This was released three years after their last album, Frontiers, and both Neal Schon and Steve Perry had recorded solo albums, of which Perry’s sold really well and there were huge rumours that he might not return to Journey. We all now know that he did, but he had a lot more control over the songs and direction the band took.
This is very much a Steve Perry album as the songs fit more into an RnB format – much more than any other Perry-Journey album. Also of note here, the band are basically a there piece as both Ross Valory and Steve Smith had been asked to leave. In fact, rockin’ moments are in short supply on this record, there’s only Be Good To Yourself (which is killer and Schon finally gets to let rip), and the title track that feel like classic Journey tracks.
However, a rejuvenated Perry sings his ass off all over the record, especially on heartstring pulling tracks like Once You Love Somebody and It Could Have Been You, where the emotion in his voice is incredible. It’s not a classic Journey album, but it’s still a good record.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
