Personnel: Kelly Hansen (vocals, background vocals); Mark Knight , John Corabi, Kip Winger, Mickey Thomas, Ralph Saenz, Robin McAuley, Stevie Rachelle, Tommy Shaw, Bobby Kimball (vocals); Billy Sherwood (guitar, keyboards, background vocals); Tracy Swinder, Tracy Swider (guitar); Danny Parker (drums, background vocals); Louis Molino III, Jay Schellen (drums).

Audio Mixers: Billy Sherwood; Danny Parker.

Recording information: 4Tune's Studio; Hot Box Audio; Screaming Yellow Studios.

Tribute albums are a tricky business. On one hand, if an artist interprets a familiar song in a fresh way he or she can be accused of ruining a classic. On the other, if an artist re-creates the familiar song note for note he or she can be accused of having no imagination. It's a no-win situation. Released in 2006, An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey features new recordings of 13 beloved songs from the peak of Journey's gigantic mainstream success with vocalist Steve Perry. The stars here are vocalists, but many of them are more in the '70s arena rock and AOR vein than '80s metal. However, this fact just proves how the lines separating genres can be blurred. The biggest names among the featured vocalists are Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship, Starship), Bobby Kimball (Toto), Kip Winger (Winger), Tommy Shaw (Styx, Damn Yankees), Jack Russell (Great White), Robin McAuley (MSG), Kelly Hansen (Hurricane, Foreigner), and John Corabi (M”tley Cre, Ratt). Musically speaking, the arrangements of virtually all of the songs are so close to the originals that it's scary. (There are crunchy, '80s-style rhythm guitar extras here and there.) Half of An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey was produced and performed -- with the exception of drums -- by former Yes member Billy Sherwood. He has previously produced AC/DC, Queen, and Pink Floyd tribute albums, among others. Ultimately, An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey lives or dies by the vocalists. Given Perry's distinctive style, the special guests had their work cut out for them. Sometimes a few of them strain to reach Perry's range, but they usually sound like themselves. Kimball tackles "Who's Crying Now," Winger handles "Send Her My Love" quite well, Shaw treats "Open Arms" respectfully, Russell cuts loose on "Any Way You Want It," and Hansen adds extra muscle to "Wheel in the Sky" and "Separate Ways." As for the less famous participants, Mark Knight of Worry Beads takes a slightly subdued yet interesting approach to "Only the Young," while Stevie Rachelle of Tuff offers a straightforward version of "Lights." Considering that Rachelle eventually came forward as the creator of the infamous metal-mocking website Metal Sludge (www.metalsludge.tv), shouldn't he rip himself for simply being a part of this album? An '80s Metal Tribute to Journey, despite the partially inaccurate title, should appeal to fans of Journey and the guest vocalists. ~ Bret Adams