Infinity is the album where Journey takes on the sound we recognize as that monster of a group. This fourth studio album is the first to include vocalist and front man Steve Perry in the group. The group had been looking for a stronger lead vocalist, and had originally settled on Robert Fleischman for that role. However, Fleischman was soon replaced by Perry after “musical and management differences” were encountered.
In addition to Steve Perry, the band at the time included Neal Schon on guitar...
Infinity is the album where Journey takes on the sound we recognize as that monster of a group. This fourth studio album is the first to include vocalist and front man Steve Perry in the group. The group had been looking for a stronger lead vocalist, and had originally settled on Robert Fleischman for that role. However, Fleischman was soon replaced by Perry after “musical and management differences” were encountered.
In addition to Steve Perry, the band at the time included Neal Schon on guitar, Gregg Rolle on keyboards and vocals, Ross Valory on bass, and Aynsley Dunbar on percussion. The album was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had previously worked with Queen. Baker brought the layered sound and stacked vocals approach to the band, which is prominent in songs like “Feeling That Way” and “Anytime.”
Infinity would mark a departure of Journey from their jazzy prog rock roots to a decidedly more accessible pop rock sound. Much of their work prior to Infinity would disappear from the setlist over time. This album would see both former lead singer Gregg Rolle and new lead singer Steve Perry sharing vocal duties on songs, but those lead duties would be almost exclusively Perry's going forward.
Rob brings us this iconic band and album as we celebrate our 250th Episode.
Lights
The lead track from the album is an homage to San Francisco. It was inspired by a sunrise when Perry was at Griffith Park Observatory in Los Angeles, and saw the lights going down as the sun came up. It was the third single off the album, but was only a minor hit at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Feeling That Way
This track utilizes a prominent layered sound by having multiple vocalists sing each part of the harmony in unison, creating a much fuller sound. It also sees Perry and Rolle taking turns with the lead vocal duties. Ordinarily paired with “Anytime,” the following song on the album, we're cutting this one short in favor of some deeper cuts.
Somethin' to Hide
An unusual deeper cut in an album filled with well-played songs, this track shows off Perry's high harmonies. It was rarely played live because of the vocal difficulty. The lyrics talk about a relationship where it is clear something is wrong, something hidden.
Patiently
Another (relatively) deep cut, Perry and Schon wrote this song. It is Perry's reflection about life on the road, his excitement at being a part of the band, and the thrill of the fans. This is the first song Steve Perry wrote for the group.
ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:
Intro to the television series “Project UFO”
This short-lived television series channeled the flying saucer/alien interest that was popular at the time.
STAFF PICKS:
Comin' Right Down On Top of Me by April Wine
Bruce gets the staff picks going with a deep track from April Wine's seventh studio album, First Glance. The song is a blues epic which chronicles the singer's feeling of being so weighed down with bad luck that he can't breathe. Myles Goodwyn who wrote this song was the only founding member left in the group by the time this album was created.
Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel
Lynch features a song dedicated to Joel's first wife and road manager, Elizabeth Weber. It is the first single from his hugely successful fifth studio album, The Stranger, and it would win Grammy awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1979. Joel jokes about writing songs for his wives just before they get divorced. Jazz saxophonist Phil Wood plays the sax solo part.
Northern Lights by Renaissance
Journey may have given up their prog rock roots, but Wayne brings us the prog rock with the most popular song Renaissance would produce. This song off their eighth studio album, A Song for All Seasons, is about leaving the Northern Lights of England and fiancée Roy Wood while working in the U.S. It went to number 10 in the UK, although it didn't break into the US top 40.
Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood by Santa Esmeralda
Rob finishes the staff picks with a flamenco dance cover of Nina Simone's song. The best known cover was done by the Animals, but Santa Esmeralda featured a 16-minute cover that took up an entire album side. You may recall Santa Esmeralda's version was featured in one of the Kill Bill: Volume 1 fight scenes.
COMEDY TRACK:
Short People by Randy Newman
Long before his association with Disney, Randy Newman released this novelty hit which exclaims, “Don't want no short people 'round here.”
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