Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. Initially known for their progressive rock sound, the band later transitioned into a more commercial arena rock style, achieving massive success in the late 1970s and 1980s. Journey’s classic lineup consisted of keyboardist Gregg Rolie, guitarist Neal Schon, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Aynsley Dunbar, and vocalist Steve Perry.
One of Journey’s defining characteristics is their ability to craft anthemic, melodic rock songs with memorable hooks and soaring vocal harmonies. Their breakthrough came with the addition of Steve Perry as lead vocalist in 1977, who brought a distinctive and powerful voice to the band.
Journey’s most successful albums include “Escape” (1981) and “Frontiers” (1983), which spawned numerous hit singles such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” These songs became radio staples and helped propel Journey to international stardom.
Despite lineup changes over the years, Journey has continued to tour and release new music, with vocalist Arnel Pineda joining the band in 2007. Their enduring popularity and influence have cemented their status as one of the most iconic rock bands of all time.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album “Escape.” The song 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 message, memorable melody, and anthemic chorus. The lyrics tell the story of a small-town girl and a city boy, both seeking adventure and excitement in the world. The song encourages perseverance and holding onto hope, even in the face of adversity.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” became a massive commercial success, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It has since become one of the best-selling digital singles of all time, achieving renewed popularity in the 21st century after being featured prominently in various films, TV shows, and sporting events.
The song’s timeless appeal and universal message have made it a beloved anthem around the world. Its iconic piano intro, soaring guitar solos, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals have cemented “Don’t Stop Believin'” as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 as the second single from their album “Frontiers.” The song was written by Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain.
“Faithfully” is a power ballad that showcases Journey’s signature melodic rock sound. The lyrics express devotion and commitment to a loved one, even in the face of distance and the challenges of life on the road. The song reflects the experiences of being in a touring band and the sacrifices made for the sake of love and relationships.
“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s most successful and enduring songs, reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. Its heartfelt lyrics and emotive melody have resonated with audiences for decades, making it a popular choice for weddings, proms, and other special occasions.
The song’s music video features footage of Journey performing live in concert, interspersed with scenes of life on the road and interactions with fans. “Faithfully” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the greatest power ballads of all time, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver powerful, emotionally resonant music.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a classic rock song by Journey, released in 1980 as part of their album “Departure.” It’s characterized by its upbeat tempo, catchy melodies, and infectious energy, making it a staple of classic rock radio.
Lyrically, “Any Way You Want It” celebrates the excitement and spontaneity of romantic attraction. The chorus, with its iconic refrain “Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it, any way you want it,” captures the carefree spirit of the song, emphasizing the idea of being open to love in all its forms.
Musically, “Any Way You Want It” features driving guitar riffs, pulsating rhythms, and soaring vocals by lead singer Steve Perry. The song’s dynamic arrangement and memorable hooks helped propel it to commercial success, becoming one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring hits.
“Any Way You Want It” remains a crowd-pleaser at Journey’s live concerts and a favorite among fans of classic rock music. Its timeless appeal and feel-good vibes continue to resonate with audiences around the world, cementing its status as a classic rock anthem.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a power ballad by Journey, released in 1981 as part of their album “Escape.” It’s known for its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotional delivery, making it one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs.
Lyrically, “Open Arms” explores themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. The song’s narrator expresses a desire for emotional intimacy and connection, offering themselves completely to their loved one with open arms. The chorus, with its poignant refrain “So now I come to you with open arms, nothing to hide, believe what I say,” captures the sincerity and vulnerability of the sentiment.
Musically, “Open Arms” features gentle piano melodies, lush orchestration, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds gradually, culminating in a climactic chorus that showcases Perry’s vocal range and emotive delivery.
“Open Arms” has become a classic rock ballad and a staple of Journey’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of love and longing continue to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying its status as one of the greatest love songs of all time.
5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “Frontiers.” The song was written by band members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a high-energy rock anthem characterized by its driving rhythm, powerful guitar riffs, and catchy keyboard hooks. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartbreak and the end of a relationship, with the narrator lamenting the distance that has grown between them.
The song’s music video is memorable for its dramatic imagery, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of futuristic landscapes and special effects. The video has become iconic and is often parodied or referenced in popular culture.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was a commercial success, reaching number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It remains one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, known for its anthemic chorus and energetic performance.
6. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 as part of their album “Infinity.” It’s known for its driving rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and soaring vocals, characteristic of Journey’s classic rock sound.
Lyrically, “Wheel in the Sky” explores themes of journeying and the uncertainty of life’s path. The song’s narrator reflects on the challenges and obstacles they face as they navigate through life, with the “wheel in the sky” representing the ever-turning wheel of fate and destiny.
Musically, “Wheel in the Sky” features Neal Schon’s blistering guitar work, Gregg Rolie’s soulful keyboards, and Steve Perry’s emotive vocals. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds tension and anticipation, leading to a powerful and anthemic chorus.
“Wheel in the Sky” became a fan favorite and a staple of Journey’s live performances. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of perseverance and resilience continue to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying its status as one of Journey’s greatest hits.
7. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1981 as the first single from their album “Escape.” The song was written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain.
“Who’s Crying Now” is a power ballad with a mid-tempo rock groove. It features catchy melodies, soaring vocals by Steve Perry, and emotive guitar solos by Neal Schon. Lyrically, the song explores themes of heartache and resilience in the face of a failing relationship. The narrator expresses confidence and determination, declaring that they won’t succumb to despair, even as they navigate the pain of lost love.
The song was a commercial success, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also received critical acclaim for its strong songwriting and polished production. “Who’s Crying Now” remains one of Journey’s most beloved songs, often cited as a highlight of their discography and a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a classic rock song by Journey, released in 1979 as part of their album “Evolution.” It’s recognized for its catchy melody, soulful vocals, and memorable chorus.
Lyrically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” depicts a tale of heartbreak and betrayal in a romantic relationship. The song’s narrator laments the loss of love and the pain of seeing their partner with someone else, expressing feelings of jealousy and longing.
Musically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” features Gregg Rolie’s soulful organ, Neal Schon’s bluesy guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s impassioned vocals. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds tension and emotion, leading to a powerful and anthemic chorus.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” has become one of Journey’s signature songs and a staple of their live performances. Its infectious energy and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 as part of their album “Infinity.” It’s recognized for its melodic guitar riffs, catchy chorus, and nostalgic lyrics.
Lyrically, “Lights” reflects on the band’s experiences growing up in San Francisco, particularly the feeling of longing and nostalgia for the city’s vibrant nightlife and the memories associated with it. The chorus, with its memorable refrain “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” captures the wistful sentiment of the song.
Musically, “Lights” features Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, Gregg Rolie’s soothing keyboards, and Steve Perry’s smooth vocals. The song’s laid-back vibe and infectious melody make it a standout track on “Infinity.”
“Lights” has become one of Journey’s most beloved songs and a staple of their live performances. Its timeless appeal and universal themes of nostalgia and longing continue to resonate with audiences around the world, solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem.
10. Send Her My Love
“Send Her My Love” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 as the third single from their album “Frontiers.” The song was written by band members Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, and Neal Schon.
“Send Her My Love” is a power ballad that showcases Journey’s signature melodic rock sound. The song features heartfelt lyrics and emotive vocals by Steve Perry, expressing longing and regret over a lost love. The narrator reflects on past mistakes and yearns to reconcile with their former partner, even as they acknowledge that it may be too late.
The song’s lush instrumentation, including keyboards, guitars, and soaring vocal harmonies, adds to its emotional impact. “Send Her My Love” was a commercial success, reaching number 23 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
The song’s music video features footage of the band performing the song interspersed with scenes of a woman reflecting on her relationship. “Send Her My Love” remains a fan favorite and is often cited as one of Journey’s standout ballads, showcasing their ability to deliver powerful, emotionally resonant music.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
