JOURNEY / ECLIPSE (2011)

One of the most influenced bands in the melodic rock/AOR gerne is back fullforce with its brand new release! "Eclipse" is titled the new Journey album and if you ask me I will say to you that it's about a solid album full of harmonies, brilliant guitars by a legend and some great performances! Yes, the more I listen to this one, the more I like it better! The only worry with this album is in which position will end up when I'm going to make my list for this year's Top releases!! The fact is that I'm not the biggest Journey fan in the world. I like this act a lot and they have released some really strong albums with some classic and insiped tunes! The band since its creation in 1973 earned 19 Top 40 singles and 25 gold and platinum albums! Really impressive achievement!

One thing is sure, "Eclipse" will be welcome with pleasure from the fans of Journey and from every single fan that loves this gerne! It has all the elements of the past, melodies/solos/pasionate performances/, plus a harder edged and darker sound without loosing its originality. Arnel Pineda is an excellent performer and fits perfectly with the 'old' members. The production of "Eclipse" is responsability of the mighty Kevin Shirley. All the twelve tracks here, one is instrumental, are well crafted and the band is givin' their 100% to offer another 'classic' effort in their catalogue. I won't make a track by track review here 'cause every single track in this album is almost excellent. The last couple of days "Eclipse" is a must play in my car's cd player!

Bottom line is that Journey is back in business to give us an album with very good songs, tight musicianship, passionate performances and great guitar work. If you are a fan of this band or you just love pure melodic rock/AOR sound, then look no further cause this album will grab you from the very first listening and will leave you hungry for more. Well done!

HeavyParadise's Rating :8,5/10

Tracklist

1. City Of Hope, 2. Edge Of The Moment, 3. Chain Of Love, 4. Tantra, 5. Anything Is Possible, 6. Resonate, 7. She’s A Mystery, 8. Human Feel, 9. Ritual, 10. To Whom It May Concern, 11. Someone, 12. Venus

Line-up

Arnel Pineda (vocals), Neal Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals), Deen Castronovo (drums, backing vocals), Jonathan Cain (keyboards, backing vocals)