Let me introduce this review by stating that I've been a die hard Journey (and Steve Perry) fan since the halcyon "Escape" days of '81. Saddened by the mid eighties Journey dissolution, heartened by the "Trial By Fire" reunion, and even enjoyed the Steve Augeri "Arrival" album in '01. Less so "Generations" and the "Red 13" EP. Felt Journey were perhaps on the wane, which seemed to be compunded when Augeri dropped out with voice problems.

I had almost given up on Journey, regularly checking Steve Perry's website for a possible comeback which seems increasingly unlikely now the guy's over 60. Then a couple of months ago I discovered this new album, with a new vocalist with a great back story (Filipino, spent time on the streets destitute etc.). Discovered by Neal Schon via YouTube singing covers of US bands such as Journey. Having read all the great reviews on Play I was curious to find out if Arnel Pineda really came close to "The Voice" Perry.

First listen was a bit… more »

Let me introduce this review by stating that I've been a die hard Journey (and Steve Perry) fan since the halcyon "Escape" days of '81. Saddened by the mid eighties Journey dissolution, heartened by the "Trial By Fire" reunion, and even enjoyed the Steve Augeri "Arrival" album in '01. Less so "Generations" and the "Red 13" EP. Felt Journey were perhaps on the wane, which seemed to be compunded when Augeri dropped out with voice problems.

I had almost given up on Journey, regularly checking Steve Perry's website for a possible comeback which seems increasingly unlikely now the guy's over 60. Then a couple of months ago I discovered this new album, with a new vocalist with a great back story (Filipino, spent time on the streets destitute etc.). Discovered by Neal Schon via YouTube singing covers of US bands such as Journey. Having read all the great reviews on Play I was curious to find out if Arnel Pineda really came close to "The Voice" Perry.

First listen was a bit curious, given my very high expectations. Then second listen starts to creep into the mind ......hell this is a great album, right up there with Journey at their peak. I am not kidding. First track "Never Walk Away" is a classic Journey rocker, up there with their best and a stand out track. "Like A Sunshower" is a Schon rock ballad, another memorable track. Then many classic tracks (including a cover of "Faith in the Heartland" from "Generations") until we get to "After All These Years", surely an "Open Arms" of our times. The album continues with many tracks which will stay in your head for ages. The tracks are mainly Schon/Cain compositions, with no writing input from Pineda due to the fact that the album was written before he came on board.

Any Journey fan from the Perry era will have the hairs standing up on the back of their neck listening to this album - the vocal resemblance is uncanny. Particularly on the second disc, which is a rerecording of the classic Journey tracks. Not really new versions, just rerecordings - same musical arrangement, same vocal phrasing etc. Just goes to show that this new guy is the business. No particular reason for the extra disc, the CD package is no more expensive, I guess they were having such a blast recording the album that they just thought "why not?". I've read that originally the plan wasn't for an album, just a couple of tracks, but Pineda as so good and the vibe so right that they just kept on going.

Nowhere better is Pineda's synchronicity with the band displayed than in the DVD which is provided in the US version of the album. UK gets an extra CD track, US gets a DVD, you choose. The DVD performance is superb, Schon grins throughout the performance and Pineda leaps all over the stage, this guy has the stage presence of Steve Perry without doubt. I haven't enjoyed a DVD as much in ages. And like me Pineda is a 40-something - what a guy, wish I had his stamina!

Don't read my drivel, just buy this album, preferably with the DVD. After a couple of listens you won't regret it. Journey are back. And this old rocker is loving it.

I have been a fan of Journey for years, and been long awaiting this new album. The new lead singer has an amazing voice, is perfect for the band and brings so much passion to a such great group. Neal Schon is on top form and does not disappoint one bit. This album brings out the full power of Journey at their "absolute best". I really hope this is the start of many more albums to come. What makes this album even better value for money is the second disc containing some of their all times greats re-recorded to sound absolutely fantastic. All the songs I love the most from Journey are there. If you only buy one album from Journey or want an insight into just how good they really are then this album is for you. (For me as an individual my favourite album to date was always Arrival as I love amazing power-ballads and emotional tracks, and Journey deliver them in such a great way. Their other albums are a lot more full-on rock). Upon hearing this album for the first time it shot straight… more »

I have been a fan of Journey for years, and been long awaiting this new album. The new lead singer has an amazing voice, is perfect for the band and brings so much passion to a such great group. Neal Schon is on top form and does not disappoint one bit. This album brings out the full power of Journey at their "absolute best". I really hope this is the start of many more albums to come. What makes this album even better value for money is the second disc containing some of their all times greats re-recorded to sound absolutely fantastic. All the songs I love the most from Journey are there. If you only buy one album from Journey or want an insight into just how good they really are then this album is for you. (For me as an individual my favourite album to date was always Arrival as I love amazing power-ballads and emotional tracks, and Journey deliver them in such a great way. Their other albums are a lot more full-on rock). Upon hearing this album for the first time it shot straight to the top of my list. 'Revelation' is an album where every track has to be listened to again and again and again......you will not be disappointed.