Search - Journey :: Journey - Greatest Hits Live

An Amazing Document of Journey's Live Conquest of the 80s

Bud | Seminole, Texas, USA | 01/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Simply incredible

Bud | 07/22/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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!"

Great songs (of course), but not quite a true live feel

Brad | CT | 10/03/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"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."