Journey
Departure

THE REVIEW

After the change in style with "Infinity" and "Evolution", it is with "Departure" that Journey enters the '80s, a period that will eternally consecrate them in the AOR scene and see them become one of the most famous and appreciated bands in the USA.

After the historic drummer Anysley Dunbar had already left the band before the previous "Evolution", this "Departure" presents for the last time Gregg Rolie on keyboards, who will leave after the tour of this album, suggesting to the band who will be his successor, Jonathan Cain, who will help deliver the group to legend by playing the notes of songs like "Don't Stop Believin'", "Open Arms", and "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)".

The album continues the path started with "Infinity" and "Evolution", and still remains tied to the hard-leaning rock of previous works, even though the production is more polished, and the songs seem to follow precise and more carefully studied patterns, with less room for improvisation; elements that will anticipate the more mainstream and pop turn of "Escape" and especially "Frontiers" and "Raised On Radio". Furthermore, the splendid vocal interplay between Gregg Rolie and Steve Perry, which had delivered unforgettable gems like "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime" (from "Infinity") or "Just The Same Way" (from "Evolution"), is almost entirely set aside.

The album opens with one of the most successful episodes of the record, "Any Way You Want It", a compelling song with a winning chorus, which, along with "Lights" and "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'", was one of the singles that contributed most to Journey's success, before the consecration of "Escape"; and there are other tracks more linked to hard rock, which take us directly back to the atmospheres of "Infinity": from the more anonymous "Where Were You", to the explosive "Line Of Fire" and "Homemade Love", with Neal Schon in the limelight, embellishing them with pyrotechnic solos worthy of his skill; while bluesy reminiscences are still noticeable in "Walks Like A Lady". Dreamy refrains and airy melodies instead characterize "Someday Soon", "Precious Time" and the beautiful "People And Places", a longer and more elaborated song, which is also one of the brightest episodes of the album, thanks to its wonderful time changes that leave the song halfway between relaxed and dreamy moments and more intense and rock riffs. There's even a double intro, the instrumental and psychedelic title track and the brief and sweet "Good Morning Girl", which slips away carrying one of Steve Perry's most intense vocal performances, paving the way and leaving space for the album's most beautiful song, "Stay Awhile", a deep and romantic ballad, yet able to avoid being overly slow or clichéd, where Steve Perry reaches great heights, and Gregg Rolie bids farewell to the band by painting the sweet piano notes of this unforgettable song, with a last verse truly tear-jerking.

With "Departure" Journey makes a general rehearsal before the great successes that await them in just a few years, but not before giving fans the splendid live testimony of "Captured" recorded during the tour of this album, which shows the face of the band I have loved and carry in my heart the most. Then will come the triptych of "Escape" (1981), "Frontiers" (1983), and "Raised On Radio" (1986), which will forever stamp the name of a group that knew how to write pearls capable of making America dream in those years into the history of rock made in the USA, thanks to their immense class and especially to one of the most beautiful voices in rock, that of Steve Perry, too bad he no longer plays with them today.

Don't Stop Believin'