Journey Retrospective: JOURNEY
 |
| JOURNEY - Front Album Cover |
Gregg Rolie...............Vocals, Keyboards
Neal Schon................Lead Guitar
George Tickner.........Rhythm Guitar
Ross Valory...............Bass Guitar
Aynsley Dunbar........Drums
 |
| JOURNEY - Back Album Cover |
Main Release Format..........Vinyl Album (LP)
Record Label.......................Columbia Records
Album Cover Photo.............Steven Silverstein
Album Cover Design...........Nancy Donald
Inside Sleeve Photo............Baron Wolman
Band Management..............Walter J. Herbert, A. Louis Bramy
Road Manager....................John Villanueva
Recording Studio................CBS Studios, San Francisco, CA
Recording Dates.................November 1974
Producer.............................Roy Halee
Recorded By..................... .Mark Friedman
Engineer.............................Roy Halee
Mastered By.......................George Horn
 |
| JOURNEY - Front Inner sleeve |
Release Date April 1, 1975
Chart Rating #138
Number Sold -500,000
Certification None
Catalogue Number PC33388
Genre Progressive Rock, Jazz Fusion
LINER NOTES:
We suggest that you play this record at the highest possible volume in order to fully appreciate the sound of Journey.
 |
| JOURNEY - Back Inner sleeve |
TRACKS:
Number of Tracks 7;
Side 1;
1. Of A Lifetime 6:49
2. In The Morning Day 4:24
3. Kohoutek (Instrumental) 6:47
Side 2;
1. To Play Some Music 3:16
2. Topaz (Instrumental) 6:10
3. In My Lonely Feeling/Conversations 4:59
4. Mystery Mountain 4:26
 |
| JOURNEY - Album Label - Side 1 |
 |
| JOURNEY - Album Label - Side 2 |
SINGLES:
Number of Singles 2;
Kohoutek/Topaz (released in 1974 as a promo only)
To Play Some Music/Topaz (released in 1975)
 |
| Kohoutek / Topaz Promo Single - released 1974 |
 |
| To Play Some Music / Topaz Promo Single - released 1975 |
WHEEL IN THE SKY REVIEW:
Album Review
Journey's self-titled debut is an amazing album. It's a perfect example of classic fusion rock crafted with a variety of unique twists and sounds. First off, Neal Schon's guitar work is not only powerful and energizing, but also intensely melodic. Neal's ground-breaking technique, mixed with screeching power chords, results in a musical thunderstorm that is sure to echo in one’s mind long after the final note has been played. Next up, we have the relentless and muscular drumming of Aynsley Dunbar. His solid rock ’n roll purist-style, works seamlessly with Schon's lightening-fast guitar work. Then of course, the dynamic duo of Ross Valory’s bass and George Tickner’s rhythm guitar, laying out a solid foundation from underneath. And finally, floating above it all, the soulful vocals of Gregg Rolie. Not only is he an accomplished keyboardist, but his velvet tones and catchy melodies gel perfectly with the rest of this highly talented band.
Of A Lifetime
By Gregg Rolie, George Tickner, and Neal Schon
This song is used in almost every Journey documentary. There is so much identity from Gregg Rolie in this song. Driven by Neal Schon’s Guitar, this song makes a great opener to the album. The song has soft melodic parts and hard driven progressive rock in others. It’s also got some excellent instrumental jams. Gregg’s vocals are an essential part of the musical arrangement here. This one song encompasses everything that Journey as a band has to offer.
In The Morning Day
By Gregg Rolie and Ross Valory
This starts out as a very nice vocal song that changes to a hard hitting instrumental half-way through. This has one of Journey’s most recognizable instrumental hooks from the early days. The song showcases Gregg’s stabbing electric organ ending with Neal’s fast and ripping solo.
Kohoutek
(Instrumental) By Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie
This song was released as a demo single in 1974 and could be considered the band’s first single. The song is a journey itself taking you through different passages, feelings and moods. It starts as a nice piano song which quickly becomes a strong instrumental using every instrument to it’s fullest potential travelling through the different jams and solos.
To Play Some Music
By Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon
This song was the only official single from the album. A great song that was destined to be on the radio. It’s got a catchy hook and Gregg’s vocals shine throughout. Gregg’s organ playing takes over a bit until Neal’s Guitar playing is flawlessly highlighted. While Aynsley, Ross and George keep the rhythm grooving.
Topaz
(Instrumental) By George Tickner
This song was the “B” side to the “To Play Some Music” single as well as the “Kohoutek” promotional single. This is a very guitar driven instrumental that starts out as a very nice guitar song that rapidly becomes a back and forth between hard rocking progressive rock and soft melodic moments. A fast bass rhythm eventually pipes up and it becomes one huge jam session between the guys.
In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations
By Gregg Rolie / Ross Valory
This song is based on some pretty heavy power chords and we hear some more truly excellent electric guitar playing from Neal Schon. A perfect blend between Gregg’s vocals on the slower moments creating a “mystifying atmosphere” and some hard rockin’ progressive jams.
Mystery Mountain
By Gregg Rolie, George Tickner, and Diane Valory
The album ends with a great punch. The drumming stands out on this one. Gregg’s strong vocals somehow find their way through one of the heavier groove jams on the album.
