Print this article E-mail this article More articles by this author

Release Date: August 1, 2006 Label: Columbia/Legacy Related Sites: · Journey's Official Site Grade: A-

Journey was going through a time of transition as original keyboardist Gregg Rolie left the band and was replaced by Jonathan Cain (formerly of The Babys) who, along with lead vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon formed the songwriting nucleus of the group. Superb craftsmanship in songwriting resulted, with the collaboration stylizing the arena rock and power balladry that would define this most popular era of the band.

"Who's Crying Now" was the first single from the album to hit the airwaves in the summer of 1981, and it exemplified Cain's more prominent keyboard playing, and showcased a prolonged Schon guitar solo at its close. It would become their biggest hit to date, peaking at #4. The follow-up was "Don't Stop Believin'" with its accessible theme of people searching for love. Featuring driving keyboard riffs, and Perry's distinctive tenor, this song has been such an enduring anthem it was used by the Chicago White Sox as their rallying cry for the 2005 World Series.

Early in 1982 they released the emotional power ballad "Open Arms," a composition Cain brought over from his time with The Babys that he fleshed out with Perry. It would go on to become their biggest hit and spend six weeks at #2. The breezy, mid-tempo "Still They Ride" would crack the Top Twenty as the album's fourth single. Carefree memories of youth seep from "Stone In Love," a rocker that has become a classic album cut.

That takes care of the songs most likely heard by the casual music listener, but the rest of the tracks complete the picture of a solid rock album that has stood the test of time. "Escape" and "Keep on Runnin'" are fast-paced sonic delights, punctuated by drummer Steve Smith's driving beat, and Schon's blistering melodic guitar work. Perry's soaring vocals make all the tunes stand out, and he demonstrates some great range on the heavy "Lay It Down." The atmospheric piece "Mother, Father" deals with an estranged son trying to connect with his parents, and was written by Schon, his father Matthew, Perry and Cain. The only song approaching filler, in my mind, would be "Dead or Alive," but even that provides a vigorous vibe to offset its average-ness.

As mentioned before, new to this collection is the flip side "La Raza del Sol," a quirky number featuring an adventurous bass line from Ross Valory. It's really not all that great, but a nice inclusion nonetheless. Rounding out the disc are the live versions of "Don't Stop Believin'," "Who's Crying Now," and "Open Arms," recorded by MTV in its infancy. There isn't much to differential them from their studio counterparts other than an increase in energy inherent with playing in front of an audience. If there's one minor complaint, it's that the B-side of "Don't Stop Believin'" -- a song called "Natural Thing" -- is tacked onto the expanded reissue of Departure instead of here, where it would most logically belong. I would have swapped this one track for the three live rehashes which can be found elsewhere. If you must own a Journey album besides their Greatest Hits package, you'll find this showcase of outstanding musicianship the perfect Escape.