Frontiers, by Journey, from "Frontiers" 1983

 

When you hear Journey, "Frontiers", a lot of you would first think of songs like "Separate Worlds" or "Faithfully", maybe "Send Her My Love", all songs from the hits laden side one of the 22 year old LP.  Side two of the album contained a collection of more complex and challenging songs, both aurally and intellectually speaking, bordering on prog-rock but saving itself from that ledge with its shorter and catchier structured melodies and workmanship.

 

I remember just starting to play drums not far from the time this album came out, and drummer Steve Smith from Journey I always found a joy to listen to.  He was more than just the classic 2-4 beat drummer with the quarter or eighth notes on high hats; he used alternative rhythms that would fit the mood and feel of the song that would best mesh with Neil Schon's choppy, yet smooth, sonic chords and solos.  On this track you can hear Steve Perry challenging his own pop sensibilities too, especially with the layered and overlapping harmonies toward the end of the song.  This is a stellar performance really by the entire band, and unfortunately overlooked and overshadowed by its glossier other half of radio-friendly singles.