“Escape” by Journey: Rating of eight out of ten; an original composition by classic rock legends. Journey is best known for their song “Don’t Stop Believ’n’”. This iconic rock song is featured in commercials, movies, and TV shows, with the most famous being featured on the hit TV show Glee.
This song is the opening track to the 1981 release Escape, which was the band’s seventh studio album. Unfortunately this one song overshadows this incredible album as well as the rest of their musical masterpieces.
From the heavy opening riff of “Dead Or Alive” to the soft vibe of “Still They Ride” and the classic rock feel of “Keep On Runnin’” this album has a wide variety of amazing songs. With lead guitarist Neil Schon’s iconic guitar tone, lead singer Steve Perry’s piercing voice, and the harmonious gang vocals performed by the band it is hard to go wrong with any Journey album.  Throughout the album the band puts together different feels and emotion with each song; each track lays down a different landscape.  Track 10 “Open Arms” has a light intro that transforms the whole mood of the album; this song slowly builds from a single instrument playing, to a powerful ballad.
Journey is also known for their ballads that touch the soul. Each note, chord, and vocal melody is meant to have passion that the listener can hear and relate to.

by Co-Entertainment Editor Blaine MacMorran

                           Cage the Elephant’s, “Thank You Happy Birthday”, revives today’s music scene with retro punk in a generation of pop tarts and synthesized sound.  The band slams the media, in songs like “In One Ear” from the their first album, by brushing off the criticism that came with setting their own standards.
With rough and nearly whiny vocals from singer Matthew Ray Shults, Cage the Elephant stands apart from the usual overly smooth and practiced Top-40 artists.  The band mixes sounds similar to Nirvana, modern rock, and even flavors of reggae. Just seven years ago the five band members emerged from a small town in Kentucky, earning a name for themselves from a crazed fortune-teller.
Since then they have sold over 550,000 copies and spent 73 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top 200.
The album features remarkable songs like “Always Something” and “Shake Me Down” that show the bittersweet sides of life.  Despite the band being punk rock, Cage the Elephant continuously writes songs of beautiful lyrics and strong meaning.   Cage the Elephant unleashes a type of music that is energetic and striking. Increasing in popularity, the band seems to be only a few hit songs away from a major breakout.

by Co-Entertainment Editor Kamryn Bryce