Journey: Generations CD Track Listing

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Journey Generations (2005)
Originally Released August 30, 2005\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: Bound and determined to carry on post-Perry, Journey toured with replacement/soundalike Steve Augeri doing a fine job mimicking the original parts for the greatest hits, and finally coming into his own on the new material. Then from out of nowhere Steve Perry re-emerged from his exile for Journey's Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, which in turn started the appropriate Internet forest fires ablaze with speculation that Perry was going to return to the Journey flock yet again for an album and tour. Alas, these rumors were smoldered by time, but not before Perry and company also won recognition from Charlize Theron and Hollywood for their use of the Journey anthem "Don't Stop Believin'" in the movie Monster. So, sans Perry, Generations finds the band continuing onward. As Journey albums go, this isn't anywhere near the genius that the dream team of Neal Schon/Jonathan Cain/Perry brought forth in their heyday, but it certainly isn't their worst work either. Augeri has finally grown beyond being a soundalike for Perry and adds his own distinct flourishes to his delivery, though there are moments you could swear the band is just playing one large practical joke and it really is Perry in the vocal booth. This time around, Augeri isn't the only one doing vocal duty; it's a whole band thing. Each member takes a turn singing a song, and the results are painfully mixed. Drummer Dean Castronovo is another convincing Perry soundalike, but Schon and bassist Ross Valory come up short. Of course, singing isn't Schon's forte, as his signature blistering solos return and will testify to on many of these songs (including a nod in one solo to his memorable ending guitar solo on "Who's Crying Now"). The band remains in finer form than ever, and of course will see another successful series of concerts sell out by mixing the old with the new. It's just a shame that Augeri didn't get a chance to really spread his wings and shine on Generations as much as he's capable of, and if the album's closer, "Never Too Late," is any indication, he just might make the lead vocalist spot his own after all. -- Rob Theakston\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nNewly Confident, Energetic, and Solid, October 6, 2005\nReviewer: The Point\nJourney finds its footing again and shows signs of its newly-found confidence by taking some chances throughout "Generations." The album is a quantum leap forward from "Arrival" and certainly miles ahead of the uninspired "Raised on Radio" and "Trial By Fire." After twenty years, this album shows Journey returning to the energetic form of "Frontiers" and "Escape." And while not matching the fresh brilliance of "Escape" or "Evolution," on the whole this album is qualitatively the equal of "Frontiers." \n\nWhat keeps the album from breaking through to brilliant is that perhaps the boldness was tempered TOO MUCH. Taking a few more chances songwriting-wise and incorporating a few more interesting production techniques could really have a huge difference at the top end. If Amazon had decimals, this album would get a 4.3. \n\nThe current Journey lineup, which remains a highly successful touring act, is now in its seventh year and the Steve Perry-esque Steve Augeri remains at the mic, supported by the entire band on this release: for the first time in Journey's thirty-year history, every band member gets a turn to sing lead on a song. \n\nAlthough Augeri develops his own vocal style toward a harder rocking Robert Plant-like edge on this release ("Believe"), Augeri's delivery can nevertheless steer eerily close to Perry's ("The Place in Your Heart"). \n\n"The Place in Your Heart" could be "Separate Ways, Part II," and, in fact, seems to be a reflection on the theme of separation, but this time from the perspective of the process of reconciliation. \n\n"Butterfly" is a beautiful power ballad, solo-penned by Augeri, which is straight out of the Journey-swoon playbook and shows that Augeri has absorbed the "Journey-system" of songwriting very well. \n\nAugeri also wrote "Believe," an energetic Zeppelin-esque rocker that shows off his harder-edge to maximum advantage and incorporates a more interesting structure and set of time signatures than most traditional Journey rockers. Kudos for this. \n\nOne of the best tracks on the album is "Out of Harms Way," a searing rocker that could be taught in classes on how to write good lyrics. Thematically it addresses military service and the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, yet without casting a cloying political gloss to the song that is so common among so-called political rock. In any case, it's a performance tour-de-force by both Augeri and Schon. \n\nAugeri's best vocal performance on this album is arguably the gorgeous "Knowing That You Love Me," a soul and gospel-infused ballad that shows Augeri's independent vocal identity from that of Perry's imprint. \n\nDrummer Deen Castronovo, who sings lead on two tracks, is even closer to many traditionalist fans' breathy Steve Perry vocal ideal that they will swoon ("A Better Life," and "Never Too Late"). "A Better Life" is too close to the mid-80s (Raised On Radio ear) production and vocal gloss, that even with the fabulous vocals, it simply lacks the passion and warmth of Castronovo's other track, the fiery "Never Too Late," which is easily one of the top three tracks on the album. \n\nJonathan Cain's vocals on "Every Generation" are perfectly adequate and reminiscent of Gregg Rolie's vocal tracks during his Santana and Journey days in the 1970s. The track itself is a strong bluesy jaunt with beautifully sleazy guitar work by Neal Schon that recalls Keith Richards and Joe Walsh. Lyrically, Cain infuses the song with self-referencing humor and a tribute to rock traditions prized by boomer rockers. Despite Cain's middling vocal delivery, its other merits make it one of the strongest tracks on the album. \n\nUndervalued for his vocals, bassist Ross Valory lends a gritty lead vocal to a ZZ-Top-evoking dirt-rubbed shuffle ("Gone Crazy") that is also a fabulous showcase of Schon's guitar technical prowess and breadth of musical inspiration. At times Schon manages to sound like both Billy Gibbons AND Zakk Wylde on this track. For Perry fans, Valory's vocals may be a step too far, but there is no questioning the song's energy and awe-inspiring guitar work on this track. \n\nThe two weakest tracks on the album precede this song. "In Self Defense," revived from the 1983 Frontiers sessions and tracked on a release by Schon and Mahavishnu Orchestra alumnus Jan Hammer, is a blistering guitar track but isn't sufficiently interesting beyond hearing Neal Schon take lead vocal duties and hearing him shred. "Better Together" is a funk-rock track too close to "Arrival"'s "Nothin' Comes Close" and "To Be Alive Again" to merit a reprise of the same theme on this album. \n\nThe songwriting on this album, with a couple of exceptions, is superb and occasionally topical (another new wrinkle to the band). Avoiding the clumsiness and heavy-handedness of other artists' efforts, Journey manages to deliver a hopeful and positive message for those emerging from tragedy through "Beyond the Clouds," a song written about 9/11, specific reference of which only becomes obvious through the figurative subtext of the song. The musical structure of the song breaks no new ground for the band, but is nevertheless a classier tribute to 9/11 than that of other pop artists. \n\nFinally, and not to be overlooked, is the lead track "Faith in the Heartland," which pays tribute to British hard rock by musically (and not lyrically) invoking The Who's "Pinball Wizard," "Won't Get Fooled Again," and "Baba O'Riley" (later generations may also find shades of U2's "Where the Streets Have No Name" here). It is a fabulously energetic track and a good introduction to the "New Journey" that a listener is about to hear. \n\nThis is a solidly strong album, even if not ground-breaking. Hopefully this band will be able to harness its newfound energy and confidence to blaze even bolder trails on a subsequent release. \n\nCHOICEST CUTS: "Faith in the Heartland," "Every Generation," "Believe," "Knowing That You Love Me," "Out of Harms Way," "Never Too Late." \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nAll Over The Place, March 31, 2006\nReviewer: W. Woodall (fontana, ca USA)\nThe album: Journey's latest release is without the help of a major label, and it shows. This is a very uneven album where the members have a little too much freedom to roam, and end up with a non-cohesive mess. What they needed was a producer with a vision to reign these guys in. I'm sure they had fun playing the musical parts but it will not impress fans like previous efforts, and that should be Journey's main focus. \n\nThe mix: The mix was terrible. The bass & drums are way too far in the background. It seems like Neil Schon wants his guitar to drown everything else out. Either that, or they're going deaf. \n\nThe songs: A hodge-podge of styles that never seem to come together. Not progressive, not pop, not rock. It's all over the place, and will confuse fans. When did Neal Schon decide that shredding guitar leads should replace beautiful simplicity? Neil did several instrumental guitar records, and when he had the opportunity to shred, he didn't. Those instrumental albums for the most part were boring. Now in a band setting where laying back is what is appropriate, he turns it into a headbanger's ball. I don't understand you Neil. Jonathan Cain puts in some good musical pieces, as well as Steve Augeri, but they are scant. \n\nThe lyrics: This is where I believe this album struggles the most. I had a very hard time connecting to any of the lyrics on this record except for Steve Augeri's 9/11 tribute piece. Nothing simple like open arms, or seperate ways. There was a lyric that said "If I could go back in time to the day you were born, I would hold you in my arms, and protect you" or something like that. I laughed out loud. What a ridiculuos lyric. Who thinks about their lover as an infant? \n\nThe vocals: I was very surprised about how little Steve Augeri actually sings on this record. Of 13 tracks, he was on around half. Neil, Ross, Jonathan, and Deen all have lead vocal tracks on this record, and Deen had 2. To me, Deen has the best vocals of the entire lineup. It makes me wonder if the band is trying to ease Steve Augeri back out of the lineup as they did with Greg Rollie many years ago. Steve Perry is still available, and many would love to see him back. \n\nOverall: I'm sure this was a fun record to make for the band with no limitations, but they should realise that the fans see them as not a progressive band, but a pop one. If they continue to release records like this, sales will plummet. This was an o.k. record, but I expected better.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nNot Nostalgia, but a real step forward, December 19, 2005\nReviewer: David Spuria "David J. Spuria" (Spencer, MA United States)\nThe big question about the new Journey album is will radio remember this once perennial favorite band? There are so many singles here, it's hard to choose. Rock radio has gone so sour, that the soaring guitars and smooth vocals found here seem, well, from a different era. Yet, Journey plows new ground, while maintaining the sound that made them legendary. \n\nAs someone who saw Journey back in 1981 (my second real concert, first being Southside Johnny with special guests Hall & Oates),I lived the Escape album (the vinyl one at that). I played that thing silly. I also bought Captured and Infinity and Evolution and Frontiers as well. So my reference point is that time period. What the new lineup manages to do on "Generations" is bridge that gap, between new and old, to make a satisfying album that stretches Neal Schon's guitar and makes heroes out of Steve Augeri and Deen Castronova. And let's not forget Ross Valory, who's bass was essential on the Escape album and was sorely missed on Raised On Radio. \n\nThe songwriting on "Generations" is pure Journey. Hope, optimism, storytelling, it's all back. "Faith In The Heartland" opens the set with a spacy intro followed by a guitar clinic by Schon. The track recalls Frontiers in it's pulsating beat. Augeri emmulates all the passion of Steve Perry without sounding clonish. And there's a great high hat, and bottom end that propel this tune into the Journey stratosphere. "The Place In Your Heart" picks up the Frontiers sound and pushes it even farther. The melodies are relentless and driving. "A Better Life" is a beautiful midtempo number featuring Dean Castronovo who does a dead-pan Steve Perry. The production of Mike Elson is reminiscent of Mike Stone who produced Escape, and brought Journey out of their shell. "Every Generation" gives keyboardist Jon Cain a chance to shine on lead vocals, and he does his best Greg Rollie imitation. It works, because the song has strength and power. "Butterfly" is a tear jerking, lighter waving ballad that ought to be one of the many singles. "Believe" has this hold on-hold on lyric, backed with Schon's choppy guitar backing. The bridge is superb and is charged up. "Knowing That You Love Me" is a great love song sung by Steve Augeri. "Out Of Harm's Way" is a sensible, non-political plea for safety for our soldiers in Iraq. "In Self Defense" gives Neal Schon a chance to sing, and he does just fine thank you. "Better Together" is another potential hit, with Augeri crooning. "Gone Crazy" may be the big surprise, as bassist Ross Valory gets a chance to sing and does his best Dusty Gibbons (ZZ Top) growl. "Beyong The Clouds" is classic Journey with great instrumentation and drop dead gorgeous lyrics. The album (all 69+ minutes of it) ends with "Never Too Late", a fitting, smart tribute to 911 and the hope that follows. \n\nBlown away. Surprised. Satisfied. That's how you'll feel after hearing the latest Journey CD "Generations". This album surpassed all my expectations.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nJourney 101, December 6, 2005\nReviewer: dc777 (Austin, Texas United States)\nThis is a critical review of the new release by Journey - "Generations". I expect this review to receive a huge number of negative marks, however, as one of the Journey faithful I have to state the facts openly and honestly. \n\nThe CD release of "Generations" is not the first time Journey has re-invented itself. Lets' go back to "Infinity" when Steve Perry joined the band. "Infinity" without question or argument is a stellar release without any fillers or gimmicks and propelled Journey from a rock/fusion band to an FM staple in the late 70's to superstardom in the 80's. "Infinity" and it's successor releases "Departure", "Evolution", "Escape", "Frontiers" are filled with classic tracks like "Wheel In The Sky", "Lights", "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'", "Don't Stop Believin'", "Any Way You Want It", "Faithfully", and "Separate Ways" to name a few. Everyone said this was a great direction for Journey and the LP sales proved it. \n\nOn to the mid-80's; does anyone remember "Raised on Radio". It was 1986, almost 9 years after "Infinity" and Journey reinvented themselves again and only God knows why - the new fans comprised of the 80's pop crowd/"Miami Vice" rockers said "Great Release!!", while the faithful "Frontiers"/"Escape"/"Evolution"/"Departure"/"Infinity" crowd said, "What the H-E double hockey sticks!!" What's this pastel-leisure-suit-with rolled-up-pant-legs and boat shoes rock n' roll? It's no wonder Ross Valory and Steve Smith quit the band. "Raised on Radio" sounded more like "Street Talk" part II than anything else. However, with the release of "Generations" I have come to realize that "Raised on Radio" is more like vintage Journey than I previously thought. \n\nSo here we are in 2005, almost 20 years later after "Raised on Radio", and Journey has re-invented them-selves again. This time Ross Valory decided to stick around. Also, Journey is not on a major label any more so this has allowed them freedom to explore different musical ideas. I had hoped for some of the moods created by Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain from their independent solo work on this release; however this was not to be. \n\nI am also deeply disturbed that "Generations" being compared to "Frontiers". While there are hints of the vintage Journey sound throughout the CD, much of it sounds like, nothing short of, a garage band trying to find its sound. \n\nI am also disappointed with the over all production of the CD. In many places the high end frequencies are distorted. I really can't describe it other than I had to change my equalizer several times to tone it down. It also sounds like the producer was trying to make all the vocals sound like Steve Perry while at the same time trying to create a new vocal sound. There are several songs where Steve sounds like he is singing into a beer can. \n\nOn a positive note, the guitar work by Neil Schon is great on every song - even the songs I do not like. Deen Castronovo is an animal on drums; he must have attended the John Bonham/Steve "Machine Gun" Smith Conservatory for Drummers. (If you haven't purchased the Journey 2001 Live DVD, buy it just to see Deen play - wow, incredible!!) \n\nSongs like "Faith In The Heartland", "The Place In Your Heart", "A Better Life", and "Butterfly" are the typical Journey you expect to hear, however more like "Arrival" quality than "Frontiers". Songs like "Every Generation" has terrific guitar work and percussion however I think the lyrics are, at best, ok while the music is terrible, and the background vocals (American Idol-esque) are over the top. Also, I was not crazy about "Believe", "Knowing That You Love Me" (too dramatic and could have been in the movie "Titanic" and probably should have gone down with it), "In Self-Defense" (from the Frontiers sessions and there's a reason why this song was not included on the 1984 release), and "Gone Crazy". \n\nIn my opinion, I would only buy this CD if you are completing your CD collection. I really had high hopes for this release after the impressive "Arrival" disc. "Arrival" was really good, great production and great songs for the most part. I can't figure out why the band went this way. \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nGet Over It, October 15, 2005\nReviewer: Pauloha\nSteve Perry's not in Journey anymore...waaaah! This album isn't as good as Escape....waaaah, waaaah! Geez, people, evaluate the music, not your preconceived notions that every song should sound the same as the songs from your favorite album. Eliminate the fact that this is... JOURNEY!(the thunder rolls and lightning strikes!) and just listen to the music. Okay so now that I've gotten my gripe with people living in the past off my chest, let's review GENERATIONS. And let's review it in the context of the target audience, which is folks who loved that 80's brand of melodic rock. If this album were released in, say, 1985, by an unknown band, here's what I think would happen. FAITH IN THE HEARTLAND would probably be either the second or third single released from the album and would be top 20. It's a good rocker, with nice change of pace in it, and thoughtful lyrics. THE PLACE IN YOUR HEART would be(and is now) the lead single and would just squeak into the top 10(much like Separate Ways and Be Good To Yourself). It's that type of catchy uptempo rocker. BETTER LIFE might also see life as maybe a 5th single release(now how many "lousy" albums produced 5 singles?), peaking in the top 40. This is a nice mid-tempo number reminiscent of Girl Can't Help It or After The Fall. So far we're three songs in, and we have 3 hits. Yep, sounds like a worthless piece of crap to me (pardon the sarcasm!). Next up is EVERY GENERATION, which may be the best song on the album, but admittedly, Jonathan Cain doesn't have a "radio friendly" voice. Still a great song, though. BUTTERFLY & BELIEVE, while listenable, strike me as filler. KNOWING THAT YOU LOVE ME would be either the 2nd or 3rd single from the album, and would peak in top 15 territory. It is the requisite power ballad, and compares favorably to Faithfully, but not as good as Open Arms. Tracks 8-12 are not radio hits, but they do show the band doing what they want to do, which is what true artists do. NEVER TOO LATE is a high powered rocker that would be the 4th single release and end up in the top 20. So in a nutshell, NO THIS IS NOT AN ALBUM EQUIVALENT TO ESCAPE, but then again, nothing Journey ever does will be. But if you had never heard of Journey before, I believe that the majority of you negative reviewers would have a different opinion of this CD. It's not a great cd, but it is a good one. Most of the problems that the negative reviewers have had haven't been problems with this cd. The problem has been with the reviewers. \n\nHalf.com Details \nProducer: Kevin Elson \n\nAlbum Notes\nThis is an Enhanced CD, which contains both regular audio tracks and multimedia computer files.\n\nJourney: Neal Schon (vocals, guitar); Jonathan Cain (vocals, keyboards); Ross Valory (vocals, electric bass); Deen Castronovo (vocals, drums); Steve Augeri (vocals).\n\nFrom their fledgling fusion records to blockbuster stadium AOR, Journey has weathered musical trends as well as the scorn of fickle music critics. It is apropos that in 2005, GENERATIONS marks the band's 30th year. Since joining in 1998, lead vocalist Steve Augeri has risen to the challenge of filling Steve Perry's shoes. The Brooklyn native puts his own unique stamp on the group's sound while still honoring the Journey tradition, best evidenced on "Faith In The Heartland" and "The Place In Your Heart."\nGENERATIONS presents songs sung by each member, with keyboardist Jonathan Cain tackling the title track. Bassist Ross Valory sneers through the blazing Texas boogie of "Gone Crazy," while Neal Schon offers up "In Self-Defense." Most surprising is drummer Deen Castronovo, whose voice on "A Better Life" and "Never Too Late" is a near dead-ringer for a young Steve Perry.
This rock cd contains 14 tracks and runs 78min 33sec.
Freedb: c012670e
Buy: from Amazon.com

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