Prompted by the ecstatic success of their 1996 reunion album "Trial By Fire," Journey issued "Greatest Hits Live," a startling document of their domination of the 1980s touring grounds. Despite the title, this is definitely not a mere re-release of hits, presented live in an empty manner of sweetening the deal. And though most of the tracks here were indeed hits, Journey soldiers through a fine canon of work with an explosive energy that challenges the original versions.

Despite some re-mixing by Kevin Shirley (who produced "Trial By Fire"), "Greatest Hits Live" possesses a truly live feel due to the fact that no overdubs were included. Culled from 1981 and 83 performances in Tokyo, Oklahoma, and Texas, Journey triumphs with the enduring and well-chosen introduction 'Don't Stop Believin,' and brilliantly shifts tempos and strengths on tracks like 'Lights,' 'Send Her My Love,' and 'Still They Ride.' 'Wheel in the Sky' was a great choice to end concerts with, as the subject of carnival life applies to a life of a touring rock band. The output of vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain shine bright, but it's also worth noting that the rhythm section of Ross Valory and Steve Smith (bass and drums, respectively) are particularly worth mentioning, as the recording techniques bring justice to the their tight and energetic rhythms.

Journey was one of the biggest bands of the 1980s, despite the critical association with the dreaded "80s pop" sound. As if the earlier released "Captured" didn't show their power on stage, "Greatest Hits Live" showcases the ominous, unlimited spectacle that is Journey.

This is a great disc! I have had a copy of CAPTURED for years, but that only covers Journey's big hits before Jonathan Cain came on board. This is for those folks who grew up listening to Journey's huge hits on the radio. And can they rock! The stereo separation is nice, too...Cain's keyboard's in one channel, Neal Schon's guitar in the other. They don't make bands like this anymore. If you don't like Journey, you'll hate the CD. If you are a Journey fan, you'll want to hear the live renditions of some great songs...mainly from ESCAPE and FRONTIERS. Don't get too excited, though, about the hidden track. It's just the fireworks display after one of the shows....

Captured is better. It has a better "live" feel than this one. I'm just not feeling it with this album. Despite reading most of these (and other) reviews first, I bought it anyway since I like their music. If you don't have Captured, buy that one first.

I'm only 22 years old. But i grew up listening to the songs of Journey! It takes me back to long summer road trips with my father. I'm forever greatful that my father turned me on to such great music. This is the one cd that you can just put in and let the whole thing play.

Great melodies, super tight band, great vocals and all live with no overdubs. Most live albums are full of fixes and overdubs but this band was a band that sounded live the way they did on the record but with more live energy. Steve's voice soars. If you are a Journey fan this is a must have. Obviously they were much more than just an 80s pop rock band. They could really play and sing great. Refreshing in a time when so many acts are lip syncing, singing to tracks, or just singing poorly. This is an example of how a great band is supposed to sound live. They made sure they gave the audience their moneys worth. And so does this CD.