Arnel and Journey

[Saint John]

Just re-watched the Vina Del Mar gig and I noticed a few things. First, Arnel was out in front of the mix. For the first time since the 80's you could hear the front man loud and clear. Second, their were NO prerecorded backing vocals. Man, that's gotta be the first time in 25 years they were completely live. Great choice on the new guitar, Neal. Brings an edgier, kick ass sound back. The band seems ready to take chances again. Do it. Take chances and don't look back. Whether this journey lasts a month, a year, or a decade, Arnel possesses the vocal capacity and potential to be "the guy." I think I speak for most fans when I say that a few mispronounced words or a missed lyric or two aren't the end of the world. It's more about Neal's guitar, the notes Arnel does hit, the new music, and the old hits being sung by several thousand people in unison enjoying themselves that keeps us coming. The music, the memories (old and new), the live experience, and the great groups of people that come together for these shows transcends any negativity and vile trash any dissenters can hurl. Arnel is a monster vocalist and an immense talent, and in time more and more fans will realize that. I look forward to continuing to support a band that continues to work, tour, record and affords us the opportunity to congregate, party and celebrate life. That's really what it's all about. Thank you, Journey.

[ProgRocker53]

Right on, St. John!

I'm rather satisfied with the sound of the band and the attitude they all seem to have. I'm optimistic about Journey in 2008 and am ready for whatever they're going to be bringing.

Thanks for working hard for US, Journey, and we shall return the favor in full when that great new album drops in the summer.

[texafana]

"Second, their were NO prerecorded backing vocals."

That is simply 100% not true. What Journey does is blend the pre-recorded backing vocals with all or most of the guys, singing live ontop of them.

[Saint John]

"Second, their were NO prerecorded backing vocals."

That is simply 100% not true. What Journey does is blend the pre-recorded backing vocals with all or most of the guys, singing live ontop of them.

For the first time...ever, I didn't hear any...none. You may be right, though. Not really all that relevant to my post, anyway.

[WalrusOct9]

They're lower in the mix than on a lot of other things I've heard, but they're very much there. Keep in mind no one except Deen can really sing...."Ask The Lonely," they're there...low in the mix, but very much there. (especially when the harmonies keep coming but Friga's mouth isn't anywhere near his mic)

[texafana]

They're lower in the mix than on a lot of other things I've heard, but they're very much there. Keep in mind no one except Deen can really sing...."Ask The Lonely," they're there...low in the mix, but very much there. (especially when the harmonies keep coming but Friga's mouth isn't anywhere near his mic)

You got it.

[Saint John]

Here are 2 absolutely great performances from the Santiago show:

Send Her My Love- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJPnbSiP8rU

Only The Young- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKCa9JcChHI

[finalfight]

Here are 2 absolutely great performances from the Santiago show:

Send Her My Love- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJPnbSiP8rU

Only The Young- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKCa9JcChHI

Love it, he is superb. That said he really needs to get his timing right on Only the Young...thats twice now (the ending was brilliant though!

[youkeepmewaiting]

Great Post.

Have to listen to those youtube songs later.

[Rhiannon]

The music, the memories (old and new), the live experience, and the great groups of people that come together for these shows transcends any negativity and vile trash any dissenters can hurl. Arnel is a monster vocalist and an immense talent, and in time more and more fans will realize that. I look forward to continuing to support a band that continues to work, tour, record and affords us the opportunity to congregate, party and celebrate life. That's really what it's all about. Thank you, Journey.

In agreement, 100%. Good speech.

[MarcelJordan]

Separate Ways : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wntdr7uP ... re=related

Notice Arnel's ability at the end, of the first "NO" His voice reverberates like I've not seen anyone do.

[texafana]

These new clips are kick ass. Journey sounds awesome. Now the new material has me very curious!! Arnel has enough boyish good looks to market a hit....if they (Neal/John) are still capable.

[conversationpc]

Separate Ways : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wntdr7uP ... re=related

Notice Arnel's ability at the end, of the first "NO" His voice reverberates like I've not seen anyone do.

He does a little bit of shouting on that one but, overall, that wasn't bad. The first two clips in this thread, though, are awesome. Great job on those two.

[Carlitto H@kk]

Just watched all three clips posted in this thread
and Arnel sounded much better than his first night.
No surprise there. I know nerves played into the first
night's hiccups even though I slammed him a bit else where
for forgetting lyrics

I just have to find a way to get past letting
his 'pronuciations' of many of the lines bother me.
I guess it will take time to get used to that accent but he does have some pipes!

Only question is, can they last?

[youkeepmewaiting]

Just watched the vids. I liked the performances. Arnel showed that he DOES have presence on stage, particually on Only The Young. Also on the same vid, i love the note he sings on 3mins 28 secs, very nice. Not heard notes like that since that Perry guy was in the band.

[Enigma869]

Keep in mind no one except Deen can really sing

Now if only the guys in Journey could ever just figure that out and not disgrace their name with the abortion that was "Generations", ever again!


John from Boston

[youkeepmewaiting]

Keep in mind no one except Deen can really sing

Now if only the guys in Journey could ever just figure that out and not disgrace their name with the abortion that was "Generations", ever again!


John from Boston

I still stand by saying Schon is a decent singer. I love him on the live version of People and Places.

[Enigma869]

I still stand by saying Schon is a decent singer.

I'm sure Schon is thrilled someone, other than his mom, actually likes his singing voice. As for the rest of us, he should stop making our ears bleed! He also has ZERO right singing lead on ANYTHING with the name Journey on it. I don't care if he started the band or not. The legacy of this great band wasn't built on his dreadful voice!


John from Boston

[Enigma869]

I just watched some of Arnel's performances in Santiago (thank god for youtube). I have to say that he was VERY good on Only The Young, Send Her My Love, and Separate Ways! His stage antics during Separate Ways were a bit ridiculous, with throwing his mic all over the place and kicking up in the air like he was a 25 year old David Lee Roth, but his voice really sounded great, especially given it was youtube!


John from Boston

[ScarabGator]

I played some of the You Tube Chile vids for a friend of mine who has not heard Arnel yet nor the concert. He has always been a "Journey isnt Journey without Steve Perry" sort of guy. He was hesitant to even listen and definetly went in with a closed mind. After the first couple of tunes, Open Arms and OTY he became curious. I could tell by his expression that it was better than he thought it would be. Then after several others he had to admit it was good and he was very surprised. Now remember, this is a person who didnt like Augeri and refused to acknowledge JSS. Sometimes it takes an opinion like this to open your eyes. He even asked me when the new CD would be released. I asked why, he said he would more than likely buy it.

[wildone]

i've did the same thing with people at my work ...and they wondered why there was an asian flair to it....then I explained it was'nt Steve Perry ...they said it sounded close but had a few pronunciations that gave it away!

[sniper16]

"Second, their were NO prerecorded backing vocals."

That is simply 100% not true. What Journey does is blend the pre-recorded backing vocals with all or most of the guys, singing live ontop of them.

singing live back up over the pre recorded ones is comon practice.

[weatherman90]

I re-watched it as well. I finally burned it to a DVD and put it on our surround sound system and the big screen. It was a great show - he had a few rough spots vocally but he nailed most of the notes. I can't think of a tougher catalog to sing, except maybe Steelheart , so you have to give the guy credit.

I think this is going to be a great year for Journey - hoping for a big tour.

[Lori Jo]

Awesome post, Saint John, you are spot on in my opinion.

I thought Neal played better than ever in Chile. Perhaps it is because he is so comfortable with and enthusiastic about his new lead singer?? There just seemed to be such a confidence there. Arnel is amazing with Journey. There is magic there.

[Lori Jo]

Not heard notes like that since that Perry guy was in the band.

ROTFLMAO!!!

[Ehwmatt]

They're lower in the mix than on a lot of other things I've heard, but they're very much there. Keep in mind no one except Deen can really sing...."Ask The Lonely," they're there...low in the mix, but very much there. (especially when the harmonies keep coming but Friga's mouth isn't anywhere near his mic)

Please, Neal can sing just fine and even Cain's not bad. Ross? Maybe not.

[Red13JoePa]

I still stand by saying Schon is a decent singer.

I'm sure Schon is thrilled someone, other than his mom, actually likes his singing voice. As for the rest of us, he should stop making our ears bleed! He also has ZERO right singing lead on ANYTHING with the name Journey on it. I don't care if he started the band or not. The legacy of this great band wasn't built on his dreadful voice!


John from Boston

Nothing at all wrong with Neal's singing.
He's a fine BG vocalist and is surprisingly competent on a 1-off basis singing lead.

You're over exaggerating to make your point, Enigma.

[maverick218]

When I heard that Arnel was "the guy", I went to youtube to see what he was about. The voice seemed to be there, but I was concerned about his "stage presence"- with the zoo, he just kind of stood there.
After watching the shows from Chile, I have to say I was pretty impressed. Lots of energy and he played to the crowd well. I can live with a few lyric flubs here and there (probably nerves at the start), because I'm sure he will get better with time.
I don't know if I will try to go see them this summer, but I'll buy the new CD.

[MarcelJordan]

Double. Ooops!

[maverick218]

I still stand by saying Schon is a decent singer.

I'm sure Schon is thrilled someone, other than his mom, actually likes his singing voice. As for the rest of us, he should stop making our ears bleed! He also has ZERO right singing lead on ANYTHING with the name Journey on it. I don't care if he started the band or not. The legacy of this great band wasn't built on his dreadful voice!


John from Boston

Nothing at all wrong with Neal's singing.
He's a fine BG vocalist and is surprisingly competent on a 1-off basis singing lead.

You're over exaggerating to make your point, Enigma.

I agree with you joepa, Neal's voice is just fine for what he needs to do. I've always thought he had a certain Hendrix quality in his voice.