Thank you, it is indeed a big song, therefore very challenging! One of the more difficult songs in the Journey catalog I would say. I agree that Perry uses slightly diffrent vowels which seem to be more "noble" sounding. While listening to the original he also seem to be singing softer, yet still powerful. Now this is imo a question of style isnt it? And few sing a power ballad like that guy. I mean this song is what set the whole 80sballad-circus on the roll.
I've been provided with two backingtracks. This one and "wheel in the sky" by the same group. I'll hade a go on that one some other time in the near future.