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It isn't because Journey is slickly produced that they suck (David Byrne, XTC). It isn't because they write short, punchy songs that they suck (Ramones, White Stripes, Elvis Costello, for gods sake). It isn't becuase they are technically talented and can play well that they suck (King Crimson, Santana).
It's simply because they suck, with some exceptions prior to Steve Perry's arrival. Chicago and the Doobie Brothers... even the Police followed similar arcs... a powerful performer begins to dominate the band, the writing becomes more and more tuned to big sales and the lowest common denominator, and away from meaningful individual self-expression, and the group mind that made then so creative and dynamic disappears into the cult of personality of the offending band member. (Steve Perry, Peter Cetera, Michael MacDonald, and even Sting)
There is an "it" factor that Journey, especially after they became successful, do not have. I was at the Bill Graham memorial show at Golden Gate Park, and the spectacle of Steve Perry begging the hip San Francisco crowd to "sing along, just once with me. Please!" on "When the Lights Go Down in the City" was enough to turn my stomach permanently, and yours too, had you seen it. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young were as much of a different era, no more contemporary, but they didn't have to beg anyone to sing along with "Ohio". Their material stands up over time. Journey's does not.
Journey may be closer to the Ramones than Led Zeppelin, but they're closer to Christopher Cross than either. It takes a lot more than short songs to be punk. Journey is soulless because their songs are soulless, and it makes them a perfect match for Tony Soprano's dysfunctional existence and family.
One of the things that made David Chase's choice of "Don't Stop Believin'" so effective is that first moment after a viewer hears the song start... and they say, "Oh god, I can't believe they're using this song." Then, two minutes later, as the song is still playing, the incredulous, "They're still playing it!". Why does this moment occur? Why is it an unbelievable and jarring musical choice?
Because. Journey. Sucks.
See?
