Journey's CD Revelation, Don't Stop Believing, The Music Lives On

I waited for some time to write my review of this CD, because I have found that music, can be a subject like politics, or even sports to an extent. People get very passionate about their music, so I am going to approach my review in praise of the music. Not to compare the bands current lead singer, past ones. I have been a fan of Journey since their debut in the 1970's, and what attracted me to them immediately, was their music. What was the most sad thing, about their break up after Trial By Fire was the thought of the music being "dead", no more live performances, or concert videos. When the band decided to go on after Steve A. left they could have gone out, and found a singer from a Journey tribute band, and gone around playing their greatest hits and that would have been that. But they wanted to keep growing musically.

I would not have wanted to be Arnel, and have the unenviable task of replacing one of the greatest front man in rock music, despite many hateful, bigoted rants against him, he has handled it with class and grace. To appreciate this CD you have to go beyond who the lead singer is and listen to the music. Arnel has a wonderful, "soulful" voice. The first CD which was their first release with him as lead singer, is very good, they keep to their roots as a rock band, and explore some new territory at the same time. My favorite is the second disc, which is Arnel singing his favorite songs from the bands earlier days. There is also a dvd from their first concert with him as lead singer and he rocks the house down.

I have read many reviews where he is bashed as not being the second Steve Perry. My opinion on this is he never tries to be another Steve Perry. He sings the bands earlier material in his own style. To those who have this opinion, my only comment is Steve Perry is gone, he left a long time ago, and despite many overtures from the band at different times to come back for a reunion, his answer was always no. I prefer the bands current make up, this way the music lives on, and for me the music is was matters the most, not the "man" so much who is singing it.