JOURNEY – “ARRIVAL” Ok, here’s my review of the new album by AOR legends Journey. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of an advance CD sent out to a local CD shop. I say fortunate because I truly consider myself so in obtaining a copy of this highly anticipated album. After 10 – 15 spins in the last 3 days, I can start by saying this album is fantastic! A superbly crafted AOR record full of the melody, emotion and quality songwriting Journey has been known for since their inception. First, a little history… The departure of vocalist Steve Perry left almost all Journey fans in a combined state of shock and sadness. I, too, was taken back a bit by this news almost 3 years ago. Especially since I heard a rumor after “Raised On Radio” that their first choice to replace him in 1987 was Michael Bolton. It made me apprehensive as to who they would choose to succeed Perry, and what type of direction the band would take musically. My fears were put to rest in the summer of 1998 when I heard the sadly unnoticed track “Remember Me” from the soundtrack to the film “Armageddon”. As I sat and listened, my fears were rather quickly put to rest. The music was trademark Journey, and the vocals of newcomer Steve Augeri were flawless…absolutely flawless. Yeah, he sounded like Perry, but in delivery more so than tone. He had the same type of smooth, higher register voice that made Perry a household name in the late 70’s and early 80’s, yet forged his own identity by the end of a couple of listens. This led to me buying tickets to the “Vacation’s Over” tour the band launched in the fall of 1998. It was in a 2000 seat theatre here locally. I knew Perry was no longer with the group and was in high anticipation of the “new guy” and how he would interpret the older material. There was a large sign above the T-shirts saying Perry was no longer in the band. “Who didn’t know that?” , I thought. I walked around the merchandise area and listened to the people. Some were talking anxiously about hearing this “new guy”, but most were complaining…some rather loudly. I heard things like “Well, this is going to suck!” and “I should get my money back!”. As many copies as that rather bad soundtrack had sold, surely SOME of these people had heard that new song! “oh well…”, I thought. “I’m glad I’m here!” The show started, with “Separate Ways”…the crowd immediately went to their feet. By the time the guitar solo came around, every critic was silenced. The crowd was eagerly eating from Mr. Augeri’s hand…and LOVING every word that flowed from his lips. This exact same scenario repeated itself in the summer of 1999 when I saw the band again. Anyway, on with the review. Every song on this release , ballad and rocker alike, is perfect in style and execution. They all were obviously and lovingly toiled over until each one was flawless. Here are a few highlights… Higher Place – This opening cut is a melodic rocker...upbeat, catchy, and driving. A haunting verse with good synth and clean guitar layers, and a punchy, melodic chorus recalling “Escape”. The chorus is instantly memorable. Augeri’s vocals are great! After this opening song, how could anyone still doubt this band?! Signs Of Life – A trademark Journey “radio rocker” ala “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Huge chorus, impeccable vocal melody, and trademark Schon guitar work…smooth and flowing. An excellent candidate for first single. (hint, hint) All The Things – A good, grooving rocker. This song actually reminds me of Schon and Castronovo’s post-Bad English band “HARDLINE”. Great, edgy groove with another standout chorus. Schon really saws the strings on this one! Live And Breathe – Smooth, flowing bass groove with powerful, emotional vocal delivery. If anyone saw the last tour they did, they’ll remember a little melodic groove “intro” they played before jumping into “Wheel In The Sky”. Well, this is it. Augeri delivers “…there in the sky spins a wheel…” while the band lay down this dark, velvet groove under him. Excellent song. Kiss Me Softly – One of 5 ballads on this album. My favorite one, to be exact. Ambient, jazz-like piano accompanied by passionate vocals. Could have been on “Trial By Fire”. Livin’ To Do – Very bluesy, slow burning rock song. Reminiscent of “Cryin’” from the 1980 album “Departure”. Incredible blues riffing from Schon, and a perfect, almost desperate vocal delivery from Augeri. We Will Meet Again – Polyrhythmic drumming and airy piano begin this song. Sweeping the listener into an aura of musical bliss. Smooth, omnipresent melody and soaring vocals. Excellent way to close the album. The other ballads, Loved By You, All The Way, With Your Love and Lifetime Of Dreams are all incredible. But then, has Journey EVER written a BAD ballad? Great melodies, powerful guitar solos, and tear jerking vocals. Also, surprisingly light on the sap. Kevin Shirley’s production is smooth, and easy on the ears. Each member, Steve Augeri, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Deen Castronovo, turns in a solid, impressive performance. All in all, a record all Journey fans can be proud of. I know I am. http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6109#msg-6109Thu, 23 May 2013 02:24:50 +1000 Phorum 5.2.16 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6206#msg-6206 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6206#msg-6206 shawn pelata NoticeboardMon, 25 Sep 2000 23:08:44 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6143#msg-6143 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6143#msg-6143
Hey Guys - please share your good fortune. I know many of the posters here have very strong negative opinions of Napster but put the thing on there so the rest of us true Journey fans can get our fix. You know that the vast majority of us will buy the CD the day it comes out (whenever that may be). I, for one, would not want a bastard CDR tarnishing my complete Journey CD collection (btw, I also have the complete cassette collection, a number of the earlier LP's and even 2 8-tracks).

I CAN'T WAIT 'TIL FEBRUARY (and I can't afford the yen to get the Jap release). Please help this poor soul and all the others like me.]]> Whynot NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 13:59:50 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6132#msg-6132 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6132#msg-6132 shawn pelata NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 05:27:28 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6131#msg-6131 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6131#msg-6131
it is UNusual, actually. they had a release date for september, then sent out the advances. well, the release date totally changed after that and they can't get back the advances (nobody in their right mind would send them back, anyway)...]]> shawn pelata NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 05:26:07 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6128#msg-6128 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6128#msg-6128
Thanks]]> todd NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 05:13:27 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6127#msg-6127 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6127#msg-6127
Looks like someone found the cover on the web and posted the URL on the Journey official site:

http://www.roy.hi-ho.ne.jp/meg717/band/journey.html

I really like it -- thankfully nothing like TBF and GHL!!]]> Tom NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 05:12:56 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6122#msg-6122 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6122#msg-6122
yeah, i was just hitting certain one's so as to not lengthen the review any more...both the songs you mentioned are great as well...i agree with your assesment of "...reason"...i heard that blades did co-write some of this...i like "i'm not that way"...

if i had ANY complaints at all...and i'm reaching here...but maybe one more "rocker"...another "...reason" or "all the things"...but i presume that's kalodner's doing...

all in all, i LOVE this album...]]> shawn pelata NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 04:08:54 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6121#msg-6121 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6121#msg-6121
1) I've got a reason - Night Rangerinsh and a lot of fun. I really like it. I believe Jack Blades wrote this.

2) I'm not that way - Not quite as good as the rest of the album

Great review....thanks!]]> Eric NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 04:02:12 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6113#msg-6113 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6113#msg-6113
i will go to my grave LOVING perry, but augeri is definitely the PERFECT replacement. live, augeri is totally flawless from start to finish...not one bad note either time i saw him...]]> shawn pelata NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 02:03:56 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6111#msg-6111 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6111#msg-6111
Excellent review of a "fantastic" album!!!

I second your comments and this from someone who's favorite album ever is Perry's FTLOSM! My second would be the new Two Fires debut (3rd - TBF, 4th - Storm EOTS, 5th Hugo s/t...then fill in the blank with any JRNY album).

Anyway...Arrival is power ballad heaven! Feel is much different than
TBF...TBF had a mood / a lot of emotion about it (sad / romantic).

This disc is great but not a real theme throughout. This would have been a Perry album... And his vocals are missed. With that in mind, Arrival is a 9.5 / 10, as it is missing something....Perry's signature!

Music, songwriting are top notch. Augeri is great! He sounds great!!! The
ballades are excellent!

Verdict: I miss and wish it were Perry as the songs are A++, but accepting
reality, and had there never been a Perry in the first place...Arrival with
Augeri at the helm is a perfect 10!

The more I hear it, the more I love
it...and I have heard it a lot over the past month (at least once a day).

BTW: Kiss Me Softly is my favorite ballad too!

Nice review!]]> Ron NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 01:09:53 +1100 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6109#msg-6109 http://www.melodicrock.com/phorum52/read.php?1,6109,6109#msg-6109
Ok, here’s my review of the new album by AOR legends Journey. I was fortunate enough to get a copy of an advance CD sent out to a local CD shop. I say fortunate because I truly consider myself so in obtaining a copy of this highly anticipated album. After 10 – 15 spins in the last 3 days, I can start by saying this album is fantastic! A superbly crafted AOR record full of the melody, emotion and quality songwriting Journey has been known for since their inception. First, a little history…

The departure of vocalist Steve Perry left almost all Journey fans in a combined state of shock and sadness. I, too, was taken back a bit by this news almost 3 years ago. Especially since I heard a rumor after “Raised On Radio” that their first choice to replace him in 1987 was Michael Bolton. It made me apprehensive as to who they would choose to succeed Perry, and what type of direction the band would take musically. My fears were put to rest in the summer of 1998 when I heard the sadly unnoticed track “Remember Me” from the soundtrack to the film “Armageddon”. As I sat and listened, my fears were rather quickly put to rest. The music was trademark Journey, and the vocals of newcomer Steve Augeri were flawless…absolutely flawless. Yeah, he sounded like Perry, but in delivery more so than tone. He had the same type of smooth, higher register voice that made Perry a household name in the late 70’s and early 80’s, yet forged his own identity by the end of a couple of listens.

This led to me buying tickets to the “Vacation’s Over” tour the band launched in the fall of 1998. It was in a 2000 seat theatre here locally. I knew Perry was no longer with the group and was in high anticipation of the “new guy” and how he would interpret the older material. There was a large sign above the T-shirts saying Perry was no longer in the band. “Who didn’t know that?” , I thought. I walked around the merchandise area and listened to the people. Some were talking anxiously about hearing this “new guy”, but most were complaining…some rather loudly. I heard things like “Well, this is going to suck!” and “I should get my money back!”. As many copies as that rather bad soundtrack had sold, surely SOME of these people had heard that new song! “oh well…”, I thought. “I’m glad I’m here!”

The show started, with “Separate Ways”…the crowd immediately went to their feet. By the time the guitar solo came around, every critic was silenced. The crowd was eagerly eating from Mr. Augeri’s hand…and LOVING every word that flowed from his lips. This exact same scenario repeated itself in the summer of 1999 when I saw the band again.

Anyway, on with the review. Every song on this release , ballad and rocker alike, is perfect in style and execution. They all were obviously and lovingly toiled over until each one was flawless. Here are a few highlights…

Higher Place – This opening cut is a melodic rocker...upbeat, catchy, and driving. A haunting verse with good synth and clean guitar layers, and a punchy, melodic chorus recalling “Escape”. The chorus is instantly memorable. Augeri’s vocals are great! After this opening song, how could anyone still doubt this band?!

Signs Of Life – A trademark Journey “radio rocker” ala “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Huge chorus, impeccable vocal melody, and trademark Schon guitar work…smooth and flowing. An excellent candidate for first single. (hint, hint)

All The Things – A good, grooving rocker. This song actually reminds me of Schon and Castronovo’s post-Bad English band “HARDLINE”. Great, edgy groove with another standout chorus. Schon really saws the strings on this one!

Live And Breathe – Smooth, flowing bass groove with powerful, emotional vocal delivery. If anyone saw the last tour they did, they’ll remember a little melodic groove “intro” they played before jumping into “Wheel In The Sky”. Well, this is it. Augeri delivers “…there in the sky spins a wheel…” while the band lay down this dark, velvet groove under him. Excellent song.

Kiss Me Softly – One of 5 ballads on this album. My favorite one, to be exact. Ambient, jazz-like piano accompanied by passionate vocals. Could have been on “Trial By Fire”.

Livin’ To Do – Very bluesy, slow burning rock song. Reminiscent of “Cryin’” from the 1980 album “Departure”. Incredible blues riffing from Schon, and a perfect, almost desperate vocal delivery from Augeri.

We Will Meet Again – Polyrhythmic drumming and airy piano begin this song. Sweeping the listener into an aura of musical bliss. Smooth, omnipresent melody and soaring vocals. Excellent way to close the album.

The other ballads, Loved By You, All The Way, With Your Love and Lifetime Of Dreams are all incredible. But then, has Journey EVER written a BAD ballad? Great melodies, powerful guitar solos, and tear jerking vocals. Also, surprisingly light on the sap.

Kevin Shirley’s production is smooth, and easy on the ears. Each member, Steve Augeri, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Deen Castronovo, turns in a solid, impressive performance. All in all, a record all Journey fans can be proud of. I know I am.
]]> shawn pelata NoticeboardSat, 23 Sep 2000 00:55:25 +1100