Is Journey really Journey anymore? The band changes lead singers like it changes underwear, and has now passed Van Halen with the number of guys who have fronted the band. The list of current and former members of this “band” is almost as long as the list of people who hate Clay Aiken.
The most interesting thing about Schon and Cain is that they have an uncanny talent of finding Steve Perry clones. The latest lead singer, Arnel Pineda, is a dead ringer for Perry – no surprise he came from a Journey tribute band. The tactic has worked surprisingly well…despite the revolving door of front men, Journey has been able to sustain itself as an AOR recording and touring giant. In fact, “Revelation” debuted at # 5 on the Billboard Album chart, the best since their final release with Perry, “Trial by Fire,” in 1996. I guess they can finally dedicate "I'll Be Alright Without You" to Steve Perry.
“Revelation” is also bolstered by a bunch of goodies that come with the 11 track CD. For less than $12, you also get a CD containing many of Journey’s greatest hits recorded live with Pineda, and a DVD too, all in an impressively handsome digipak. This is an incredible bargain, especially when you consider that the live CD is very well done.
But let’s get down to business: are the new Journey songs any good? Hell, yes! I would argue that “Revelation” is a true sequel to “Frontiers”. Ironically, the current Journey sounds more like 80s Journey. So yes some of the songs sound dated, but they have recaptured the sound and energy that made them kings of radio in the 80s. They won’t be kings of radio again, but they will rule on my stereo. They still do plenty of ballads, but it would not be a Journey record without them. Fortunately, they are some of the better ballads the band has turned out in the new millennium. Lyrically, Journey keeps it simple and stays on familiar ground: lots of “Don’t Stop Believing” and “Be Good To Yourself” themes in the rockers, lots of gooey “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” in the ballads.
Some tracks did not grab me at first, but the hooks started to sink in quickly after a second listen. The musicianship is top notch and Pineda is fantastic…don’t get of him! I am -ahem- "Happy To Give" this one a big thumbs up.
So is Journey really Journey anymore? We can debate this all day, but I doubt a consensus will be reached. So forget about it and just enjoy the music.
iPOD-worthy: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10
Journey: Official site.
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