November 26, 2018

1981 - July - Escape - Journey

41 minutes

JULY of 1981 “Escape” by Journey

Brian hosts this seventh album from JOURNEY — Escape, which catapulted the rock group into the stratosphere on the strength of Steve Perry's soaring vocals, Neal Schon's hook-laden guitar riffs, and newcomer Jonathan Cain's keyboards and songwriting. The album artwork featured a stylized scarab spaceship breaking out of a sphere.

This album transitions from a straightforward hard rock vibe with "Keep on Runnin'" to a more mellow rock sound with Perry's well-known ballad "Open Arms." You just can't go wrong with this classic album.

“Escape ”

The title track from the album is fast-moving and features lots of high notes from Steve Perry.

“Stone in Love”

This track is one of many hits off this album, with a great bass counter melody, a fantastic guitar riff, and soaring harmonies.

“Keep on Runnin'”

Neal Schon's influence is clear in this heavier, faster, deeper cut. Perry's and Schon's relationship appears to have improved since Journey's Hall of Fame induction.

“Still they Ride”

Time for “couples skate.” Perry's vocal range is highlighted in this somewhat deeper cut ballad. The songs on this album are so popular that it is difficult to identify a deep cut.

ENTERTAINMENT TRACK:

“Believe it or Not” from the TV Show, “The Greatest American Hero” — by Joey Scarborough

This is the theme from the TV show "The Greatest American Hero" by one of the greatest THEME SHOW writers of them all...Mike Post.

STAFF PICKS:

“Urgent” by Foreigner

Bruce shares that the producer for this album had the band work with Thomas Dolby to specifically get the sound he wanted. Junior Walker was the Motown saxophone player on this song.

“Riding with Angels” by Samson

That familiar voice is Bruce Dickinson, better known as the front man for Iron Maiden — another of Wayne's favorites. Believe it or not, Russ Ballard originally wrote and performed this song.

“Talk to Ya Later” by the Tubes

Rob takes us through this cautionary tale about a one-night stand that...refuses to leave. Surprisingly, this song is co-written by David Foster.

“The Breakup Song” by the Greg Kihn Band

Off their fourth studio album "Rock Kihn Roll," this is a lament that the great breakup songs of the 60's aren't around. According to Brian, “they don't write 'em like that anymore.”

INSTRUMENTAL / LAUGH TRACK:

“Elvira” by the Oakridge Boys

If you were around in 1981, you heard this song...and you probably enjoyed watching another, ELVIRA, mistress of the Dark.

Check out that ultra-deep bass.

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By Rob Marbury, Wayne Rowan, Bruce Fricks, John Lynch

4.9

4747 ratings