Post by jptheprofessor on Jun 12, 2008 19:28:24 GMT -5
JOURNEY – REVELATION (Frontiers) Their fourteenth studio album, Revelation begins a new journey for Journey, as they unveil their new singer, Arnel Pineda from the Philippines, who replaces Jeff Scott Soto and previous studio singer Steve Augeri, the latter who left the band for health reasons. A three-disc set, Revelation features one CD of new studio material, a disc of updated Journey classics with the new singer, and a live concert DVD. On the surface, Pineda’s voice does immediately resemble that of Journey’s most famous mouthpiece, Steve Perry; but repeat listens reveal that while similar, Pineda shows enough personality and nuances to transcend merely being a Perry mimic. Moreso, this injection of new blood seems to have again rejuvenated Journey; the disc of new material is the most vibrant they’ve sounded since their 80’s heyday. Guitarist Neal Schon especially sounds inspired, crafting some of his most stellar guitarwork in years, particularly on the album’s closing instrumental “The Journey (Revelation).” Journey’s sound closely resembles that early 80’s Escape/Frontiers pinnacle; featuring crisp, melody-driven rockers like the disc-opening current single “Never Walk Away,” “Change for the Better” the hard-driving “Wildest Dream” and “Faith in the Heartland,” a Steve Augeri collaboration updated from 2005’s Generations CD. The group still shows the knack for big-sounding ballads as well; with “Like a Sunshower” sounding like the love child from “Lights” and “Open Arms,” and Jonathan Cain’s piano playing a greater role on “After All These Years,” “What I Needed” and “Turn Down the World Tonight.” Produced by Kevin Shirley, Revelation sounds full and streamlined, frequently achieving balance between Schon’s guitar and Cain’s keys and avoiding unnecessary clutter. And Arnel Pineda’s voice is proudly front and center for all comers to clearly hear. The updated Journey classics disc will either acclimate fans with his voice and style in a familiar context, or attract further scrutiny and comparisons to his famous predecessor. As evolution and rebirth have been longtime themes of this band, Revelation ultimately offers a triumphant reinvention of the type of arena rock that first put Journey on the map to begin with. This sounds like a band reborn, and their sense of excitement and enthusiasm has returned.