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Little by little, "Journey" walks out from its influences from the great "Santana". The guitar breaks from Neal Schon are shorter, but still very effective ("People") and the heavy organ parts form the Gregg are more a kind of a background item unfortunately.

Their first two albums did hold some very good songs (even if I rounded up my judgment) but I can't really find the comparison here. We are confronted to skilled musicians with talent for song writing, for sure. But some passion seems to be lacking even if Neal is shining brilliantly during "I Would Find You".

Some numbers from this album are on the very average side ("Here We Are") are definitely on the down side and indicates less creative work. There are some attempts to rock like "Hustler" which could have been a great live track.

The title song is also leading the listener from the average feel to the very good one (mainly thanks to Schon). I remember the great man featured on the inside cover of the excellent "Santana" third album. In those days, there were no Internet to figure out how a band member looked like ?How many times did I look at this inside album cover? Countless!

He is again great for the instrumental "Nickel & Dime". Some credits also needs to be given to both Aynsley Dunbar on the drums and Ross Valory on bass who are performing at a high level in their duties.

There is even one "Hendrix" oriented track featured with "Karma". A speedy and bluesy guitar- oriented song which is quite pleasant to listen to. Actually this album is more a Neal Schon affair IMHHO. The man is superbly gifted, and when he is soloing, one can only be touched. I just feel a little sad for Gregg who has a more discreet role.

Three stars. A good album.