Conversation so far:
What happened in 1977?
The band hired Robert Fleischman and transitioned to a more popular style.
Why did they change their musical direction?
Journey's album sales did not improve and Columbia Records requested that they change their musical style and add a frontman, with whom keyboardist Gregg Rolie could share lead vocal duties.
What was Robert's role with the band?
CANNOTANSWER.

Question: Did they release any new albums?
Self-contained rewrite: Did Journey release any new albums?