Devney Perry Crossroads

For the Love of Strange Medicine is the second solo album by Steve Perry (ex-Journey singer).
Coming ten years after his first solo album, For the Love of Strange Medicine's lack of success was solid proof that a new decade had no room for Steve Perry's saccharine-induced love songs or makeup and breakup-styled gushiness, even if it was sculpted to sound more mature. "You Better Wait" was the lead single that managed a number 29 spot, mainly because Perry's voice soared throughout its entirety, proving he could still utilize his greatest asset. The rest of the album tries to blend Perry's romantic formula with pumped-up keyboard playing and manufactured rhythms, worsening any sincerity that may or may not have been there in the first place…

Inspired by the legacy of Don Drummond, trombonist Samuel Blaser gathered a gang of greats to create the ultimate Jamaican repertoire. ROUTES is the result of their musical camaraderie, anchored in the musical tradition of the island and firmly rooted in jazz.

Because of the strength of the number three single "Oh Sherrie," the rest of Steve Perry's first solo album was somewhat overlooked, even though it managed to put three other songs into the Top 40. Even with Journey's power ballad formula draping every runny lyric and mawkish keyboard stretch, Perry was able to make the album sound relatively steadfast and sincere all the while. "Oh Sherrie" deserves it's chart placing, accentuating Perry's vocal power, especially throughout the explosive chorus. Both "Foolish Heart" and "She's Mine" aren't as strong, but they do provide the same type of romantically florid appeal that made "Open Arms" and "Faithfully" hits for Journey, minus the sturdiness of his former band…