Journey have just dropped their first album in nine years. 2013’s ‘Eclipse’ was a pretty good album actually. With many tracks exploring the heavier, darker side of Neil Schon and co’s songwriting. But now, Journey return to their 80’s heyday sound with their new album ‘Freedom.’ A lengthy, fifteen track album that’s sure to please even the purest of Journey fans.
All the original tropes of what made Journey a smash sensation in the 80’s are present. Soaring vocal melodies, strong song quality, 80’s synth keys, precise bass playing and of course, Neil Schon’s crazy guitar work. Whether it’s guitar shredding on a level only achieved by decades of island seclusion. Or smart, efficient song structure. Schon commands this album from top to bottom.
The album opens with a more modern sounding ballad entitled, ‘Together We Run.’ ‘Don’t Give Up On Us’ really brings in the nostalgia of what Journey once was. And frankly, still is. ‘Still Believe In Love’ kicks up the 80’s even more. A classic Journey ballad that harkens back to the glory days. ‘You Got the Best of Me’ sets the energy level a bit higher than the previous tracks. While ‘Live to Love You Again’ rivals some of the best ballads Journey have ever done. The first single off the album, ‘The Way We Used to Be’ reflects on the beginning of the pandemic. The effects of lockdown and seclusion are present in the mood of the song.
‘Come Away With Me’ is the heaviest moment yet. Before discovering some progressive tendencies with ‘After Glow.’ Then ‘Let It Rain,’ my personal favorite, drops a phat as all hell blues metal beat. ‘Holdin’ On’ keeps the hard rock train rollin’ with it’s offbeat, meaty guitar riff. ‘All Day And All Night’ brings in the funk. While ‘Don’t Go’ revisits the Americana vibes of vocalist Arnel Pineda’s first Journey album, ‘Revelation.’ That moods gets kicked up a notch with ‘United We Stand.’ Which is a nice sentiment. But far from the realities of where Western society stands. ‘Life Rolls On’ offers a glimmer of hope with its inspiring chord structure and lyrics. ‘Beautiful As Your Are’ closes the album out with 100% grade a Wisconsin extra sharp cheddar.
All in all ‘Freedom’ is a solid Journey effort. An album dedicated to the past two years and change of life. It’s not perfect however. While there are plenty moments of high quality, strong song writing. There’s a general generic mood to the album. The song titles aren’t particularly creative. And the production, while not terrible, does sound cheap and rushed a times. Like the band was satisfied with their demos and called it a day. Other than that, it’s a good album. And one that’s sure to please long time fans. With ‘Freedom,’ you know what you’re getting. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Three out of five stars.
