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Melodic rock band Journey shouldn’t need an introduction. They’re one of the biggest selling American bands of this Century. With a total of fifteen full-length studio releases over an almost 40-year career, they continue to create melodic rock anthems that affect generations of new fans.

With the release of Eclipse, their second album with new singer Arnel Pineda, it’s classic Journey at its finest. It’s heavier than previous Journey albums, but it also retains their classic elements such as smooth tenor vocals, powerful guitar chord progressions and fiery solos, and defining harmonious background vocals. It’s progressive and experimental, but with a modern hard rock flavor.

Most of the songs are pretty lengthy — in the five and six minute range. There’s some spiritual themes throughout the record and the underlying concept of the album is of life, hope and determination. It was produced by Kevin Shirley and co-produced by Schon and Cain, with songwriting contributions from Pineda for the first time since he joined the band.

Journey just doesn't work without a high-pitched, melodic vocalist. But simply put, Steve Perry just can’t hit those high notes anymore. Enter Pineda. Some say he’s an exact copy of Perry, but there are subtle differences to his tone and vocal delivery. He can also sing the older material better than Perry can these days. Schon's playing style is soulful and passionate and he is still one of the most underrated guitarists in rock today.

This is a highly entertaining album and I recommend picking it up. Fans of older and newer Journey music will be pleased with this effort.

And also, do yourself a favor and check out their jazz fusion, pre-Steve Perry albums: Journey (1975), Look into the Future (1976) and Next (1977). They are more progressive and free form compared with their commercial pop rock days with Perry and beyond.

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