This was the first Journey album I ever heard. Maybe it wasn't the best one to introduce me to the world of Journey music, as no other Journey album sounds like this one. Very radio friendly at the time (hey, look at the title..), and I'm sure some Journey fans were put off by the sound on this one. It doesn't rock (with few exceptions), but it does have a strong collection of songs. This resembles more of Steve Perry's solo album "Street Talk" (1984) than for example "Frontiers" (1983). Released in 1986, it was the last album the band recorded before calling it quits (this time, at least). This truly is a favourite of mine. I just love the feel of it. It's got soul! Steve Perry sounds better than ever on this one, Jonathan Cain does fantastic keyboard work and Neal Schon delivers his solos with passion. This album didn't see the classic members Steve Smith (drums) and Ross Valery (bass), instead these positions were filled by session musicians Larrie Londin and Randy Jackson (future American Idol judge). One track I like in particular is the haunting, almost mystical sounding track "Once you love somebody". I kept going back to this track for weeks after first hearing it! Other highlights are "Girl can't help it", "Suzanne" and the last ballad "Why can't this night go on forever". A classic! I'm not sure all Journey fans would agree, though.
Welcome! This blog contains short reviews of classic AOR/Westcoast/Hardrock and Metal albums, as well as other related stuff.
fredag 20 augusti 2010
Journey - Raised on radio
This was the first Journey album I ever heard. Maybe it wasn't the best one to introduce me to the world of Journey music, as no other Journey album sounds like this one. Very radio friendly at the time (hey, look at the title..), and I'm sure some Journey fans were put off by the sound on this one. It doesn't rock (with few exceptions), but it does have a strong collection of songs. This resembles more of Steve Perry's solo album "Street Talk" (1984) than for example "Frontiers" (1983). Released in 1986, it was the last album the band recorded before calling it quits (this time, at least). This truly is a favourite of mine. I just love the feel of it. It's got soul! Steve Perry sounds better than ever on this one, Jonathan Cain does fantastic keyboard work and Neal Schon delivers his solos with passion. This album didn't see the classic members Steve Smith (drums) and Ross Valery (bass), instead these positions were filled by session musicians Larrie Londin and Randy Jackson (future American Idol judge). One track I like in particular is the haunting, almost mystical sounding track "Once you love somebody". I kept going back to this track for weeks after first hearing it! Other highlights are "Girl can't help it", "Suzanne" and the last ballad "Why can't this night go on forever". A classic! I'm not sure all Journey fans would agree, though.
