So both are being released at the same time?

The problem with releasing a ballad first is that it reminds people of the Journey of old. They remember Journey as balladmeisters, an in turn that brings up the image that they are an old band that used to do schmaltzy ballads in the 80s. Definitely not good for the image. Remember, that is the conception the general public has about Journey. Jounrey = ballads = 80s = cheesy & old.

If, on the other hand, Journey stormed in with something fresh and exciting like a melodic & anthemic rocker, it will show the public a new side to them than what they remembered. Like a fresh gust of air. They will think Journey have reinvented themselves and have come along with something new. It's simply a more energetic way of presenting yourself. Anthemic summertime songs grab people's attention moe than ballads, because ballads have been done to death by everyone. Maybe because they're easier to write....I remember Phil Collen from Def leppard saying that it's far easier to write a great love song than a song where it sounds like you're kicking ass. And it's true.

Maybe they've done anthems like that before, but the people don't know them, so this is the opportunity to repackage the band and say: This is what we're doing now, not just a re-tread of ballads. People tend to think of Journey along the lines of the schlop Michael Bolton dishes out because all they've heard are Open Arms and the like...So releasing another one of this is like "Oh, it's them again".

The ballads could always have a chance as a second single. But the proper formula should be - 1st single rocker, 2nd single ballad.

Cheers,
Jack.