Raised on Radio

Raised on Radio is a work on which Journey, around Steve Perry’s voice holding both softness and power, advanced toward a more refined, urban pop rock. Perry was deeply involved in production, and his musical vision is strongly reflected. Neal Schon’s guitar deftly functions not only flashily but as a rich color filling the space of the singing. Also a record from a period when the band’s lineup greatly changed. The bright drive of the opener “Girl Can’t Help It,” the positive, powerful momentum of “Be Good to Yourself” and the sorrowful feel of “I’ll Be Alright Without You” well show this album’s wide emotional range, while the catchiness of “Suzanne” and a cut like the title track “Raised on Radio” convey the work’s appeal. A more refined, grown-up sound is its distinction. A record that, while valuing the big melody, reflects the band’s sure maturity within a more refined, polished sound particular to the mid-1980s. It also became a break of an era by the classic lineup. Letting you carefully savor song quality and Perry’s outstanding singing over flashiness, it is a mature, fulfilling work — a record showing another refinement of Journey.