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26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Revealing Journey, 11 Jun 2008
After a wait of 3 years - and some vocalist musical chairs! - Journey are back again. And I have to say, after thinking that, not so long ago, the Journey might've come to an end, this album is truly a revelation! With the incredible find of new vocalist, Arnel P. (surely by divine providence), Journey are sounding just as good as ever.
Arnel has to be the nearest anyone could get to honouring the great Voice of Mr Perry - and yet have his own distinct style. He really does have what it takes to sing Journey's great repertoire. Arnel has the power and depth that S. Augeri inevitably lacked (without taking anything away from his time with Journey).
This album contains some classic Journey songs written primarily by Jon Cain and Neal Schon. There are echoes from almost every Journey album, and yet it has a new, fresh feel to it too.
The opener 'Never Walk Away' is very much a 'Be Good to Yourself' kind of song. The melody stays with you quite easily. 'Change For The Better' has the 'Higher Place' kinda feel to it, and it also reminds me a little of Kansas. 'Wildest Dream' stands out as quite a rocker, leaning in a slightly different direction in the vein of a few tracks from 'Generations.'
I'm not quite sure why they re-recorded 'Faith in the Heartland' from 'Generations,' anyhow, even with Arnel's strong vocals, I actually prefer the original. 'After All These Years' is a classic Journey ballad, written by Mr J. Cain in the way he does best. This song, and Mr Schon's wonderful guitar playing, sends shivers down my spine!
'The Journey (Revelation)' is a very interesting eastern-sounding Neal Schon instrumental that could easily have come from one of his solo albums.
I could give a track-by-track analysis, but I won't! To summarise, I would conclude that there isn't a weak track on this album, apart from maybe the bonus track on this European release - Let It Take You Back. It's good, but nothing special.
Now I have to say, when it came to listening to Disc 2, the 'greatest hits re-do's,' I didn't think I was going to like it much - but - to my surprise, I even found myself at times forgetting that I was listening to a new vocalist, and that this wasn't Steve Perry! Arnel does an incredible job - and apparently with ease! It's also interesting to hear a few new 'live version' endings to some of these classic songs, with a few longer solos by Neal.
It's also great to hear the drums of Deen C. on these classics, honouring the likes of Steve Smith and A. Dunbar. And Ross Valory finally gets to record his bass playing on 'Be Good To Yourself' (as he wasn't on the ROR album!).
Overall, this Revelation package is a must for all fans of Journey, and melodic rock in general. This album has to be one of the best Journey albums since the 80's for overall quality,(without diminishing 'Trial By Fire' or the Steve Augeri albums, I love them all) and its overall feel and message is very positive.
All in all, Journey have made a comeback as the kings of the genre that is Melodic Rock. As a long time Journey fan - I'm very glad about that!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
He's not Steve Perry........... he's Arnel Pineda, 12 Jun 2008
I had heard Arnel sing on you tube with his band The zoo and was pleasantly surprised at his vocal strength. He can handle the old songs very well and adds something extra to the new material.
Revelation is just that, The first disk is new material except track 5
Faith in the Heartland which was also on the Generations album sung by Steve Augeri. I like both versions but Arnel just shades it for me.
Many of the songs are very typical journey with a brilliant line up of very talented musicians.
Neal Schon plays some excellent guitar including an instrumental track but Arnel adds a slight gritty edge to the vocal. Were Arnel comes into his own is on track 6 'After all these years' which is a slow but powerful song and one of my favourites.
This is also evident in track 10 'Turn down the world tonight' which is another excellent track and adds another side to the talents of the band musically.
I have always loved Perry's vocal but i think Arnel adds an extra raw edge to the band. I also liked the rerecorded old songs on Cd2 and was impressed.
If you are real Journey fan Like me I would get the US version (which arrived this morning)which also includes a DVD live in Vegas which shows how good Arnel is.
I Liked Steve Augeri who was with Tall stories and Jeff Scott Soto who filled in on last the tour, but I think Arnel is better suited.
I don't think anyone can be disappointed in this new material.
Looking forward to seeing them at Manchester on the 19th June.
GO BUY IT!
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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Positive Touch, 11 Jun 2008
Whilst so many bands nowadays choose to wallow in the darker side of life, it's refreshing to hear that Journey continue to produce a rich mix of melodic, uplifting and polished albums, that continue to inspire their global fan base.
Featuring new singer - Arnel Pineda, Revelation is a top tier Journey release, kicking off with the thumping, Never Walk Away, it recalls the best of Journey's opening tracks, such as Seperate Ways and Message of Love. The album continues at pace, interspersing more mellow tracks with some of the bands heavier side, including a re-recording of Generation's Faith In The Heartland.
For me though, the album highlight comes with the fabulous Where Did I Lose Your Love. Sounding like a super charged Ask The Lonely, it's a track which you really have to fight to unclick the repeat button from. The album continues strongly though, and later tracks such as What It Takes To Win, keep up the pace.
Not even counting the fact that this album comes with a bonus disc of re-recorded classics, Revelation is a truly essential album for fans of Journey, or any fan of good solid rock.
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