New single - June 24th

[Monker]

Well, I'll throw in my -.02 worth.

Overall, it's a good enough song. It's starts off with Arnel giving a good vocal intro that makes it unmistakable that it's a Journey song, and Jonathan's keyboards sort of add to that feeling. But, after that, the song just kind of falls flat. It has a promising start but it just doesn't go to where the intro foreshadowed. The chorus sort of drones on. There is something different with the background vocals and how they are mixed with Arnel's lead and it just doesn't work. To me, it sounds like they wanted an updated version of "I'll Be Alright Without You". That chorus is also sorta monotone but Perry livens it up by layering his own vocals and doing some interesting things with it. Neal's guitar sounds good enough, but on IBAWY it has a catchy line that Perry adds to by mimicing it vocaly...Neal just sounds like he's noodling around improvising a solo here. That is good enough, but it could have been more. The bass/drums are, well, there. Again, it's adequite but nothing really special or impressive. I wish Jonathan's piano was mixed throughout the song, it could have brightened it up a bit. The lyrics seem pretty much like I'd expect Jonathan to write. Arnel still has a bit of an issue with his enunciation, which is disapointing to me...there were couple places where I gave up trying to understand him...there are also some places where he seems to be over compensating. But, whatever, that's just how Arnel is, I guess.

So, I think it's an OK song. I think "good enough" is good way to sum up my thoughts. I think it could have been better but it's "good enough" to probably please most fans.

[jrnyman28]

Really appreciate the different delivery from Arnel, sounds more like himself as opposed to "expectations". Something Augeri never quite got to.

I dunno. I think on Red 13 and Generations, Augeri really sounded like himself. But that's just me.

Actually you are 100% correct. And that is probably my FAVORITE post-Perry Journey material...

[jrnyman28]

Cool track!

More a 'deep cut' track than a first single, in my book. Love how Neal doesnt give a flying shut and goes his way

Like alot of Cain/Schon efforts, the chorus doesn't hit you over the head - but it's a good song and, as mentioned, it has a great groove.

I certainly expected more punch or energy for a lead single but it appears they went with topical (with the video representation) instead. And that works, too.

[JourneyHard]

The new single better be a hit right now. It is dated. People have short memories. In 2022, they will forget about the pandemic.

[jrnyman28]

The new single better be a hit right now. It is dated. People have short memories. In 2022, they will forget about the pandemic.

I don't think people will forget about the pandemic but they may not want to be reminded of it, so the video might not have legs. It could serve the band well to record the song from the upcoming live shows and use that footage for another video...

[Eric]

Arnel still has a bit of an issue with his enunciation, which is disapointing to me...there were couple places where I gave up trying to understand him...there are also some places where he seems to be over compensating. But, whatever, that's just how Arnel is, I guess.

Ever notice the enunciation isn't a "thing" when he covers other band's songs. It's interesting. It is what it is. There are some lyrics I can't understand from Perry and Augeri had his own unique style, too.

[JourneyHard]

The new single better be a hit right now. It is dated. People have short memories. In 2022, they will forget about the pandemic.

I don't think people will forget about the pandemic but they may not want to be reminded of it, so the video might not have legs. It could serve the band well to record the song from the upcoming live shows and use that footage for another video...

On second thought, the lyrics never mention pandemic.... it is just the video does. You are right. The video could be a downer in the future, but the song holds up. There are a million reasons a couple could be apart.

The more I listen to the song the more I like it. Narada has limited Neal's solo which makes it better for this song. If this were Eclipse, it would have been a two-minute solo with Arnel woah-woahing which worked for Eclipse, but this is something different. I think I will love this song after more listens.

[Eric]

[On second thought, the lyrics never mention pandemic....

Yeah, I'm thinking it can have multiple meanings:

1) The pandemic is over lets get back to some human touch
2) Journey getting back to being who they used to be (i.e. an active band)
3) Generic meaning for any couple getting back together

[perryfan61]

I was impressed with the song. The video was fine, Arnel sounds great, and Neal kept the shredding down to a good level. Great job guys!

[Lerxst101]

Well, I'll throw in my -.02 worth.

Overall, it's a good enough song. It's starts off with Arnel giving a good vocal intro that makes it unmistakable that it's a Journey song, and Jonathan's keyboards sort of add to that feeling. But, after that, the song just kind of falls flat. It has a promising start but it just doesn't go to where the intro foreshadowed. The chorus sort of drones on. There is something different with the background vocals and how they are mixed with Arnel's lead and it just doesn't work. To me, it sounds like they wanted an updated version of "I'll Be Alright Without You". That chorus is also sorta monotone but Perry livens it up by layering his own vocals and doing some interesting things with it. Neal's guitar sounds good enough, but on IBAWY it has a catchy line that Perry adds to by mimicing it vocaly...Neal just sounds like he's noodling around improvising a solo here. That is good enough, but it could have been more. The bass/drums are, well, there. Again, it's adequite but nothing really special or impressive. I wish Jonathan's piano was mixed throughout the song, it could have brightened it up a bit. The lyrics seem pretty much like I'd expect Jonathan to write. Arnel still has a bit of an issue with his enunciation, which is disapointing to me...there were couple places where I gave up trying to understand him...there are also some places where he seems to be over compensating. But, whatever, that's just how Arnel is, I guess.

So, I think it's an OK song. I think "good enough" is good way to sum up my thoughts. I think it could have been better but it's "good enough" to probably please most fans.

I think you’re right. While I love the groove and feel, the song doesn’t go anywhere sonically or musically. Really no highs and lows. It makes me hope this is a radio edit versus the full song, but typically one squeezes the most interesting parts into the radio version, so We are likely hearing the full version.

This, to me, is not a single, but a really good track on an album. I want to hear dynamics, harmonies, and soaring vocals and solos, bringing us to another place. That said, I’m thankful for some new Journey, no doubt about it.

[mr.v]

Does anyone else get a Bad Company vibe from the new single? Not that that is a bad thing it's just what came to mind on my first listen.

[Archetype]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

I mean, to Cain's credit, it's still a generic love song. If he wanted, he could have written lyrics about Fauci, incubators, masks, wet markets....all sorts of shit.

[Gideon]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

Straight talk, this is an incredibly dumb reason to dislike a song you otherwise enjoyed.

1. The song and the video are distinct. Don't watch the video? Purchase the MP3 off iTunes or stream the videoless track off Spotify or YouTube.

2. The lyrics are apolitical enough to refer to any separation or emotional distance between a couple. No overt references to the pandemic are made lyrically, so you should be just fine.

3. Whether or not you think the pandemic was bullshit, all the things the video references factually happened. Social distancing and mask mandates were in effect across the country. Anxiety, depression, and mental illness skyrocketed from the interrupted year.

Don't be a snowflake.

[Archetype]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

Straight talk, this is an incredibly dumb reason to dislike a song you otherwise enjoyed.

1. The song and the video are distinct. Don't watch the video? Purchase the MP3 off iTunes or stream the videoless track off Spotify or YouTube.

2. The lyrics are apolitical enough to refer to any separation or emotional distance between a couple. No overt references to the pandemic are made lyrically, so you should be just fine.

3. Whether or not you think the pandemic was bullshit, all the things the video references factually happened. Social distancing and mask mandates were in effect across the country. Anxiety, depression, and mental illness skyrocketed from the interrupted year.

Don't be a snowflake.

Yeah, the lyrics are generic enough that it was a decent cookie cutter Journey song before they attached it to that obnoxious video. No one said the instances shown in the video didn’t factually happen. I just liked the song better when it was up for interpretation (a couple getting back together, etc) instead of having the way the artist wants you to interpret it thrown at you. I generally don’t like that kind of artistry.

Thankfully it will fade into obscurity fast because few people have an appetite for this nonsense anymore.

[Gideon]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

Straight talk, this is an incredibly dumb reason to dislike a song you otherwise enjoyed.

1. The song and the video are distinct. Don't watch the video? Purchase the MP3 off iTunes or stream the videoless track off Spotify or YouTube.

2. The lyrics are apolitical enough to refer to any separation or emotional distance between a couple. No overt references to the pandemic are made lyrically, so you should be just fine.

3. Whether or not you think the pandemic was bullshit, all the things the video references factually happened. Social distancing and mask mandates were in effect across the country. Anxiety, depression, and mental illness skyrocketed from the interrupted year.

Don't be a snowflake.

Yeah, the lyrics are generic enough that it was a decent cookie cutter Journey song before they attached it to that obnoxious video. No one said the instances shown in the video didn’t factually happen. I just liked the song better when it was up for interpretation (a couple getting back together, etc) instead of having the way the artist wants you to interpret it thrown at you. I generally don’t like that kind of artistry.

Thankfully it will fade into obscurity fast because few people have an appetite for this nonsense anymore.

The visceral disgust the video has inspired in you is really weird. Are you conservative?

The song is still up for interpretation, which is why the lyrics weren't a litany of Covid specific references.

I'd recommend just listening to the MP3.

[Monker]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

The video kinda reminded me of this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uc9HhVh ... vesmoovies

Probably only because they are both animated.

[JourneyHard]

Now, I love "The Way We Used To Be." I don't know if Neal and Jon read this message board, but they took all my suggestions.
I said before on this very board to write songs with fewer lyrics. That is exactly what they did on this song! I said before to have a shorter Neal guitar solo. That is exactly what they did on this song! This song was written to be played in concert where Neal will probably add an extended guitar solo at the end. If this song was in the high rotation on radio, it would become a hit. Somebody needs to bribe the powers that be who own all the radio stations and force Classic Rock stations to play the same 100 songs over and over again (which include some Journey songs from Perry-era), but anyway..... get them to play this song.

[jrnyman28]

Now, I love "The Way We Used To Be." I don't know if Neal and Jon read this message board, but they took all my suggestions.
I said before on this very board to write songs with fewer lyrics. That is exactly what they did on this song! I said before to have a shorter Neal guitar solo. That is exactly what they did on this song! This song was written to be played in concert where Neal will probably add an extended guitar solo at the end. If this song was in the high rotation on radio, it would become a hit. Somebody needs to bribe the powers that be who own all the radio stations and force Classic Rock stations to play the same 100 songs over and over again (which include some Journey songs from Perry-era), but anyway..... get them to play this song.

I was told yesterday by someone in radio that if a song is good it would get played. This was in direct reference to my accusations that there is NO place for a classic band to get new music played. I still don't believe him....

[jrnyman28]

I mostly liked the song until I watched the video. Before watching the video, one could interpret the song in several ways that make sense. But the way the video throws the Wuhan hysteria right in your face is just unappealing. I want music to be an escape, not a reminder of the dumbest year I’ve ever experienced.

It's true that the video is extremely timely. but that would work against it in the future if the song actually "hit". I enjoy the animation, but I think it would be a good idea for the band to record their upcoming live performances (which I am sure will include the new single) and edit the footage into an alternate "official" video for the song....

[FamilyMan]

Anyone else feeling a Van Halen “Tattoo” vibe?

[Monker]

Now, I love "The Way We Used To Be." I don't know if Neal and Jon read this message board, but they took all my suggestions.
I said before on this very board to write songs with fewer lyrics. That is exactly what they did on this song! I said before to have a shorter Neal guitar solo. That is exactly what they did on this song! This song was written to be played in concert where Neal will probably add an extended guitar solo at the end. If this song was in the high rotation on radio, it would become a hit. Somebody needs to bribe the powers that be who own all the radio stations and force Classic Rock stations to play the same 100 songs over and over again (which include some Journey songs from Perry-era), but anyway..... get them to play this song.

I was told yesterday by someone in radio that if a song is good it would get played. This was in direct reference to my accusations that there is NO place for a classic band to get new music played. I still don't believe him....

How often did you hear the last AC/DC on the radio?
How often did you hear the last Who on the radio?
Those songs were good, very good...

If they can't get on the radio, Journey isn't either.

[jrnyman28]

To be fair, AC/DC is one of those bands that get a pass and always get radio play. Black Sabbath did with their farewell. But that's about it.

[JourneyHard]

Now, I love "The Way We Used To Be." I don't know if Neal and Jon read this message board, but they took all my suggestions.
I said before on this very board to write songs with fewer lyrics. That is exactly what they did on this song! I said before to have a shorter Neal guitar solo. That is exactly what they did on this song! This song was written to be played in concert where Neal will probably add an extended guitar solo at the end. If this song was in the high rotation on radio, it would become a hit. Somebody needs to bribe the powers that be who own all the radio stations and force Classic Rock stations to play the same 100 songs over and over again (which include some Journey songs from Perry-era), but anyway..... get them to play this song.

I was told yesterday by someone in radio that if a song is good it would get played. This was in direct reference to my accusations that there is NO place for a classic band to get new music played. I still don't believe him....

How often did you hear the last AC/DC on the radio?
How often did you hear the last Who on the radio?
Those songs were good, very good...

If they can't get on the radio, Journey isn't either.

Steve Perry got "No Erasin'" on store radio. That is something. Perry must have connections. "The Way We Used To Be" is a short enough song it could be on store radio. Perry throw your old band a bone.

[jrnyman28]

With them playing the iHeartRadio festival they are getting a good push from iHeart....but at best that's still streaming.

[Monker]

To be fair, AC/DC is one of those bands that get a pass and always get radio play. Black Sabbath did with their farewell. But that's about it.

My point is A/Vdc did NOT get on the radio. They just released a single two weeks ago. Have you heard it? It looks like they have released a few singles the past few months. Did you hear any of them?

[jrnyman28]

True I was unaware they were still releasing singles. But I still here Shot In The Dark on radio. Lead single from their newest album was given a slot and still has traction.

[Art Vandelay]

I wouldn't say it lit a fire under my ass, but it's a good song.

[JourneyHard]

Journey is finally doing everything right. It is just common sense what they are doing. Will they eclipse 1980's Journey? No way. But at least, finally, they are doing what they should have been doing the last twenty-five years. I cannot complain.

[Gideon]

Had a few days to digest the song and I remain more or less where I started. It's a killer tune and an encouraging harbinger of things to come.

It's modern and moody, has swagger and a sultriness to it. I dig the Frontiers-era synths during the chorus and the song's dynamism; it's got an Escape-era structure to it, where the song is unconventional and doesn't conform to the standard Journey structure and template.

It reminds me of Resonate, Castles Burnin', Anything Is Possible all thrown in a blender. The post-guitar solo bridge (aka the clip Neal previewed a few days before the song released) reminds me of Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band.

The only thing I don't really like upon further repeats is the DSB style piano intro. The song would be better if they either ditched the intro or leaned more into it by playing a pseudo-DSB riff and then abruptly cutting it off with a record-scratch sound effect before leading into the guitars, as if to send a message that this ain't your mom and dad's Journey anymore and that they're embracing a different style.