Thoughts On "Mother, Father"?

by **timstar78** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 3:53 pm

This has always been an intriguing song for me. It certainly stands out as arguably the most intense and eclectic track on "Escape," and it definitely ranks up there as one of my favorite Journey songs. Musically, there are some interesting things happening, certainly with the chord changes, and Neal's playing, in particular, is fantastic. (And Steve's vocal is pretty amazing.) By the time the song is wrapped up, that final quiet suspended chord sequence -- Csus2 - Bbsus2 - Asus2 -- really leaves you with an evasive sense of resolution. (I've always thought that this song, though worlds away in terms of dynamics and subject matter, is the perfect segue for "Open Arms." Even more so given that the final A chord in "MF" almost acts as a subtle V chord, leading into "Open Arms," which is in D major.)

The impetus for this was the new Classic Rock AOR magazine, which described the song as Steve Perry's "Finest Vocal Performance" in naming him the No. 1 AOR vocalist of all time: "Mother, Father" (from Journey's Escape, 1981). Perry pushes himself to the absolute boundary of human sensitivity - an emotional masterpiece."

On that note, I dug up some comments from the band themselves...

Jonathan Cain (In The Studio: Escape):
"'Mother Father' comes to mind as the first real piece of music that triumphed from that sort of 'marriage' between Neal, myself and Steve. And kind of making a statement at the same time. I don't know, we didn't know what we were going to call it. And I thought the family was a good place to start. So, if you listen to that piece, you can hear Neal's classical influences. And I think that's one of the reasons the 'Escape' album was a success. It was an ambitious, broad stroke of the brush. It tried to cover a lot of territory. We could have been killed for it. But Journey was in the place where that statement could be made musically. They had the freedom to actually make an artistic statement and be heard. People were listening. And I think that was a real blessing for the 'Escape' album."

Neal Schon (In The Studio: Escape):
"It's a musical statement that I don't think any other band has come close to.... As far as vocal performance, intensity of the song, and electric band being a total orchestra. And classical. But still having the balls of a rock band.... I had these chords that are very reminiscent of Bach. I used to listen to Bach all the time. I just loved the music. And my dad had written some chords...in the middle that I played the first guitar solo over. It's real melodic and different. And I remember we brought this in and I had it pretty much laid out. And then Steve and Jonathan came up with the melodies and the lyrics. And that was that. But that was a very intense song. I was disappointed that that one out of all of them never got any radio play. Because I thought it was real brilliant."

From the "Time 3" box set:
A composite of two tapes, one by Neal Schon and one by Steve Perry, this dramatic piece, with the first interlude written by Neal Schon's father, was later completed by Cain and Perry.

What are your thoughts on the song, and do you think it ranks as Perry's best vocal performances?

by **Tracie555** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 4:41 pm

That is my all time favorite song in the world, and will always be

That song has so much talent and raw emotion, how could it not be one of any bands finest. It starts out like a haunting melody, reaches it's peak and then kicks your ass at the end with those amazing drums!

by **mikemarrs** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 5:42 pm

definitely in my top 5

by **Vladan** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 8:38 pm

Good question.

It really just comes down to personal opinion. If Journey never wrote and recorded the song Mother Father, I'm pretty sure another song would of taken it's place, naming Steve Perry the number 1 AOR of all time, IMO.

Here is my feelings on the subject... You know, it really doesn't matter what song it is, Steve's singing is always good. While I think the song Mother Father is great, and his vocals are awesome, I don't beleive it's his finest vocal performance, there is just too much gold on other songs he did... from the controlled and perfectly timed vibrato in Only The Young, the insane power of Seperate Ways, and even the Raised On Radio album, his timing, execution, delivery is sublime.

by **portland** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 10:29 pm

Love it.....but then I love all that is Perry....so there.

it's Journey's Bohemian Rhapsody??

by **Eric** » Wed Dec 22, 2010 11:32 pm

If you want to blow someone open-minded away......play this song. They'll like Journey after.

Deen-O singing this live while still hammering away is always a concert highlight too.

by **Michigan Girl** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:26 am

Eric wrote:If you want to blow someone open-minded away......play this song. They'll like Journey after.

Deen-O singing this live while still hammering away is always a concert highlight too.

I agree, I've heard this song performed live a few times, once w/Deen ...I was amazed at what
an incredible job he did!! Obviously nothing comes close to Perry's, breathtaking, stunning, and
overall Enthralling (my favorite Perry adjective) performances, yes, every time!!
His Best?!? Hard to say, there are far too many ... Definitely an overall best for the BAND!! :wink:

by **xflajrnylvr** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:35 am

Michigan Girl wrote:
Eric wrote:If you want to blow someone open-minded away......play this song. They'll like Journey after.

Deen-O singing this live while still hammering away is always a concert highlight too.

I agree, I've heard this song performed live a few times, once w/Deen ...I was amazed at what
an incredible job he did!! Obviously nothing comes close to Perry's, breathtaking, stunning, and
overall Enthralling (my favorite Perry adjective) performances, yes, every time!!
His Best?!? Hard to say, there are far too many ... Definitely an overall best for the BAND!!

Totally Agree

Definately top three

by **Jeremey** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 12:58 am

I know I'm in the minority but it's not one of my favorites...the chorus sounds a little overly theatrical, and while Perry's voice is amazing on the song, I still felt that during that era his voice was a little too high for my preference then.

by **SF-Dano** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:07 am

In my top 5 Journey songs of all time. And, IMO, probably in the top 5 Perry vocals of his carreer.

And as someone mentioned, Deen belting this out live while still pounding the skins is pretty damn impressive also.

If someone had not heard Journey before and wanted to give them a listen, I think this may be the first track I would play for them.

by **Enigma869** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 2:55 am

timstar78 wrote:What are your thoughts on the song, and do you think it ranks as Perry's best vocal performances?

While I've never considered "Mother/Father" close to my favorite Journey song, it's tough to ignore just how impressive Perry is on the song. The 1981 Live performance by Perry on "Mother/Father" in Houston is still the greatest live performance I've EVER seen by ANY singer, period, end of story. Only Perry, at that particular moment in time could have ever pulled that off.

by **journeyrock** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 4:46 am

Mother Father is in my top three favorite ever songs. The music/lyrics itself is absolutely brilliant and Perry's performance of it in the Houston 81 concert was absolutely stunning. In my book, it was definitely his finest vocal performance ever. No singer in any band could top the delivery he gave.

Ironically enough, after all the years, it seems to have hit pretty close to home with many members of the band, both past and present.

by **lights1961** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 5:06 am

Enigma869 wrote:
timstar78 wrote:What are your thoughts on the song, and do you think it ranks as Perry's best vocal performances?

While I've never considered "Mother/Father" close to my favorite Journey song, it's tough to ignore just how impressive Perry is on the song. The 1981 Live performance by Perry on "Mother/Father" in Houston is still the greatest live performance I've EVER seen by ANY singer, period, end of story. Only Perry, at that particular moment in time could have ever pulled that off.

that song mother father is really haunting and emotional...not in my favorite top 10 either... but still really really amazing song, musically and in the lyrics...

I think Open the Door on infinity is another haunting journey tune... not the same intensity... as mother father... but really haunting...

by **Vladan** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:20 am

Jeremey wrote:I know I'm in the minority but it's not one of my favorites...the chorus sounds a little overly theatrical, and while Perry's voice is amazing on the song, I still felt that during that era his voice was a little too high for my preference then.

Yep, totally! agreed.

by **youkeepmewaiting** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:37 am

I remember the first time I ever heard the song. Love the verse and bridge but always felt the chorus just wrecked it and sounded like standard Journey cheese. The rest of the song saves it though. One of my favourites to listen to live.

by **Don** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 7:42 am

I think Who's Crying Now and Send here My Love are better songs in this vein. Perry has a great voice when it comes to lamentations but Mother, Father is a bit too over the top. Definitely a dramatic pop song of the highest order, ala Eric Carmen and All By Myself.

by **FamilyMan** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 8:59 am

Don wrote:I think Who's Crying Now and Send here My Love are better songs in this vein. Perry has a great voice when it comes to lamentations but Mother, Father is a bit too over the top. Definitely a dramatic pop song of the highest order, ala Eric Carmen and All By Myself.

Think I'm with Don and Jeremey on this one. A good song - interesting departure from the rest of the record - but a little too grandiose for my taste. To me, the title track was always the tour de force on the Escape album.

by **KDOUBLEU** » Thu Dec 23, 2010 9:03 am

Didnt like back in 81 when I first heard it. Love it now I feel it is probably one of his best vocal performances to date.Lets wait and see what he has to offer us in the future.......

by **Ftloperry** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 1:42 pm

My all time favorite Journey song and to me Steve's greatest vocal performance EVER!

by **scarab** » Fri Dec 24, 2010 2:02 pm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlFVc7qD ... re=related

nearly always brings me to tears,

and tonight, it did,

miss you sister,

until we meet again

have faith, believe

by **ebake02** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 3:03 am

scarab wrote:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VlFVc7qDUog&feature=related

I've always thought this was Steve's best performance!

by **WiseOldTabbyCat** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:49 am

It's okay. I'll listen to it, but its not one of my favourites. I find Perry's vocals more impressive on "Lay it Down".

by **parfait** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 6:53 am

Kinda overrated. It's a really good performance, but I prefer Patiently or Still They Ride.

by **DrFU** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 2:06 pm

WiseOldTabbyCat wrote:It's okay. I'll listen to it, but its not one of my favourites. I find Perry's vocals more impressive on "Lay it Down".

excellent av cat

by **Shadowsong** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:44 pm

Kudos to the originals & there vocal registers.
That's what makes them.

As for me, I think I'm more baroque & minor keys were always my favorite~

by **Shadowsong** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 3:48 pm

parfait wrote:Kinda overrated. It's a really good performance, but I prefer Patiently or Still They Ride.

I really love Mother Father
but
Still They Ride is my all time Fav!

JeSSe rides thru the night~

by **brandonx76** » Mon Jan 10, 2011 4:16 pm

This is one of Journey's top shelf tracks...END OF DISCUSSION...great history Timstar, thx for including

by **annie89509** » Sun Jan 16, 2011 2:20 pm

I'm with those who are just not that into the song...not hyping it all the way to the top compared to the magnitude of other songs in their catalog. A little too threatrical, grandiose...but, then, maybe it's uniqueness that touched some the hardcores here. Me...I really love SP in the simple, ballady tunes...most of which posters have listed above. WCTNGOF...that's SP's greatest performance (imo)...I can listen to this song 100 times and, still, it puts a lump in my throat every time. Too bad he never sang it live :cry:

.

by **cinkidd** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 2:23 am

Jeremey wrote:I know I'm in the minority but it's not one of my favorites...the chorus sounds a little overly theatrical, and while Perry's voice is amazing on the song, I still felt that during that era his voice was a little too high for my preference then.

Jeremey, I like you, you are a nice decent guy who has had to put up with a LOT of shit on these boards, but have you ever listened to yourself? As a person who is trying to imitate Steve Perry, your voice has always come across as a little too high for me and with lots of nasal (which is kinda of funny if you think about Perry's nose) and weak.

I will admit that opinions are like assholes, and I may be coming across as one right now, but I will stick by what I'm saying.

As for what I think about the performance of this song on the Escape album, it is one of Journey's best. Live in the Escape Houston 81 DVD/CD it is in the top 10. My actual Steve Perry w/Journey live performance this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQIPVqLMUg&ob=av3nm

I love how Perry ad-libs and throws in some yeahs, oh ohhhs and just in general seems relaxed and the rest of the band are tight as hell as always.

Rich the Asshole Guy

by **parfait** » Mon Jan 17, 2011 3:32 am

cinkidd wrote:
Jeremey wrote:I know I'm in the minority but it's not one of my favorites...the chorus sounds a little overly theatrical, and while Perry's voice is amazing on the song, I still felt that during that era his voice was a little too high for my preference then.

Jeremey, I like you, you are a nice decent guy who has had to put up with a LOT of shit on these boards, but have you ever listened to yourself? As a person who is trying to imitate Steve Perry, your voice has always come across as a little too high for me and with lots of nasal (which is kinda of funny if you think about Perry's nose) and weak.

I will admit that opinions are like assholes, and I may be coming across as one right now, but I will stick by what I'm saying.

As for what I think about the performance of this song on the Escape album, it is one of Journey's best. Live in the Escape Houston 81 DVD/CD it is in the top 10. My actual Steve Perry w/Journey live performance this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NQIPVqLMUg&ob=av3nm

I love how Perry ad-libs and throws in some yeahs, oh ohhhs and just in general seems relaxed and the rest of the band are tight as hell as always.

Rich the Asshole Guy

Got to agree with you from what I've heard.

I personally think that Perry's voice was at its best from infinity to departure.

MR

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