It’s Mother’s Day on Sunday, so there was no way this Test Spin was going to be focused on anything other than Journey, my mom’s favorite band. In fact, when I was deciding which Journey album to revisit for this article and listing the songs from each one to my mom, almost every song title was met with “Ooh, that’s a good one” — an understandable reaction. But, as much as I can appreciate loving every song from your favorite artist or group, this was not particularly helpful in narrowing the scope of my review (sorry Mom). I ultimately landed on the 1983 record Frontiers because it houses two of my own favorite Journey songs — “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Faithfully” — although I did almost go with Escape of 1981 just so I could wax poetic about “Open Arms” (Mom, this was actually a really difficult decision… forgive me). Before I change my mind and start talking about Infinity (1978) or Departure (1980), let’s just hop right into it.
Frontiers kicks off with its first single, the undeniable “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Not only is this song one of my favorites, but it is an absolute classic. It’s spontaneous and impactful, just like its origin story; guitarist Neal Schon said of “Separate Ways,” “It doesn’t matter where we put this song because it has always had a strong effect on the audience, all the way back to the first time we played it — before it was even recorded. It was written on tour and we threw it in the set to see how it would go down. The audience had an amazing reaction to it without even knowing what it was.” It has just a touch of Motown mixed with heavy guitar and synth running through. And, even if you’re not a Journey fan, you might still recognize this song from season four of Stranger Things.
In “Send Her My Love,” Steve Perry confesses that he wasn’t able to give his girl what she needed. Those soaring, quintessential Perry vocals are on full display, charging the song with a melancholy bellow that you can feel in your soul. Schon’s guitar solo is, unsurprisingly, beautiful and extremely moving, pushing the song that extra mile. “Chain Reaction” sees some Steve Perry belts, and it’s wonderful to hear. Here, Perry sings about how the little things we do every day have long term effects on our lives and the lives of the people around us. It’s introspective, reflective and electrifying all the way down to the outro.
“After the Fall” is brimming with regret: “I miss you now / But a headstrong stubborn man / Only works it out the best he can / Valentines he never sent / There’s not enough time / He’s a working man,” Perry sings. The steady beat set by the drum can almost be fittingly mistaken for a heartbeat. But the best part of “After the Fall” is those iconic ’80s rock harmonies, which Journey has always had down to a tee. Next is “Faithfully,” which, if you’ll recall, I mentioned in my last Test Spin — bet you didn’t think I hid Easter eggs in my articles, did you? This track was the second single off Frontiers, and hands-down one of the best Journey songs out there. Written by keyboardist and rhythm guitarist Jonathan Cain on a napkin while traveling to Saratoga Springs, New York, “Faithfully” centers around the strain of trying to maintain a relationship while being a musician on the road: “They say the road ain’t no place to start a family / Right down the line, it’s been you and me / And lovin’ a music man ain’t always what it’s supposed to be / Oh, girl, you stand by me / I’m forever yours / Faithfully.” I also must extend my gratitude to Perry and Schon — this song truly is a masterclass in the beauty of a seamless blend between guitar and vocals.
“Edge of the Blade” starts with an intoxicating intro and sees Perry grappling with the intermingling of love and pain in his relationship. The star of the show here is Schon — those riffs are simply mind-numbing. “Troubled Child” is a bit more toned down than the rest of the record, but darker and moodier. Perry’s voice is positively haunting as he sings, “War with yourself / Makes you feel better / Caught behind the lines / Troubled child / Faith finds a cure / It makes you feel better / You know you can shine / Troubled child” — and, of course, Schon absolutely tears it up on the guitar, yet again. Perry’s voice turns biting in the angry “Back Talk,” and the message is clear — don’t talk back to this guy.
Despite being the title track, “Frontiers” is a tad disappointing — I do not feel like anything really special is going on here, but I can appreciate the gist of perseverance. Frontiers closes out with “Rubicon,” a track that feels nearly religious in its sweeping sound. It’s about pushing forward despite the challenges you might face, since it might actually turn out in your favor — sounds a little bit like… finals?
Happy Mother’s Day to you and yours, and have a lovely summer. Test Spins will be on pause for the summer, but don’t worry — I’ll be back to impose my impeccable music taste on you again in the fall.
Test Spins is a fortnightly throwback column reviewing and recommending classic and underrated albums from the past. It runs every other Friday.
Sydney Levinton is a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at slevinton@cornellsun.com.
