Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. They are known for their melodic rock sound, soaring vocals, and memorable guitar solos. Journey rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a string of hit albums and singles.
The band’s classic lineup consisted of lead vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory, and drummer Steve Smith. Together, they created some of Journey’s most iconic songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”
Journey’s music is characterized by its anthemic choruses, catchy hooks, and uplifting lyrics, making them a favorite among fans of arena rock and classic rock alike. Their albums “Escape” (1981) and “Frontiers” (1983) are among the best-selling albums of the 1980s and cemented their status as one of the biggest bands of the era.
Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Journey has continued to tour and record new music, with various lead singers stepping in to replace Steve Perry. The band’s enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of their music and their ability to connect with audiences around the world. Journey remains a beloved and influential band in the history of rock music.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It was written by Journey members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of Journey’s most iconic and enduring songs, known for its uplifting lyrics, catchy melody, and memorable piano intro. The song’s anthemic chorus and positive message have made it a favorite at sporting events, graduations, and other celebratory occasions.
The track features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, and Jonathan Cain’s driving keyboard lines. Lyrically, “Don’t Stop Believin'” tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a midnight train journey, with the song encouraging listeners to hold onto their dreams and never give up hope.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” was a commercial success upon its release and has since become one of the best-selling digital singles of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various TV shows, movies, and commercials, solidifying its status as a timeless classic and one of the most beloved songs in rock music history.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It was written by Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain.
“Faithfully” is a power ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotional delivery. The song features Jonathan Cain’s iconic keyboard intro and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, which convey the longing and devotion expressed in the lyrics.
The lyrics of “Faithfully” speak about the challenges of life on the road for a touring musician and the sacrifices made to maintain a relationship. Despite the distance and hardships, the narrator pledges to remain faithful and true to their partner.
“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s most enduring hits and a staple of their live performances. It reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remains a favorite among fans of the band and the power ballad genre.
The song’s emotional resonance and timeless appeal have solidified its status as one of Journey’s signature songs and a classic in the rock ballad canon.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1980 on their album “Departure.” The song is known for its upbeat tempo, catchy chorus, and energetic performance.
“Any Way You Want It” features a driving rhythm and a melodic guitar riff, with Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals delivering the song’s anthemic lyrics. The lyrics of the song describe a sense of freedom and spontaneity, with the narrator expressing a willingness to adapt to the desires of their partner.
Musically, “Any Way You Want It” is a blend of rock and pop, with a polished production that reflects the sound of early 1980s rock music. The song’s arrangement includes a memorable guitar solo and a dynamic bridge section that builds to a climactic chorus.
“Any Way You Want It” was a commercial success, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics have made it a favorite among Journey fans, and it remains one of the band’s most popular songs.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1982 on their album “Escape.” The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry.
“Open Arms” features a soft rock ballad style, with a piano-driven melody and lush orchestration. The lyrics of the song describe a longing for love and connection, with the narrator expressing a willingness to open their heart to someone special.
Musically, “Open Arms” is characterized by its emotive vocals and soaring chorus, which showcase Perry’s vocal range and control. The song’s arrangement is simple yet effective, with a focus on the melody and Perry’s vocals.
“Open Arms” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most iconic songs and is often regarded as a classic of 1980s rock music.
5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It was written by band members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is characterized by its driving beat, powerful guitar riffs, and catchy keyboard hook. The song’s energetic instrumentation is complemented by Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and emotive delivery.
Lyrically, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” tells the story of a relationship on the brink of ending, with the narrator expressing frustration and longing for reconciliation. The chorus, with its iconic line “Someday love will find you, break those chains that bind you,” captures the theme of hope amidst heartache.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of industrial landscapes and dramatic lighting effects, became iconic and is often cited as one of the most memorable music videos of the 1980s.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a favorite among fans of the band.
6. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” The song is known for its driving rhythm and catchy chorus, as well as its powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry.
“Wheel in the Sky” features a hard rock sound, with a prominent guitar riff and a driving drum beat. The lyrics of the song describe life on the road and the experiences of being a touring musician, with the “wheel in the sky” symbolizing the constant motion and unpredictability of life on tour.
Musically, “Wheel in the Sky” is characterized by its energetic performance and memorable guitar solo. The song’s arrangement is dynamic, with a building intensity that culminates in a climactic chorus.
“Wheel in the Sky” was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most enduring hits and is often included in their live performances.
7. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It was written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain.
“Who’s Crying Now” is a power ballad characterized by its memorable melody, soulful vocals, and emotive lyrics. The song features a dynamic arrangement, with soft verses building into powerful choruses, showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock and pop sensibilities.
Lyrically, “Who’s Crying Now” explores themes of heartbreak and resilience in the aftermath of a failed relationship. The narrator reflects on the pain of lost love but finds strength in moving forward and letting go of the past.
The song’s chorus, with its anthemic refrain “Who’s crying now?,” became iconic and is often cited as one of Journey’s most memorable hooks. “Who’s Crying Now” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of the band’s signature songs.
The song’s emotional resonance and timeless appeal have solidified its status as a classic in the rock ballad genre and a fan favorite among Journey’s extensive catalog.
8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1979 on their album “Evolution.” The song is known for its catchy chorus and energetic performance.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” features a driving rhythm and a bluesy rock sound, with Steve Perry’s powerful vocals delivering the song’s lyrics. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship, with the narrator expressing frustration and confusion over their partner’s behavior.
Musically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff and infectious groove. The song’s arrangement includes a memorable vocal harmony section and a dynamic guitar solo.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song has since become one of Journey’s most popular songs and is often included in their live performances.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” It was written by band members Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Gregg Rolie.
“Lights” is a melodic rock song characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and reflective lyrics. The song features a prominent piano riff and lush harmonies, creating a nostalgic and uplifting atmosphere.
Lyrically, “Lights” is an ode to the city of San Francisco, where Journey was formed. The song’s lyrics express a sense of longing and nostalgia for the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the memories associated with it. The chorus, with its iconic refrain “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” captures the essence of the song’s theme.
“Lights” became one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring songs, achieving commercial success and reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite among Journey fans, often cited as one of the band’s signature tracks.
10. Send Her My Love
“Send Her My Love” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” The song is a power ballad with a heartfelt melody and emotional lyrics.
“Send Her My Love” features a soft rock sound, with a melodic piano intro and Steve Perry’s soulful vocals delivering the song’s lyrics. The lyrics describe a sense of longing and regret, with the narrator expressing a desire to reach out to a lost love.
Musically, “Send Her My Love” is characterized by its lush orchestration and powerful vocal performance. The song’s arrangement builds to a climactic chorus, with a memorable guitar solo adding to the emotional impact.
“Send Her My Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song remains a favorite among Journey fans and is often regarded as one of their standout ballads.
