JOURNEY - review added 16th June 2011
Album Review: Eclipse (2011)
For fans of: Hard Rock
Journey may have sold in excess of 100 million records, their last album "Revelation" (2008) debuted at #5 on the Billboard 2008, and they may be flavour of the month after 'Don't Stop Believin'' became the national anthem of the entire world, but none of that will make this new release a success. In fact it's hard to know what will make this record a success for Journey. The rock world isn't what it used to be, and the biggest AOR band around making their best ever album still probably wouldn't sell millions. Still, that's no reason for the band to quit trying, and to my ears at least they've produced a bit of a corker with "Eclipse".
This is singer Arnel's second album with the guys, and it's easy to hear that he's really settled into his role. Yes, he still sounds like an underachieving version of Steve Perry but, let's face it, someone who isn't as good as Steve Perry can still be bloody good...and Arnel really is awesome indeed. He has enough of his own character to not sound too clone-like, and there's no doubting his quality of tone or control.
The remainder of the music is top notch. There have been numerous complaints about this album being all about Neal Schon and his overuse of guitar solos, but I hear none of that. Okay, there are a lot, but the album doesn't feel stupidly unbalanced for them. It sounds like Journey with a twist, and that's a good thing in this case.
'City Of Hope' is a catchy opener with a monster chorus, and even the occasional bit where it sounds like it's going to become a death metal track. Go figure. 'Edge of the Moment' is a more subtle track with a slight emotive feel to it. Again, wonderful. 'Chain of Love' is a heavy groovy song with some beautiful progressions going on. 'Tantra' slows things right down. It's a classic Journey ballad - i.e. utterly brilliant - and up there in the same league as their best.
'Anything is Possible' is a more straight ahead track, but it still manages to be deeply catchy and strangely interesting. 'Resonate' is a heavier entry with a pumping chorus and meaty body. 'She’s a Mystery' is a tad folksy and perhaps too laid back in comparison to the rest of the album, but it certainly isn't a bad effort - especially when you hear the last couple of minutes when it heavies up considerably. 'Human Feel' is one of my favourite tracks, boasting a huge tribal rhythm section and utterly contagious nature. Brilliant!
'Ritual' races along, but isn't one of the strongest on "Eclipse". 'To Whom It May Concern' is an epic near-ballad that would slay in a big Hollywood film. 'Someone' is another pleasant but unexceptional entry. Final track 'Venus' is a closing solo from Mr. Schon that's nice enough but not standout in its own right.
In Summation:
For me this is Journey's best album since "Arrival" and arguably in their top 5 overall. Yep, it's that good. There are a couple of near-fillers that deny it true classic status, but even they aren't bad as such. Buy it now.
Entertainment/Enjoyment:
Musicianship:
Vocals:
Song Writing:
Production:
Overall (Not An Average Of The Above):
Track List:
01. City of Hope
02. Edge of the Moment
03. Chain of Love
04. Tantra
05. Anything is Possible
06. Resonate
07. She’s a Mystery
08. Human Feel
09. Ritual
10. To Whom It May Concern
11. Someone
12. Venus
Band/Performers:
Arnel Pineda – vocals
Neal Schon – guitars
Jonathan Cain – keyboards
Ross Valory – bass
Deen Castronovo – drums
Other Info:
Label: Frontiers Records
Artist's website(s): Journey | Facebook
