DEPARTURE

Anyone familiar with the band will know it's futile to look for anything especially deep or meaningful in their music, but I challenge anyone to find a more straight-ahead-euphoria-inducing-explosion-of-balls-to- the-wall feel-good-guitar-rock than Anyway You Want It.

This album is spectacularily more enjoyable than its predecessor, thanks to some thoughtful use of dynamics, pacing, and style. Yes, there's filler, but in general one will come away remembering the big guitar, soaring vocals, and smooth organ sounds. Rolie's keyboards give us some varied sounds this time around (although his few vocals are more mediocre than ever), and even jams with a harmonica in the uplifting Precious Time. Schon's guitar playing is first-rate, especially in the opener and the bluesy I am Cryin'. There is a high level of energy and memorable vocal deliveries from Perry, whose shrill wails are toned down a bit here.

All in all, a good one for fans of classic rock; just don't go expecting anything too deep... even though this is probably classic Journey's most complex album.

Songwriting: 2 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2