Hugo’s Voyage was formed in 2005 as a Journey tribute band touring the US. The band consists of Hugo Valenti (Valentine, Open Skyz) on vocals, Robby Hoffman (In The Pink, Sunshine Jive) on guitars, Lance Millard (Hugo) on keyboards, Greg Smith (Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Doro, Joe Lynn Turner) on bass, and Dana Spellman (Hurtsmile) on drums. No more wondering why I never heard a new Hugo release since his last solo album, “Fire in the Night”, in 2004 and the Ramos-Hugo album, “The Dream”, in 2008. After all this time, I guess it was the right moment to release their debut album, “Inception”, with original music. The album also features guest appearances by Steve Ferlazzo (DramaGods, Population 1, Sunshine Jive, Tribe of Judah) on keyboards and Ray Herrmann (Chicago) on saxophone.
It’s no secret that the band’s AOR / Melodic Rock music is highly influenced by Journey. It is also well known that Hugo, apart from his looks, has a voice that is comparable to the legendary Steve Perry. And believe me, that’s a huge compliment for any singer out there. I’m sure he still believes he should have replaced Steve when he left Journey, but the band was searching for something else at the time. It’s not for me to say whether Journey were wrong not to hire him, but he’s a charismatic vocalist in any case. Anyway, Hugo moved on with his life, doing what he loves the most, which is the most important thing in life… to do things that satisfy you. Unfortunately, Journey after “Trial by Fire” are not what they used to be.
Of course, there will be those who criticize the band for being a Journey clone, claiming that their music is identical to Journey’s and things like that. Hugo has probably heard a lot of such nonsense throughout his music career. All of these challenges never stop him from doing what he truly loves… and that is to play music and pay tribute to his beloved band, Journey, and vocalist Steve Perry. I guess it’s easier to criticize than try to be positive and creative.
The album’s sound is an amalgam of “Escape”, “Frontiers”, “Raised on Radio”, and “Trial by Fire”. It’s smooth, mellow, and rockin’ when necessary. The production is full, crystal clear, and fresh. All the performances are excellent, but in the end, it is Hugo who steals the show.
The album contains songs such as “Crazy What Love Can Do”, “Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love”, “Sound of a Broken Heart”, “Goin’ Away”, “A Friend Like You” (with the wonderful saxophone), “I’ll Be Around”, “In My Heart” (a heartfelt ballad), “September Love”, “The Voyage”, and “When Heaven Makes an Angel” that will undoubtedly please all AOR and melodic rock fans, aside from Journey devotees. The band’s ability to write songs that are both catchy and meaningful is simply remarkable. In fact, this album will remind you of the 80s and 90s, when AOR and melodic rock music ruled the airwaves.
“Inception” marks a new musical journey for Hugo and his band. It’s a nostalgic blast from the past, filled with wonderful vocals, memorable melodies, and heartfelt lyrics that will take you back to the golden age of AOR and melodic rock music.
