Just heard the Freedom in it's entirety! I like about 11 out of the 15 tracks on it. It's solid. I just wish they hired an actual producer instead of Neil and Johnathon producing. They could have benefited from being told what works and what doesn't and pushing them to their very best. Arnel sounds amazing and Neil's guitar work is second to none. We have to give credit to the rhythm section of Randy Jackson and Narada Michael Waldon as they definitely added a fresh element to the band. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this album.
I LOVE the digipak CD format. YEARS ago I collected all the Journey ones and Steve Perry's except for Traces which is simply a cardboard sleeve with disc and insert. Found them at various CD stores around L.A. mainly Amoeba (when it was on Sunset Blvd) and Record Trader & CD Trader. My favorite song from Freedom is "Still Believe In Love." It sounds like a song Steve Perry could have done back on Trial By Fire. 👍👍👍
I have not listened to Journey since Robert Fleischman was Mitch Malloy'd / David Donato'd. No seriously, great review from our awesome host, as always. I am heading to Walmart tonight and will pick this up
It actually rocks harder than expected. Not the most original content - but I’m happy to see that Neal Schon had a say here. A few power riffs is added to some tracks, which is kind of new to the soft AOR rockers. All in all, I’m positive and have ordered it even though the production is a bit muddy in places. Essential for classic AOR addict (me) but easy to skip for all others (3/6) 🙌🏻🎸
Like so many do, I adore this band. BUT I love them with Arnel also….and don’t buy into the “it’s not Journey if it’s not Perry” crap. There’s a lot out there who do 😢
Hi Brendan. I stopped by Target on the way home and this album was on the shelf. I didn't buy it yet. Glad you do reviews. It is helpful when I read others comments. I'm from the era of Steve Perry. I will have to listen to it on TH-cam. The entire album is probably available now. It really is beautiful.
I think you’ll enjoy it if you give it a listen. It’s a good album and despite it not having Steve Perry, you still have the amazing Neal Schon. Deen sounds really beautiful on the track he sings, After Glow.
@@BrendonSnyder Thank you Brendan. I think it is important to keep an open mind. Parnell is still a good singer and it would not be fair to compare him to Steve Perry.
Since they have avoided doing all the expected Journeyisms, that means, most likely, there is music to grow on you with repeated listenings. No doubt, they engaged in some self-plagiarizing, but that's totally fine and nothing wrong with it.
@@BrendonSnyder I really love it when albums do that. And when I love every song on an album sometimes, I wonder if it won't capture my attention for very long. Some do. The three most recent albums by The Treatment I liked immediately, and they've all been very listenable over and over again. Have a great weekend.
Before I get bashed and criticized for this. I own every CD post Robert Fleishman, have followed Neal, Deen (Tony McLapine) Jonathan Cain ( Baby's ) I own many JC disc along with NS. You are on track with this disc in some points. Neal ripped the intro to one of the bands most iconic songs that everyone knows and tried to reimangement into a new era. This was so wrong! This was all Neal showing, his guitar is all over this, and his influences from the past. Tapping into the early days prior Robert, the pogressive rock and Neal's Santana days are felt. This seems to be so controlled by Neal, the other musicians are secondary. As you said JC, is not really prominent I totally agree, to me it seems Arnel is being forced into the lyrics not the opposite to what works for him. The album has no cohesion to it! Yes some good songs, yea! Memorable one! No
@@azrocker06 I'm on my fourth listen, and it's better and better and better. Forget the past - listen to it as its own album, and it stands on its own very well.
I agree re your point about self plagiarism. A number of tracks reminded me of previous songs and material from Neil's solo projects. But still love it.
I gave it a listen this afternoon and right from the get go "1h 13m" it's a bit too long for a band like journey. I'm also getting lazy to listen to some albums around that length, ...anyways... I liked it! I'm glad that bands like journey and def leppard got new music out.
First time here, solid review my friend! Hope we get Journey's next one in less than 4 years which seemed like eternity when Dep Leppard was doing it back in the day!
There's only a few bands that can not really change their sound and still be very successful. I'd say the best example of that I know of is AC/DC. Whenever they go out on the road they are still immensely successful, as compared to Journey who very noticeably stagnated for the past decade. If they can get back into doing new music and promoting it every couple of years then maybe they can be more successful again. I still remember seeing them in my hometown in Louisville and I noticed that they nosebleeds in the KFC Yum Center were blocked off and that they were only using the lower levels. They also hadn't really changed their setlist at all from when I had seen them the year before in Cincinnati, which was a bit sad but it was an overall enjoyable show. I just want them to actually play this new stuff too.
I think the songs on here are good but the production is a little bit muddy at points..... I do have the digital download version..... Neal's guitar playing is awesome as always..... Supposedly they recorded in different studios AMD Armels.vpcals were recorded thru zoom.....
I only gave the record one listen, but I hear a lot of Jonathan Cain. I don't understand where he is absent, he's playing all of the keyboard parts and the record even opens with piano. Anyway, that aside, it's an enjoyable album, not as good as the classic years but better than I expected. Listen with an open mind, don't compare it to the Perry era and you'll enjoy it. I agree with the many who say the sound is a bit muddy, not open and airy and I think that would make a world of difference.
Great review. Well done. Nice take. Just good they're trying to put new material out there. Rock on I love Dream After Dream. Never hear it mentioned I love the unplugged version of Steve Perry's newer solo album it's really good like top tier
Enjoyed hearing your review of the new Journey album Brendon. I’m still waiting on my copy to arrive. I am glad Deen Castronova has one lead vocal as I do think he is a stellar vocalist. And he does his live vocals playing a beast of a drum kit. He was out for awhile dealing with back surgery so had to lie low. I agree Deen would be an excellent pick for lead singer, but in an interview I heard him say he doesn’t want that kind of pressure. He likes being behind the drums and singing lead on a few songs. He is also in Generation Radio about to release their debut album, and Revolution Saints. Search for Deen singing I Wouldn’t Change A Thing with Revolution Saints. It’s a ballad written by Richard Page of Mr. Mister. Revolution Saints brings an edge to it and Deen shines. All the Journey guys past and present are top shelf. Kudos to them for working so hard still when they really could be doing a bunch of nothing, living very well off royalties. I look forward to listening to this new album.
Glad you enjoyed the review and my take on the album. Deen Castronovo is great! I’ve got all 3 of the Revolution Saints albums and the solo album he does with Johnny Gioeli from Hardline. I’ll be checking out Generation Radio too.
@@BrendonSnyder I was betting you had the Revolution Saints and Gioeli stuff of Deen’s as well as all the others including Bad English. All good stuff. And I would add, a dream duo group I have wished Deen would do…Deen Castronova and Ann Wilson. ☮️
Brendan, I completely agree with your comments on Jonathan Cain being absent on this album. His style is certainly missing for me. The production on a couple Arnel’s vocals is odd too. Haven’t heard whole album yet. Can’t wait to get it.
Yes it’s like they added a filter or an effect to some of his vocals. It seems strange when for a band like Journey which has always been about amazing pristine vocals to do that.
If you check Arnel's pre-Journey YT vids, you will hear his real voice. He sang rock giants like Mercury, Tyler, Axl Rose, Bon Jovi, Sting, Led Zeppelin, Kurt Cobain, Survivor, Foreigner, Air Supply, even Nat King Cole, etc. His voice is closest to Bryan Adams, tenor with warm raspy gritty tone. When he got hired, he was trained to retain the legacy sound as Schon said. As their fanbase grew, it seems that Arnel was allowed to gradually shift to his real voice. This is what we are hearing now. More discernible, as he is now singing new songs. There's a duet he did with Alirio Neto, a Brazilian rockstar, titled Grey. It's phenomenal! I had to hear it 3x for me to identify his voice but it is an awesome duet! So, all in all, this album is a step away from the classic Journey we all grew up with.
Also, we have to realize that the album was recorded remotely because of the global lockdown, which makes it a technical nightmare. Arnel did his recording from Manila, Cain from Florida and I have no idea about the rest of the musicians.
The more listens I give the album and become further familiar with it, the better I like it. I was a big fan of Revelation, but not a fan of Eclipse as it lacked melody and sounded indulgent to me. Freedom has some good songs on it. Yes, it's a little long-winded and it has a little too much going on at times (sometimes less is more), but overall for a band with decades of road wear I'm quite happy with it.
Perhaps I can do one now. I was waiting for this new album. People will probably not like my ranking as I’ve got lots of favorites that aren’t their popular albums.
Its always worthwhile posting rankings with contrarian opinions- those are the most interesting! Your Scorpions ranking was VERY different to mine but I enjoyed watching that video! Found your different opinion on their discography fascinating,
Just kinda flipped through the songs briefly. Sounds like classic Journey - and that's what I like about it. They aren't trying to be something new and different or hip - when you're a legendary band just give us more of what we want - what we fell in love with - and they did.
Great packaging on it..''Freedom'' was the original name for ''Raised on Radio'' and it's great that the album art has a ''Of the period'' look to it..
Thanks for the info Brendon on journeys new album , if it’s released in uk I’ll be buying that ASAP . Also have you done any reviews on Steven Wilson ,porcupine trees latest album closure/continuation or Spocks beard .cheers Brian from uk
In the booklet, Neal Schon refers to "Freedom" as a "double album". It may be an interesting way to approach it, and brings a different take on the length of it.
Due to the length of the album, if released in the 70’s it would have been a double album. For me the break in the two albums comes when Deen sings. Maybe that’s why his song was placed at #8 equally diving the album.
Hi Brendon, just listen once to the new Journey album but i would say it's a good album... long time since the last one "Eclipse", which was a strong album in my opinion. At this point i would say, that my favorite album (after the break from 1986-1996) is still "Trial By Fire"... i love this last release with Steve Perry, so many catchy tunes and beautiful ballads. The second best for me is the follow up "Arrival". I was very skeptical about Steve Augeri but i think i did such a great job on that album. Also a lot of great stuff, almost good as "Trial" in my opinion. My least favorite is "Generations". One question: What is your favorite Journey album after the break? Maybe difficult to answer... not a bad album since then :-) Greetings from germany... bye and take care.
I picked this up at Target. I am a Journey fan, but after the first listen I am not impressed. I do think it could be better. There just seems to be so much going on with the instrumental parts that Arnel Peneda's vocals are buried and most of the time I couldn't tell what he is singing. When I compare it to the songs on Journey's greatest hits album, for example, I find that the songs on it are a lot easier to listen to, the instruments are better defined and the vocals easy to understand. I will give it another listen later on, but right now I feel I wasted my money.
I streamed bits and pieces and was very disappointing in the mixing levels with Arnel’s voice. It was buried too far down into the music. Go back and listen to any of those major Journey albums and you’ll hear Steve’s voice is given the spotlight and held up above the music. My guess is some egos in charge felt the music is more important, or what they focus on, but as a fan listening I feel they ruined the album’s possibilities by the mixing. With all due respect to the writing, music and simply the right combination of people, Journey’s success in the past was Steve Perry’s voice at bringing it all together. Arnel can definitely take that respectfully into the current times but he wasn’t given that chance here.
I don't understand with this people always winging about new Journey. When Journey released revelation they said karaoke when AP sang every SP best song and a bit better in my opinion. And now still complaining when Journey make a new mix of classic rock n roll. If you missed SP in this album don't worry Deen sing "after glow" he sound like SP on this one.
How is the sound quality? I listened to the samples on iTunes and the album sounded a little muddy to me and reviews there were pretty negative regarding the sound of the album.
see my comment above.... mix is terrible........worse than Red 13.... yes its that bad..... and I have the cd.....it needs a total remix..... if I was Arnel I'de be furious..as his vocals are top notch here. Who signed off on this????? Jeez Its a comment Im seeing over and over.Its spoilt the album for me.....
What are you talking about Neil?! It’s certainly not as bad as Red 13 which yes was not a good mix. Perhaps you don’t like it but it’s not as bad as you suggest. Maybe you don’t like the production which is different and more modern than the past but the mix is fine IMO.
People said that kind of thing about the last Iron Maiden album as well, virtually the same thing. After they have been listening to it on spotify or itunes through crappy earphones rather than buying a physical copy of the album and listening to it on a proper stereo through proper speakers. I don’t take much notice of people whining on the internet/social media, there’s always a need to have a hot take and usually its negative.
They DID select Deen to be lead vocalist BUT Deen refused because he doesn’t believe he is a frontman- this is according to Jeff Scott Soto. Deen himself, also says that he doesn’t write songs. JSS is from an interview with the real music observer on TH-cam and Deen quote is from a Mitch Lafon interview Also yes there does seem some contradictory in there but in this case Journey would be much more enormous more pressure than those other bands to front. Deen is also not the sole frontman or singer for hardline or RS.
@@hubridgell4511 Jack hardly sings lead. So if you have a guy up there that sings back-up and one or two leads, that means you’re not a front man? By that definition, Arnel isn’t one. 🙄 Revolution Saints is the first time Deen has stepped up from behind the kit. If that isn’t high pressure, I don’t know what is. They had initially wanted him to have a solo band-eponymous type of project. Oh, and using Journey as the benchmark is a serious straw man. I know what kind of point you’re trying to make for the home team, but I don’t really care.
Have been streaming this for a while via Deezer and it sounds great. Production sounds good although when I get the CD I might be able to hear the production complaints I have read about. Great songs and Schon is ripping it on the guitar more than I expected. Great album.
I don’t have a problem with the mix. I think people’s issues with the sound mostly has to do with how they listen to it and in what format. But you’ll have to see once you get the physical copy.
Thanks for clarifying Brendon - very valid point, people use different quality head/earphones & sound systems. I stream via a Sonos 5 speaker. If the CD mix is good to your ears, I'm sure it will be to mine!
Deen has a beautiful voice and he is a member of Journey since 1998 after Steve Perry. Why Neil Schon gave Deen only one piece to sing?! We all know Arnel is more versatile.
Im a buyer of all their stuff even though I am absolutely not a fan of Arnel's vocals. Once Steve Augeri.. yes Augeri.. left the band that is where I really had a falling out. I was fine with them replacing Perry.. everyone moves on from things. But Arnel just covers the original stuff to much.. thats not his fault that is the bands fault. They've had several albums with him and should be showcasing some of those songs in the setlist along with the dirty dozen.. but they don't. I tried to get into this album but none of the songs are memorable to me. BUT, I will say I completely agree with Brendon on the album artwork. When I opened my copy up and saw that booklet cover.. I must have sat there and looked at it for a good 20 minutes.. just unfolding the booklet and laying it out to see the front/back together. That art should have been the main cover and back cover. If anything use that art on an LP.. can you imagine looking at that in a larger format? Just amazing! All in all.. im glad they released new music.. and I hope they don't make fans wait 11 years for more. From what Neal said.. they recorded over 30 tracks so more could be released if he so chooses.
I'm sorry to say that people I'm not fans Mr Perry anyone but I think I keep it's real music from Mr perry voice The golden voice ever no body can sing like Mr perry still absolutely amazing and fantastic Singer anymore journey playing untill now cause Mr perry still
Yes Steve has a great voice and still sounds amazing but his solo work is no where near as good as Journey’s albums. Im totally ok with the singers that have come after Steve. Im glad Journey is still moving forward making great music.
Woo Hoo. 2 videos in 1 day! Also, fun fact: Journey has never had a #1 hit on Billboard. Can you believe it? So much competition in the 80's! Arnel makes my ears bleed, Long live classic Journey! :)
Narada "Rada" Michael Walden rocks it. Too bad he had to leave the tour due to Clot Shot Heart attack post gig, like Taylor Hawkins. Rada lived. -Taylor is gone. Fact.
@@BrendonSnyder Myocardial Infarctions are never "mild" to ones health. Myocardial tissue dies for good. So he had a "mild" die-off. Great. Rada was strong as an ox and did better with the spike proteins than Taylor. I am a physician. We should not be losing any of these folks to a failed gene therapy. I was at Stanford when this crap killed the kids in 2002 as a gene therapy. Search Dr. Robert Malone, who created this then, and is against it. Smart Dogs Do Not Chase Cars.
The production let's the album down. Obvious audio artifacts litter certain tracks, afterglow in particular. These artifacts only pronounce themselves more when listening to higher fidelity versions of the tracks. Vocals are buried and flat. Otherwise an album with some great tracks.
I agree the production isn’t up to par of their earlier albums. And while there are a couple questionable recordings, overall I’m not bothered by the mix as a whole. I’m just glad that after more than a decade we have a new album. Of course that probably means it should have been perfect with all the time they took to make it.
Hay buenas canciones pero el sonido y la producción es bastante rara, en especial la voz de Arnel se escucha muy apagada a veces. Come away with me es el mejor ejemplo, una buena canción rockera pero la grabación de la voz es ridícula, una lástima.
good songs and Arnel is in fine form but the production sucks..its muddy....lead vox are often too quiet and lost in a tonne of reverb wash! Schon evidently led the production direction...going for a raw live feel. Worst track affected is Deens song Afterglow..... barely audible vocal. Backing vocals too are wierd..often too loud sometimes too low...with a harsh digital effect on them. Best trax? "Dont Go" and "Together we Run," which are also the most 80s sounding, they could easily be Escape or Frontieres outtakes, barring the poor mixing.
The album was co-produced by both Neal and Narada and if anything Narada was in charge…listen to Neal’s latest solo album that Narada wrote and produced for him. Don’t blame it all on Neal the one that has kept the band going for nearly 50 years. Also I don’t get the poor sound people are talking about. Sounds good to me at least on my sound system.
@@BrendonSnyder check around the web..and at other youtube reviews....... there is quite a backlash over the mix..... seems Arnel sent his vocal over "zoom" er?? say what!!!!!! the stink wont go away
Not sure if it’s the production, mix, whatever you want to call it. To me it sounds sterile. I’ve listened to the album several times. Just sounds flat. I have much respect for Journey and I’m happy that they’ve released new music, don’t get me wrong.
I hear what you’re saying but then on that note Journey wasn’t Journey after their first 3 albums. By the time Steve Perry joined the band they had lost two members and changed singers. By the 2nd Steve Perry album they only had two original members. But the driving force of the band has always been guitarist Neal Schon which is why they continue.
I DIDN'T LIKE ANY OF THE SONGS ON THE NEW ALBUM, DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE QUALITY OF MUSIC FROM THE 1980s JOURNEY ALBUMS, I LOVE ARNELS VOICE & I LOVE NEAL ALWAYS, BUT THE ALBUM WAS EXTREMELY BORING TO ME,SORRY FOR BEING HONEST
Hey that’s ok. As I found, it’s got a lot of modern influences that certainly won’t be for everyone. Despite it not sounding like a typical Journey album, I still found plenty to enjoy about it. Give it some time, it might grow on you after the initial shock of its differences wear off.
Just heard the Freedom in it's entirety! I like about 11 out of the 15 tracks on it. It's solid. I just wish they hired an actual producer instead of Neil and Johnathon producing. They could have benefited from being told what works and what doesn't and pushing them to their very best. Arnel sounds amazing and Neil's guitar work is second to none. We have to give credit to the rhythm section of Randy Jackson and Narada Michael Waldon as they definitely added a fresh element to the band. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this album.
I LOVE the digipak CD format. YEARS ago I collected all the Journey ones and Steve Perry's except for Traces which is simply a cardboard sleeve with disc and insert. Found them at various CD stores around L.A. mainly Amoeba (when it was on Sunset Blvd) and Record Trader & CD Trader. My favorite song from Freedom is "Still Believe In Love." It sounds like a song Steve Perry could have done back on Trial By Fire. 👍👍👍
I have not listened to Journey since Robert Fleischman was Mitch Malloy'd / David Donato'd. No seriously, great review from our awesome host, as always.
I am heading to Walmart tonight and will pick this up
Haha! 👍
I love it. Great review. People need to remember Journey existed before Steve Perry and after. Neal Schon rocks!
Many would say that Perry was Journey. Both subjective.
But like Smith said, Journey without Perry doesn't interest me.
That's really cool Brendan I love Journey. Arnel is an amzing singer he really does sound like Steve Perry
Thanks for the review. Good album!.
It’s my pleasure!
Thank you for posting Brendon, will definitely check this out!
It actually rocks harder than expected. Not the most original content - but I’m happy to see that Neal Schon had a say here. A few power riffs is added to some tracks, which is kind of new to the soft AOR rockers. All in all, I’m positive and have ordered it even though the production is a bit muddy in places. Essential for classic AOR addict (me) but easy to skip for all others (3/6) 🙌🏻🎸
I think it will be one of those albums that gets better with each listen.
From all these interviews by Schon, the songs mainly started with him and Walden just jamming. The piano and lyrics were built around that.
Like so many do, I adore this band. BUT I love them with Arnel also….and don’t buy into the “it’s not Journey if it’s not Perry” crap. There’s a lot out there who do 😢
I’m with you and like all of the different incarnations of the band.
I think that one about Perry has been laid to rest now
Agreed
It's not Journey without Ross Valerie and Steve Smith. Today it's Neil Schon and friends .
@@BrendonSnyder same!
Hi Brendan. I stopped by Target on the way home and this album was on the shelf. I didn't buy it yet. Glad you do reviews. It is helpful when I read others comments. I'm from the era of Steve Perry. I will have to listen to it on TH-cam. The entire album is probably available now.
It really is beautiful.
I think you’ll enjoy it if you give it a listen. It’s a good album and despite it not having Steve Perry, you still have the amazing Neal Schon. Deen sounds really beautiful on the track he sings, After Glow.
@@BrendonSnyder Thank you Brendan. I think it is important to keep an open mind. Parnell is still a good singer and it would not be fair to compare him to Steve Perry.
I agree although I haven’t heard it yet. Seeing a band do something new is so refreshing!
Since they have avoided doing all the expected Journeyisms, that means, most likely, there is music to grow on you with repeated listenings. No doubt, they engaged in some self-plagiarizing, but that's totally fine and nothing wrong with it.
Yes that is very true, I’ve listened to it 3+ times already and it’s been getting better with each listen.
@@BrendonSnyder I really love it when albums do that. And when I love every song on an album sometimes, I wonder if it won't capture my attention for very long. Some do. The three most recent albums by The Treatment I liked immediately, and they've all been very listenable over and over again. Have a great weekend.
Before I get bashed and criticized for this.
I own every CD post Robert Fleishman, have followed Neal, Deen (Tony McLapine) Jonathan Cain ( Baby's ) I own many JC disc along with NS.
You are on track with this disc in some points.
Neal ripped the intro to one of the bands most iconic songs that everyone knows and tried to reimangement into a new era.
This was so wrong!
This was all Neal showing, his guitar is all over this, and his influences from the past.
Tapping into the early days prior Robert, the pogressive rock and Neal's Santana days are felt.
This seems to be so controlled by Neal, the other musicians are secondary.
As you said JC, is not really prominent I totally agree, to me it seems Arnel is being forced into the lyrics not the opposite to what works for him.
The album has no cohesion to it!
Yes some good songs, yea!
Memorable one!
No
@@azrocker06 I'm on my fourth listen, and it's better and better and better. Forget the past - listen to it as its own album, and it stands on its own very well.
I agree re your point about self plagiarism. A number of tracks reminded me of previous songs and material from Neil's solo projects. But still love it.
I gave it a listen this afternoon and right from the get go "1h 13m" it's a bit too long for a band like journey. I'm also getting lazy to listen to some albums around that length, ...anyways... I liked it! I'm glad that bands like journey and def leppard got new music out.
Every album since the reunion in 1996 has been longer than an hour and in most cases over 70 mins each.
@@BrendonSnyder wow..they got inspired! I thought they kept the length of their first albums..
First time here, solid review my friend! Hope we get Journey's next one in less than 4 years which seemed like eternity when Dep Leppard was doing it back in the day!
Haha…4 years is an eternity! But compared to the 11 year wait between the last album it would be a breeze! 😂
Great new music from Journey! Hoping to pick this up STAT!
There's only a few bands that can not really change their sound and still be very successful. I'd say the best example of that I know of is AC/DC. Whenever they go out on the road they are still immensely successful, as compared to Journey who very noticeably stagnated for the past decade. If they can get back into doing new music and promoting it every couple of years then maybe they can be more successful again. I still remember seeing them in my hometown in Louisville and I noticed that they nosebleeds in the KFC Yum Center were blocked off and that they were only using the lower levels. They also hadn't really changed their setlist at all from when I had seen them the year before in Cincinnati, which was a bit sad but it was an overall enjoyable show. I just want them to actually play this new stuff too.
i just got the autographed one today. i’ve never got something that is worth a lot of money before but here we are
I think the songs on here are good but the production is a little bit muddy at points..... I do have the digital download version..... Neal's guitar playing is awesome as always..... Supposedly they recorded in different studios AMD Armels.vpcals were recorded thru zoom.....
I only gave the record one listen, but I hear a lot of Jonathan Cain. I don't understand where he is absent, he's playing all of the keyboard parts and the record even opens with piano. Anyway, that aside, it's an enjoyable album, not as good as the classic years but better than I expected. Listen with an open mind, don't compare it to the Perry era and you'll enjoy it. I agree with the many who say the sound is a bit muddy, not open and airy and I think that would make a world of difference.
Journey band is the real deal. Long live the band Journey. Neil Schon got the best gang. Narada!!!
Great review. Well done. Nice take. Just good they're trying to put new material out there. Rock on
I love Dream After Dream. Never hear it mentioned
I love the unplugged version of Steve Perry's newer solo album it's really good like top tier
Enjoyed hearing your review of the new Journey album Brendon. I’m still waiting on my copy to arrive.
I am glad Deen Castronova has one lead vocal as I do think he is a stellar vocalist. And he does his live vocals playing a beast of a drum kit. He was out for awhile dealing with back surgery so had to lie low. I agree Deen would be an excellent pick for lead singer, but in an interview I heard him say he doesn’t want that kind of pressure. He likes being behind the drums and singing lead on a few songs. He is also in Generation Radio about to release their debut album, and Revolution Saints. Search for Deen singing I Wouldn’t Change A Thing with Revolution Saints. It’s a ballad written by Richard Page of Mr. Mister. Revolution Saints brings an edge to it and Deen shines.
All the Journey guys past and present are top shelf. Kudos to them for working so hard still when they really could be doing a bunch of nothing, living very well off royalties. I look forward to listening to this new album.
Glad you enjoyed the review and my take on the album. Deen Castronovo is great! I’ve got all 3 of the Revolution Saints albums and the solo album he does with Johnny Gioeli from Hardline. I’ll be checking out Generation Radio too.
@@BrendonSnyder I was betting you had the Revolution Saints and Gioeli stuff of Deen’s as well as all the others including Bad English. All good stuff. And I would add, a dream duo group I have wished Deen would do…Deen Castronova and Ann Wilson. ☮️
Brendan, I completely agree with your comments on Jonathan Cain being absent on this album. His style is certainly missing for me. The production on a couple Arnel’s vocals is odd too. Haven’t heard whole album yet. Can’t wait to get it.
Yes it’s like they added a filter or an effect to some of his vocals. It seems strange when for a band like Journey which has always been about amazing pristine vocals to do that.
If you check Arnel's pre-Journey YT vids, you will hear his real voice. He sang rock giants like Mercury, Tyler, Axl Rose, Bon Jovi, Sting, Led Zeppelin, Kurt Cobain, Survivor, Foreigner, Air Supply, even Nat King Cole, etc. His voice is closest to Bryan Adams, tenor with warm raspy gritty tone. When he got hired, he was trained to retain the legacy sound as Schon said. As their fanbase grew, it seems that Arnel was allowed to gradually shift to his real voice. This is what we are hearing now. More discernible, as he is now singing new songs. There's a duet he did with Alirio Neto, a Brazilian rockstar, titled Grey. It's phenomenal! I had to hear it 3x for me to identify his voice but it is an awesome duet! So, all in all, this album is a step away from the classic Journey we all grew up with.
Also, we have to realize that the album was recorded remotely because of the global lockdown, which makes it a technical nightmare. Arnel did his recording from Manila, Cain from Florida and I have no idea about the rest of the musicians.
The more listens I give the album and become further familiar with it, the better I like it. I was a big fan of Revelation, but not a fan of Eclipse as it lacked melody and sounded indulgent to me. Freedom has some good songs on it. Yes, it's a little long-winded and it has a little too much going on at times (sometimes less is more), but overall for a band with decades of road wear I'm quite happy with it.
Brenden it would be great to see a album ranking show for journey
Perhaps I can do one now. I was waiting for this new album. People will probably not like my ranking as I’ve got lots of favorites that aren’t their popular albums.
@@BrendonSnyder oh, it’ll certainly provoke debate alright 🤣. Strap yourself in for the responses 😂
Its always worthwhile posting rankings with contrarian opinions- those are the most interesting! Your Scorpions ranking was VERY different to mine but I enjoyed watching that video! Found your different opinion on their discography fascinating,
Awesome 👏!!!
I feel the same way!
hope they do nearly
gigs with steve perry 😃
Just kinda flipped through the songs briefly. Sounds like classic Journey - and that's what I like about it. They aren't trying to be something new and different or hip - when you're a legendary band just give us more of what we want - what we fell in love with - and they did.
I guess we all hear things differently and that’s what makes the world go round.
Deen sang Afterglow because he didn’t come back to the band until they started touring again. Afterglow was the last track completed for the album.
Deen’s amazing. His voice is so good!
You’re so right! Utterly amazing!
Great packaging on it..''Freedom'' was the original name for ''Raised on Radio'' and it's great that the album art has a ''Of the period'' look to it..
Thanks for the info Brendon on journeys new album , if it’s released in uk I’ll be buying that ASAP . Also have you done any reviews on Steven Wilson ,porcupine trees latest album closure/continuation or Spocks beard .cheers Brian from uk
No I haven’t reviewed either of those bands but do like Spock’s Beard and the offshoot project Pattern-Seeking Animals.
??? its on Amazon UK..... been up there to pre order for weeks
@@mccartney2 yes I’ve just ordered it thank you 👍👍
Deen has a pretty good thing going with Jack Blades & Doug Aldrich called Revolution Saints.
In the booklet, Neal Schon refers to "Freedom" as a "double album". It may be an interesting way to approach it, and brings a different take on the length of it.
Due to the length of the album, if released in the 70’s it would have been a double album. For me the break in the two albums comes when Deen sings. Maybe that’s why his song was placed at #8 equally diving the album.
Dean did some great drumming on the dead daisies last album and sang on ‘30 days in the hole’ on it
It’s a great record I love it
Hi Brendon, just listen once to the new Journey album but i would say it's a good album... long time since the last one "Eclipse", which was a strong album in my opinion. At this point i would say, that my favorite album (after the break from 1986-1996) is still "Trial By Fire"... i love this last release with Steve Perry, so many catchy tunes and beautiful ballads. The second best for me is the follow up "Arrival". I was very skeptical about Steve Augeri but i think i did such a great job on that album. Also a lot of great stuff, almost good as "Trial" in my opinion. My least favorite is "Generations". One question: What is your favorite Journey album after the break? Maybe difficult to answer... not a bad album since then :-) Greetings from germany... bye and take care.
I liked Eclipse a lot. Just wading into this one and came for your take as you know what you're talking about🤙
Thanks Chad! 👍
I picked this up at Target. I am a Journey fan, but after the first listen I am not impressed. I do think it could be better. There just seems to be so much going on with the instrumental parts that Arnel Peneda's vocals are buried and most of the time I couldn't tell what he is singing. When I compare it to the songs on Journey's greatest hits album, for example, I find that the songs on it are a lot easier to listen to, the instruments are better defined and the vocals easy to understand. I will give it another listen later on, but right now I feel I wasted my money.
I was thinking about getting this at target the other day but still don't know if I will get it
I streamed bits and pieces and was very disappointing in the mixing levels with Arnel’s voice.
It was buried too far down into the music. Go back and listen to any of those major Journey albums and you’ll hear Steve’s voice is given the spotlight and held up above the music.
My guess is some egos in charge felt the music is more important, or what they focus on, but as a fan listening I feel they ruined the album’s possibilities by the mixing.
With all due respect to the writing, music and simply the right combination of people, Journey’s success in the past was Steve Perry’s voice at bringing it all together. Arnel can definitely take that respectfully into the current times but he wasn’t given that chance here.
They need a Producer.
I don't understand with this people always winging about new Journey. When Journey released revelation they said karaoke when AP sang every SP best song and a bit better in my opinion. And now still complaining when Journey make a new mix of classic rock n roll.
If you missed SP in this album don't worry Deen sing "after glow" he sound like SP on this one.
How is the sound quality? I listened to the samples on iTunes and the album sounded a little muddy to me and reviews there were pretty negative regarding the sound of the album.
No I think it sounds really good. But also I didn’t think it sounded muddy on iTunes but then I use Bose Quiet Comfort head phones.
see my comment above.... mix is terrible........worse than Red 13.... yes its that bad..... and I have the cd.....it needs a total remix..... if I was Arnel I'de be furious..as his vocals are top notch here. Who signed off on this????? Jeez
Its a comment Im seeing over and over.Its spoilt the album for me.....
What are you talking about Neil?! It’s certainly not as bad as Red 13 which yes was not a good mix. Perhaps you don’t like it but it’s not as bad as you suggest. Maybe you don’t like the production which is different and more modern than the past but the mix is fine IMO.
@@BrendonSnyder mate... had I been in isolation over this...you would have a point...but sadly Im not
People said that kind of thing about the last Iron Maiden album as well, virtually the same thing. After they have been listening to it on spotify or itunes through crappy earphones rather than buying a physical copy of the album and listening to it on a proper stereo through proper speakers. I don’t take much notice of people whining on the internet/social media, there’s always a need to have a hot take and usually its negative.
Five Killers, Six Fillers...💫
Are the six fillers all the ballads? 😂
@@BrendonSnyder no, the Ballads are Killers, very Journey -Oldschool. Stunning stuff !
They DID select Deen to be lead vocalist BUT Deen refused because he doesn’t believe he is a frontman- this is according to Jeff Scott Soto. Deen himself, also says that he doesn’t write songs. JSS is from an interview with the real music observer on TH-cam and Deen quote is from a Mitch Lafon interview Also yes there does seem some contradictory in there but in this case Journey would be much more enormous more pressure than those other bands to front. Deen is also not the sole frontman or singer for hardline or RS.
Makes sense but I hadn’t heard that…also seems contradictory since Deen fronts Revolution Saints and has a solo album with Johnny Gioeli of Hardline.
Deen *is* the frontman for Revolution Saints.
@@PeachWNK not super high profile pressure like journey, also shares with Jack Blades.
@@hubridgell4511 Jack hardly sings lead. So if you have a guy up there that sings back-up and one or two leads, that means you’re not a front man? By that definition, Arnel isn’t one. 🙄 Revolution Saints is the first time Deen has stepped up from behind the kit. If that isn’t high pressure, I don’t know what is. They had initially wanted him to have a solo band-eponymous type of project.
Oh, and using Journey as the benchmark is a serious straw man. I know what kind of point you’re trying to make for the home team, but I don’t really care.
@@BrendonSnyder His thing with Johnny isn’t a solo album. It’s a duet. :)
Is this new record in record stores or just at Walmart?
Everywhere
Have been streaming this for a while via Deezer and it sounds great. Production sounds good although when I get the CD I might be able to hear the production complaints I have read about. Great songs and Schon is ripping it on the guitar more than I expected. Great album.
I don’t have a problem with the mix. I think people’s issues with the sound mostly has to do with how they listen to it and in what format. But you’ll have to see once you get the physical copy.
Thanks for clarifying Brendon - very valid point, people use different quality head/earphones & sound systems. I stream via a Sonos 5 speaker. If the CD mix is good to your ears, I'm sure it will be to mine!
Deen has a beautiful voice and he is a member of Journey since 1998 after Steve Perry. Why Neil Schon gave Deen only one piece to sing?! We all know Arnel is more versatile.
Deen was with Generation Radio for part of 2020. Maybe he wasn't under contract when much of the album was being made.
Im a buyer of all their stuff even though I am absolutely not a fan of Arnel's vocals. Once Steve Augeri.. yes Augeri.. left the band that is where I really had a falling out. I was fine with them replacing Perry.. everyone moves on from things. But Arnel just covers the original stuff to much.. thats not his fault that is the bands fault. They've had several albums with him and should be showcasing some of those songs in the setlist along with the dirty dozen.. but they don't. I tried to get into this album but none of the songs are memorable to me. BUT, I will say I completely agree with Brendon on the album artwork. When I opened my copy up and saw that booklet cover.. I must have sat there and looked at it for a good 20 minutes.. just unfolding the booklet and laying it out to see the front/back together. That art should have been the main cover and back cover. If anything use that art on an LP.. can you imagine looking at that in a larger format? Just amazing! All in all.. im glad they released new music.. and I hope they don't make fans wait 11 years for more. From what Neal said.. they recorded over 30 tracks so more could be released if he so chooses.
At 1:46 - you said "in 1987, they went their separate ways. I expected a pun to the song.
I'm sorry to say that people I'm not fans Mr Perry anyone but I think I keep it's real music from Mr perry voice The golden voice ever no body can sing like Mr perry still absolutely amazing and fantastic Singer anymore journey playing untill now cause Mr perry still
Yes Steve has a great voice and still sounds amazing but his solo work is no where near as good as Journey’s albums. Im totally ok with the singers that have come after Steve. Im glad Journey is still moving forward making great music.
“In 1987 they went their separate ways” 🤔 💡 😂
Thought some Journey fans might enjoy that pun!
I listened to the whole thing, in My opinion the best cut is ( still believe in love). recording is not great.
That’s a very good song.
10:12 that's the biggest cat I've ever seen.
It is a great album 💿 it sounds way better on Spotify than ITunes!
It’s nice that you have both subscription services so that you could compare and make such a statement.
Amazon music sounds even better.
Woo Hoo. 2 videos in 1 day! Also, fun fact: Journey has never had a #1 hit on Billboard. Can you believe it? So much competition in the 80's! Arnel makes my ears bleed, Long live classic Journey! :)
Wow that is surprising! I’m shocked that both Faithfully and Open Arms didn’t do it.
2 #2's I think.
Unbox the Nelson cd
Brown Stripey Kitty!
His name is Noodle!
Narada "Rada" Michael Walden rocks it. Too bad he had to leave the tour due to Clot Shot Heart attack post gig, like Taylor Hawkins. Rada lived. -Taylor is gone. Fact.
…a mild heart attack is very different than what Taylor died from. Let’s be glad that we didn’t lose a 2nd musician.
@@BrendonSnyder Myocardial Infarctions are never "mild" to ones health. Myocardial tissue dies for good. So he had a "mild" die-off. Great. Rada was strong as an ox and did better with the spike proteins than Taylor. I am a physician. We should not be losing any of these folks to a failed gene therapy. I was at Stanford when this crap killed the kids in 2002 as a gene therapy. Search Dr. Robert Malone, who created this then, and is against it. Smart Dogs Do Not Chase Cars.
They’ve replaced Ross Valory and Randy Jackson with a keyboard. Guess it’s cheaper than paying a musician?
What? No…Randy Jackson plays on the album. And with his departure they now have Todd Jensen.
Journey fan for 40 years.
The production isn't great. Bass and drums low end hard to deal with.
Love the songs and Neal's playing and Arnel is better than ever but the mix is horrible. Why does it sound so "muddy"?
I’m sure it was difficult recording each part remotely in home studios. Some songs have some great space-After Glow, for one.
The production let's the album down. Obvious audio artifacts litter certain tracks, afterglow in particular. These artifacts only pronounce themselves more when listening to higher fidelity versions of the tracks. Vocals are buried and flat. Otherwise an album with some great tracks.
I agree the production isn’t up to par of their earlier albums. And while there are a couple questionable recordings, overall I’m not bothered by the mix as a whole. I’m just glad that after more than a decade we have a new album. Of course that probably means it should have been perfect with all the time they took to make it.
Hay buenas canciones pero el sonido y la producción es bastante rara, en especial la voz de Arnel se escucha muy apagada a veces. Come away with me es el mejor ejemplo, una buena canción rockera pero la grabación de la voz es ridícula, una lástima.
Listened to the first 2 tracks...I started finding myself dozing off..ZZZSzzzz.....
good songs and Arnel is in fine form but the production sucks..its muddy....lead vox are often too quiet and lost in a tonne of reverb wash!
Schon evidently led the production direction...going for a raw live feel. Worst track affected is Deens song Afterglow..... barely audible vocal.
Backing vocals too are wierd..often too loud sometimes too low...with a harsh digital effect on them.
Best trax? "Dont Go" and "Together we Run," which are also the most 80s sounding, they could easily be Escape or Frontieres outtakes, barring the poor mixing.
The album was co-produced by both Neal and Narada and if anything Narada was in charge…listen to Neal’s latest solo album that Narada wrote and produced for him. Don’t blame it all on Neal the one that has kept the band going for nearly 50 years. Also I don’t get the poor sound people are talking about. Sounds good to me at least on my sound system.
@@BrendonSnyder check around the web..and at other youtube reviews....... there is quite a backlash over the mix..... seems Arnel sent his vocal over "zoom" er?? say what!!!!!! the stink wont go away
Not sure if it’s the production, mix, whatever you want to call it. To me it sounds sterile. I’ve listened to the album several times. Just sounds flat. I have much respect for Journey and I’m happy that they’ve released new music, don’t get me wrong.
That is a larger than average sized cat.
No I promise, Noodle is regular size
It fails to be the band Journey when most of the original members aren't in the band anymore .
I hear what you’re saying but then on that note Journey wasn’t Journey after their first 3 albums. By the time Steve Perry joined the band they had lost two members and changed singers. By the 2nd Steve Perry album they only had two original members. But the driving force of the band has always been guitarist Neal Schon which is why they continue.
The album is good, one thing that bothers me is how sloppy Neal Schon's playing is. Anytime he plays something fast it's just a jumble of notes.
"Interesting" uhoh😆
Just Crap, so distorted, the Bass and Drums. Not even Mixed Properly.
The production and mixing of the album is so bad.
It seems to be pretty split with people either really hating it or not having an issue with it.
I DIDN'T LIKE ANY OF THE SONGS ON THE NEW ALBUM, DOESN'T EVEN COME CLOSE TO THE QUALITY OF MUSIC FROM THE 1980s JOURNEY ALBUMS, I LOVE ARNELS VOICE & I LOVE NEAL ALWAYS, BUT THE ALBUM WAS EXTREMELY BORING TO ME,SORRY FOR BEING HONEST
Hey that’s ok. As I found, it’s got a lot of modern influences that certainly won’t be for everyone. Despite it not sounding like a typical Journey album, I still found plenty to enjoy about it. Give it some time, it might grow on you after the initial shock of its differences wear off.