Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. The band’s lineup has changed multiple times over the years, but its most successful and well-known lineup consisted of Steve Perry (vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), and Steve Smith (drums).
Journey rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a series of hit albums and singles. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, soaring vocals, and melodic guitar solos, blending elements of rock, pop, and arena rock.
Some of Journey’s most famous songs include “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” These songs, among others, helped Journey become one of the best-selling bands of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide.
While the band experienced several hiatuses and lineup changes over the years, they have continued to tour and release music, with different lead singers stepping in after Steve Perry’s departure in the late 1990s. Journey’s music remains popular and influential, with their songs frequently featured in movies, television shows, and commercials, and their concerts drawing large crowds of fans around the world.
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.” It was written by band members Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of Journey’s most iconic and enduring songs, recognized for its catchy melody, uplifting lyrics, and memorable chorus. The song tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a train, seeking adventure and chasing their dreams. The chorus, with its refrain “Don’t stop believin’, hold on to that feelin’,” has become an anthem of hope and perseverance.
Musically, “Don’t Stop Believin'” features a driving rhythm, melodic guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds to an anthemic climax, making it a favorite among fans and a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” achieved commercial success upon its release, reaching the top ten on various music charts around the world. It has since become one of the best-selling singles of all time and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock songs ever recorded.
The song’s popularity has endured over the years, with numerous cover versions and appearances in movies, television shows, and commercials. It remains a highlight of Journey’s live performances and continues to inspire listeners with its message of optimism and determination.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a power ballad by the American rock band Journey, released in 1983 as the second single from their album “Frontiers.” The song was written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain and became one of Journey’s most enduring hits.
“Faithfully” is characterized by its heartfelt lyrics, soaring vocals, and melodic guitar solos. The song’s lyrics express the devotion and commitment of a touring musician to his partner back home. It reflects the challenges of life on the road and the longing to return to loved ones despite the distance and hardships.
The song’s memorable chorus, featuring the line “I’m forever yours, faithfully,” has resonated with audiences around the world and has become an anthem for couples separated by distance or circumstance.
“Faithfully” received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, and it remains one of Journey’s most beloved songs. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various forms of media, solidifying its status as a classic rock ballad.
The song’s enduring popularity and emotional resonance have cemented its place as a timeless classic in the rock music canon, and it continues to be celebrated by audiences of all ages.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1980 as the lead single from their album “Departure.” It became one of Journey’s signature songs and a staple of their live performances.
“Any Way You Want It” is characterized by its infectious energy, catchy melody, and driving rhythm. The song features a lively tempo, spirited vocals by lead singer Steve Perry, and memorable guitar riffs by Neal Schon.
Lyrically, “Any Way You Want It” is a straightforward rock anthem about desire and freedom. The lyrics express a willingness to please and adapt to the desires of a partner, with the repeated refrain “Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it, any way you want it” driving home the song’s message of flexibility and openness.
The song’s upbeat and uplifting vibe, coupled with its sing-along chorus, contributed to its commercial success and enduring popularity. “Any Way You Want It” became one of Journey’s highest-charting singles, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Over the years, “Any Way You Want It” has remained a fan favorite and a radio staple, earning a place in popular culture and continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages. Its infectious energy and universal message have solidified its status as one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring songs.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a power ballad by the American rock band Journey. It was released in 1982 as the third single from their album “Escape.” The song was written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, along with songwriters Steve Perry.
“Open Arms” is known for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional melody, expressing themes of love, vulnerability, and longing. Steve Perry’s soaring vocals, combined with Jonathan Cain’s piano and Neal Schon’s guitar, create a powerful and moving atmosphere.
The song became a massive commercial success, reaching the top ten on various music charts around the world. It remains one of Journey’s most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in the rock ballad genre.
“Open Arms” has been covered by numerous artists and featured in various movies, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless appeal and universal themes have solidified its place as one of the greatest rock ballads 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 characterized by its energetic and driving rhythm, featuring powerful guitar riffs, catchy keyboards, and Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics depict themes of heartbreak and separation, with the narrator lamenting the end of a relationship and the emotional distance between two people.
The song’s music video, directed by Tom Buckholtz, features the band performing against various industrial backdrops, interspersed with scenes of a woman walking alone through the city. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and helped popularize the song.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various music charts around the world. It remains one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in the rock genre.
The song’s infectious energy, memorable melody, and powerful lyrics have solidified its place as one of the standout tracks in Journey’s discography and a favorite among fans of 1980s rock music.
6. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1978 as the lead single from their album “Infinity.” It became one of Journey’s early hits and a staple of their live performances.
“Wheel in the Sky” is characterized by its driving rhythm, melodic guitar riffs, and soaring vocals. The song features a dynamic arrangement, with a powerful chorus and instrumental sections that showcase the band’s musical prowess.
Lyrically, “Wheel in the Sky” is a contemplative and introspective song about life’s journey and the search for meaning and purpose. The lyrics speak of uncertainty and change, with references to a “wheel in the sky” that keeps on turning, symbolizing the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.
The song’s memorable chorus, featuring the lines “Wheel in the sky keeps on turning, I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow,” has resonated with audiences and become a favorite among fans of classic rock.
“Wheel in the Sky” received positive reviews from critics and helped establish Journey as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1970s. It remains a fan favorite and a highlight of Journey’s extensive catalog, earning a place in popular culture and continuing to be celebrated by audiences around the world.
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.” It was written by band members Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain.
“Who’s Crying Now” is a power ballad with elements of arena rock, featuring lush keyboards, melodic guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s emotive vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a relationship in turmoil, with the narrator expressing uncertainty and longing for reconciliation.
The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on various music charts around the world. It remains one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, often cited as a classic in the rock ballad genre.
“Who’s Crying Now” has been covered by various artists and featured in movies, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless melody, heartfelt lyrics, and powerful vocal performance have solidified its place as one of the standout tracks in Journey’s discography.
8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1979 as the third single from their album “Evolution.” It was written by lead vocalist Steve Perry.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a blues-influenced rock song with a catchy chorus and memorable guitar riff. The lyrics tell the story of a man who discovers that his lover has been unfaithful, leading to feelings of betrayal and heartbreak.
The song features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, along with Neal Schon’s guitar work and Jonathan Cain’s keyboard playing. Its infectious melody and relatable lyrics resonated with audiences, making it a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” achieved moderate commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains one of Journey’s most popular songs and is often performed live during their concerts.
The song’s catchy chorus and memorable melody have solidified its place as one of the standout tracks in Journey’s discography, earning it a lasting legacy as a classic rock anthem.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a song by the American rock band Journey, released in 1978 as the opening track of their album “Infinity.” It became one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, often regarded as a classic of the soft rock genre.
“Lights” is characterized by its gentle melody, mellow instrumentation, and introspective lyrics. The song features a laid-back tempo, acoustic guitar arpeggios, and melodic keyboard lines, creating a serene and atmospheric sound.
Lyrically, “Lights” reflects on the band’s experiences living in San Francisco and the feelings of nostalgia and longing associated with the city. The lyrics speak of the beauty of the city lights and the sense of belonging that comes from being in a place that feels like home.
The song’s chorus, with the repeated refrain “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” has become one of Journey’s most iconic and recognizable lines. It captures the essence of the song’s themes and evokes a sense of wistfulness and yearning.
“Lights” has been praised for its timeless appeal and emotional resonance, earning a permanent place in the hearts of fans and listeners around the world. It remains a favorite at Journey’s live performances and continues to be celebrated as one of the band’s greatest achievements in songwriting and musicality.
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.” It is one of Journey’s most well-known ballads and showcases their ability to blend rock and pop sensibilities.
“Send Her My Love” is characterized by its emotive vocals, melodic guitar work, and lush production. The song features a slow tempo, with gentle verses building to a powerful chorus. Jonathan Cain’s keyboards play a prominent role in the arrangement, adding depth and texture to the song’s sound.
Lyrically, “Send Her My Love” tells the story of a man who is separated from his lover and longing to be reunited with her. The lyrics express feelings of regret and longing, as the protagonist reflects on the mistakes he has made and the distance between them.
The song’s chorus, with the repeated refrain “Send her my love, memories remain,” captures the bittersweet nature of love and loss. It conveys a sense of yearning and hopefulness, as the protagonist holds onto the memories of their time together while wishing for a chance to reconcile.
“Send Her My Love” received positive reviews from critics and became one of Journey’s biggest hits, reaching the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It remains a fan favorite and a staple of Journey’s live performances, showcasing the band’s ability to deliver heartfelt ballads alongside their more upbeat rock anthems.