Journey Album: “Revelation [Bonus Track]”

The original Asia returned with Phoenix, Rambo and Indiana Jones returned to the big screen, Judas Priest is releasing another album with Rob Halford and now Journey is back. 2008 is definitely shaping up to be a remember the 80's year and that is fine with me.

Revelation is an excellent CD and super return for one of the greatest bands of all times. Sure the band has changed a lot since their 80's golden era, but they sound like they haven't lost a beat with this new release.

This CD is a perfect follow up to Frontiers (their last true excellent album in my opinion). Journey did show moments of brilliance over the years, but most of their post Frontiers stuff has been inconsistent. Raised on Radio was good, but showed a band unraveling. Trial By Fire had some good songs, but was bloated and boring in many spots. I felt Arrival was the best Journey album since Frontiers until now. Steve Augeri won me over on that album. Red13 was okay and Generations (with a few exceptions) was another bloated release.

I was sorry to see Steve Augeri go, but Arnel Pineda totally rocks. Songs like Never Walk Away, After All These Years and Wildest Dreams rank up there with the best of Journey. The re-recordings are well done and the concert DVD shows the band with renewed confidence and energy.

Thank you for continuing the Journey and here's to many more years.

First, let me state that this return to form will put Journey back on the map in a big way. And I might add, Arnel Pineda will become a superstar. There is already such a buzz about the band from their concerts in Chile and Las Vegas. Both shows illustrated the vocal strength of Pineda and a fired-up Neal Schon who seems to be as important to this resurgance as Pineda. And rather than make an album of warmed over sound-alikes, Revelation is a fresh, yet familar bunch of songs with the musical muscle to work their way onto today's AC playlists and quite possibly into the top 40. Simply put, people have missed this band. The Steve Augeri version of the band soldiered on, but did little to connect with older listeners who missed Steve Perry. Augeri may have sung well, but he just didn't sound like Perry. In reality, drummer Deen Castronovo did a better job emmulating Perry than Augeri. And with Augeri quitting due to health problems, the door opened up, yet again for a new vocalist. Honestly, most bands would have called it a career. Steve Perry remains a recluse, and according to some internet postings from old promoters and producers, a very difficult recluse to deal with. Perry's voice has also lost some of it's range, which in no way is an indictment of Perry, but a fact of nature. However, there are exceptions to that. Steve Walsh of Kansas can still sing Carry On My Wayward Son with all the range he's ever had with added growl. But for the most part, singers of this genre can't do what they once did. Peter Cetera no longer sings in the higher octave of his old songs when in concert. And his replacement, Jason Scheff has already begun to have some difficulty handling the old Chicago catalogue. So Schon's you-tube find is more extraordinary in scope when considering how close Pineda is to Perry. Journey's recent appearance on Ellen had shots of the audience looking on, many with their mouths hung open in stunned disbelief. The more I hear Arnel, the more I appreciate his minimalist Perry imitation and his ability to mimmick different Jouney eras. For instance, Pineda purposely sings in a slightly more immature Perry for Lights and Wheel In The Sky. He then adds some bottom end to Be Good To Yourself and Only The Young. By the way, these hits are available in the Revelation Wal-Mart triple disc package including the new album, the hits, and a concert DVD from their recent Vegas concert.

The new material in this collection will not dissapoint the Journey afficianado or novice looking for some retro cool. Never Walk Away is a distant cousin to Be Good To Yourself with more Neal and less Ross. But it works on every level. Pineda closes the deal on the chorus and instantly takes you somewhere between Frontiers and Raised on Radio. Change For The Better showcases a revitalized Neal Schon with spiritual subject matter that shows a more middle aged approach to songwriting. The change in focus is nice for someone like myself who is tired of the ragged themes that uglify our current crop of so-called pop superstars. Better would work on any rock station willing to chance the old boys. It will be interesting to see if Journey can make in roads where bands of their age have no business being. The Eagles did some chart damage, but were mostly hustled to AC and country. This album has the potential to unite kids with their parents. But my guess is that top 40 programmers will laugh when the promo singles arrive. It's sad, stupid and depressing. But the good news is you can have the whole thing for $11.88 at Wal-Mart. After All These Years is another song that will likely be played at weddings, reunions and the like. The lyrics drip with the syrapy sentimentalism that departed from rock years ago. Like a Sunshower has a Lights-like intro and melody. Fresh and familiar and loaded with great hooks. Wildest Dream is a nod to producer Kevin Shirley who combines the old with the new to make something truly unique. Faith In The Heartland is a re-recorded gem from Journey's last outing Generations. Pineda's vocal gives the song more authenticity and brings home the message of heartland values. Schon's work here bobs and weaves between historical Journey and his solo work. Where Did I Lose Your Love is a semi-ballad with a killer hook that could easily be an outtake from Frontiers with fantastic backing vocals and Pineda's confident lead. Oh, and check out the Neil solo, nice. What I Needed is another power ballad undergirded with a some fantastic moody guitar and keys. Jonathan Cain also seems reinvigorated by Pineda's dead-on delivery and all the players are more comfortable writing things that are harder to play and sing. Schon carves his solo like a surgeon with a new laser beam. Turn Down The World Tonight has Jon Cain tickling the ivorys underneath a warm Pineda delivery that will bring you closer to the Journey heyday than the actual years themselves. Finally, Neil goes solo on Revelation (The Journey) an instrumental containing all of what Mr. Schon is about. Texture, melody, almost an ethereal spirit that flows from Neil's guitar. This is a fitting conclusion to this collection. Journey at full tilt. Each song is potentially a hit. Even amidst the current crop of pop star wannabes this album rocks. This collection could revive interest in older bands and melodic rock. Journey has found new life and new purpose thanks to Arnel Pineda. His addition to the band is more than just a revelation, it's a ressurrection.

This set is Journey's first platinum album after so many years.

I was in my college days when "Open Arms" constantly plays on the air. Man,that was almost 30 years ago. With this new set and all the things happening with the band, it feels like they are in your face again.

Each of the new song in this collection is greatest hits material (Well, the instrumental will always be debatable). "Revelation" marks a rebirth for the band. It has a been so many years since Journey has come out with a great CD. This one worth the time we waited. The band is in great shape. Their newly found chemistry is clearly reflected on this new work. The new singer was discovered on YouTube, but what people don't know is that he has been in the business for 25 years. He gave veterans Jon & Neal the goosebumps the very first time they heard him sing on his audition, that's impressive enough for me.

The new material shows you what the future for Journey, which looks really great. Arnel brings a new direction, a new voice and a new style. But also don't forget, he can sing the classics naturally like he breathes it.

For a start, this brand new CD/DVD sells at $11.88 cent at Walmart.

11 new songs, 11 re-recorded classics and concert DVD. Lyrics insert included. Talk about value for your money.

There are 3 discs in this package. With how much it is priced at Walmart, it is almost 25 cents per song. People who download illegally will feel RIPPED OFF. Even if you purchase songs from iTunes, you are paying about a dollar per song and you are getting the lossy version. With this package, you get the original CD's, DVD, lyrics and all the artworks.

1. Never Walk Away - will starts you rockin' and rollin', tapping your feet on the floor.

2. Like A Sunshower - is a power ballad, a great make-up song. Wonderful intro.

3. Change For the Better - you thought you are going country, but it gets better. Heavy and tight with nice drums from Dean.

4. Wildest Dream - Great concert song. One of those numbers that will surely put the audience to their feet and go uninhibitively insane

5. Faith in the Heartland - very catchy. Actually this one is a remake from the Steve Augeri's era. An updated version with a new twist.

6. After All These Years - will be a lasting classic, haunting melody. This song is dedicated to all fans that supported the band throughout the years. It will surely be a lovers theme for many for many years to come. Great annniversary song too.

7. Where Did I Lose Your Love - This one is a Monster!!! Play and drive and feel your adrenaline pumping. Again this explains why Neal Schon has established himself as one of the guitar gods.

8. What I Needed - The deepest and the most passionate number by the new singer. Soulful and emotional with powerful soaring vocals.

9. What It Takes To Win - song on steroids. Perfect tune for any kind of sports. Superbowl next?

10. Turn Down the World Tonight - just smooth, fine and elegant as an old wine.

11. The Journey (Revelation) - psychedelic instrumental that titillates the farthest corners of your brain.

All in all, a perfect blend of power ballads and rockers.

Production is by the legendary Kevin Shirley who described the "Revelation" experience as just like back in the 80's when the band was in their creative prime. Sonic quality will bring justice to your expensive toys.

Yes, there is a Cinderella story behind the hiring of the new singer. But that is another story. Seen the movie "Rockstar"

- from Billboard Chart, they reached:

No. 1 - Top Independent Albums (for 10+ weeks)

No. 2 - Top Internet Albums

No. 5 - Top 200 Albums

No. 9 - Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks for "After All These Years"

Also check recent reviews from The New York Times, MelodicRock & Rock Eyez.

Journey's released their newest album "Revelation" with new lead singer Arnel Pineda. I was blown away when I heard this guy sing. People need to stop whining about Steve Perry, he hasn't been in the band for about a decade get over it. Revelation contains two cds and a concert dvd. The first cd is mostly new material with one rerecording from "Generations". Which also features a couple of ballads, and solid rockers that should be on the radio like "After All These Years". This is honestly Journey's best album since "Raised on Radio", and it is good enough to be as successful as some of their 80's albums. The second cd contains 11 rerecordings of some of Journey's hits. I don't look at it as a replacement for the Steve Perry hits disc, but as a way for Arnel to get more familiar with Journey's older material, since he will have to perform it live. So to me it's just a fun extra. Now, the dvd. It's a hour show from a Vegas concert back in March, it contains a couple of songs from the new album as well as many of the old favorites. So all in all a great release from Journey. Where else are you gonna get this much value for your buck? Welcome Arnel! Can't what for the Indy concert with Heart and Cheap Trick.

With each listen, it just grows more and more on you. The elements all go with each other to create this masterpiece indeed. You could hear the instruments clearly - Castronovo, Schon, Cain and Ross certainly delivers. Then paired with Pineda's soaring vocals - just heavenly anthems and all got me hooked and I got the goosebumps.