past the disappointment of it not being Perry, I actually enjoy the understatedness of his delivery of the songs, instead of some of the over-emoting on TBF by Perry. The vocals aren't the forefront for the music. it's more they blend in with songs and very soulful job by Augeri, almost reminds me of Rod Stewart in his heyday.

I actually love Arnel for the sheer power of his voice and his crystal vocals when doing Journey's older work. I've said this b/f, when he peforms Faithfully, though, different from Perry, I love just as much. They're both different deliveries and I can appreciate both for different reasons: Perry's world-weary brilliant delivery of a musician on the road (Shows why he's the best), and the powerful delivery by Arnel with great vocals and, yes, I feel his emotion on the song, even though not as polished of a delivery. I don't compare them. I will always listen to my Journey CDs; love them. But Perry isn't performing anymore, and if did, couldn't sing many of Journey's songs live anymore. So I appreciate Arnel b/c Journey is still an amazing band that "TOGETHER" wrote those songs that I love hearing live and b/c of Arnel can showcase their great songs. I feel his rendition of When You Love A Woman in concert, just through rough videos, was especially moving, and hope to see him in concert sing it.

RE their new music, there's many songs on there I like. Do they compare to Perry/Journey? No. But does that stop me from enjoying songs like TDTWT and Like A Sunshower by my favorite band, or the amazing rendition of What I Needed in concert? Absolutely not. I don't sit around and compare. I just appreciate that Neal and Jon are still ticking and found a singer that can still evoke for me in concert the Journey sound. I'm watching Arnel singing in concert and enjoying him, just like someone might love watching Steve Augeri or JSS. To us, we're not watching a Perry wannabe. We enjoy the singers.

I'm with Jana on this. It has always been about the Band for me. In fact, what first drew me to Journey was Neal's guitar work, not Perry's vocals. I love Steve, but personally, I'm over it.

And no one should have a problem with that. If Neal wasn't there though and Perry was, it would be the reverse. The band would be considered a Steve Perry solo act AND Neal fans would probably be saying what Perry fans are saying now.

I agree 100%, if Neal was no longer in the Band I would be pissed. However, I would still support the Band.