Escape = Best Rock Album Ever?

[lights1961]

escape? eh, not so much. i hated seeing gregg rolie leave the band. i prefer frontiers to escape, but infinity, evolution and departure are the best to my ears. oh and captured rocks!!

yep... oh but do still love to hear Stone in Love...

[RPM]

Bostons first album and Back in black I would rate over Escape

[journey361]

My god, i have to say my piece here concerning Bruce Springsteen's horrible vocals or if thats what you call them. My god, if you see Bruce in concert it's music that won't move you vocally rather than the whole (the entire band) that has captured the nation. You have got to be kidding me when people here at work (where i work) go on and on about Bruce Springsteen great vocals. I won't even get into arguing any point comparing any vocalist to him. It's a no-brainer.

Now, to be honest Steve Perry i believe really never received his props vocally and even today. Vocally he's No. 1, No. 1B, No. 1C with a couple male vocalists in rock history throughout. I said vocalist, i didn't say frontman or as a whole (the entire) band. It's history that defines legacys and as far as die-hard fans and selling out areas, those days are finished for the most part. If Journey were just getting together now (2010) cutting Infinity with their ages as back then, record sales would not be what they were in the 70's and 80's.

Times and history are different with economy and internet, e.t.c. I get sick and laugh when i hear Stealy Dan, Grateful Dead, The Who, The Cars, the list goes on and on. Vocally it's average at best and maybe i'm being kind. Nothing against any of these bands and frontman, but my god, defining a great singer who inspires, makes you happy for no reason, opens your mouth and mind and makes you wonder, how in the fuck can he sing that good.

Now that's a true vocalist, not a make believe one that sells out arenas and makes music thats average at best. And i know i'm gonna get bashed on here for saying this, but for me as time has passed and Perry at (61 years old) is officially finished, there is really no other vocalist out there can come close to the voice, Adam Lambert is as stated, a technically skilled vocalist who may be questioned about his imature start to his bright career, but as he has said, he can sang. He owns the throne to emotion with R&B and thats what i always thought separated Perry from anyone.
'

[The Sushi Hunter]

I love Escape and listen to it all the time, but greatest rock album of all time? No way. I'd have to go with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon, Led Zeppelin IV or Who's Next.

Yeah, Dark Side Of The Moon is one of my all time favorites for sure and it really has a special place in my.....history that I will always remember for the rest of my life and the chick I was with at the time. I mentioned this some time back and a bunch of people mentioned they are tired of hearing it on the radio during those entire album air play deals.

I didn't think you were allowed to have a ...history, the wifey isn't going to like
reading about this ...

I don't. All the pictures, love letters, addresses, phone numbers.....through the shredder...all the items around the house, in storage, etc....all gone. Just the occassional memory is all that gets stumbled upon every great once in a while.

[The Sushi Hunter]

I love Escape and listen to it all the time, but greatest rock album of all time? No way. I'd have to go with Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon, Led Zeppelin IV or Who's Next.

Again, I mean the number of hits or memorable songs on the album. Escape has a bunch, Dark Side of the Moon? Ive only heard a couple of those songs. Now, Who's Next, you have a great argument there, stellar track list.

That would be Van Halen's Van Halen Album then to me.

[The Sushi Hunter]

My god, i have to say my piece here concerning Bruce Springsteen's horrible vocals or if thats what you call them. My god, if you see Bruce in concert it's music that won't move you vocally rather than the whole (the entire band) that has captured the nation. You have got to be kidding me when people here at work (where i work) go on and on about Bruce Springsteen great vocals. I won't even get into arguing any point comparing any vocalist to him. It's a no-brainer.

Now, to be honest Steve Perry i believe really never received his props vocally and even today. Vocally he's No. 1, No. 1B, No. 1C with a couple male vocalists in rock history throughout. I said vocalist, i didn't say frontman or as a whole (the entire) band. It's history that defines legacys and as far as die-hard fans and selling out areas, those days are finished for the most part. If Journey were just getting together now (2010) cutting Infinity with their ages as back then, record sales would not be what they were in the 70's and 80's.

Times and history are different with economy and internet, e.t.c. I get sick and laugh when i hear Stealy Dan, Grateful Dead, The Who, The Cars, the list goes on and on. Vocally it's average at best and maybe i'm being kind. Nothing against any of these bands and frontman, but my god, defining a great singer who inspires, makes you happy for no reason, opens your mouth and mind and makes you wonder, how in the fuck can he sing that good.

Now that's a true vocalist, not a make believe one that sells out arenas and makes music thats average at best. And i know i'm gonna get bashed on here for saying this, but for me as time has passed and Perry at (61 years old) is officially finished, there is really no other vocalist out there can come close to the voice, Adam Lambert is as stated, a technically skilled vocalist who may be questioned about his imature start to his bright career, but as he has said, he can sang. He owns the throne to emotion with R&B and thats what i always thought separated Perry from anyone.
'

Ok I'll take some of the bashing away from you on this one. I personally think Russell Hitchcock (Air Supply) during his prime singing years was one of the best vocalists, in my lifetime at least. Clear, powerful and unbelievable range.

In regards to Perry, yes, every time I hear him singing on the radio one of those well-known Journey tunes from years gone by, he was awesome and completely flawless singing those Journey songs.

[Vladan]

Escape is solid, and Journey's finest hour in the charts. Good album, probably top 20? IMO. The Boss, well you know that's a name everybody knows, you know you could play a song from Springsteen anywhere in the world, people will know who it is, I wish I could say the same for Journey... and that alone ends this debate.

Bottom line, Bruce Springsteen is radio friendly.

[kgdjpubs]

Escape is solid, and Journey's finest hour in the charts. Good album, probably top 20? IMO. The Boss, well you know that's a name everybody knows, you know you could play a song from Springsteen anywhere in the world, people will know who it is, I wish I could say the same for Journey... and that alone ends this debate.

Bottom line, Bruce Springsteen is radio friendly.

probably has a lot to do with the fact that Journey never toured outside of the UK and Japan in the day---then fell off the face of the earth after 86. Staying around for years does wonders to help people remember you in the later ones.

[Rockindeano]

Escape is solid, and Journey's finest hour in the charts. Good album, probably top 20? IMO. The Boss, well you know that's a name everybody knows, you know you could play a song from Springsteen anywhere in the world, people will know who it is, I wish I could say the same for Journey... and that alone ends this debate.

Bottom line, Bruce Springsteen is radio friendly.

probably has a lot to do with the fact that Journey never toured outside of the UK and Japan in the day---then fell off the face of the earth after 86. Staying around for years does wonders to help people remember you in the later ones.

Good solid points dude. Not to go off the deep end here, but let's contrast these two bands and how they are different. it will show why one has forged on and the other has somewhat struggled. The differences between Springsteen and Journey are vast, but they didn't used to be that way. I see management as very different. In the early 80's, they were real close in popularity. That has changed. yes, Perry splitting has a lot to do with Journey fading, but look at the managers. Jon Landau, spends money promoting Springsteen, whereas Azoff doesn't. I seem to remember Journey putting out a DVD last year that did quite well, and that was without a single penny being spent on promotion. Fast forward to this week when Springsteen puts out his new live DVD, London Calling, Live from Hyde Park. Landau has spent a ton of dough promoting it, and even put it in theaters as a sneak peek. Want to bet it outsells Journey's manila dvd 5 to 1? Now please, this is not a bash Journey post. It's a simple look at the doings of two different Mgt teams, one proactive and the other passive. I once told Neal in Atlantic City backstage during sound check, "you need to dump that old fuck Azoff." He told me, "no, he does a lot for us, I'll tell you a bit more later on." Well, I never did hear what good ol Irv really does except maybe books co headlining tours, something anyone can do. I just feel if Azoff did half of what Landau does, Journey would be more visible. Can you imagine if DSB was not a Journey song? That song is the single greatest promotional tool the band has ever known, including the days of Herbie Herbert, who I would call a proactive manager. He made stuff happen, unlike today. If Glee wasn't promoting Journey(which it indirectly does), where would they be? Sure they are capitalizing on the Pineda story, and that's smart, but eventually, it will run out of steam, if it hasn't already. Journey is a solid band with good players, but rudderless. I don't get why they don't want to spend money in order to make more of it. Again, not comparing Bruce with Journey, as now after 20 years since the early 80's have grown as far apart as you could be. Of course Bruce is more popular, as stated by Vladan and kgdjpubs, mainly because he is the founder of his own band, but also because he tours the entire world, not just the USA and Japan. I see Journey finally getting over to Europe. It's about time, but I don't think they are a 1/10th as popular there as they are here, and that's because they neglected it for so long. Many say it's because Perry never wanted to tour Europe, I don't know if that's true or not. But if you take Springsteen's receipts and put them alongside Journey's, you'll see a 10 to 1 margin difference. One guy plays all of Europe, Scandinavia, Australia and Canada, and the other plays the US and Hawaii. What I am trying to say, is Journey can still make a boatload of money, and they have the time left to do it. They need to go global, play more than one continent, and spend money on itself, to eventually better itself.

[Jana]

I won't go on, because it's fucking stupid, but why is the E Sreet Band considered among the best in the world and you never hear Journey mentioned as such?

probably because Springsteen is a much better lyricist than anyone in Journey. Springsteen talks about big issues, while Journey generally avoids them and does the tried and true love song. Serious lyrics appeals to the music critics much more than a well-written pop song. Sam with Dylan. You don't honestly think he's respected because of his superior vocal ability, do you?!?

Music critics generally don't like what Journey does, and it has nothing to do with the caliber of musicianship in both bands.

ding ding ding... great answer... I will tweak it though and call them the critics***MUSIC SNOBS***..... one of the reasons it will be another 5-10 years before journey gets into the hall of fame...

Not snobs. I have to admit of the music I own of Springsteen, some of it is pure musical poetry, great songs with deep meaning that move me.

[Red13JoePa]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

[Don]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

[Ehwmatt]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

Valid for many people... but for me, I didn't grow up with these songs and suffer overexposure. Just objectively, from a musical standpoint for me, I like Frontiers better. Some of the tracks on Escape are just filler for me, like Keep on Runnin, Dead or Alive, and Lay It Down. Sure, those are fun live tracks, but they are very mediocre as album tracks.

[Jana]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

Escape has never been my favorite album by them. I love DSB and, yes Open Arms, so it's not that. I don't like Keep On Running, Dead or Alive, Lay it Down or Stone In Love. So this album was weak for me. I own it but rarely ever listen to it. It's been years, not even my remastered version. The songs I like off there are on all their greatest hits compilations and such so I hear my favorites.

I have other albums by them I like much better. Infinity, Departure, Raised on Radio, Frontiers.

[Ehwmatt]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

Escape has never been my favorite album by them. I love DSB and, yes Open Arms, so it's not that. I don't like Keep On Running, Dead or Alive, Lay it Down or Stone In Love. So this album was weak for me. I own it but rarely ever listen to it. It's been years, not even my remastered version. The songs I like off there are on all their greatest hits compilations and such so I hear my favorites.

I have other albums by them I like much better. Infinity, Departure, Raised on Radio, Frontiers.

How can you not like SiL? That song's got everything Journey: Empty lyrics about summer love, great melodic guitar solos, huge harmonies, and catchy vocals. Maybe you could say there's not much goin on keyboard-wise... otherwise, wow, love that song.

[journey361]

Escape is a old album that stood the test of time really up untill now. To be honest, there are better songs with Perry's unearthly vocals off Infinity. He was amazing as always but his debut vocal awareness i think took the world by surprize. But escape is too commercial and typical music buz. bullshit. Sucks. Same dam bullshit with Adam Lambert. Adam Lambert, heres a singer whos vocals are by far and all accounts from pros and music doctors as technically skilled and not like anyone else really at all today. Of course he's new to buz., but what does he do. Bows down to exeutives and his label. "Ah, no classic rock or rock to speak of Adam," "You do what we say and we say eletric/pop/dance."

Of course he will make millions and never have to work a job ever but thats bullshit. He can bring it vocally and the buz., frick'en pull you by a string and tell you whats best. I guess they do know but it's commercial-crap.

[Jana]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

Escape has never been my favorite album by them. I love DSB and, yes Open Arms, so it's not that. I don't like Keep On Running, Dead or Alive, Lay it Down or Stone In Love. So this album was weak for me. I own it but rarely ever listen to it. It's been years, not even my remastered version. The songs I like off there are on all their greatest hits compilations and such so I hear my favorites.

I have other albums by them I like much better. Infinity, Departure, Raised on Radio, Frontiers.

How can you not like SiL? That song's got everything Journey: Empty lyrics about summer love, great melodic guitar solos, huge harmonies, and catchy vocals. Maybe you could say there's not much goin on keyboard-wise... otherwise, wow, love that song.

I just went and listened to it again to make sure nothing had changed for me. Nope. Still the same reaction. Something about it grates on me the first half, so I skip. I can't explain why. It has all you say it has up there, but does nothing for me. I do really love it live for one reason only, and that is because from the 2:15 mark on, really just the instrumental part, wow, I adore it. If I could skip to 2:15 and start I would listen to it more.

[Don]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

Escape has never been my favorite album by them. I love DSB and, yes Open Arms, so it's not that. I don't like Keep On Running, Dead or Alive, Lay it Down or Stone In Love. So this album was weak for me. I own it but rarely ever listen to it. It's been years, not even my remastered version. The songs I like off there are on all their greatest hits compilations and such so I hear my favorites.

I have other albums by them I like much better. Infinity, Departure, Raised on Radio, Frontiers.

How can you not like SiL? That song's got everything Journey: Empty lyrics about summer love, great melodic guitar solos, huge harmonies, and catchy vocals. Maybe you could say there's not much goin on keyboard-wise... otherwise, wow, love that song.

Watch Stone In Love being performed at the Download Festival. I wanted to stick a pencil compass in my ear. The music and vocals were dragged out like the batteries were going dead on the band's instruments, total loss of rhythm and vocal discipline near the end with Pineda sounding like he was auditioning for a part as one of Sauron's Nazgul in The Lord Of The Rings (He also does a Uruk-hai death wail at the end of AWYWI also).
This can not be considered a good song at all if it's not played at normal tempo or at least faster rather than slower.

Definitely a good candidate to be dropped from the setlist, especially if everything is going to be done in Eb for now on.

[Since 78]

Though many tire of some songs, just because they became SUCH huge hits (DSB, OA at least) if you take that fatigue factor away you realize they're still amazing songs.

Hard not to call ESC4P3 jrny's masterpiece.

Certainly a quintessential rock album of all time.

I think that's a fair observation. It's sold over 9 million copies officially, probably already at Daimond staus but with the band's Departure from Sony, I don't see the record label ever getting it certified as they would have to pay for the audit.
It's the same case with DSB. it's been certified at one million downloads, even though we know it's probably moved beyond three million now. Since Columbia is the label though, chances are slim of seeing the numbers adjusted anytime soon.

I think People need to see this, not the band's greatest hits as their most enduring album. Slippery When Wet, Pyromania, Hysteria, Appetite For Destruction are all Diamond ceritfied albums that those respective bands can hang their hats on. For me, Escape has to be Journey's crowning effort when you look at their entire catalog.

Escape has never been my favorite album by them. I love DSB and, yes Open Arms, so it's not that. I don't like Keep On Running, Dead or Alive, Lay it Down or Stone In Love. So this album was weak for me. I own it but rarely ever listen to it. It's been years, not even my remastered version. The songs I like off there are on all their greatest hits compilations and such so I hear my favorites.

I have other albums by them I like much better. Infinity, Departure, Raised on Radio, Frontiers.

How can you not like SiL? That song's got everything Journey: Empty lyrics about summer love, great melodic guitar solos, huge harmonies, and catchy vocals. Maybe you could say there's not much goin on keyboard-wise... otherwise, wow, love that song.

Watch Stone In Love being performed at the Download Festival. I wanted to stick a pencil compass in my ear. The music and vocals were dragged out like the batteries were going dead on the band's instruments, total loss of rhythm and vocal discipline near the end with Pineda sounding like he was auditioning for a part as one of Sauron's Nazgul in The Lord Of The Rings (He also does a Uruk-hai death wail at the end of AWYWI also).
This can not be considered a good song at all if it's not played at normal tempo or at least faster rather than slower.

Definitely a good candidate to be dropped from the setlist, especially if everything is going to be done in Eb for now on.

I agree, it should have been dropped a long time ago. It was a fun kind of song originally, but there a many other songs I would rather hear.

[jrnyman28]

I seem to remember Journey putting out a DVD last year that did quite well, and that was without a single penny being spent on promotion. Fast forward to this week when Springsteen puts out his new live DVD, London Calling, Live from Hyde Park. Landau has spent a ton of dough promoting it, and even put it in theaters as a sneak peek. Want to bet it outsells Journey's manila dvd 5 to 1? .

While I completely agree that Journey management has been probably a bigger obstacle than Perry leaving the band, I want to address one point. Bruce may outsell Journey 5-1 but they will have spent 5X as much as well. So it depends on what the goal is. Journey has been making decisions that pad the bank account with the least amount of effort.

[Rockindeano]

I seem to remember Journey putting out a DVD last year that did quite well, and that was without a single penny being spent on promotion. Fast forward to this week when Springsteen puts out his new live DVD, London Calling, Live from Hyde Park. Landau has spent a ton of dough promoting it, and even put it in theaters as a sneak peek. Want to bet it outsells Journey's manila dvd 5 to 1? .

While I completely agree that Journey management has been probably a bigger obstacle than Perry leaving the band, I want to address one point. Bruce may outsell Journey 5-1 but they will have spent 5X as much as well. So it depends on what the goal is. Journey has been making decisions that pad the bank account with the least amount of effort.

Good points 28, but don't you think that 5-1 exposure will benefit Bruce more than the bare bones effort that Journey made? By the way, I think the sales will most likely be 10 or 15 to 1 not 5-1. Gunbot says it will be number #1 when the numbers come out. That guy is never wrong about anything.

[portland]

I seem to remember Journey putting out a DVD last year that did quite well, and that was without a single penny being spent on promotion. Fast forward to this week when Springsteen puts out his new live DVD, London Calling, Live from Hyde Park. Landau has spent a ton of dough promoting it, and even put it in theaters as a sneak peek. Want to bet it outsells Journey's manila dvd 5 to 1? .

While I completely agree that Journey management has been probably a bigger obstacle than Perry leaving the band, I want to address one point. Bruce may outsell Journey 5-1 but they will have spent 5X as much as well. So it depends on what the goal is. Journey has been making decisions that pad the bank account with the least amount of effort.

Good points 28, but don't you think that 5-1 exposure will benefit Bruce more than the bare bones effort that Journey made? By the way, I think the sales will most likely be 10 or 15 to 1 not 5-1. Gunbot says it will be number #1 when the numbers come out. That guy is never wrong about anything.

Who Gunny??

[Rockindeano]

No Genius, George W Bush.

[portland]

No Genius, George W Bush.

Kisses Deano!!