Eclipse - Your Reviews

[Aaron]

I've listened to City of Hope and Resonate but that's it. I'll make sure to listen to Ritual and Someone to see if they hold water as I'm going through. I plan on hitting the cd several times through back to back to get a flavor the entire cd as a combined work. Once I get through that, I'll concentrate on the good ones in detail. We'll see how it goes Tuesday I reckon.

Opinions are just like assholes, everybody has one. I've seen Hugo live and he has the capability. I think the miss is the vocals on new Journey stuff is not as high as Perry or Augeri era songs. You don't need someone with range if it's not going to be used, ya know.

Arnels vocals are powerful but not nearly as high as what I expected. Someone mentioned it sounded like the songs were written for JSS, I couldn't agree more. The range I've heard is not the "souring tenor" Schon has talked about in interviews. Let's hope the whole cd has something else to offer. I can say that Night Ranger sounded like Night Ranger on "Growin Up in California". They may just kick Journey's ass on this cd release.

My kid says the new cd sounds nothing like Journey and from what I've heard I agree. I'll wait until I listen to the whole cd before I decide where I stand on it.

While not being able to getting a copy of Eclipse from the dh's at walmart, I broke down and listened to a couple of tracks on you tube with my son. We listened to City of Hope and Resonate for a bit. The son's comment was wow, this doesn't sound like Journey, they need to change the band name if it's not Steve Perry singing. I tend agree with him, the guitar riffs were really good, but the vocals just weren't quite there for either of us. Hopefully listening to the whole cd will provide a different feel. We both agree it doesn't sound like Journey but we'll see.

The kid says get Hugo into sing or change the band name. I agree, it's not the same. The kid is a chip off the old block.

It never ceases to amaze me when people say Hugo sounds like Perry. Looks and acts like, maybe, but sound? Not even close. Hugo could never pull off this new material and have it work.

The whole point of this cd was to sound a bit different....But it sounds like Journey...I played it for my friend last night who is a "Dirty Dozen" fan. Didn't tell him who or what it was..Just popped it in his cd player....Minute later, "Is that Journey"?


What tracks have you heard so far? I find Ritual and Someone sound closest to "Classic" Journey.. So start with those 2.

[jestor92]

I'm actually bumping my overall review to a 6.5/10. I just relistened to the cd and nothing still jumps out at me and grabs me. Another issue I have is that IMO some of the songs just sound like rewrites, but with more guitars instead of keyboards. It seemed that there were 3 or 4 songs that used the word grace or state of grace which is something that's been in a Journey album every time since Augeri took over vocals. Track 11, the name which escapes me right now when I was listening to it just reminded me of Change For the Better. I still can't understand what Arnie is singing in parts where he's singing high and it's annoying, I've noticed it more this listen.

What bothers me most about this album is that it lacks good hooks and chorus parts, something which is a key part of Journey.

On the plus side the instrumental song is the most bad ass I've heard Castronovo since his days with Geezer Butler's solo band debut "Plastic Planet"

[WalrusOct9]

I have to say this is the most disappointing Journey release since TBF. It rocks, and as a fan of Neal's guitar playing, there's a lot to get into there, but I've listened through twice and not a single song has jumped out at me. This isn't King Crimson, this is Journey, one of the most successful pop bands of the last 35 years...they always pushed the limits of pop songs on their album cuts, but every record, even the post-Perry ones, had a handful of killer hooks, big choruses, and great melodies that were radio-ready (even if radio won't play their new material). This one seems to be lacking in all of those elements...like a Soul Sirkus record without JSS' killer melodic sense & songcraft to keep Neal in check.

[koberry]

This is the second night that I've been blasting 'Resonate' until 2 or 3 in the morning. That song refuses to let me sleep.
I really have nothing bad to say about it at all; no criticisms or room for improvement, it's one of the very few songs that Journey just nailed perfectly. I remember when I first heard Revelation, I felt like the rockers on the album were somewhat neutered in the mix. ('Change For the Better' and 'Wildest Dream' rank among my favorite Journey songs, but the live versions trample the studio ones.) The boys just couldn't have done 'Resonate' any better.

Lyrically, the album might tackle the same subject matter that's rampant on most Journey songs, but the delivery is much different. This isn't a sappy song, but explores a deeper, angsty on long-distance love. It's like the rock answer to 'Faithfully'. The guitars are powerful, heavy, and add atmosphere. The chorus is flawless.

The best part of the song is Neal's riff at the 4:14 minute mark after the line "it's all our love can be."
Hands down, the strongest song on the album.

Score: 10/10

Isn't it funny how some riffs just stick in you head like that? Neal pulls off more than his share of them that get in your gut. One I've always loved is on Don't Walk Away by Bad English. At 3:05, right after "Reach out, reach out, I'm drowning I'm waving", that bluesy, fingerpicked riff. Dang!

[Majestic]

I have to say this is the most disappointing Journey release since TBF. It rocks, and as a fan of Neal's guitar playing, there's a lot to get into there, but I've listened through twice and not a single song has jumped out at me. This isn't King Crimson, this is Journey, one of the most successful pop bands of the last 35 years...they always pushed the limits of pop songs on their album cuts, but every record, even the post-Perry ones, had a handful of killer hooks, big choruses, and great melodies that were radio-ready (even if radio won't play their new material). This one seems to be lacking in all of those elements...like a Soul Sirkus record without JSS' killer melodic sense & songcraft to keep Neal in check.

The choruses on To Whom it May Concern, and Tantra, are very big and Journeyesque, and there are other big choruses on Eclipse, such as Edge of the Moment, but just different from standard Journey. Some people might not dig the heavier stuff like Edge of the Moment, Chain of Love, or Resonate ( I do) but with Tantra, To Whom it May Concern, Someone, Anything is Possible, City of Hope, and to a certain extent She's a Mystery you (almost) have your typical, familiar Journey vibe. For me, this album has something for everyone. I like the heavy experimental stuff on Eclipse, and also appreciate the quality of the traditional Journey fare Eclipse has to offer.

[jrny10]

Although the album's grown on me a bit, what completely ruins it is the production. How could they possibly have signed off on this? No power whatsoever.

[koberry]

I have to say this is the most disappointing Journey release since TBF. It rocks, and as a fan of Neal's guitar playing, there's a lot to get into there, but I've listened through twice and not a single song has jumped out at me. This isn't King Crimson, this is Journey, one of the most successful pop bands of the last 35 years...they always pushed the limits of pop songs on their album cuts, but every record, even the post-Perry ones, had a handful of killer hooks, big choruses, and great melodies that were radio-ready (even if radio won't play their new material). This one seems to be lacking in all of those elements...like a Soul Sirkus record without JSS' killer melodic sense & songcraft to keep Neal in check.

The choruses on To Whom it May Concern, and Tantra, are very big and Journeyesque, and there are other big choruses on Eclipse, such as Edge of the Moment, but just different from standard Journey. Some people might not dig the heavier stuff like Edge of the Moment, Chain of Love, or Resonate ( I do) but with Tantra, To Whom it May Concern, Someone, Anything is Possible, City of Hope, and to a certain extent She's a Mystery you (almost) have your typical, familiar Journey vibe. For me, this album has something for everyone. I like the heavy experimental stuff on Eclipse, and also appreciate the quality of the traditional Journey fare Eclipse has to offer.

I definitely understand the sentiment around wanting those big hooks and choruses on any Journey release - I love them, too. But I think what I'm taking from those objections I've read here is that people are comparing Eclipse to the entire body of Journey's work, especially the D12. When I go back and look at the track listings for Evolution, Departure, Escape & Frontiers, I'm not seeing perfect albums of non-stop hooks/choruses from start to finish. Journey, to me, has always had a couple of songs that delivered these types of goods on each release, but also has many songs that you have to dig into. And I like that. This fact is why I think people who only know the dirty dozen, don't really know this band.

For instance, just for fun, look at the last 5 tracks on Frontiers - Edge of the Blade, Troubled Child, Back Talk, Frontiers, Rubicon. None of these songs are in the dirty dozen and fit the bill of those you have to dig into a bit. Yet they're half of what is, for many fans, Journey's top, most classic, release. And this was a time when they were writing with the intent to get songs on the radio - which really isn't possible anymore for this band. I can see that fact certainly influencing what they decide to write and record. I know this all amounts to personal preference and many others won't agree, but I hear songs on Eclipse that are just as strong when compared individually to many of the songs on pretty much any previous release.

I like lots of their catalog, from the progressive, pre-Perry years out to now and pretty much everything in between - even parts of ROR I am definitely loving this release and have had it playing in non-stop rotation since I got it last week.

[brywool]

"ECL1P53" definitely isn't "yer mom's" Journey. For those that're looking to relive their 1980 Senior Prom memories with an "Open Arms" type of cut, you won't find it here. Thank God! It's great to see Journey do something different after years of seemingly being locked into a formula. Don't get me wrong, I love the Journey formula, but I also love to be surprised and I definitely was with "ECL1P53".

It's as if Journey took everything that made them sell a truckload of albums to women in the 80s out of the cookbook for this album.

While "Revelation" (but actually "Arrival" did this more) took all of those things and beat you over the head with it, "ECL1P53" goes as far away from that stuff as it can while still sounding like Journey. If I had to liken it to another Journey album as far as the approach, "Red 13" would be what it's closest to. Where "Red 13" was underwhelming in trying to expand Journey, "ECL1P53" does it extremely well with a clear direction and a huge punch.

"ECL1P53" takes the band to new territory (notice I didn't say "Frontiers") both musically and lyrically. For those looking for the lightweight lyrics of "Any Way You Want It", you will find that (thankfully) missing from this album. In fact, after listening to "Tantra" you may say"God, what did I ever see in "Any Way You Want It"? I certainly did. (Of course on closer examination, the harmonies and Perry's vocals are what sold the heck of that song- Oh yeah, that's what I liked about it!) The standout track, "Tantra", is song of substance, while "Any Way You Want It" is about as "pop hit" and lightweight as you can get. Definitely an anthem.

The band knows that with the dismal state of radio these days, there's no chance for this over the hill band to have a hit and so it's as if they've collectively raised their middle finger to corporate radio and said "We could care less. This is what we want to say and it's more substantial musically and lyrically than most things we've said before".

There are some out there (mostly Steve Perry fans of which I'm one) that've complained "there aren't enough hooks on the album". There are actually tons spread over the album. In this age of "I only have a 3 second attention span, so hurry up", many will miss them. It's their loss. Listen to "Someone"- The entire song is ONE BIG HOOK. Starts off like a Night Ranger tune but as soon as the guitar hits, you can tell it's Journey. The harmonies in the chorus are reminiscent of the Greg Rollie days but actually come across more Beatle-ish than anything the band has done in the past. This song could've been a big hit for the band before image over substance became the thing that sells music.

One thing I really like about the album is that it is constantly taking left turns. Take "She's a Mystery". This song actually sounds like something Steve Augeri would've written and starts off pretty well. Acoustic Guitar hasn't been in the front of a Journey track since the opening riff of "Wheel In The Sky" (or the unreleased "Liberty") from so many years ago. "She's a Mystery" starts off as a "safe" enough track about a relationship. It actually starts to get a bit dull after a bit-- but then it totally goes in another direction where everything is turned up to 10 and the band just rocks through the rest of the track. Arnel Pineda hits some amazingly high notes while Neal Schon just goes apesh*t on guitar. WOW. Very cool and such a change from where the track started.

One bone to pick is on some of the lyrics, there are a few cliches thrown in. The phrase "State of Grace" has been used on so many Journey compositions over the past 10 years. Note to Jon Cain- please find something else to fit that lyrical space. "Anything is Possible" is a great song and has a chance as a "hit" song, but there are definitely a lot of cliches thrown in. Thankfully, not as many as on any Bon Jovi song released in the last 15 years, but a lot of 'em: "Live for the moment", "Shoot the moon", "better to reach for something than to never have tried", etc. I liken the lyrical content here to "What it Takes to Win" from their last album "Revelation". The lyrics of "Anything is Possible" aren't as horrible as "WITTW", but they really do make you feel like you're in a museum of motivational posters or an employment agency. Still, the song could be an A/C hit for the band.

The other "bone" would be the track "Venus" that wraps up this "concept album". It takes a riff and repeats it, seemingly forever, while Schon solos over it. I'm big on concept albums and tying things together, (and Schon solos) but this riff (pulled from "To Whom it May Concern") over and over gets tough to take.

Gotta mention Pineda's vocals- The guy hits notes on this record that are unbelievably high. He's got sufficient passion to "sell" these songs and he fits in nicely for those wanting the "legacy" sound and those that want the band to go somewhere else. He sounds NOTHING like Perry on this album and doesn't use a lot of Perry's runs. One more thing, I've read people saying that his accent is less-detectable here than on the previous album "Revelation". Actually, I didn't notice it at all on "Revelation" (speaking of the new songs, not the re-records) but I DO notice it on some cuts of "ECL1P53". Most noticeably in "Tantra". Having said that, who cares? I welcome it. The guy has such great pipes that he could sing whatever he wants ANY WAY HE WANTS IT.

Journey has really hit this one out of the park. It gives Journey fans something new and that's a great thing.

8/10

[The_Noble_Cause]

The phrase "State of Grace" has been used on so many Journey compositions over the past 10 years. Note to Jon Cain- please find something else to fit that lyrical space.

I always just assumed this was a hobbyhorse of Neal's. Could be a Cain thing tho.

[brywool]

The phrase "State of Grace" has been used on so many Journey compositions over the past 10 years. Note to Jon Cain- please find something else to fit that lyrical space.

I always just assumed this was a hobbyhorse of Neal's. Could be a Cain thing tho.

always thought it was Cains. Could be wrong... just quit using it!

[The_Noble_Cause]

You had better check your guitar or keyboard on Arnels range versus the others. And don't forget dude, the first time Journey detuned their songs a half step was for Arnel (which SUCKED by the way). That's not a sign of range brother.

This isn't even worth arguing. Hugo is a joke live. If Hugo toured as rigorously as Journey, he wouldn't be singing a half-step down, his pipes would be flat-out destroyed. No idea why he is spoken of in the same breath as Chalfant or Perry. No power, all bad falsetto. If anything, Arnel is too high pitched and shares some of the same oil squeak qualities that made young Perry grating at times.

[koberry]

You had better check your guitar or keyboard on Arnels range versus the others. And don't forget dude, the first time Journey detuned their songs a half step was for Arnel (which SUCKED by the way). That's not a sign of range brother.

This isn't even worth arguing. Hugo is a joke live. If Hugo toured as rigorously as Journey, he wouldn't be singing a half-step down, his pipes would be flat-out destroyed. No idea why he is spoken of in the same breath as Chalfant or Perry. No power, all bad falsetto. If anything, Arnel is too high pitched and shares some of the same oil squeak qualities that made young Perry grating at times.

GASP!



agree

[brywool]

Arnel has range, an edge, and power. Hugo has range. I like Hugo, but Arnel's the more versatile singer.

[brywool]

At the beginning of Resonate, I keep expecting "She's a Rainbow" (stones)
anybody else?

no?

carry on.

[sniper16]

if your posting on this board, and you dont like this record, your probably not going to like anything.
the biggest problem is that they already have written all of thier greatest hits, and without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
i think thers a little something for everyone on this record, even a little santana esque in a journey vein on one song
anything is possible is the closest to a pure journey hit on it
ill give it a 82/100 with the option to raise it to about 89 after more listens

[brywool]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head? It could be the whole MTV thing of the 80s, but it seems that when new albums are released, people just don't latch onto them like they did. Doesn't mean they're not as good just means that people are different. I think now that radio and video television have moved on from arena rock bands, it's just that you don't (like sniper said) get it drummed into your consciousness. How did it work before Mtv? It was tour tour tour and bands sold albums or released singles that actually got played on the radio. In today's radio world, there's no place for a Melodic Rock artist. It's so stupid that everything has to be so formatted. Boring.

[Don]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head? It could be the whole MTV thing of the 80s, but it seems that when new albums are released, people just don't latch onto them like they did. Doesn't mean they're not as good just means that people are different. I think now that radio and video television have moved on from arena rock bands, it's just that you don't (like sniper said) get it drummed into your consciousness. How did it work before Mtv? It was tour tour tour and bands sold albums or released singles that actually got played on the radio. In today's radio world, there's no place for a Melodic Rock artist. It's so stupid that everything has to be so formatted. Boring.

I think MTV was the deciding for factor for a little people it's first two years. I watched more music on that channel then I would ever have normally listened to if it didn't exist. Before that, you listened to the radio for a few hours a day or spun you records at night. When MTV hit, people were glued to the set 24/7. Sony saw what was happening and was already sending in vids from Journey concerts that had just happened the month prior to the channel hitting the airwaves. They knew it would be huge and for a lot of not quite famous acts that got in on the ground floor (Journey, Pat Benatar, LoverBoy, ect.) their popularity tripled over night those first few months.

Without MTV, Escape would have never hit #1. The live video of DSB from Tokyo single handedly dragged that album to the top.

[brywool]

yeah, that's probably true. Prior to MTV though, there were certainly hits. Was that ALL generated by "Casey Kasum"?

[S2M]

For me, Eclipse is missing catchy hooks, and quality song writing....what this album is missing is songs like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APhOxBF6E9U

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

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pt3cw3pg4I&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftH8oP9q8Pc


^^^^^^ is catchy melodic rock. What journey is regurgitating is confusing. Memo to the band: shredding guitars, and vocal calisthenics do not automatically a good song make....take note.

[Saint John]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head?

Memories! Most people hold Journey tunes close to their heart because it brings back memories of youth, those experiences and, for Perry fans, being about 50-80 pounds lighter. The thing is this, if you could magically swap out songs and put the Eclipse release date at 1981, 1983, or 1986, and any those old Journey albums released in 2011, you'd see how they stack up against each other. But you can't, so it's pretty futile to try and compare. Especially when you have people holding on to sentimental memories that go along with those songs from their younger days. The memories of youth are just so much better than getting older, fatter and closer to death.

[Don]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head?

Memories! Most people hold Journey tunes close to their heart because it brings back memories of youth, those experiences and, for Perry fans, being about 50-80 pounds lighter. The thing is this, if you could magically swap out songs and put the Eclipse release date at 1981, 1983, or 1986, and any those old Journey albums released in 2011, you'd see how they stack up against each other. But you can't, so it's pretty futile to try and compare. Especially when you have people holding on to sentimental memories that go along with those songs from their younger days. The memories of youth are just so much better than getting older, fatter and closer to death.

Exactly. With out out all the conveniences of modern times, music was a big thing in People's lives back then, when you had to save money up from your paper route or cutting lawns to buy one album every couple of months. With that type of investment, that music was going to get worn out and be a big part of the soundtrack in your life. Now, with the internet and youtube, you have access to millions of songs with minimal effort, with iPods and recording made easy, you have playlists replacing the practice of listening to one album/ one artist at a time.

Back then you celebrated achievements and polaroid moments with things like music, it was such a valuable commodity to your social being.

Now, the minimal effort to acquire music breeds little loyalty to the possession and the ability to catch on without some schtick to propel sales becomes the exception, not the norm.

[brywool]

My memory of this album will be of the Rapture and how I was left behind....
wow, just killed it for me.



(sorry, I just can't get enough of religious knuckleheads)

S2m- Quality Songwriting? You can't be serious. My answer to that is "Tantra". Brilliant song.

[Don]

I think Tantra is getting a bit of a push from the ballad crowd who are looking for absolutely anything resembling a slower paced sugar covered tune.

There are much better songs on this album. She's A Mystery plays the same two styles in one game but starts at a quicker tempo before going nitro.

[S2M]

My memory of this album will be of the Rapture and how I was left behind....
wow, just killed it for me.



(sorry, I just can't get enough of religious knuckleheads)

S2m- Quality Songwriting? You can't be serious. My answer to that is "Tantra". Brilliant song.

Yes...quality songwriting. Did I S-S-S-Stutter?

[Don]

Two Whom It May Concern needs to elope with Venus to parts unknown. Not happening for me, it's out of here!

[S2M]

When Neal knew how to rock....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9FnZ9jUSrw

[VirgilTheart]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head?

Memories! Most people hold Journey tunes close to their heart because it brings back memories of youth, those experiences and, for Perry fans, being about 50-80 pounds lighter. The thing is this, if you could magically swap out songs and put the Eclipse release date at 1981, 1983, or 1986, and any those old Journey albums released in 2011, you'd see how they stack up against each other. But you can't, so it's pretty futile to try and compare. Especially when you have people holding on to sentimental memories that go along with those songs from their younger days. The memories of youth are just so much better than getting older, fatter and closer to death.

Exactly why Eclipse is now my favorite Journey album. I'm 18 years old and I'm in my youth now. Not in the 80s. And while some wonderful songs were written back then and in the 70s as well, they don't have that same 'click' with me as Eclipse does.

That said, 'Tantra' is making a comeback for me. I don't think it'll become my favorite at all, but it's finally 'clicking' with me the right way. And indeed, the song is wonderfully written.

[Maui Tom]

Anything Is Possible sounds like 80's Starship.....starting to like it though...

[koberry]

For me, Eclipse is missing catchy hooks, and quality song writing....what this album is missing is songs like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APhOxBF6E9U

Snore...

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

What year is this? 1980-something? Sounds like something from Heart

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

formulaic. and what the he11 is the album cover

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pt3cw3pg4I&feature=related

How is this a great song? Echo above

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftH8oP9q8Pc

I keep waiting for the intro to break into an Aldo Nova song. Not bad, all in all, but this is what you're wanting to hear? Maybe you can borrow Marty McFly's DeLorean to go back in time

^^^^^^ is catchy melodic rock. What journey is regurgitating is confusing. Memo to the band: shredding guitars, and vocal calisthenics do not automatically a good song make....take note.

These guys couldn't carry Journey' jock. Your posts complaining about Eclipse make even less sense now.... or maybe more sense, no that I think about it. Open your mind and ears, Sean. You're letting your bias against band member decisions and personalities color what you're hearing. Dude, let bygones be bygones.

[S2M]

... without radio driving a song in your brain a good song wont become a great song.
s

What's the difference between yesterday and today as far as getting songs in your head?

Memories! Most people hold Journey tunes close to their heart because it brings back memories of youth, those experiences and, for Perry fans, being about 50-80 pounds lighter. The thing is this, if you could magically swap out songs and put the Eclipse release date at 1981, 1983, or 1986, and any those old Journey albums released in 2011, you'd see how they stack up against each other. But you can't, so it's pretty futile to try and compare. Especially when you have people holding on to sentimental memories that go along with those songs from their younger days. The memories of youth are just so much better than getting older, fatter and closer to death.

Exactly why Eclipse is now my favorite Journey album. I'm 18 years old and I'm in my youth now. Not in the 80s. And while some wonderful songs were written back then and in the 70s as well, they don't have that same 'click' with me as Eclipse does.

That said, 'Tantra' is making a comeback for me. I don't think it'll become my favorite at all, but it's finally 'clicking' with me the right way. And indeed, the song is wonderfully written.

Dude, you've had the songs for less than a week. How many memories can you have made? Memories of school dances. Dancing to Open Arms with that cute girl from homeroom. Rocking out to DSB while crusing in that Camaro....What have you done in 5 days that elicits a memory like that?