Disco de Journey: “Greatest Hits Live”

Journey is one of those few bands that sound better live than in the studio. This CD features their pre-"Raised On Radio" hits, many of which sound better here than in their original form. The production quality is superb, and each member of the band performs exceptionally well. The live version of "Escape" is incredible, as is "Wheel In The Sky", a song I never liked in its studio form. Steve Perry's audience interaction on "Anyway You Want It" brings a new element to the song, and "Don't Stop Believin'" has never sounded better. Even if you are only a mild Journey fan, pick this one up!

Journey is my favorite band of all time, and I am honored to have seen them live twice now (the latest on the recent September 29th Big E show in Springfield, MA--their last show on this year's tour). For sure, this collection represents Journey in their prime--during the glory years of the "Escape" and "Frontiers" albums. I love the selection of songs as well. Besides playing the obviously huge hits like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Separate Ways", "Faithfully", and "Open Arms", they also play some lesser hits that I had never heard live before like "After The Fall" and "Still They Ride". For sure, the songs are all great.

The reason I can't call this quite five stars is that the album doesn't have an overall live feel. It is quite apparent to me that there was too much mixing in the studio--with the vocals at least. In addition, very little of the interaction with the crowds is included, and since the performances come from several concerts there is no feel of continuity that I prefer on live albums. The live Journey album "Captured" much better captures the spirit of this band live. That one, however, came out before the huge "Escape" and "Frontiers" albums, so none of the monster tracks off of those albums are included.

This album is still more than worth the listen. It simply could have been better if more of the "live feel" was left in the collection. Call my overall grade 4 1/2 stars, as I still strongly recommend this album for Journey fans. Clearly, you aren't going to find these live performances anywhere else.

after listening and comparing this compendium album with others done by groups recognized as great power groups, i was shocked by how well they measure up to the likes of cream,zeplin and santana. sorry to admit that i didn,t even know who their lead player was. neal shoun's work on this album compares favorably with jimmy pages work on how the west was won and without overpowering steve perry's usual superb vocals. if you are only going to own 1 journey album this probably needs to be it. it also shows that, despite what some of us older rock fans believe, a few great groups did really exist in that decade.

This sounds BETTER than the studio cuts. I saw Journey live during this tour and what a great experience. They are tight and punch out tunes with energy and vigor. Perry reaches a new level. Schon wails. High school memories race back to me. A band that will NEVER go out of style. I'm glad to see this music resurrected.

In addition to all the good things written about this album, there's a killer version of Wheel in the Sky.. I'm not a big fan of the studio version, but the live version is faster, tighter and just damn good.

Other greats in the live CD are "After the Fall", "Faithfully" (who doesn't have old memories with this song?) , and "Send her my love".

"Stone in Love" and "Still they Ride" are great not so known Journey songs.

A few songs like "Anyway you Want it" sound better in the studio version. Overall I dig this CD and have been listening to it straight for the past two months.

Well worth it.