Arrival / Journey (2001)

1. Higher Place

2. All the Way

3. Signs of Life

4. All the Things

5. Loved By You

6. Livin' to Do

7. I Got a Reason

8. With Your Love

9. Lifetime of Dreams

10. Live and Breathe

11. Kiss Me Softly

12. I'm Not That Way

13. We Will Meet Again

14. To Be Alive Again

Arnel Pineda became a celebrity since he became a singer of Journey. His voice won the hearts of Journey's fans. That was one great "Cinderella story".  Steve Perry is the original singer that has the established status. Still this day, I am hoping that he will come back and join the band someday. Well, for the most of Journey's fans, it seems like that the fact that there was another singer who were a member of the band and made two albums with them between Perry and Pineda. His name was Steve Augeri. I have been having the feeling that the most people either forgot or are neglecting that the fact the he was the singer of one of the most popular band in the world.

This was the first album that Steve Augeri sang with the band. Most people even don't know that this album existed because of the commercial failure. The album peaked at #56 on the Billboard 200. It was the worst chart position since 1978. Of course, I don't say this album was the best Journey's album. However, I have to say that this album is in Top 5 list of my Journey discography. The quality of the songs doesn't yield to no other great albums such as Escape and Frontiers. The album contains full of Journey essence. It has good catchy melody, beautiful ballads, and cool up-tempo rock songs.

Steve Augeri's voice is not as similar as Pineda's to the original singer. But, it really matches with the band and does not destruct ears. In the lead single, "All The Way", you can hear everything you expect from Journey, beautiful Piano intro, heart-aching vocal, and cool guitar solo. It also has some good rock songs such as "Higher Place" and "Signs of Life". This album also has one of my favorite ballads, "Kiss Me Softly". This song reminded me of "Who's Crying Now" and "Still She Cries" (Trial By Fire). It has one of the most beautiful chorus.

Anyways, I really wish that this album will be more recognized and receive right evaluation and reviews. If you like Journey, please please listen to this album. You won't regret paying some money to have this masterpiece. 

☆☆☆☆☆