If they exhume that 1980s musical time capsule someday, you'll find a few Journey albums right near the top of the pile. They are utterly of the '80s, as much as Spuds McKenzie, acid-wash jeans and Huey Lewis. Check out some of the band photos in the booklet for the newly expanded and remastered Journey Greatest Hits CD and try to keep a stoic face – the impossibly tight pants, permed hair and pastel fashions, their perpetually airbrushed neon spaceship-themed album art.
Yet all that '80s baggage aside, the tight, eternally heartbroken tunes of Journey still pack a powerful punch. They were the masters of the Jordache jeans and hair spray arena rock form, and Greatest Hits showcases them at the peak of their ascent. This collection, originally released back in 1988, has been remastered with crisp sound and an added bonus track. The 28-page booklet is a look back at the band's heyday circa 1981's Escape. The original version of this CD is one of the all-time top sellers, landing 14 million copies in stereos worldwide. The new version is a very good choice if you're not one of those 14 million folks to already own it.
Steve Perry's forlorn yell of a voice is Journey's greatest single asset (other singers have tried unsuccessfully to replace him in the band in years since, but none quite had his knack for making the overwrought so palatable). He'll sell utterly cheesy lines like "Some will win, some will lose / Some were born to sing the blues" with his naked sincerity. Greatest Hits is one of those discs that is pretty much entirely hits and no filler. They're all here – "Only The Young," "Wheel In The Sky," "I'll Be All Right Without You," "Separate Ways," "Open Arms."
Article comments
1 - Josh
Most music critics are pompous asses who somehow think that by spewing harsh criticism they are somehow sophisticated. Journey wrote some damn great songs.
2 - Chris
The FAB Five, Perry, Schon, Cain, Smith and Valory "fired up" the stage together. As songwriters, Perry, Schon and Cain created music that touch our hearts and souls. We "feel" our own journey when we hear the songs.
As a vocalist, frontman and performer Perry reached the summit. NOBODY does it better! NO ONE!!!
3 - Rebecca
I always loved Journey. I don't think I've been to a wedding in the last 20 years where "Open Arms" hasn't been played, or in lieu of that, "Faithfully."
4 - Jackie
To me, Journey spearheaded the Power Ballad. There is to this day no one to fill their shoes. These songs are important to us because they drip with passionate heart and soul and can't help but touch us. Steve Perry is our voice and his songs our stories. We are all apart of this human condition.
5 - john z
Journey always hits a tender spot or brings back a great memory. Thanks for the great review...
6 - Craig
Dear all things Mr Steve Perry,
It's been a little long but I love the new pictures and site cutest picture of you with your Mom and Dad..i like especially the photo Day on the Green one with your red nikes swinging hip's i had the same shoes! Well anyway I thought Steve Perry was Native American. I guess i was wrong. Wow he's Portugese! I'm a 1/4 Portugese. That's probably why i lied him so much. Will make good artiste i think. Muscially, I really think side 2 of ESCAPE is very good but overshadowed by ESCAPE side one, of course. CAPTURED indeed, the best all around album. The song Wheel in the Sky a worldly song with holding time and still a favorite in the S.F bar & girls scenes and things...and Anytime the truest valued musical peace artistically the song just radiates together brilliantly following Steve Perry Vocals [look into my eyes to a new kind of way] Open Arms was the best love song ever written..Faithfully following just right behind? Like the A's or Joe Montanna with Steve Young! These songs are amazing! I have one question: the song Mother Father in it has the lyrics "...have faith believe..."? I wonder was faithfully already thought-up before the album Frontiers? hmmm? Thanx -
Yours,
Craig
7 - Craig
Nice to see "...lyric..." on the Journey page.
Dear Mr Steve Perry,
I love the new pictures and the new site! especially the photo of Steve and his red nikes! swinging hips i had the same shoes! I really think side 2 of ESCAPE is great but was overshadowed by side 1, a clover. CAPTURED is indeed the best album. ANYTIME artistically the song just radiates brilliantly together with Steve Perry's vocals [look into my eyes to a new kind of way]OPEN ARMS, was the best love song ever...FAITHFULLY following just right behind like two A's like Montanna with Steve Young! Two slow songs just amazing! One question: the song MOTHER, FATHER in it has the lyric snip "have faith believe" then was FAITHFULLY already thought of before the album FRONTIERS?Thanx,Craig
p.s. i always thought Frontiers and Trail of Tears and Steve Perry was Native American:)
8 - Maria
Steve,
Where are you? I've been looking for you. I would like to get together for lunch. [Personal contact info deleted]
9 - carole, england
still dream about you stevie
loved your songs for 25 years
10 - veco
Creo que su voz es y será la mejor de todos los tiempos. puedo escuchar sus canciones mil veces o más y siempre llegan al alma, derecho al corazón, Mr. Pery con todo respeto lo amo desde hace muchos años y lo amaré siempre....
11 - melissa
don,t stop believin lighits
separate wats stay awhile
after the fall open arms
lovin touchin send her my love
faithfully still they ride
stone in love
escape
line of fire
wheel in the sky
who,s crying now
any way you wanty it