New Samples - City Of Hope (last part) & Human Feel

[Rick]

Checking out the samples - they don't sound much like Journey anymore. Closer to Soul Sirkus but with Arnel singing (although these songs sound weaker than the strong material on SS). I don't hear much soul or emotion here, which used to be JRNY's trademark. I neither hear it in the songs, nor the playing (Schon can play like this in his sleep). Where are the melodies that went straight for your heart, the singing that oozed emotion?

A name change would probably be the fair thing to do right now.

This album isn't about tugging at heart strings. It is meant to be a rocker and is, as was said, "Their Album". What they wanted to do. It may not be the quintessential Journey record, but it is going to be a rocker, which is sorely overdue.

[tanga]

I'm loving Human Feel. Neal is awesome on COH!!

[Argus]

Checking out the samples - they don't sound much like Journey anymore. Closer to Soul Sirkus but with Arnel singing (although these songs sound weaker than the strong material on SS). I don't hear much soul or emotion here, which used to be JRNY's trademark. I neither hear it in the songs, nor the playing (Schon can play like this in his sleep). Where are the melodies that went straight for your heart, the singing that oozed emotion?

A name change would probably be the fair thing to do right now.

This album isn't about tugging at heart strings. It is meant to be a rocker and is, as was said, "Their Album". What they wanted to do. It may not be the quintessential Journey record, but it is going to be a rocker, which is sorely overdue.

Actually, replace "their" with "his" and you are correct

[superreverb]

WOW...

Arnel sounds VERY unique. He's singing his ass off, and I don't hear his accent at all. These clips really sound so good. You know... maybe it's cause i "know" it's Journey when I'm downloading this, but to me, it still sounds like Journey, but "No holds barred Journey" - it sounds like (As Rick already stated) the record THEY wanted to make. And Arnel sounds WAY, way, way different then Revelation, like a serious rock singer, not trying to conform to a complete classic sound, "For me", has thrown the doors wide open on this thing. I still can't get over how incredible it SOUNDS - I think Human Feel is a catchy Melody, as is City of hope.

They really changed things up, direction, Lineup, Writing, Sound of Production, this IS a BIG change, but it really defines this new lineup. I'm pretty excited for this new CD. Neal and Jon really took the reigns on this one, and I think they have really hit the mark.

I do wonder if there are some (hopeful) "Classic Journey Melodies" on this record, i know, to not just be completely gushing, that I'm a bit blindsided by these mixes Neal and Jon did in Nashville, and that just because it sounds so good, doesn't necessarily make it a great song to the Masses. I guess time will tell, to see more of a public reaction to the songs, i admit, I'm a bit of an audiophile, so i'm pretty much instantly won over buy things that sound that good.

[S2M]

I call BS in a way. Everyone says this is Neal's band, and always has been. While he is a founding member, it is hardly his band. It was always Herbie's band until he got shitcanned. Neal 'gave up' control when the addition of Perry got them hits, and $$$$. Something that jam/fusion outfit wasn't going to do. And Neal wasn't complaining when the ducats were rolling in. As far as this being his record? He's had 5 other chances since '86 to record his record. So this vindication that's swarming around this release is grossly misplaced.

[Don]

I call BS in a way. Everyone says this is Neal's band, and always has been. While he is a founding member, it is hardly his band. It was always Herbie's band until he got shitcanned. Neal 'gave up' control when the addition of Perry got them hits, and $$$$. Something that jam/fusion outfit wasn't going to do. And Neal wasn't complaining when the ducats were rolling in. As far as this being his record? He's had 5 other chances since '86 to record his record. So this vindication that's swarming around this release is grossly misplaced.

I agree.
No one stopped him from making HIS record since 1998, nor from becoming a WORLD band and touring South America like other legacy acts have been doing all these years. Any vindication should be in relation to his and Jon's OWN decisions over the last decade since the DIVORCE.
Cain said Neal got his band back circa 1998. Any bitching about the group's direction from that point forward falls squarely on the current leader(s) of Journey.

[Rick]

Checking out the samples - they don't sound much like Journey anymore. Closer to Soul Sirkus but with Arnel singing (although these songs sound weaker than the strong material on SS). I don't hear much soul or emotion here, which used to be JRNY's trademark. I neither hear it in the songs, nor the playing (Schon can play like this in his sleep). Where are the melodies that went straight for your heart, the singing that oozed emotion?

A name change would probably be the fair thing to do right now.

This album isn't about tugging at heart strings. It is meant to be a rocker and is, as was said, "Their Album". What they wanted to do. It may not be the quintessential Journey record, but it is going to be a rocker, which is sorely overdue.

Actually, replace "their" with "his" and you are correct

Good point, and you're right. This IS Neal's record, and I think it's about time he had one. He's not disappointed this band or his fans one time with his talent. He's always THERE. Good for Neal, he deserves it.

[superreverb]

Well and... yes, it sounds heavy, but it sounds like a "Band effort" to me, Deen and Ross sound amazing in the clips, Jon is ALL OVER COH, Piano, Synths, can hear him predominantly singing backgrounds. Arnel Wrote on this Album, Cain And Schon wrote the whole album together, they recorded some of it at, and closed Cain's studio down together, then Neal went to Nashville with Jon, to finish the record, recording all the vocals, extra layers, and mixing and mastering the record. Like I've said in other threads (Cain retirement thread) , that sounds like MORE Cain involvement, then the last several records. It doesn't sound (Literally), or seem to me, like Neal just took over this record on his own, it sounds like a band.

[Don]

I'm happy about the direction of this new album but really, the only one responsible for this not happening ten years earlier is Journey's leader and founder. We've been told over and over again that money/ financial security isn't an issue with these guys so no need for anyone to try to pass the blame to outside agents when the only place fingers should be pointed at is inside the band itself.

Kudos Neal for finally getting the guts to really take your band back.

[STORY_TELLER]

My opinion:

To me, Journey without Perry wasn't going to be legitimate until they stopped trying to be what they were with him, and become their own band. Van Halen did this right off the bat with Hagar, and that's why it worked. I'm liking what I hear in the studio clips. This has been a long time coming (for me). It's sure to divide the hard core fan base, but (so far) I'm in the acceptance camp.

Neal's giving us Eclipse and two solo projects, one of which has Smitty on drums. This is looking to be a great fucking year for Rock n' Roll people. Enjoy the ride. I know I will.

Thank you, Neal, you're my hero!

ST

[Jana]

Well and... yes, it sounds heavy, but it sounds like a "Band effort" to me, Deen and Ross sound amazing in the clips, Jon is ALL OVER COH, Piano, Synths, can hear him predominantly singing backgrounds. Arnel Wrote on this Album, Cain And Schon wrote the whole album together, they recorded some of it at, and closed Cain's studio down together, then Neal went to Nashville with Jon, to finish the record, recording all the vocals, extra layers, and mixing and mastering the record. Like I've said in other threads (Cain retirement thread) , that sounds like MORE Cain involvement, then the last several records. It doesn't sound (Literally), or seem to me, like Neal just took over this record on his own, it sounds like a band.

Absolutely. Great points. What I love about the songs so far, and the clips from Andrew, is it may be heavier rock, but there is a progressive rock feel to some of the songs, compared to it being 80s harder rock, and I hear definite catchy melodies and hooks. But there's a fresh sound to this album, definitely not generic rock. I can't wait to hear the studio clip of Chain of Love, Edge of the Moment. I already love Resonate even from youtube, so it will be great. And I would love to hear a sample of that ballad Andrew was describing a while back. I can't remember the title, but his description of it was intriguing

[Jana]

My opinion:

To me, Journey without Perry wasn't going to be legitimate until they stopped trying to be what they were with him, and become their own band. Van Halen did this right off the bat with Hagar, and that's why it worked. I'm liking what I hear in the studio clips. This has been a long time coming (for me). It's sure to divide the hard core fan base, but (so far) I'm in the acceptance camp.

Neal's giving us Eclipse and two solo projects, one of which has Smitty on drums. This is looking to be a great fucking year for Rock n' Roll people. Enjoy the ride. I know I will.

Thank you, Neal, you're my hero!

ST

Their first album after Perry was fantastic, Arrival. It had an updated sound to me and a great moody vibe. Augeri's voice is different from Perry's, more understated, not as vibrant, and his soulful delivery on the songs really worked. And I love Jon and Neal on the album. Neal's tone on guitar was beautiful. And the melancholy piano melodies on the songs I loved. Deen was great, too. I guess many could say they did too many ballads to make certain fans happy, but I loved all the ballads. So I was fine.

I liked the feel of Revelation. There was an Infinity feel to a lot of Neal's playing on there. And some really great songs. But an uneven album.

But every band each album likes to play where their head is at at the time or experiment. Eclipse is, definitely, that album for Journey. Kind of like U2 when they took a big u-turn on their music to experiment and not repeat. Varied reaction from the fans, but from a creative standpoint, I'm sure they were happy.

I can't wait to hear the Neal solo album, also. A solo album by Neal has been a long time coming.

[SYNCH]

Thanks Andrew. Great upbeat songs. City of Hope has the Journey-esque feeling and Human Feel is just different but what a beat and what a great mix of the soaring guitars. These songs didn't connect in the live setting at first but are great in the album version, how much more the Chain of Love, Resonate and Edge of the Moment songs will be? Can't wait when this comes out.

Yes, samples of those other 3 songs as soon as possible, please!

Andrew, I know you're working your ass off getting these sample clips but when are the others gonna be? please

OFFTOPIC: Did the board just change the font? Or is my browser went funny?

[Andrew]

I call BS in a way. Everyone says this is Neal's band, and always has been. While he is a founding member, it is hardly his band. It was always Herbie's band until he got shitcanned. Neal 'gave up' control when the addition of Perry got them hits, and $$$$. Something that jam/fusion outfit wasn't going to do. And Neal wasn't complaining when the ducats were rolling in. As far as this being his record? He's had 5 other chances since '86 to record his record. So this vindication that's swarming around this release is grossly misplaced.

Dude....seriously....stay off the Journey form until May 24 please.

[S2M]

I call BS in a way. Everyone says this is Neal's band, and always has been. While he is a founding member, it is hardly his band. It was always Herbie's band until he got shitcanned. Neal 'gave up' control when the addition of Perry got them hits, and $$$$. Something that jam/fusion outfit wasn't going to do. And Neal wasn't complaining when the ducats were rolling in. As far as this being his record? He's had 5 other chances since '86 to record his record. So this vindication that's swarming around this release is grossly misplaced.

Dude....seriously....stay off the Journey form until May 24 please.

Now WTF was wrong with what I said? There was nothing derogatory in that post.

This is the kinda shit that I'm taking about....

[Tito]

Frontpage - NOW

Look who's out of the doghouse.

[Tito]

Human Feel at the 1:15 mark and on almost sounds like a heavier "I'll Cover You" from Neal's solo album, Late Nite. Really, the whole song has a heavier vibe of "I'll Cover You" to it.

[Tito]

City of Hope clip sounds like a Red13 sounding Faith in the Heartland...if it were on that album of course.

[Centaure]

Wow ! I really like those clips !!!

I am pretty glad that they tried something that different this time. Revelation was another album that Journey tried to mimic itself.

I for one loved the Red 13 idea. Ok the sound was not that good, but Journey took some chances with it. Now it seems that with Eclipse, they have fully realized that idea, with better songs, better production, better sound, better singer... hell yeah !!!

[WykkedSensation]

Not liking them. Knew i wouldn't.
Sounds like Soul SirkUS meets Red13, and both of those were complete shite.
I want Journey (WITH THE JOURNEY SOUND), and this aint it. This is totally unremarkable sounding stuff.

[tater1977]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZndOPEMYlXw

Journey: City of Hope - Human Feel Samples ondoybags

Eclipse samples

3:20

(Are these the same samples Andrew has?)

N/M the guy says at the end of the clip, thats where he got them from, but added 17 secs on to COH clip...

[Saint John]

Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

[Jana]

A newer clip of Chain of Love I found posted from Argentina. Sounds better than last clip.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9J69tnGH ... re=related

[JourneyHard]

[quote]Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

Human Feel has a chorus:
This is the world we live in,
These are the hands we're given,
Use them and let's start human feel

-Bill

[S2M]

Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

Human Feel has a chorus:
This is the world we live in,
These are the hands we're given,
Use them and let's start human feel

-Bill

He said chorus, not Bore Us....

[steveo777]

Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

Human Feel has a chorus:
This is the world we live in,
These are the hands we're given,
Use them and let's start human feel

-Bill

He said chorus, not Bore Us....

Hey fuck nutz, didn't the 'bat say he was gonna kick your ass?

[Escape Artist]

The samples sound great!
I'm looking forward to this CD more than anything else in the past 10+ years. Stll don't understand why some people insist it doesn't sound like Journey cause it certainly does to me. That's cool though, if you don't dig it, so be it. This CD is gonna be a monster though...

[Escape Artist]

Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

Human Feel has a chorus:
This is the world we live in,
These are the hands we're given,
Use them and let's start human feel

-Bill

He said chorus, not Bore Us....

Speaking of boring...broken fucking record.

[S2M]

Still not all that impressed with either song. I would prefer Chain Of Love, Resonate or Edge Of The Moment to these 2 songs. They seem to be FAR better, in terms of hooks, melody and structure. Human Feel and City Of Hope need ... choruses!

Human Feel has a chorus:
This is the world we live in,
These are the hands we're given,
Use them and let's start human feel

-Bill

He said chorus, not Bore Us....

Speaking of boring...broken fucking record.

Can't escape being a prick, huh? It's all tongue-in-cheek buddy....I'm on record as liking Chain of Love, and City of Hope. I don't care for Human Feel....

Most people here know my brand of humor....if you, a few others, and the big enchilada can't look past the humor - well IDK what to tell you....

[The_Noble_Cause]

The samples sound great!
I'm looking forward to this CD more than anything else in the past 10+ years. Stll don't understand why some people insist it doesn't sound like Journey cause it certainly does to me. That's cool though, if you don't dig it, so be it. This CD is gonna be a monster though...

+1