Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. They rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with a series of hit singles and albums, becoming one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of their era.
The band’s early lineup included members such as Neal Schon (guitar), Gregg Rolie (keyboards and vocals), Ross Valory (bass), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), and George Tickner (guitar). Over the years, Journey underwent several lineup changes, with Steve Perry joining as lead vocalist in 1977, which marked a significant turning point in their career.
Journey is known for their melodic rock sound, characterized by catchy hooks, soaring vocals, and virtuosic guitar solos. They achieved massive commercial success with albums like “Infinity” (1978), “Escape” (1981), and “Frontiers” (1983), which produced hit singles such as “Wheel in the Sky,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Faithfully.”
The band’s popularity was driven by the distinctive voice of Steve Perry, whose soulful and powerful vocals became synonymous with Journey’s sound. Perry’s emotive singing style, combined with the band’s polished production and anthemic songwriting, helped Journey dominate the airwaves and sell millions of albums worldwide.
Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, Journey has continued to tour and record new music over the years, with Neal Schon being the only constant member throughout the band’s history. Their music remains beloved by fans of classic rock and continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and enduring popularity.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It’s one of Journey’s most famous and enduring songs, known for its uplifting melody, memorable lyrics, and iconic chorus.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is characterized by its catchy keyboard riff, driving rhythm, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a small-town girl and a city boy who meet on a train journey, with the chorus encouraging listeners to hold onto hope and continue believing in their dreams.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” was a commercial success upon its release and has since become one of the best-known and most-played songs in the world. It reached high chart positions in multiple countries and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials.
The song’s anthemic quality and universal message have made it a favorite among fans of all ages and backgrounds. Its enduring popularity has solidified its status as a classic in the rock genre and a signature song of Journey’s extensive catalog.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It’s one of the band’s most well-known and beloved ballads, known for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery.
“Faithfully” features a powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry, accompanied by melodic piano and guitar arrangements. The song’s lyrics express themes of love, commitment, and devotion, with the narrator pledging to remain faithful to their partner despite the challenges and hardships they may face.
“Faithfully” became a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. It has since become one of Journey’s most enduring songs, beloved by fans for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal.
The song has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, further cementing its status as a classic in the rock genre. Its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody continue to resonate with listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive discography.
3. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It’s one of the band’s most famous and enduring ballads, known for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery.
“Open Arms” features a powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry, accompanied by gentle piano and soaring guitar melodies. The song’s lyrics express themes of love, longing, and vulnerability, with the narrator expressing a desire to be reunited with their loved one and to find solace in their embrace.
“Open Arms” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. It has since become one of Journey’s most beloved songs, cherished by fans for its emotional resonance and timeless appeal.
The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody continue to touch the hearts of listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive catalog.
4. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” It’s one of the band’s most popular and recognizable songs, known for its energetic guitar riffs and powerful vocals.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” features a driving rhythm, catchy keyboard hooks, and Neal Schon’s blistering guitar solos. Steve Perry delivers a passionate vocal performance, singing about the pain of a relationship falling apart and the struggle to move on.
The song’s music video, featuring the band performing against a backdrop of futuristic imagery, received heavy rotation on MTV and helped propel “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” to commercial success. It reached high chart positions in multiple countries and remains a favorite among fans of classic rock.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials over the years. Its anthemic chorus and infectious energy have solidified its status as one of Journey’s signature songs and a classic in the rock genre.
5. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” It’s one of the band’s early hits and remains a fan favorite.
“Wheel in the Sky” features a driving rhythm, melodic guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics speak of life on the road, with the narrator reflecting on the ups and downs of touring and the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
The song’s memorable chorus, “Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’,” has become iconic and is often cited as one of Journey’s most recognizable lines. “Wheel in the Sky” received widespread acclaim upon its release and remains a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
Over the years, “Wheel in the Sky” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the rock genre. Its timeless appeal and infectious melody continue to captivate listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive discography.
6. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It’s one of the band’s most well-known and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody and emotional delivery.
“Who’s Crying Now” features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, accompanied by melodic piano and guitar arrangements. The song’s lyrics explore themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience, with the narrator expressing a desire to move on from a failed relationship and find happiness again.
“Who’s Crying Now” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. It has since become one of Journey’s most beloved songs, cherished by fans for its relatable lyrics and timeless appeal.
The song has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years, further cementing its status as a classic in the rock genre. Its memorable chorus and emotional resonance continue to resonate with listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive catalog.
7. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a song by Journey, released in 1980 on their album “Departure.” It’s one of the band’s most popular and enduring songs, known for its catchy melody and energetic delivery.
“Any Way You Want It” features a driving rhythm, infectious guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The song’s lyrics express a sense of freedom and spontaneity, with the narrator declaring their willingness to go wherever their partner leads and do whatever they want.
“Any Way You Want It” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries. It has since become one of Journey’s most beloved songs, cherished by fans for its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus.
The song has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials over the years, further solidifying its status as a classic in the rock genre. Its timeless appeal and infectious energy continue to captivate listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive discography.
8. Lights
“Lights” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” It’s one of the band’s early hits and remains a fan favorite.
“Lights” features a melodic and laid-back vibe, with prominent piano and guitar arrangements. Steve Perry’s smooth vocals deliver lyrics that reminisce about the band’s hometown of San Francisco, capturing the nostalgia and sense of longing for the city.
The song’s chorus, “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” has become iconic and is often cited as one of Journey’s most recognizable lines. “Lights” received widespread acclaim upon its release and remains a staple of classic rock radio playlists.
Over the years, “Lights” has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, further solidifying its status as a classic in the rock genre. Its timeless appeal and evocative lyrics continue to resonate with listeners around the world, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive discography.
9. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1979 on their album “Evolution.” It’s one of the band’s classic hits, known for its catchy melody and memorable chorus.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” features a driving rhythm, soulful vocals by Steve Perry, and prominent guitar and keyboard arrangements. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a tumultuous relationship, with the narrator expressing frustration and betrayal over their partner’s infidelity.
The chorus, “Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’, each other,” is repeated throughout the song, serving as a catchy hook that sticks in the listener’s mind. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries and becoming one of Journey’s most popular songs.
Over the years, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” has remained a fan favorite and a staple of classic rock radio playlists. Its infectious energy and relatable lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout moment in Journey’s extensive discography.
10. Stone in Love
“Stone in Love” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It’s one of the band’s classic rock anthems, known for its energetic guitar riffs and catchy chorus.
“Stone in Love” features a driving rhythm, powerful vocals by Steve Perry, and melodic guitar solos. The song’s lyrics depict the excitement and passion of falling in love, with the narrator expressing a sense of euphoria and longing for their romantic interest.
The chorus, “Stone in love, can’t help myself, I’m falling for you,” captures the intensity and joy of newfound love. “Stone in Love” was a commercial success, reaching high chart positions in multiple countries and becoming a fan favorite among Journey’s extensive catalog.
Over the years, “Stone in Love” has remained a staple of classic rock radio playlists and Journey’s live performances. Its infectious energy and memorable melody continue to resonate with listeners, making it a standout moment in the band’s discography.
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.
