![]() What was missing from Eclipse were what made Journey a chart-topping act – pop hooks. Journey released Eclipse in 2011, which was a risky project from the start, with Schon determined to make it the heaviest Journey album ever. Schon always resented criticism that Journey are a wimpy pop group. “Come Away With Me” and “Let it Rain” are moments where Schon lets loose. What makes Journey’s new album, Freedom, an instant fascination is how guitarist and bandleader Neal Schon still plays at 68-years-old. Rather than create another “Open Arms”, the ballads like “Still Believe In Love” have a groove that bring out the R&B element convincingly. Journey’s fusion of hard rock and R&B was always their trademark, and with Narada they returned to the balance that had been absent since 1996’s Trial By Fire. Narada is a veteran producer that worked with a lot of Perry’s influences. Narada Michael Walden contributed not only drums and production input – he was the third songwriter in Journey’s creative machine. ![]() However, the addition of Narada and Jackson were an effective strategy to retain the R&B groove that Smith and Valory handled with mastery. Derlatka is virtually invisible on the album. ![]() The album also introduces second keyboard player, Jason Derlatka. If you are in a band, Arnel Pineda is the best representative you can possibly have on lead vocals.įreedom features performances from bassist Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame and was a previous Journey member in 1986) and producer/drummer Narada Michael Walden. There are moments where autotune is used, but it is done as an effect rather than enhancement. On songs where the writing isn’t as strong, it is Arnel that makes it all listenable. One may love or hate Freedom, but there is no debate to the vocal abilities of Arnel Pineda. His vocals on Freedom are as impressive as ever. Pineda, who is 20 years younger than Perry, can carry a Journey song to pitch perfection – as well as move across the stage with the intensity of a 21-year-old. Pineda has had minimal input in the band’s songwriting – it’s been Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain writing the music, for better or worse. Perry’s sense of melody could not be replaced by just anyone. ![]() Perhaps the most noticeable difference since Perry’s departure in 1998 was the songwriting. Even after endorsement from Steve Perry, himself, there are still people who refuse to accept Pineda. Arnel Pineda, by timeline alone, has been in Journey longer than Perry’s entire tenure. At 73-years-old Perry can still sing – but he can’t sing Journey. Any fan clamoring for the return of Steve Perry obviously didn’t listen to his 2018 album, Traces. Meanwhile the drama extends into the fanbase, whom still debate over who is the rightful singer of Journey. At the end of the day, the money-making machine that is Journey perseveres when its members find a way to get on the same page. But that was only after founder Neal Schon had a fallout with keyboardist Jonathan Cain over numerous issues, most notably his political views. Most recently, the mighty rhythm section of bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith were expelled amidst lawsuits over brand ownership. The ever-changing lineup of Journey is a drama that has become punchlines more notorious than KISS. After all, Freedom was the intended original title of their 1986 album, which was renamed Raised On Radio when Steve Perry assumed control of the sessions. The sentiment is nice, but it is debatable whether Freedom is truly free, or if they play it so safe that it makes them prisoners to their own frustrations. Some tracks pulsate with lyrics that acknowledge their devoted fanbase, and at times tries to reward them for still “believin’”. Freedom was an attempt to declare their legacy beyond Perry and anyone that is no longer in the group. You can sense the frustration with the elephant in the room: Steve Perry. Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain are perhaps too cognizant of the formula. With every passing decade, no matter what musical trend comes and goes, Journey never strays too far from their formula – for better or worse. Freedom, the 15 th studio album from Journey, is released ahead of the band’s impending 50 th anniversary. Perpetually stuck in the 1980s, the pioneers of arena rock have survived 1970s disco, 1990s alternative rock, 2000s nu metal and pop punk, American Idol, and continue to pack arenas worldwide. One band that did not seem likely to make it to 20 years was Journey. Most classic rock groups never make it to their 40-year anniversary. Journey releases their first album in 11 years, Freedom, and play it safe – for better or worse – recycling the 1980s arena rock sound they pioneered.
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