If only they had Looked Into The Future, maybe they could have tweaked it a little... (Look Into The Future - Journey)

Member Name: blades1071

Product:	Look Into The Future - Journey
Date:	22/05/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Some good songs, excellent music

Disadvantages: A few tracks let the al;bum down a little

Journey are one of the finest bands to come from America. That is quite a simple statement, and although could spark major levels of controversy, I am still pretty sure that I will have the backing of many when I say such a thing. Releasing album number one in 1975, and continuing to a thirteenth release as late as 2008 has got to stand for something in any case. This album, 'Look Into The Future' was their second, and came out in 1976 to quite an unwelcoming public. Although this maxed out the US album chart thirty eight positions higher than its predecessor, it still could only manage a lowly '100'.

Were the people of America correct in their judgement? Is this album hardly worth a mention? Or is it simply a case of bad timing and actually, stores wonders of hidden gems?

On A Saturday Night is the first song on this album and I think it would be a pretty reasonable assumption to state that this track has more lyrics than the entire first album; the self titled 'Journey'. So, take yourself back to 1976. What is this new style of Journey we are witnessing? You see, although their first album was very musically pleasing, it did not offer much for the listener to sing along, or hold on to, meaning the tracks were not so catchy and at times, quite unforgettable. This track is clearly not going to be remembered as Journeys greatest hit, though it is the first risk taker of the new era Journey, the setting stone for what they will later become if you will. For that, a great deal of credit is due. Actually, it is quite a reasonable track, with a very upbeat and lively chorus, which harmonises perfectly with the intelligent guitar performances by the magnificently skilled musicians.

It's All Too Much sports a very good introduction. Although lyrically unaided, it does get the song going with flowing music of the highest quality. When you get further into the track you realise that the music is something to latch onto for the duration as it is not really backed up with a magnificent set of lyrics. Without some intelligent playing, I think this would be considered one of the weaker tracks on the album.

The start of Anyway has one of those soothing but powerful introductions that you would likely hear at the opening of a Pink Floyd track. Actually, even the lyrics sound like something performed by Syd Barrett himself. This is quite a slow track and as a result, I do not find it as appealing as it could be should it bear a speeded up tempo. I can almost liken some of the sounds in the chorus to that of 'whale music', which is not the greatest thing to appreciate in a song.

Track four sees a rise back to the upbeat tempo of a little track called 'She Makes Me (Feel Alright)'. Sporting almost a heavy metal feel (though not quite), it is quite significantly different to the proceeding track. I say significant for a reason, which is, that this is just another example of the wide basis of different feelings and genres that Journey can incorporate into their many different songs. Although quite short, compared to their other tracks, this is one of my favourites on the album as I particularly enjoy the pace and complexity of the music compared with a greater addition of vocals.

'You're On Your Own' starts with quite a sombre outlook and you begin to wonder if this is to become one of those tracks that ungracefully drag on for an outstayed welcome, obliterating all chance of audible happiness for the next six minutes or so. Unfortunately, I would not class this as one of Journeys super 'anthems', nor would it be a track that would persuade me to rush out and buy, should it be released nowadays. I think a shorter version could be more appreciated, as it gets to the point when you feel it drags on a bit after around three and a half minutes.

Being the title track, you would expect 'Look Into The Future' to be a real good effort, the central point of a great album. I think, to be fair, it does that. Although a little slow and under powering at times, it gives off a kind of relaxing power ballad feel if ever there was one. This is the sort of song that true fans of the band will know, but it won't be the sort of tune you hear on the radio stations. Instead, it is more of a talented masterpiece that is saved for those who wish to delve into the depths of the archives and relive some of those memories from the seventies!

Midnight Dreamer is the penultimate track on the album and starts with a very upbeat feel and a feel good aura. Supplied with the pace to stand out and be remembered/enjoyed more popularly I believe this to be one of the highlights of the album. As a song, it seems to go through stages of different complexities, giving the listener the chance to once again, sample the capabilities of one of San Francisco's finest bands.

The final tune is aptly named 'I'm Gonna Leave You' and does so with a seven minute song to end the album in style. As this album proceeded my birth by some years, I was left to discover the songs on my own, some of which, were only recently. Because of this, it enables me to remember my exact thoughts upon hearing the song for the first time. I can pleasantly say that as a newcomer to this song, I was very pleased with what I heard and enjoyed each of the seven minutes of performance. The organ heard in some of the other songs makes a welcome return to add an even greater diversity to the production.

Summary: Not the sort of album that will be regrded as a 'one to remember' really...