Journey is an American rock band that achieved massive commercial success and became one of the most iconic acts in the history of rock music. Formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California, the band is known for their melodic rock sound, powerful ballads, and the soaring vocals of lead singer Steve Perry.
Journey’s early years saw them blend elements of progressive rock and jazz fusion, resulting in a distinctive sound that set them apart from their contemporaries. However, it was their evolution into a more accessible and radio-friendly sound in the late 1970s and 1980s that propelled them to stardom.
With the addition of Steve Perry as the lead vocalist in 1977, Journey’s signature sound began to take shape. The band released a string of hit albums, including “Infinity,” “Evolution,” and “Departure,” which produced chart-topping singles like “Wheel in the Sky,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”
However, it was their 1981 album “Escape” that became a breakthrough success for the band. Featuring the hit singles “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now,” the album catapulted Journey to superstardom. The power ballad “Open Arms” became an enduring classic and showcased Steve Perry’s exceptional vocal range and emotive delivery.
Throughout the 1980s, Journey continued to dominate the charts with successful albums like “Frontiers” and “Raised on Radio.” They became known for their polished sound, catchy hooks, and the anthemic quality of their songs. Hits like “Faithfully,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Be Good to Yourself” solidified their status as one of the most popular bands of the era.
Despite lineup changes and a hiatus in the late 1980s, Journey made a triumphant comeback in the 1990s with the album “Trial by Fire,” which spawned the hit single “When You Love a Woman.” However, subsequent years saw the band undergo further lineup changes, with Steve Perry departing the group. Journey continued to tour and release new music with various lead vocalists, including Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, and Arnel Pineda.
Journey’s music is characterized by its catchy melodies, soaring guitar solos, and Steve Perry’s powerful and emotive vocals. Their songs have become timeless classics, and tracks like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Wheel in the Sky” remain staples of rock radio.
The band’s influence extends beyond their commercial success. Journey’s music has resonated with audiences of all ages, and their songs have been covered and embraced by artists across different genres. Their anthems of hope, love, and perseverance continue to inspire listeners around the world.
Journey’s enduring popularity is a testament to their craftsmanship, memorable hooks, and the universal appeal of their music. Their contributions to rock music have solidified their place in
1. "Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin'"
This song from Journey has stood the test of time as one of their most iconic tracks. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" is a powerful rock ballad with soulful vocals and soaring instrumentals. It tells a tale of heartbreak and betrayal, resonating with listeners even decades after its release. The song features impressive harmonies, strong guitar riffs, and intense emotions that make it a timeless classic.
Journey's journey to fame began in the late 1970s, and "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" was released on their 1979 album Evolution. The song was written by lead vocalist Steve Perry and remains one of his most beloved compositions. With its unforgettable melody and meaningful lyrics, this track proves that Journey is more than just a typical rock band – they are an emblem of musical passion.
The chord progression used in "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" is both unique and memorable, adding to the power of the track. Perry's voice is sometimes compared to that of Sam Cooke or Otis Redding – he injects real soul into this rock ballad. Overall, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" is a true masterpiece in the world of rock music.
According to Billboard, "Lovin', Touching, Squeezing" charted at number 16 on the US Pop Chart in 1980. Even the most hardened rockers can't resist belting out the chorus of 'Lights' – it's like a moth to a flame, or a groupie to a tour bus.
2. "Lights"
- With its dreamy synth sounds and guitar riffs, the opening of "Lights" immediately sets a nostalgic mood.
- The lyrics capture the essence of San Francisco, where the band originated, and evoke vivid imagery of the city at night.
- "Lights" was released in 1978 as part of Journey's album "Infinity" and was later re-released as a single in 1980.
- The song became a massive hit, peaking at number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Interestingly, "Lights" was not originally intended to be included in "Infinity," but guitarist Neal Schon realized it had potential when he heard keyboardist Gregg Rolie playing with some new chords during soundcheck.
In fact, according to an interview with Mental Floss magazine, lead singer Steve Perry said that he initially hated the song but grew to love it after seeing how much fans enjoyed singing along during concerts.
Fun Fact: "Lights" is one of just two Journey songs that doesn't feature Perry on lead vocals. Instead, Rollie takes over singing duties for this particular track.
Feeling That Way may not be about a thrill ride, but it'll take you on a journey of harmonies and guitar riffs that'll leave you dizzy with delight.
3. "Feeling That Way"
This Journey classic, with its opening piano riff and Steve Perry's soaring vocals, transports listeners to a place where anything is possible. "Feeling That Way" encapsulates the band's mastery of melody and harmony, serving as an ode to those fleeting moments of infatuation that leave us breathless. The song showcases not only Perry's vocal range but also Neal Schon's guitar skills, which blend flawlessly with the keyboards to create a sound that is uniquely Journey.
Listeners can't help but get lost in the dreamy composition elevated by lashings of guitar riffs along with Perry's captivating high notes. Each verse brings something new to the table while maintaining the overall thematic consistency of the song, demonstrating that Journey knows how to craft a hit no matter what direction they decide to go in. It's not uncommon for this timeless classic to evoke emotions inside its listener, and that speaks volumes for its enduring quality.
Fun fact: "Feeling That Way" was written by keyboardist Gregg Rolie and guitarist Neal Schon.
Listening to 'Open Arms' is like cuddling with a porcupine – it's painfully sweet, but you can't help but love it.
4. "Open Arms"
This renowned ballad, originally released in 1981, continues to stand the test of time as a classic love song. "Open Arms" by Journey is known for its melodic piano opening and Steve Perry's soulful vocals. The song's structure and poetic lyrics make it a perfect wedding or prom anthem. The soaring chorus is unforgettable and has become a staple at concerts and events all over the world.
As one of Journey's most popular songs, "Open Arms" has been covered by numerous artists and used in countless TV shows, movies, and commercials. The song has also received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 24th Annual Grammy Awards.
An interesting fact about "Open Arms" – the song was not initially released as a single but still became one of Journey's biggest hits. It quickly became a fan favorite due to it being regularly performed on tour.
To fully appreciate the power of "Open Arms", turn off the lights, close your eyes and let the music take you away. This heartfelt ballad will transport you to a place where love conquers all, making it a perfect choice for any romantic occasion.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next playlist or trying to find the perfect first-dance song, consider adding this classic Journey track to your collection. Its timeless appeal will guarantee it stands the test of time – just like any great love story.
Listening to 'Faithfully' is like taking a road trip with a spouse you're sick of, but somehow the scenery makes it worth it.
5. "Faithfully"
This classic rock ballad, penned by Jonathan Cain, is the fifth track on Journey's eighth studio album "Frontiers". The song expresses the dedication of a musician to his beloved while he is constantly on tour. The powerful lyrics of “Faithfully” narrate the pain of separation and reassure that though distances separate them, their love remains strong. It has become one of the band’s most recognized tracks and continues to win hearts with its emotive power ballad structure.
Don't stop believing, unless it's in the existence of unicorns and perfect love stories, because let's be real, that's never gonna happen.
6. "Don't Stop Believin'"
This iconic song, which is often referred to as a power anthem, is one of the most recognisable hits from the American rock band Journey. The track was released in 1981 and has been a crowd-pleaser ever since. It's become synonymous with sports events, karaoke nights and even TV shows.
"Don't Stop Believin'" boasts an unforgettable piano intro that leads into a catchy chorus emphasising the importance of never giving up on your dreams no matter what challenges lay ahead. The song relays a simple message that resonates with people across generations. Its upbeat tempo and infectious melody make it nearly impossible not to dance or sing along.
Interestingly, despite its immense popularity today, "Don't Stop Believin'" was not always successful. The track only peaked at number 9 on Billboard when it was initially released but has since gone on to re-enter charts year after year for over three decades.
If you haven't already listened to "Don't Stop Believin'" countless times on repeat – go ahead and give it another spin! Trust us; this quintessential rock ballad will make you feel invincible, reigniting a sense of hope and perseverance within you. Any way you want it, this song will leave you singing along and dancing like a loon in no time.
7. "Any Way You Want It"
This classic track features as the seventh entry on our list of the '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time'. Let's dive into some fascinating details about "Any Way You Want It" that you might not have known before.
To provide a clear and comprehensive overview, we have created a table that showcases the release year, album name, and songwriters for "Any Way You Want It."
| Release Year | Album Name | Songwriters |
|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Departure | Steve Perry, Neal Schon |
Despite being one of the band's biggest hits, this timeless tune narrowly missed out on securing a top-ten spot on both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. However, it remains a fan favorite today.
For those who love to sing along to their favorite tunes while driving down the highway, we highly recommend putting this iconic track on your road trip playlist for an unbeatable listening experience. Plus, its catchy chorus is guaranteed to have you singing at the top of your lungs in no time.
Get ready to feel like you're on a never-ending road trip with 'Wheel in the Sky', because let's face it, the only thing worse than being stuck in traffic is being stuck in a Journey song.
8. "Wheel in the Sky"
This iconic Journey song, often heralded as one of their greatest hits, features dynamic vocals and driving guitar riffs. The lyrics paint a picture of a restless wanderer seeking meaning and purpose in life's endless journey. "Wheel in the Sky" is an emotional and powerful anthem that resonates with fans all over the world.
The soaring chorus and passionate instrumentation make this song an unforgettable classic. It remains one of Journey's most well-loved tracks, thanks to its timeless message of hope and determination in the face of adversity.
It's worth noting that "Wheel in the Sky" showcases the band at their finest, highlighting their incredible musicianship and knack for crafting unforgettable melodies. It's no wonder this track has stood the test of time as a fan favorite.
Pro Tip: Sing along with Steve Perry to fully appreciate the sheer brilliance of "Wheel in the Sky".
Looks like this journey just took a turn for the heartbreak express with Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).
9. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
This classic song by Journey, which can be referred to as Song No. 9, is called "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". It's an epic power ballad that boasts a catchy chorus and driving guitar riffs. The song chronicles a relationship that has gone sour, with both partners now going their separate ways.
As the band's 1983 hit single from their album Frontiers, "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" is widely regarded as one of their best songs. With its strong instrumentation and soaring vocals by Steve Perry, it remains a favorite among fans today.
Interestingly, the music video for "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" has also become something of a cult classic in its own right. Filmed in an empty warehouse with the band performing on makeshift stages and platform, the video features some decidedly questionable fashion choices!
But despite its dated appearance and cheesy dance moves from the band members, the music video only adds to the charming nostalgia of this timeless rock anthem.
Listening to 'Stone In Love' is like falling in love with a rock, but in a good way.
10. "Stone In Love"
Adding to its allure is the pop-rock feel that gloriously weaves throughout the entire song, making it a universal favorite. With a focus on love, passion, and romance, this timeless classic demonstrates that tales of love are fundamental to storytelling through song. It remains one of Journey's most successful tracks ever produced.
Pro Tip: A great way to enhance your listening experience with 'Stone in Love' by Journey is to pay attention to the varying guitar riffs throughout the song. These add an extra layer of complexity and beauty to the piece while also setting it apart from other classic rock songs of the era in which it was released.
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.
