Generations

Generations is a mature melodic-rock work of Journey, layering clear, powerful guitar, thick keyboards and a pleasantly clear vocal. Following the previous Arrival, Steve Augeri handled the vocals. Its great distinction is that it includes songs on which not only Augeri but each member, led by Neal Schon, takes a lead vocal. While keeping the long-standing style, it creates rich variety by placing a different vocal expression in each song. From the powerful drive of the opener “Faith in the Heartland” and the momentum of “The Place in Your Heart” to cuts like “A Better Life,” “Every Generation” and “Believe,” every song is engaging. Big hooks and steady, sure playing pleasantly spread a positive, warm air across the whole album. Content that conveys the band’s unity. A record that, while also holding an experimental side of enjoying each member’s distinctive voice, lets you again fully savor Journey’s openness. It powerfully shows the band’s sure solidarity and mature ability. Showing the fullness of the Augeri era, it is an engaging melodic-rock work — a record packed with the band’s varied appeal.