I was quite surprised to see how few reviews this excellent album has and so despite not usually writing reviews - I decided to contribute one! I think whenever bands create albums that dominate the charts, and songs that are still played in nightclubs/bars the world over some 30 odd years down the line (i.e. Escape and Don't stop believing) their other work can get overlooked. Many other bands like U2, Guns n Roses, Pearl Jam etc suffer from the same situation - having one (or two)albums that became so huge their other work was overshadowed and forever get unfavourable comparisons by critics etc. This album is not as good as Escape but that does not mean it is not an excellent album. My favorite songs are the opening stomping rocker 'Any way you want it', and 'precious time' and 'people and places' which build to a hard rocking finale (much in the same style as the aforementioned smash-hit Journey would open their their next album with!) The rest of the songs are a good mix of powerful ballads (I'm cryin), delightful sweet ballads (good morning girl, stay awhile and the bluesy walks like a lady) and driving rockers (line of fire, where were you).
If you like anything by Journey buy this (unless Escape is cheaper and you don't have it!)