Disco de Journey: “Departure”

Even though I enjoy "Infinity" and "Evolution" better than "Departure," I still love this album dearly. Journey once again exhibits their unique classic rock flavor that fans love so much. They showed the world that they would keep "journeying" on into the 80's, and they kicked off the new decade with more fun, jamming tunes to satisfy one's thirst for classic rock perfection. "Departure," which came out in 1980, provides a unique variety of work from talented muscians, Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith. The album is kicked off with their hard-rockin' hit, "Anyway You Want It," and afterward comes a bluesy shuffle in "Walks Like A Lady." The third song, my favorite on the album, is "Someday Soon." The harmonizing of Perry and Rolie on the song is magnificant, and Schon does such a great job on guitar; virtually flawless as usual. I like the vocal arrangement in the song as well. Both Perry and Rolie exhange being in the vocal spotlight, which makes the song even better. "People And Places" shows a great, rare, vocal performance from Schon. Of all of Journey's songs, that one is one of the most unique ones I've ever heard. Perry, Schon, and maybe Rolie, all sing out words one at a time, in an echoing kind of way, and then later, the song takes rockin' action with Smith's drums, and Schon's guitar. Rolie's Keyboards are so flawless, freeflowing, and somewhat mellow and dreamy at times. Rolie does a great job. "Precious Time," "Where Were You," "Line Of Fire," more of a fast-paced, kickin' song, and "Homemade Love" are perfect works of pure, feel-good, get-down-and-jam, songs. Gregg Rolie adds a neat twist to "Precious Time" with his harmonica, and the band sets off a gun-shot sound on "Line Of Fire." Steve Perry sings on each song with so much heartfelt power and energy like there's no tomorrow. "I'm Cryin'" and "Homemade Love" are two other songs that pour out heartfelt power and energy to us as well. Perry sings like his heart is being ripped to shreads while Schon screeches melodic chords on his guitar on the slower moving, bluesy-rockin' "I'm Cryin," and Perry puts forth such intensity on "Homemade Love." One of my other favorite songs, "Stay Awhile," is a smooth flowing song with a very catchy beat, and heartfelt, soulful lyrics from Perry. Perry pulls on our heart strings with the lyrics on "Good Morning Girl," one of the more mellower songs on the album. The title song, "Departure," is an interesting instrumental that doesn't last long at all, but it kind of has a way of making one's mind wonder. It's a mellower, softer little number. Schon does an excellent job. I kind of wanted a little more from the song, though. Overall, "Departure" a fabulous Journey album and is definitely worth a listen. It is a classic piece of Journey perfection. Don't pass it up!

If you want a great journey album, this is it. Every song is great, and the best thing is, most of them did not make it onto their greatest hits cd. This may sound like a bad thing, but we all know how greatest hits work; they take a few hits from each album so as to promote all of their albums. But this album is all hits. So if you want a great journey album that aren't the same old songs you are used to (though those never get old), this is the one to buy!

Departure is Journey's sixth full-length album. It was released in 1980 and is comprised of 12 tracks. The material is in a pop rock musical direction. The songwriting is good, the musicianship is tight, and the sound quality is nice. Steve Perry's vocals are unique and smooth. He sings exclusively on nine songs. On the pleasant "Someday Soon," with its charming harmony vocals, he performs a duet with keyboardist Gregg Rolie; this was the last studio album Rolie played on before Jonathan Cain took the helm for 1981's Escape. Perry does a duet with guitarist Neal Schon on the enjoyable "People and Places," a tune that exhibits pleasing vocal harmonies. The disc kicks off to an energetic start with "Any Way You Want It"--this cut sports a memorable, lively chorus. "Walks like a Lady" is a likeable one that is relaxing. The sprightly "Precious Time" contains harmonica work from Rolie. The gratifying, spirited "Where Were You" displays a catchy, determined refrain. Clocking in at just under a minute, the instrumental "Departure" is tranquil and atmospheric. The song lyrics are not included in the CD packaging. There is a color photo of the band, a tinted black-and-white photo of each of the guys, and a color illustration. The album cover artwork is creative and attractive. A black-and-white illustration is behind the CD tray, and a color one is on the back of the CD jewel case. The disc is 38 minutes. Departure is a solid piece of work from Journey.

I think this could be because they were in the transition between the very fusion/blues oriented Infinity and Evolution, but not quite headed in the direction of Escape and Frontiers. It was the beginning of the more polished "techno" sound they were later to acquire. I particularly enjoy the tracks "People and Places" and "Good Morning Girl," which are unique, but also vaguely reminiscent of "Dream After Dream," which had just been completed prior to the recording of Departure. A must have, and don't overlook it. There is some great rock-n-roll here.

Folks lets get this straight, some have said that some of the older Journey stuff just isnt that good. So I took my time and listened to this classic several time before giving a review. I am amazed at the precision and hard driving sound this CD has. As you progress through you find some very interesting facts that some may not know. First how many actually knew Neil Schon has a very good singing voice. You see and hear him sing melody with Jonathan and Ross but the duet with Steve Perry showed me a side of him that I really wasnt aware of. Before listening to this I hadnt heard an album version of "Where were you", or "Line of Fire". Both sound incredible, even though I really like the live concert version of both as well. And while we are discussing hits, who could not like "Anyway you want it!" an absolute hit that has stood the test of time. I listened intently to each and every song on this one because I have read some reviews that frankly didnt like the earlier offerings. But to set the record straight, Journey, specifically the Steve Perry era Journey absolutely owned the 80's. For any and all of us in our early to mid fourty's and possibly older, just one listen and you all have to admit it takes us back to a simpler, more laid back time of worrying about which girl was the hottest. Journey definately does this for me. Almost to the point of doing the old "what if I had done.....trick". So do yourself the pleasure of adding this to your Journey collection. I'm so glad I did. Thanks for reading.