Next marks the end of Journey’s pre-Perry era and the last gasp of their prog-blues fusion experiment before turning toward commercial rock. It’s an odd mix—some tracks like “Spaceman” and “Hustler” lean hard into sci-fi themes and funky grooves, while others hint at the radio-friendly polish to come. Gregg Rolie remains on vocals, but there’s a clear sense that the band’s identity is shifting. Neal Schon’s playing is sharp and expressive as ever, but the songs themselves feel caught between technical ambition and the need for more accessible hooks. It’s a curious, uneven farewell to their early phase but still a solid listen if you dig early Journey or early to mid period Santana.
1977 US pressing on Columbia and it sounds great.
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