RAISED ON RADIO

I guess that the best decision for the band was taken after the release of this album: to call it quit.

I hardly could bear their AOR oriented music since Perry has been brought on board ("Infinity"). IMHHO, the music proposed since then is rather poor and inspiration very, very thin. What's weird is that from this very moment, the band will sell millions of albums and started a very successful commercial career.

This album is no worse than its predecessors; but it is no better either. Which means that the same sort of expectations are met: basic and radio friendly rock music of which prog is not even related by far (but "Journey" has been pretty consistent in achieving this result for quite a long time already).

A lot of AOR stuff like "Girl Can't Help It" or "Be Good to Yourself" which shows a definite Springsteen feel (same for the well named "Raised On The Radio"), some decent pop-rock with "Positive Touch" which features some nice sax, some very short and excellent guitar solo with "Suzanne" (but way too scarce on this album). Schon is also shining in the closing part of "Be Good To Yourself". It is for sure a great add-on when he is providing these killer guitar breaks.

Some sub-par Rod Stewart rock songs under the form of "Once You Love Somebody" which is best avoided for your own good even if an infectious guitar break also highlights this weak track ("I'll Be Alright?" is a carbon copy). There are obviously the syrupy ballads as well ("Happy To Give", "The Eyes Of A Woman" as well as the closing track).

In all, this album is totally dispensable and best avoided for prog ears. You have been warned already several times about this band: first three albums good to very good and that's it.

One little star.