not so sure about that.......Aerosmith did make quite a big dent with that ballad from Armageddon. Of course, the last thing Journey really needs is another hit ballad, but "When You Love a Woman" did pretty good in the US--especially in certain parts--due to radio airplay and I really think they had a chance for some high exposure if Perry would have toured to support that cd since it hit 1x platinum in the US with practically no promotion from the band and no supporting tour. We shall see what happens this time around with the songs and promotion, but I think it's safe to say that you now have a band that wants to tour and wants to get out there promoting the cd--something that is also heavily reinforced as neither Augeri nor Castronovo have ever had real success in the business which can be a VERY powerful drive, especially in the live environment.

I definitely agree with you about the Santana thing. That was almost as well contrived as the Backstreet Boys/NSYNC groups who are going to succeed because they have the backing and money from those in high power who want more $ from record sales!

Kevin