Original Album Classics

Whenever I have read about this discography of the band Journey, there is never any mention of the band's first three albums, Journey (1975), Look Into the Future (1976) and Next (1977). These albums don't feature the band's famous lead singer, Steve Perry and had more of a progressive rock approach. There's no real hit, no real pop melodies and more focused on musicianship rather than commercial success.This Original Album Classics collects all three albums in one cheap slipcase. The CDs are house in cheap miniature vinyl sleeve replicas. There's nothing fancy about it whatsoever. It's a budget collection and looks like one. The real quality is in the music and to my surprise, the music is VERY good. So good in fact that I question some of the music sources online that I have seen over the years rag on each one of these albums.Of the three, my favourite is the first two. Journey and Look Into the Future are quite a heavy guitar driven progressive rock and have an edge over a lot of the rock of the time period. These two albums work well played one after the other, feeling like a double album more than anything. Next is a little more into the psychedelic side of things with a slower more melodic pace and generally does its own thing. It's still has those hard hitting rock songs and a very enjoyable record but it doesn't sound quite as self indulgent or adventurous as its predecessors.The quality of the sound is pretty flawless for all three CDs. They're not loud and sound absolutely fantastic cranked up. This is how albums printed on CD should be. The prints of these albums sound a lot nicer than the first few Steve Perry era albums, which was a surprise. There's obviously been some love given to these albums and they hold up rather well because of it.For those who are getting into Journey, this is not your mother's hit making band. This is a serious group of musicians creating some fairly self indulgent music for musicians. They're very good albums but not for the easy listening crowd. I would personally recommend them, especially if you're into early to mid 70s Santana. You can't go wrong with all three albums for a tenner.

This is good value for five albums. I love Runrig music and treated myself to a majority cd player recently so I could get my old CDs out of the cupboard and start playing them again. I bought this set because it filled some gaps in my collection and is absolutely brilliant

If you're an ELO fan it's good to have Jeff Lynn's solo albums included

The first three album releases by U.S. rock band Journey; are presented in a glossy CD type slip case on this 2011 release.Containing the albums; Journey (1975),Look into the future ('76) and Next ('77) - the first two albums are in the style of prog-rock tradition of the era,with swirling keyboards,incredible guitar solos and searing vocals etc.also jazz-tinged guitar work of Neil Schon - very much influenced by him and Greg Rolie - previous member of Rock legends Santana.I already own the first two albums individually,and have reviewed these in more detail on my Amazon reviews.So instead would like to concentrate on the final album included in this set - Next.Whilst this may not have the same power and sheer bombast of the previous two releases; it carries on the prog-rock DNA of their roots,but has a heavy rock/metal (even) feel to some tracks.opening track: Spaceman sets the pace in such a way.British drummer Aynsley Dunbar's contributions are - not always obvious - but outstanding all the same.long,incredible guitar sections courtesy of Neil Schon (again) - the only original member still in the journey ranks today (2023),are evident on - especially - last three tracks; Next,Nickel and Dime - and Karma.this being the album's closing track - and not for the first time on the Next album; has a fade-out,then reprise on the coda - just when you think it's over.While Next: is the slightly under-par of the three lp's - it's still a worthy inclusion and gives a slight hint into the Next (pun time) stage of the Journey (and again) - oh stop it!! 😂,of the AOR/melodic rock path they were to take herein...Steve Perry was to join the following year (1978) - you know!The package: well,It's not bad I'm thinking.but it comes in single cardboard sleeves,glossy ones but cheap and flimsy all the same!First two album sleeves contain microscopic - if not invisible writing - info on Next is a slight improvement - but not great.The slipcase front cover consists of four-piece Journey line-up replicating the Next album cover.rear sleeve; all three album covers and short write up of early band resumé of 1975-77.A dissapointing package on the whole,who's main saving grace is the glossy colour presentation it presents to the fan and purchaser at large.This completes my final piece of my Journey studio albums I have been collecting for quite some time now.I decided to plump for this 'original album classics' boxset for the pure economics of it all.under £10 asking price.Next as an individual CD - up to £15 - makes sense? 🤗N.B. original and long-term Journey member and bass guitarist Ross Valory - is superb on all three album discs.No mention of digital re-mastering for this set.very good/excellent sound quality - all the same.P.S. remembering original rythym guitarist and songwriter - George Tickner - who sadly passed away in July 2023 at the age of 76 🎸🎶🙏🏼

This was a surprise Christmas present 5 CD's in 1!! Great for ELO and Jeff Lynne fans was so good bought the other Original Classic Albums

Loved it

There's four studio albums preceeding the earliest of theseThese represent the second phase of the bands existenceThe folk rock phaseHighlighted by a huge hit with 'blőde frage saufgelage' if you want to check it on YouTube

Great record bought as a gift and delivered quickly.