GREATEST HITS DVD 1978-1997

Released in 2003, this DVD covers Journey's most successful era, from the release of 'Infinity' in 1978 through to 'Trial by fire' in 1996. This of course means that the pre-Steve Perry era, which is the band's most relevant period for this website, is completely ignored. Indeed the pre 1978 albums are not even mentioned in the discography which appends the DVD, although it does include several superfluous compilations.

18 songs are included, the videos being a mixture of live performances and made for TV music videos. The live tracks are taken from to gigs in Texas in 1981 and in California in 1986. Given that the DVD is primarily intended as a 'Greatest hits' package, these live songs make for a welcome addition. I suspect there has been some post-production dubbing of the music, but the band's live prowess is well captured.

The made for MTV videos are very much of their time, the worst probably being the one for 'Separate ways' which for reasons unexplained is filmed outside a warehouse. The video for 'Faithfully' on the other hand is a fine example of a video which complements the song perfectly.

The period covered here is of course dominated by the fine voice of Steve Perry, the rest of the band being primarily backing musicians. Original vocalist Greg Rolie does however get the opportunity to step forward to the mike on a couple of occasions, and Neil Schon's fine lead guitar break on 'Who's crying now' is one of the tracks which is a live performance.

The DVD is presented in such a way as to ensure that the upbeat numbers and ballads are mixed in together, and the live tracks are spread evenly throughout. There is therefore no chronological flow but rather the feel of a complete concert. There is of course no room for improvisation here, with even the live tracks being tightly choreographed.

Overall, a good summary of the band's most popular songs in terms of singles and radio plays.

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