This album bares no resemblance on what the band have become today. The only ever present member is Neal Schon. Journey were formed after Schon and Greg Rollie had left Santana to pursue their version of an improvisational jam band.
If you’re a fan of Neal’s playing then this album is pure joy as he really revels in the wide space given to him in these extended jams. All of Side 1 is killer, culminating in the closer Kohoutek, an awesome heavy instrumental where everyone lets loose, especially Neal. There are more melodic tracks where Rollie handles the vocals like To Play Some Music, which also has more progressive elements. Topaz has a throwback to their Santana days with a slight latin edge. Mystery Mountain even sounds a bit like ELP but I think that’s purely down to Gregg’s vocal style. Worth buying for fans of great guitar.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
