Journey: Greatest Hits 2

iTunes Review

The second volume of hits from the massively popular AOR group Journey features 17 tracks recorded between 1978 and 1996. The earliest cuts here are from the group’s fourth album, Infinity; “Feeling That Way,” “Anytime,” and “Patiently” show new singer Steve Perry settling into the group and mastering its new direction away from its prog-jazz roots toward arena-ready FM radio rock. Despite being a second greatest hits collection, the album has plenty of essential Journey tracks: the obvious power of “Stone in Love” from 1981’s landmark Escape, the live version of “Mother, Father” from Journey’s 1981 tour, and the pure party vibe of “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love).” “Little Girl” (from the soundtrack to the foreign film Dream After Dream), previously available as part of the Time box set, is a classic power ballad from the original power-ballad pioneers. Other highlights, such as “Still They Ride,” “After the Fall,” “Stay Awhile,” and “Anytime,” bring back the early '80s like no other collection can.