Look into the Future

Look into the Future is an ambitious second album from a period when Journey still largely kept freedom of playing, before reaching the later arena-rock image. While inheriting the debut’s jazz-rock/progressive direction, it begins to be more conscious of song form. Neal Schon’s guitar carefully draws the songs’ scenery with singing-like phrases, not speed alone, and Gregg Rolie’s keyboards and vocals add a rich warmth. From the expanse of the grand, over-ten-minute title track “Look into the Future” and the drive of “On a Saturday Nite” to a Beatles cover “It’s All Too Much” and the blues feel of “I’m Gonna Leave You,” the album moves extremely naturally between hard rock and a progressive sense, while cuts like “Anyway” and “Midnight Dreamer” convey the work’s appeal. Though still different from the later smash direction, a stance seeking to value melody already clearly begins to appear. While centered on outstanding playing, it gradually begins walking toward a more open direction. An intriguing record that carefully conveys early Journey’s sure playing and exploratory spirit — reflecting the band’s transition.