Customer Reviews

For the Love of Strange Medicine

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The 1980's were undoubtedly characterized, in part, by the music of Journey. Rock anthems and power ballads were the mainstay of the band that turned out such memorable hits at "Separate Ways", "Don't Stop Believing", and (my favorite) "Faithfully". At the forefront of Journey's success was the man with the steely voice, Steve Perry. Few voices in music history are as perfectly crafted for the singer's chosen genre than Perry's. He could achieving the soaring range of the anthems, while also incorporating softer, more accomplished, tones into the power ballads. Internal power struggles caused Journey to break up in 1986 and each member went on their separate ways (no pun intended). Steve Perry, who had already achieved solo success with 1983's "Street Talk", took to the studio a few years later to produce his second album, "For the Love of Strange Medicine" (released in 1994).

"...Strange Medicine" has proven to be an absolute goldmine for Journey faithful captivated by Perry's voice. It provides one of those rare occassions where a listener can put the CD in and listen to it from beginning to end and not find a single track they don't like. Tributes to young love, inner strength, long journeys, and forgiveness all permeate this album. "...Strange Medicine" starts off in style with its lone radio release, "You Better Wait", a soaring cautionary anthem to a young girl starting out in life. Perry's magnificent voice, along with some spectacular guitar play, power this song to a level beyond what even Journey produced. "Young Hearts Forever" follows it with another wondrous song encouraging the embrace of young love. It simply must be experienced to understand how good this song is.

While every track is excellent, there is one more truly impressive song on this album. It is the final track, "Anyway". It is a strong, emotional song that essentially serves as Perry's lyrical apology and peace offering to his fellow bandmates for the troubles of a decade earlier. The strength of this ballad is on par with "Faithfully" and "Open Arms" from the Journey days, and is speculated to have played a part in the 1996 reunion of the band.

Sadly, Perry's medical condition due to a climbing injury made that reunion short-lived. The band has moved on with a new Perry sound alike singer and Perry, himself, has continued to do some studio work from time to time (though, no new studio album is on the horizon). Yet, with music like "For the Love of Strange Medicine" still floating around, Journey and Perry fans alike can still plug in and be reminded of the greatness of what once was.

I still remember the day I first heard Steve's voice; again. I was at the gym working my cardio routine when suddenly my subconscience sounded the 'Journey Alarm'; I was stunned to hear something new from one of my favorite groups. I soon after left the gym and headed straight for the local music store where I rifled through the Journey section desparately looking for thier new CD, only to find disappointment with my futile efforts. Then I wondered, could it be Steve Perry? Yes! I bought the CD right then and for the last four-and-a-half years it has spent most of its life in my five disc changer.

There are no bad songs on this album. Each one is excellently written with passion and intensity, and with the energy of a group of musicians that have played together for years; eventhough they haven't. Everyone seems to have a hand in the developement of the songs they play on and the freedom to express themselves; the latter being essential to the flow and harmony of the group as a whole. Few people accomplish this level of musical chemistry once in a lifetime, let alone twice; but Steve Perry has a drive and a determination to continue in his calling and to share his gift with other musicians and with all of us. His truely is 'The Voice'.

Steve Perry is the greatest male singer. Its ashame we don't hear from him anymore,but even if he never makes another album,Steve will be remembered forever from his records with Journey and his two solo albums.I love "For the Love of Strange Medicine." I bought this tape when I went to Florida in "94,"and never took it out of my CD Player."You Better Wait," the first single released has some of the greatest harmonies Steve is famous, then leads into the hard rocking,"Young Hearts Forever." One song I've played over and over again is "Missing you." I adore this ballad,and I'm still not tired of it.I was shocked to see that Steve has a greatest hits CD when I went into this site.I'm going to order this record today. I hope Steve gets back into the recording studio soon,either with Journey,or records another solo record .This talented singer,songwriter is Missed by all his fan's.

For the Love of Strange Medicine, Steve Perry's second solo release, is an undiscovered gem of an album. Dark, stirring and introspective--Steve had a lot to say with this album.

There's quite a few songs about love on this album (You Better Wait, Donna Please, Tuesday Heartache, Missing You)but there's also a lot of introspective songs including the title track with it's stirring lyrics - 'Some are believers...some don't know (some are lost They're lost and alone...Some are deceivers...Their souls been sold (for the love)....For the love of strange medicine..' The term "Strange Medicine meaning the things unimportant in life that people think are important and really aren't.

"Stand Up (Before It's too Late" is another call to humanity--'Fear is forever, both stand apart...When love's forgotten
The tears from the start...Stand Up Before it's too Late...This is not a dream...'

There's also songs onf inspiration--including the emotionally moving "Somewhere There's Hope,"--'Oo the wheels of fear...Turn truth into lies...Like a thief in the night...Hold on, through the smoke...And through the fire...No-one, can hide....Cause somewhere there's hope (somewhere there's hope)...Somebody please (somebody please)...Somewhere there's hope, waitin' there, waitin' there.."

The album ends with a song to Perry's former bandmates in Journey--"Anyway." An apology, It starts with the lyrics 'Still I remember...I'd like to say I'm sorry
I'd like to make amends...I'd close my eyes and tell the truth.
Where would I begin.....' And ends with 'We believed in music...Brothers till the end...Nothing stood between us...A fire burned within....Oh how I remember....Wounded but alive...Lost in my insanity...Escaping to survive...Anyway, what was I saying....Anyway, I seem to have lost my place again...Anyway, oh how I need just to forget...But I can't do it...' It's beleived that this song helped to reunite the band members one last time for the "Trial By Fire" album.

This album, despite the little promotion it recieved (the label was pushing for a Journey reunion) it still managed to go Gold. It is a rare masterpiece and it may be Steve Perry at his very best. As with any Steve Perry album the production and musicianship is flawless and it clearly showcases Steve's writing abilities outside of Journey. A great album definately worth the listen.

I read some reviews saying that Steve sounded better in Streetalk and For The Love of Strange Medicine. I think some people are still high for the 80's! His latest cd was a much better quality sound and had simply more heart than Streetalk. I have seen Journey in concert over 10 times since there Infinity tour and know the band history very well. It's too bad Steve's health problem (hip) had to occur so early in his life. Yes was was some discord among the group but that had been going on for years.
Anyway, Steve is my hands down my vote for best voice in rock. Yes Dennis DeYoung, Robert Plant, Rod Stewart were my other favorites, but I still think Steve has the natural raw voice that people like. I'm sure other people out there have there favorite's; that's just my opinion.
Hey Steve do us a favor; your fans want another cd. Let us hear that great voice again!!!

Journey fan that I am, I decided to give this disc a try when I saw a used copy of it on sale. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed at all. It was as if Journey was back and as strong as ever. The musicianship is just as tight as a Journey record and the songwriting is incredible. The guitarist he got for this record is brilliant and if your a Neil Schon fan you will appreciate this guy. He will be playing a soaring and beautiful guitar solo on one record and then lay down a bluesy and emotional line on the next song. His playing really complements the wonderful keyboard arrangements.

As for Steve Perry his voice is every bit as wonderful on this disc as it was on "Frontiers". Although it is his presence that brings this disc to life anyone who listens to this disc must admit he was working with some strong material. Almost every song on this record grabs you. The melodies are just as catchy as anything off of "Escape". More than that they are emotional and Steve Perry really knows how to grab on to your heart strings. For instance "I am" could move any man to tears and at the same time "Donna Please" sounds like he put together every ounce of sadness felt in a life and brought it through his voice. Its not just the ballads that are strong. "You'd better Wait" and "Stand Up" drive you with their energy.

There is not much I can say bad about this disc. I like it almost as much as "Trial By Fire" and if you are a Journey fan and have not heard this disc you have truly missed out. The only song I don't really care for is "Anyway". If that wasn't on this record I would give it five stars because the romance of Journey lives in this record with all of the emotional, energy, and drive.

This CD is an absolute must have for any Journey/Steve Perry fan. Steve goes far beyond anything you've ever heard from him on this one folks. Of course we are all familiar with the sheer quality and range of his gorgeous voice, but this one's a showstopper in showing off ALL the qualities and styles he can pull from up his sleeve. Raw emotion, grittiness (YES!! GRIT from Steve Perry), yep..those soaring high notes...and ALSO: GORGEOUS lower and mid-range as well as pure, unadulterated SOUL. The first cut will knock you off your feet, but be ready for when you get to "I AM". This, in my opinion is the most beautiful ballad Steve has done in all of his long career...from it's soaring string arrangements and understated acoustic guitar opening to the powerful vocals and lyrics that will tear at your heart and soul. The title cut - For the Love of Strange Medicine, is another blockbuster with great song structure, lyrical content and more. Donna Please...emotional, gorgeous and just another top-notch song. One treat you will get here is both the recorded version and the LIVE version of Missing You, where there is no mistaking the tip of the hat in the opening riffs to Steve's hero and vocal muse, the legendary SAM COOKE! And what a treat this is...the LIVE version is even BETTER than the studio version!! Outrageously good. One cannot pass by the very touching Anyway either...an acknowlegement and emotional nod to his former band mates in Journey.

All around -- I KEEP this CD in my car, I take it with me places to listen...I just listen and listen and never tire of it. This is the mother of all of Steve Perry's work to date and although this one never got the radio play it should have, for those of us who have and enjoy it we know what a true treasure chest it is of his songwriting genius and one of the greatest voices that rock music has ever known or may ever know.

I had bought this music on cassett tape before and literally had worn it out. I am so glad I got this on the CD, the sound is so good and Steve Perry has the most awsome voice. He can make the simplest songs sound rich and alive.. I wish he would put out more music on his own.

Anyone who buys this album expecting Journey will be gravely disappointed. This is a far darker, more introspective album than anything Steve Perry ever did with his band...

When you listen to this album, you can keep your finger off the track selection button, because from the the first note to the last, it is truly great. It should have done far better than it did.

Great listening, the music is full bodied, the songs are true Steve Perry full of love and want and deep emotion. And what can you say about a voice that raises goose flesh, all you can do is close your eyes and soar right along with him.