Legendary voice’s return to music lives up to the hype

Steve Perry is one of the most influential and iconic rock singers the world has ever known. Dubbed by Jon Bon Jovi as ‘The Voice,’ Perry’s big break was when he joined progressive rock group Journey, and with him leading the way, they became international superstars. Thanks to Perry’s smooth, soaring vocal delivery, songs such as “Separate Ways” and “Don’t Stop Believing” are still mega-hits decades later. The band folded in 1987, but returned successfully in the mid-90s. However, in 1998, Perry left Journey permanently.

On the side, Perry had always been working on solo material, but for a long time, he stayed out of the music industry. However, after his girlfriend died from cancer in 2012, Perry rediscovered a passion for music. And finally, after over two decades of waiting, fans finally get to hear new music in the form of his new album, Traces.

First, to answer the most important question on everyone’s minds: he’s still got it. At nearly 70 years old he can’t hit all the high notes, but that’s just a product of naturally getting older. However, he has aged gracefully, and the music reflects that. There are little snippets of the Journey sound here and there, but for the most part, the songs are mellower and draw influences from more soft rock and pop, rather than the huge, arena-filling anthems he is best known for.

The best track is actually the first track, the soaring lead single “No Erasin’.” It’s got a huge hook, and the melody shines through. The rock hook also shows up in the waltz-y “No More Cryin” and the fist-pumping “Sun Shines Grey.” However, Perry is the most at home on big, vulnerable, tear-jerking ballads, and there are many on here, especially “In The Rain.” It’s a hauntingly beautiful song that begins with just vocals and sparse piano chords, but as it goes on, the notes become higher and more sustained, and once the orchestra hits, it’s impossible not to shed a tear. It’s a triumphant and glowing return from a man whose voice many people feared they’d never hear again. It goes to show that great things happen in the future, as long as you don’t stop believing.