Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. They are known for their distinctive blend of melodic rock, soaring vocals, and memorable guitar solos, which helped define the sound of arena rock in the 1970s and 1980s.
The band’s lineup has undergone several changes over the years, but their most successful and iconic era featured Steve Perry on vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ross Valory on bass, and Steve Smith on drums. This lineup produced some of Journey’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”
Journey’s music is characterized by its anthemic choruses, melodic hooks, and powerful ballads. Their songs often feature themes of love, perseverance, and personal empowerment, resonating with audiences around the world.
Despite numerous lineup changes and periods of hiatus, Journey has continued to perform and record music, maintaining a loyal fanbase and earning induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. Their music remains a staple of classic rock radio and continues to inspire new generations of fans.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of Journey’s most iconic and enduring songs. Released in 1981 as the lead single from their album “Escape,” the track has become a timeless anthem and a staple of pop culture.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is characterized by its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and memorable keyboard riff. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a journey to find love and success in the big city. Despite facing challenges and setbacks, they remain determined to pursue their dreams and “don’t stop believin’.”
Musically, “Don’t Stop Believin'” features soaring vocals by Steve Perry, powerful guitar work by Neal Schon, and a driving rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds to a triumphant crescendo, making it a favorite among fans of arena rock and power ballads.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” has achieved widespread acclaim and commercial success since its release, topping charts around the world and earning a place in pop culture as one of the greatest rock anthems of all time. It remains a beloved classic, often played at sporting events, weddings, and other celebrations, and has been covered and referenced in various forms of media.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a power ballad by Journey, released in 1983 as the second single from their album “Frontiers.” The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics, emotional vocals, and soaring melodies.
“Faithfully” explores themes of love, commitment, and devotion. The lyrics reflect on the challenges of life on the road as a touring musician, expressing a longing to return home to a loved one and maintain a strong connection despite the distance.
The song features a memorable piano intro by Jonathan Cain, which sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows. Steve Perry’s powerful vocals convey a sense of longing and sincerity, while Neal Schon’s guitar work adds depth and texture to the song’s sound.
“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring hits, reaching high chart positions and earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its heartfelt lyrics and anthemic chorus have made it a favorite among couples and fans of power ballads, ensuring its place as one of Journey’s signature songs.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a classic rock song by Journey, released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Departure.” The track is known for its energetic rhythm, catchy melody, and anthemic chorus.
“Any Way You Want It” is characterized by its driving guitar riff, upbeat tempo, and infectious hooks. The song’s lyrics express a sense of freedom and spontaneity, with the narrator declaring their willingness to adapt and accommodate the desires of their loved one.
The track features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s blistering guitar solos, and Jonathan Cain’s dynamic keyboard work, creating a sound that epitomizes the arena rock of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
“Any Way You Want It” became one of Journey’s most popular and enduring hits, reaching high chart positions and becoming a staple of classic rock radio. Its energetic groove and sing-along chorus have made it a favorite among fans of the band and a timeless anthem of rock ‘n’ roll.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a classic power ballad by Journey, released in 1982 as the third single from their album “Escape.” The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotional vocals.
“Open Arms” explores themes of love, vulnerability, and reconciliation. The lyrics express a longing for emotional connection and the desire to be reunited with a loved one. Steve Perry’s emotive vocals convey a sense of sincerity and longing, while the song’s gentle instrumentation creates a warm and intimate atmosphere.
The track features a memorable piano intro by Jonathan Cain, which sets the tone for the emotional journey that follows. Neal Schon’s guitar work adds depth and texture to the song’s sound, while the dynamic arrangement builds to a powerful climax.
“Open Arms” became one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring hits, reaching high chart positions and earning widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike. Its heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies have made it a favorite among couples and fans of power ballads, ensuring its place as one of Journey’s signature songs.
5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” The song was written by band members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a rock anthem with a driving beat and powerful vocals. The lyrics describe a relationship that has come to an end, with the two parties going their separate ways. Despite the breakup, there is a sense of determination and resilience in the song, with the chorus declaring “Someday love will find you, break those chains that bind you.”
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s memorable music video, featuring the band performing in various locations, also helped to popularize the song. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” remains one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, with its anthemic chorus and powerful instrumentation making it a staple of classic rock radio.
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 was written by band members Neal Schon, Robert Fleischman, and Diane Valory.
“Wheel in the Sky” is a rock ballad with a powerful chorus and soaring guitar solos. The lyrics describe a sense of restlessness and uncertainty, with the narrator unsure of where life will take them next. The chorus, with its refrain of “Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’, I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow,” has become one of the most memorable parts of the song.
“Wheel in the Sky” was not initially released as a single, but it became a fan favorite and a staple of Journey’s live performances. The song’s popularity helped to solidify Journey’s reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
7. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” The song was written by band members Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry.
“Who’s Crying Now” is a power ballad that features heartfelt vocals and a soaring guitar solo. The lyrics describe the pain of heartbreak and the longing for love, with the narrator questioning who is crying now that the relationship has ended. The song’s chorus, with its anthemic “Who’s crying now, the lonely hearted,” has become one of the most recognizable parts of the song.
“Who’s Crying Now” was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s emotional lyrics and powerful instrumentation have made it one of Journey’s most enduring songs, and it remains a favorite among fans of classic rock.
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 was written by lead singer Steve Perry.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a rock song with a catchy melody and a memorable chorus. The lyrics describe a tumultuous relationship, with the narrator expressing frustration and heartache over a partner who is not fully committed to the relationship. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’, each other,” conveys a sense of longing and desire.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” was a moderate success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s energetic guitar riffs and Perry’s soulful vocals helped to solidify Journey’s reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” The song was written by band member Steve Perry.
“Lights” is a soft rock ballad with a mellow, nostalgic feel. The lyrics reflect on Perry’s time living in San Francisco, with references to the city’s famous landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Chinatown. The song’s chorus, with its uplifting refrain of “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” has become one of the most iconic parts of the song.
“Lights” was not initially released as a single, but it became a fan favorite and a staple of Journey’s live performances. The song’s evocative lyrics and gentle melody have made it one of Journey’s most enduring songs, and it remains a favorite among fans of classic rock.
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 was written by band members Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, and Neal Schon.
“Send Her My Love” is a power ballad with a heartfelt message. The lyrics describe a man who is on the road and unable to be with his loved one. Despite the distance, he sends his love to her and hopes that she is thinking of him as well. The song’s chorus, with its emotional plea to “Send her my love, memories remain,” conveys a sense of longing and nostalgia.
“Send Her My Love” was a commercial success, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s melodic guitar riffs and Perry’s soulful vocals helped to solidify Journey’s reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the 1980s.