RAISED ON RADIO

Normally, I would recoil at the prospect of listening to 1980s pop rock, but something about this album carries a sense of charm- not nostalgia or anything, it's just that most of these songs consist of solid, if simple arrangements, unimpeachable execution, and incredibly memorable melodies. Good music is good music, after all. Also, this may be the only place one sees the name of American Idol judge Randy Jackson on the site, who took over most of the bass duties in the absence of Ross Valory. For the most part, Raised on Radio is a decent and fun AOR album that shouldn't displease too many Journey fans, and represents the end of a period for a great American band.

"Girl Can't Help It" Not a bad soft rock song to begin with to close out Journey's work in the 1980s. It brings in a slightly harder edge thanks to Neal Schon's guitar.

"Positive Touch" Here is a funky little number, lead by piano and the subtle pop-and-slap groove from Jackson. While it's one I would normally skip, in so doing I miss out on one of Schon's most brilliant guitar solos.

"Suzanne" By far the cheesiest thing on the album in every respect- the drums, the overpowering synthesized bass, the utterly banal lyrics, I am almost ashamed to say this is one of my favorite songs on the album. I suspect it is a combination of the vocal melody and Steve Perry's excellent performance that does it for me. Whatever the case, I can't help myself.

"Be Good To Yourself" I used to listen to this song in the morning to start the day. That's all I'm going to say about it.

"Once You Love Somebody" This is my least favorite on the album, but it still has its own funky 1980s charm that pervades the album.

"Happy to Give" This song is the softest of the album, with light synthetic instruments and Perry's overwhelming vocals.

"Raised on Radio" The title track is a spunky 1980s rocker- nothing more, and nothing I particularly care for. It's irritating, meandering, and doesn't end well at all.

"I'll Be Alright Without You" My favorite from the album, this has a smooth, velvety guitar lead, nice and clean at first and gritty later, and an impeccable vocal performance. The chorus is one of Journey's best moments in my opinion.

"It Could Have Been You" I find this to be the most forgettable track on the album. It has decent moments, but the corniness-factor is too much because it affects the melody. The guitar tone is rather annoying.

"The Eyes of a Woman" Another softer song, this has some decent lead guitar work, and bassist Bob Glaub even steps to the fore with some great moments.

"Why Can't This Night Go on Forever" The final track makes for a gentle conclusion, perhaps trying to capture to the success of "Faithfully" from a few years before. While that didn't happen, this is a song with quite a bit of power and finesse.