Classic Rock Bottom

ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 215 JOURNEY - EVOLUTION (1979 - 35TH ANNIVERSARY)

Artist: Journey

Genre: Rock

Country Of Origin: United States

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Member: No

Album: Evolution

RJ's Top 5 Songs: 1. Too Late...2. Just The Same Way...3. When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy)...4. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'...5. Lady Luck

Disclaimer: All info that does not reside in my brain is gathered from wikipedia.com (mostly because Jon can't stand it).

It's anniversary time, so this week I'm going with Evolution by Journey.  It's Steve Perry's second album with the band.  Here are a few odds and ends:

  • Evolution was Journey's biggest seller to this point.  It is certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA.
  • The album reached number 20 on the Billboard chart.
  • Three singles were released: Just The Same Way (#58), Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' (#16) and Too Late (#70).
  • I can't say I ever remember hearing Too Late on the radio.
  • Just The Same Way features Gregg Rolie, Journey's original lead vocalist, on lead vocals along with Perry.
  • This is Steve Smith's first album with the band on drums.

For me, this is a terrific album.  I love the opening with the instrumental and then the ballad Too Late.  That wouldn't work for most bands.  And I personally think Too Late is one of the most underrated songs in the band's catalog.  And if you've never thought much about Neal Schon's guitar playing because he's in Journey, just concentrate on that while listening.  He is fantastic.  

Lastly, the difference in Rolie's vocals and Perry's vocals is night and day.  However, when they sing dual vocals it's works so well.  They should have done more of that.  That's it, that's all I have to say.  

Side One:

1. Majestic

2. Too Late

3. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

4. City Of The Angels

5. When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy)

6. Sweet And Simple

Side Two:

7. Lovin' You Is Easy

8. Just The Same Way

9. Do You Recall

10. Daydream

11. Lady Luck

 

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Did you change your pick? i thought you were going with something that tied in with Chicago's new album.

No, that was regarding NMC, although I have changed my mind there as well.

Collusion. ....
I love Sweet and Simple, best hidden treasure on this album.

Like I posted over on facebook CRB page.  I first heard Journey on the Midnight Special, the timing of which coincided with this albums release.  Was immediately struck at how good Too Late, Lovin' You Is Easy and Just The Same Way were.  Had to own it, and so that started a lifelong love of this band, at least as I know them with Steve Perry leading the way.

So this album has a special place in my collection for me, may not be my favorite Journey album but its easily the most sentimental one.  There is no filler to speak of, I love Sweet and Simple, probably one of my most favorite Journey tracks.  Daydream is another perfect hidden treasure.  The only fuss I have is the drum production could have been better, its a bit inconsistent IMO, listen to Too Late and Lovin' You Is Easy as compared to Do You Recall for example.

But, all said and done, a true classic! 

Great post!

What a fine, fine album. At one time I counted the "na, na, na's" at the end of song #3 and believe I came out with 162. Wonder if I'm remembering correctly? Do I need to count them again? Can I look it up on the internet? Don't know! I'm sticking with 162!

This is another of those albums that the first time I heard it I thought it was ok, then listened to it again, discovered more that I liked, more at another listen, so on and so on. I like all the songs on this album, but the one I REALLY like is "Daydream". Just makes me feel happy.  

Fine album!

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