Escape - Journey (1981)
Journey started as a frankly uninspiring prog fusion sorta thing. They changed tactics in the 80s when they hired singer Steve Perry and started leaning into their poppier sensibilities.
Conventional pop rock in the early 80s (for an audience that thought new wave and punk were kids music) involved belted vocals and scorching guitar, and Journey had both in spades with Perry and guitarist Neil Schon (o_O)
The transition to arena-filling anthem rock went pretty well from here on for the group.
Tracks I Liked
Don’t Stop Believin’ - check out this little-known opener if you want something new in your life. A deep cut, maybe, but I think there’s something there.
Who’s Crying Now - probably my favorite on this.
Lay It Down - a dirtier-than-average guitar riff drives something great
