This is another of the "Original Album Classics" box sets. I have already reviewed the one by Kansas here and no doubt will post about my Blue Oyster Cult and Psychedelic Furs boxes in due course.
This one is bit different as it is a slimmer box containing just 3 albums by AOR kings Journey. Despite a few rockist moments and some dreadful boogie piano, it's hard to argue with the songwriting and performances here. Neal Schon's guitarwork is often underrated, while Steve Perry's vocals have never been matched since he left the band. The albums in this set are "Departure", "Escape" and "Frontiers". These 3 albums contain numerous US Top 30 hits. Here in the UK, Journey have never done big business until one of the TV talent shows picked up on the song "Don't Stop Believin'". The band, or what's left of it, has recently toured here along with the remnants of Foreigner and Styx.
The three albums are presented in "vinyl replica" cardboard sleeves. I rather like this format. The track-listings on the individual sleeves are those of the original vinyl versions and hence we even get advised that the "Frontiers" album is "ALSO ON CASSETTE". Thanks, but no thanks! In truth, these albums are the remastered versions where the vocals and drums are much clearer. The vocals do not suffer from that phasey quality you often hear when Journey are on the radio or on a compilation album. There are also 10 bonus tracks including 3 live hits. All in all, quite a bargain.
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