Escape

iTunes Review

Eschewing their prog-jazz roots and performing solid, no-nonsense power ballads long before the term existed and at a time when punk and new wave were emerging as rock n’ roll’s cutting edge, Journey were wildly successful commercially and critically panned at every juncture. Time heals all wounds and also reveals what is actually heartfelt and timeless and what is simply flavor of the month. Journey’s Escape contains several enduring tunes, all huge hits for the group: “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Cryin’ Now” and “Open Arms.” Guitarist Neal Schon’s economical guitar lines and crisp powerchords join with Jonathan Cain’s keyboards for the ultimate ‘80s synthesis of hard rock underlined with soft rock attributes. But it’s vocalist Steve Perry who gives the group its emotional edge. He’s the perfect singer for these tear-jerking tales of frustrated love and youth and the emotion he invests in the other worthy tracks, “Mother, Father” and “Stone In Love” made Journey an important component to the era.