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Legendary frontman gives fans a “behind the scenes” look into his 2018 return that Traces a deeply personal Journey…

96% Spicy

Perhaps one of the few bright spots of last year, was the 2020 year-end release of Traces: Alternative Versions & Sketches by the legendary, former Journey vocalist, Steve Perry. It is the follow-up to his surprise, comeback album, Traces (2018).

Before starting AppFlicks, I reviewed Traces on my MarketingKitchenTV.com YouTube channel. Watch it, here, if you like:

The original release of Traces contained 10 tracks and the Expanded version via StevePerry.com and Target contained 5 Bonus tracks. Both received much fanfare from longtime Journey fans, who had not heard new music from Mr. Perry since his contribution to the Warner Brothers animated film, Quest For Camelot Soundtrack.  The hit song from that album was Perry’s, “I Stand Alone” – a bit metaphoric, in that it was his first and final recording, after saying, “goodbye” to the massively successful, Pop-Arena-Rock outfit, Journey, which he led from 1978 to 1996. It was his final known recording, until Traces was announced in March of 2018, later released in October of that same year.

Here are the track listings for both versions of Traces…

2020 TRACES (Alternate Versions and Sketches) TRACK LIST:

1. Most Of All (Radio Mix)
2. No Erasin’ (Acoustic)
3. I Need You (Acoustic)
4. No More Cryin’ (Acoustic)
5. Most Of All (Stripped)
6. We’re Still Here (Acoustic)
7. You Belong To Me (Stripped)
8. Sun Shines Gray (Acoustic)

2018 TRACES (Expanded) TRACK LIST:

1. No Erasin’
2. We’re Still Here
3. Most Of All
4. No More Cryin’
5. In The Rain
6. Sun Shines Gray
7. You Belong To Me
8. Easy To Love
9. I Need You
10. We Fly
11. October In New York
12. Angel Eyes
13. Call On Me
14. We Could Be Somethin’ Again
15. Blue Jays Fly

Steve shared his insights with Rolling Stone Magazine about what into the writing and recording of Traces vs. Traces Alternative Versions & Sketches. You can check that interview out in the link, below:

It’s hard for me to be objective when writing this review, as Journey is likely my favorite, all-around band. Over the past three decades, I have listened to every known recording, that each member of the group has performed or worked on, as part of Journey, a solo endeavor or when part of other project. While Journey has had many frontmen, I have enjoyed listening to them all and have even had the honor of working with Journey, in several incarnations, while led by Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto and Arnel Pineda.

That said, Steve Perry, know as “The Voice” in the music industry is who most think of when you say the name of the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame band, Journey. It just so happens, that Steve Perry is also my favorite vocalist, then and now. His work in Journey during 1977 – 1986 was outstanding. His vocal prowess was undeniable, in solo recordings, sporadically released in the 80-90’s, including his brief return to Journey in 1996. In 2018’s Traces we hear a more mature voice, but it is THE voice, no less.

While he may not be living in the soprano register he used to, his soprano-tenor performance retains all of the nuances, tonality and phrasing we’ve come to expect from Perry. In some cases, his voice now has a bit more character. Where there was nothing but power, before, there’s now a subtle fragility that makes Traces and even more so Traces Alternative Versions & Sketches, which contains a diverse selection of mostly vocal – easy listening selections, even more pleasurable to the ear, touching your mind, heart and soul. Standouts for me are easily, We’re Still Here, No More Cryin’, In The Rain and Blue Jays Fly. Unfortunately, the last two, cannot be found on the mostly acoustic, 2020 version. Don’t get me wrong when I say this is an easy listening record, there are a number of uptempo tracks from No Erasin’ & Sun Shines Gray to Angel Eyes and Call On Me.

If I have one criticism of Traces Alternative Versions & Sketches it would be that it is too short. I would have liked it to cover all 15 tracks from the 2018 album and / or offer something not found on the prior record, that perhaps was initially considered, but didn’t make the final cut. Perry, the perfectionist, when it comes to his writing, recording and production is known for having some of the best “demos” and “unreleased” in the industry, is likely holding out for what will surly be a treasure-trove of vaulted gems from his storied career, to be released at some point, in the not too distant future. For even Steve has said, that time is too short to wait so long, between releases, again.

Bringing this review back to the point of AppFlicks’ mission, all-things streaming entertainment. Both versions of Traces can be found on all major music streamers. If you purchased the autographed vinyl and cd versions as I did, you were also provided with a digital download of the album. While I buy the majority of my music on the iTunes Store to support artists I enjoy, I continue to purchase cds and now, autographed vinyl, of my favorite performers and bands. Traces Alternative Versions & Sketches was the first vinyl I have purchased since the mid 1980s. It precipitated my retroactively acquiring the first Traces, Journey Greatest Hits I & II and Eclipse on vinyl as well. It should not be a surprise then, that I give both versions of Traces, 5 JoulePeppers – it’s Spicy!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Steve Perry’s 2x comeback Traces albums. What format(s) of music did you purchase vs. do you primarily listen to? Consider becoming a member of the AppFlicks community as either an AppFlicker Critic, JoulePepper Contributor or AuteurX Creator via our Login page. Look forward to your JoulePepper rating of my Steve Perry: Traces review and let me know your comments in the JouleView section, below…

ronvining

Welcome, from AppFlicks Chief AuteurX! I created AppFlicks out of my love for all-things entertainment, stints as a music manager, producer and as an advisor to film & game studios, telcos, lux brands, retail, hospitality & theme parks. Thank you for taking part in our streaming community! NOTE: Activity from my account, may also be initiated by AppFlicks Admin.