Customer Reviews

Journey - Greatest Hits Live

5 star:		(38)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Prompted by the ecstatic success of their 1996 reunion album "Trial By Fire," Journey issued "Greatest Hits Live," a startling document of their domination of the 1980s touring grounds. Despite the title, this is definitely not a mere re-release of hits, presented live in an empty manner of sweetening the deal. And though most of the tracks here were indeed hits, Journey soldiers through a fine canon of work with an explosive energy that challenges the original versions.
Despite some re-mixing by Kevin Shirley (who produced "Trial By Fire"), "Greatest Hits Live" possesses a truly live feel due to the fact that no overdubs were included. Culled from 1981 and 83 performances in Tokyo, Oklahoma, and Texas, Journey triumphs with the enduring and well-chosen introduction 'Don't Stop Believin,' and brilliantly shifts tempos and strengths on tracks like 'Lights,' 'Send Her My Love,' and 'Still They Ride.' 'Wheel in the Sky' was a great choice to end concerts with, as the subject of carnival life applies to a life of a touring rock band. The output of vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain shine bright, but it's also worth noting that the rhythm section of Ross Valory and Steve Smith (bass and drums, respectively) are particularly worth mentioning, as the recording techniques bring justice to the their tight and energetic rhythms.
Journey was one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, despite the critical association with the dreaded "80s pop" sound. As if the earlier released "Captured" didn't show their power on stage, "Greatest Hits Live" showcases the ominous, unlimited spectacle that is Journey.

Journey is one of those few bands that sound better live than in the studio. This CD features their pre-"Raised On Radio" hits, many of which sound better here than in their original form. The production quality is superb, and each member of the band performs exceptionally well. The live version of "Escape" is incredible, as is "Wheel In The Sky", a song I never liked in its studio form. Steve Perry's audience interaction on "Anyway You Want It" brings a new element to the song, and "Don't Stop Believin'" has never sounded better. Even if you are only a mild Journey fan, pick this one up!

This is a great disc! I have had a copy of CAPTURED for years, but that only covers Journey's big hits before Jonathan Cain came on board. This is for those folks who grew up listening to Journey's huge hits on the radio. And can they rock! The stereo separation is nice, too...Cain's keyboard's in one channel, Neal Schon's guitar in the other. They don't make bands like this anymore. If you don't like Journey, you'll hate the CD. If you are a Journey fan, you'll want to hear the live renditions of some great songs...mainly from ESCAPE and FRONTIERS. Don't get too excited, though, about the hidden track. It's just the fireworks display after one of the shows....

Journey is my favorite rock group of all time, but I hadn't ever heard them live, so I knew I had to get this cd. Right after I started listening to it I was disappointed for a minute because some of the songs such as "Don't Stop Believin'" didn't sound just like they did on the radio. But after I listened to it awhile longer, I realized that Journey and Steve Perry were just trying to have fun and be entertaining for their audience, and you'll know what I mean when you hear "Lovin', Touchin, Squeezin," and "Any Way You Want It." On the other hand, many of the songs are just as perfect live as they are on the radio, such as "After The Fall," "Separate Ways, Worlds Apart," and "Stone In Love."

The more I listened to Journey performing live on this album and how the audience reacted, I actually felt like I was in the audience watching them perform live. Steve Perry really shows his talent as one of the best singers ever, and the others in the group show their great musicianship with their guitar and bass solos. I decided after I listened to the whole album that it was one of the best live albums I've ever heard, and I still listen to it all the time. If you're a real Journey fan, trust me, you won't regret buying their greatest hits live. It's hard to put into words how great this album is.

Journey is my favorite band of all time, and I am honored to have seen them live twice now (the latest on the recent September 29th Big E show in Springfield, MA--their last show on this year's tour). For sure, this collection represents Journey in their prime--during the glory years of the "Escape" and "Frontiers" albums. I love the selection of songs as well. Besides playing the obviously huge hits like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Separate Ways", "Faithfully", and "Open Arms", they also play some lesser hits that I had never heard live before like "After The Fall" and "Still They Ride". For sure, the songs are all great.

The reason I can't call this quite five stars is that the album doesn't have an overall live feel. It is quite apparent to me that there was too much mixing in the studio--with the vocals at least. In addition, very little of the interaction with the crowds is included, and since the performances come from several concerts there is no feel of continuity that I prefer on live albums. The live Journey album "Captured" much better captures the spirit of this band live. That one, however, came out before the huge "Escape" and "Frontiers" albums, so none of the monster tracks off of those albums are included.

This album is still more than worth the listen. It simply could have been better if more of the "live feel" was left in the collection. Call my overall grade 4 1/2 stars, as I still strongly recommend this album for Journey fans. Clearly, you aren't going to find these live performances anywhere else.

Captured is better. It has a better "live" feel than this one. I'm just not feeling it with this album. Despite reading most of these (and other) reviews first, I bought it anyway since I like their music. If you don't have Captured, buy that one first.

after listening and comparing this compendium album with others done by groups recognized as great power groups, i was shocked by how well they measure up to the likes of cream,zeplin and santana. sorry to admit that i didn,t even know who their lead player was. neal shoun's work on this album compares favorably with jimmy pages work on how the west was won and without overpowering steve perry's usual superb vocals. if you are only going to own 1 journey album this probably needs to be it. it also shows that, despite what some of us older rock fans believe, a few great groups did really exist in that decade.

I'm only 22 years old. But i grew up listening to the songs of Journey! It takes me back to long summer road trips with my father. I'm forever greatful that my father turned me on to such great music. This is the one cd that you can just put in and let the whole thing play.

This sounds BETTER than the studio cuts. I saw Journey live during this tour and what a great experience. They are tight and punch out tunes with energy and vigor. Perry reaches a new level. Schon wails. High school memories race back to me. A band that will NEVER go out of style. I'm glad to see this music resurrected.

Great melodies, super tight band, great vocals and all live with no overdubs. Most live albums are full of fixes and overdubs but this band was a band that sounded live the way they did on the record but with more live energy. Steve's voice soars. If you are a Journey fan this is a must have. Obviously they were much more than just an 80s pop rock band. They could really play and sing great. Refreshing in a time when so many acts are lip syncing, singing to tracks, or just singing poorly. This is an example of how a great band is supposed to sound live. They made sure they gave the audience their moneys worth. And so does this CD.