Next

Next is the third album on which Journey, in an early period when it was still strongly playing-oriented, combines progressive development and the straight power of hard rock. A precious record capturing the band’s figure just before it welcomed Steve Perry and greatly evolved in a wholly different direction. Neal Schon’s guitar draws fluid phrases as ever, and Gregg Rolie’s keyboards and richly flavored vocals add a sure warmth. From the dynamism of the opener “Spaceman,” the lyricism of “People” and the melody of “Here We Are” to the dramatic “Karma,” the songs well convey the band’s own character before it later headed in a more popular direction, while cuts like “Hustler” and “Nickel & Dime” convey the playing appeal particular to the early era. A record that captures early Journey’s high playing technique and tireless exploratory spirit. With this work as its last, the band stepped into a great change of direction conscious of hits. Thus it is an intriguing work that is one arrival point for Journey as a playing band and, at the same time, shows just before a great turning point — an important record for knowing the band’s process of evolution.