The Journey is a studio album by Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke recorded with 12 other musicians. Aparté released the album on 28 September 2018.
Loueke assembled an array of guest musicians to record the album. The 15 songs on this album demonstrate some of the most versatile music the guitarist has created to date, and represent a sort of summary of his career-spanning works. In his interview for DownBeat Loueke explained: "My CDs are all different, and I like them that way. This one in particular is really different, because itâÂÂs a resumé of all IâÂÂve done in the past, and a continuation of what IâÂÂm doing now. ItâÂÂs the first time IâÂÂm combining classical musicians and classical musical instruments with jazz and African instruments, all on the same project. ItâÂÂs the first time IâÂÂm putting a CD out without a drum set; itâÂÂs all percussion. So, yes, we definitely have a different character."
Roger Farby of Jazz Journal stated: "Several things immediately strike the listener on first hearing The Journey. First, the eclectic mix of the tracks and their respective contributors reflect the disparate influences that have shaped Lionel LouekeâÂÂs composing skills. Then thereâÂÂs the guitaristâÂÂs ability to avoid the well-trodden paths of others and his gift for playing the instrument like itâÂÂs a natural extension of his being. All are crucial factors testifying to his uniqueness." Andy Robson of Jazzwise added: "Jazz has always been the music of the movement of peoples, the soundtrack to the journeys, some chosen, more often forced, that mark the migrations of humankind. Few artists witness these journeys as wisely and lyrically, yet infused with pain, as Loueke."