FRONTIERS

I started my reviewing process for "Journey" with the thoughts of my teenage days and the great "Santana" feeling which were brought by the fantastic Gregg Rolie and the superb Neal Schon. Their first incarnation was the occasion to deliver some very good works (their first two albums) or good one (their third album).

After this, the story sounded much more bitter. For commercial reasons, the band was added a new lead vocalist who came out of nowhere (Steve Perry) and who brought an awful AOR sound to this once good band.

I really couldn't stand their albums from "Infinity" to "Escape". And I can't say that the experience felt here is gorgeous. The band has now found his path and conquered virtually millions of fans. But I don't belong to these. The ones in favour might say that "Genesis" or "Yes" never sold so much after their new "musical" direction. These are of course facts, but the genuine fan that I am can't endorse this.

I am desperately trying to find one interesting piece of music on this album. But it seems to be hopeless: from silly AOR stuff (for the most) to the most syrupy soup ("Faithfully", "After The Fall"), this album is another long "press next" exercise. Be sure to hold these two keys to avoid pure boredom. Even short and great guitar beaks are very, very scarce. What the hell did you do Neal?

The only passable song is the dynamic "Edge of the Blade" thanks to some wake up from Neal. Excellent guitar play which should be much more present than what's currently available.

This album will be a huge commercial hit (selling millions of copies) but in terms of quality I just can say that it sounds very poor to my ears. Totally useless, fully AOR or standard heavy ("Back Talk") or hard rock ("Rubycons"). Not to be recommended in any way.

One star as usual since "Infinity".