Infinity (Journey Album)

Infinity (Journey album)

Journey's fourth album, Infinity, was released in January 1978 on Columbia Records. It was the band's first album with vocalist Steve Perry.

Looking for a stronger lead vocalist, Journey briefly enlisted front man Robert Fleischman and even recorded a few tracks, one of which, "For You," which later appeared on the Time3 collection, and Fleischman's solo album, Perfect Stranger. Fleischman was soon thereafter replaced by Steve Perry due to musical and management differences. Fleischman would later resurface as the first singer in the Vinnie Vincent Invasion.

With songs like "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime," Perry shared the vocals with former lead singer and keyboardist Gregg Rolie.

"Patiently" was the first song Perry and Neal Schon wrote together. Perry wrote the lyrics, in which he expresses the sadness of being on the road and away from home, while also expressing admiration for the band's fans. Schon wrote the music for the song. Other popular singles included "Lights" and "Wheel in the Sky." The latter was co-written with temporary front man Fleischman.

Journey's manager, Herbie Herbert, enlisted producer Roy Thomas Baker to engineer "Infinity." This produced a layered sound approach, similar to his work with Queen, as demonstrated on tracks such as "Winds of March." In addition, Baker's method of stacked harmonies, notable on several other albums he produced, became trademarks of Journey's sound. Baker achieved this by having each vocalist (usually Perry and Rolie, sometimes joined by Valory and/or Schon) sing each harmony part in unison. This had the effect of making three or four voices sound like more, and is notable on the songs "Feeling that Way" and "Anytime," which are often played in tandem consecutively on radio stations.

The addition of Perry led to a more mainstream sound, and helped Journey attain their highest chart success to date. Infinity marked the last appearance of drummer Aynsley Dunbar.