Journey – Revelation
Nomota
www.journeyband.com

Rating: B

How in the hell does Journey keep reinventing themselves? Perhaps the bigger question is how do they keep finding singers that sound just like Steve Perry? When it was first announced that they had found a Filipino singer on YouTube and were making an album and DVD, this writer thought, "Oh not again. When will they give up?" However, upon listening and watching Revelation one has to admit that they have once again succeeded in pulling off the improbable. New vocalist Arnel Pineda was born to be in this band. Sure, the first single, "Never Walk Away" sounds like "Be Good Yourself" and Pineda was only chosen for this gig because of his uncanny and natural ability to sound like Perry but don’t let that deter you from checking this one out. For starters it is damn freaky how much the music sounds like Perry era Journey.

The band realized that they had found the chosen one and even recorded a second disc of Journey classics to show off their new vocalist. He sounds best on "Don’t Stop Believing" and "Separate Ways." Proving Perry is still the only true Journey singer, even Pineda has a bit of trouble topping the master on "Open Arms." That said he still does a great job and will have your jaw dropped.

Journey also included a live DVD with the new lineup of the band. This is actually the best part of the package. In fact, the DVD alone is worth the price of admission — which is a Wal-mart exclusive price that won’t even set you back twelve bucks. To get a new disc of tunes plus a re-recorded hits CD and a killer live set for that price is ridiculous.

The bottom line here is that Journey have done it again. They are hitting the road proving themselves once again with Heart and Cheap Trick also in tow. Purists will find it impossible to hate this album and, if honest with themselves, will have to admit that not only is the new singer amazing, the new tunes Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain have come up with are a return to the classic Journey days of the late 70's and early 80's. My advice? Get to Wally World and plunk down a Hamilton, a Washington and a few coins pick up a copy for yourself.

– Jeb Wright