Album Reviews

Photo

Journey

Revelation

RS: 3of 5 Stars Average User Rating: 4.5of 5 Stars

2008

Play View Journey's page on Rhapsody

If a band sticks around long enough, it turns into a tribute band. For years, Journey have slogged around the oldies circuit with a rotating cast of singers trying to impersonate Steve Perry, who belted out the group's Seventies and Eighties hits. But this double-CD set, which also includes a live DVD, features the most unlikely Perry sound-alike yet: Arnel Pineda, a 40-year-old Filipino who spends an entire disc delivering note-for-note remakes of classics like "Don't Stop Believin'." On the second disc, Journey also pull off a tribute-band coup: some damn good originals. With guitarist Neal Schon in tow, the riff-heavy "Change for the Better" and the ballad "Like a Sunshower" hew to the formula that served the group well back in '81: Start with stately keyboard arpeggios, flavor with guitar heroics, top off with warbling, high-tenor choruses. It's pure schlock, but the craftsmanship is formidable, and there is undeniable pleasure in young-lovers-battling-the-odds arias like "Faith in the Heartland." The message remains the same: Hold on to that feeling.

JODY ROSEN

(Posted: Jul 10, 2008)

Advertisement

News and Reviews

Advertisement

Review 1 of 18

stalkerbaby writes:

5of 5 Stars


This CD is great - I actually think Pineda sounds better than Steve Perry!!

My favorite song is "Where Did I Lose Your Love" especially the drum rolls. People think I'm nuts when they see me beating the steering wheel. LOL

Aug 20, 2008 11:02:13

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 2 of 18

Samurai writes:

5of 5 Stars


Been a fan of this band since the 80's. There isn't a band that I know of that changed their lead singer a few times and still good and successful. It proves that this band deserves the highest rate and review.

Aug 20, 2008 08:37:16

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 3 of 18

kidcreole writes:

3of 5 Stars


The album is what it should be and what is expected. Journey is a great band especially if you are a true fan and enthusiast.The remakes and return to the classics well Great Yet frankly those who have responded by giving the album 5 stars are over inflating it. as if they are true fans at all! I love and a fan since 1980 and while it has been years, In a generation all too ready for changing things this band needs its true captain. Not knock offs and look alikes. If you feel band has the chops to progress then Just go and see a dismal concert performance I Have!

Aug 18, 2008 18:01:24

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 4 of 18

sweetsgrplm writes:

5of 5 Stars


I Love Steve Perry. Theres not a better singer on this planet. I miss you Steve. Come back to Nashville, Tn..

Aug 14, 2008 16:59:12

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 5 of 18

loungin420 writes:

5of 5 Stars


As a music enthusiast, I gave this CD a 5 star. I was never a big Journey fan because it's too soft or pop rock for my taste. I bought the CD and listened to it critically. Journey as a band is really bad-ass! The melody,musical arrangements,and the soaring voice. A total Journey trademark. I compared Steve Perry and Arnel Pineda by listening to CD2 of Revelation VS. Journey's Greatest hits. The difference between SP and AP is SP has a nasal tenor voice while AP has throat tenor. Although Pineda can sing ballads I like Steve Perry better. Leave the ballads to Perry,but the upbeat rock tunes to Pineda. I like Separate ways (world's apart) by Pineda. he made a statement towards the end of the song,he sung it in a higher scale!!! I love it. In regards to the new songs, I like wildest dreams and what it takes to win. This is really the beginning of the new Journey. Hopefully, the next album will be heavier,cut down on soft,sentimental,and hopeless romantic tunes. Jon and Neal really exude their harmony in this album the orgasmic guitar riffs by Neal whoah! amazing! I can tell Ross is just as serious about this album too. Just listen to the steady bass lines. Dean !!! did a phenomenal job more drum rolls man!!and to Arnel just keep on rockin' I know there's a lot of resentment and sourgraping from Steve Perry's campsite,but hey you can't please everyone. So to all pathetic fans of Steve Perry... have you gotten yourself a retirement plan?

Aug 6, 2008 09:30:52

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 6 of 18

john2008nj writes:

5of 5 Stars


Like any band replacing a leed singer it' so important
to find the right one. Arnel Pineda the new incredible
front man from Manila along with Neal Schon, Jonathan
Cain, Deen Castronovo And Ross Valory the new album
"Revelation" is pure magic. I have been a Journey fan
for twenty six years now, this is a must have *****
for the new and old fans.

Jul 28, 2008 02:49:29

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 7 of 18

aubreyconrad writes:

5of 5 Stars


I must disagree with the rating of RS. I think "Revelation" deserve 5Stars and a two thumbs up coz' it is a total masterpiece!!! Before I have high respect with RS for its credibility, and now seeing your 3stars rating I was so disappointed for a superb album that deserves more than 3stars for a job well done. For RS be fair with your ratings!!! For Journey hope you can have a concert tour here in Kingdom of Bahrain! Peace

Jul 26, 2008 05:50:13

Off Topic Report Abuse

Review 8 of 18

noeljoyjet writes:

5of 5 Stars


I rate this album 5 of 5.

I believe the album is a masterpiece from the re-recorded greatest hits to the new songs.
I like all the songs, especially the new ones, great music, great writing and magnificently engineered. Neal Schon and Jon Cain are truly geniuses in their field, and also great tech. job by Kevin Shirley. I can easily pick 8 songs from this album such as After All These Years, Wildest Dreams, Faith In The Heartland, Where Did I Lose Your Love, Like A Sun shower, Never Walk Away, Change For The Better that could someday be one of their greatest hits too. Rarely, will you find this many good songs in an album. Also, this one instrumental song ‘Revelation’ from Neal Schon is awesome too… Overall, a great work from all the members from Neal Schon, Jon Cain, Ross Valory, Deen Castronovo and Arnel Pineda.

An excellent package of 2 CDs (11 re-recorded songs on 1 disc and 11 new songs on another) plus a bonus DVD concert for an unbelievably reasonable price of $ 11.98.
The bonus DVD alone could be worth more than $ 20 for a satisfied customer like me.
I wonder why “Rolling Stone” only rated this album 3???????

Jul 14, 2008 10:05:10

Off Topic Report Abuse

Previous

 

Everything:Journey

Main | Biography | Album Reviews | Discography

 


Advertisement

Advertisement