LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

By 1976, I was less orphan of Gregg and Neal. They had made their own choice and recorded their second album under the "Journey" umbrella. Probably more pop-rock oriented than their debut but still very good.

The powerful and catchy opener "Saturday Nite" is a perfect example of this switch. But it rocks alright, holds a fine melody and Neal is superb in his lead guitar play. I won't be as laudatory about "It's All Too Much" which is too much AOR oriented to my taste. Gregg's vocals aren't really great, and it is only thanks to a few very good guitar lines that this song is saved from misery.

Some soul insight during "Anyway" reminds me some "Black Magic Woman" feel of whom you might have heard. At least in terms of vocals. The warm, low pitched and effective Gregg is back again! He was actually only gone for a very short while. It is so great to listen to his charismatic voice! A real pleasure indeed.

The wild "She Makes Me" also have a deep "Santana" feel. The excellent "Hope You're Feeling Better" certainly served as some sort of a model for this powerful rock song. Neal has again a wonderful attack with his guitar. But this is no big news of course: the guy is so gifted?

This album holds some very good tracks to tell the truth. Another one is "You're On Your Own" which combines again the strong voice together with so clever guitar breaks and superb rhythm. This is one of the best pieces from this album. To complete the picture, I can just add that Gregg is fabulous on the keys and that this song reminds me of "She's So Heavy" from the Fab Four. A highlight.

But there are plenty of great moments available on this album. The long and title track is another killer. Song writing is full of talent, the interpretation is of course fabulous and all musicians are soooo gifted?This song is a real pleasure to listen to.

Some more jazzy feel is concentrated during "Mighnight Dreamer". It is another occasion for Neal to shine. HE is the highlight in this song which is not the most elegant of the whole but shows the deep talent from this incredible guitar player!

This album is quite good and holds the comparison with their debut IMHHO. The closing track is another showcase for both Gregg and Neal. When these two perform at such a level; there is nothing to do: I just succumb.

Seven out of ten, but upgraded to four stars for emotional reasons.