Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973. Known for their powerful ballads and anthemic rock songs, the band’s classic lineup included Steve Perry (vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboard), Ross Valory (bass), and Steve Smith (drums). Journey gained widespread popularity in the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of successful albums and hit singles.
Their most iconic album, *Escape* (1981), includes some of their biggest hits, such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now.” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” in particular, has become an enduring anthem and is often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
Journey’s sound is characterized by Perry’s soaring vocals, Schon’s intricate guitar work, and Cain’s keyboard melodies. The band has gone through various lineup changes over the years but remains active and continues to perform. Their music has had a lasting influence on rock and pop, and they are celebrated for their contributions to the genre.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a 1981 single by Journey from their album *Escape*. Written by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, and Steve Perry, the song is one of the band’s most iconic and enduring hits. It features a memorable piano intro, uplifting lyrics, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals.
The song tells the story of a small-town girl and a city boy on a journey to find their dreams, using the metaphor of a journey and the resilience to keep believing in oneself despite challenges. Its anthemic chorus and hopeful message have made it a classic rock staple.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” achieved significant commercial success, reaching number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its popularity has endured over the decades, and it has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials, cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a 1983 single by Journey from their album *Frontiers*. Written by Jonathan Cain, the song is one of the band’s most beloved power ballads and showcases Steve Perry’s emotive vocals alongside Cain’s poignant lyrics and keyboard arrangement.
The song reflects themes of love and devotion, with lyrics that express the challenges of maintaining a relationship while being on the road. It tells the story of someone who remains faithful to their partner despite the distance and demands of a touring lifestyle. The melodic piano intro and heartfelt chorus contribute to its emotional impact.
“Faithfully” was a commercial success, reaching number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a staple in Journey’s live performances. Its enduring appeal and relatable themes have made it a classic rock favorite and a symbol of the band’s influence in the power ballad genre.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a 1980 single by Journey from their album *Departure*. Written by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, the song is an energetic rock anthem known for its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo.
The track features a driving guitar riff, lively piano, and Steve Perry’s dynamic vocals. Its lyrics convey a sense of youthful exuberance and romantic freedom, emphasizing a willingness to give someone whatever they desire.
“Any Way You Want It” became one of Journey’s most popular songs, reaching number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains a staple of the band’s live performances and is celebrated for its infectious energy and enduring appeal.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a 1981 single by Journey from their album *Escape*. Written by Jonathan Cain, the song is one of the band’s most well-known ballads and showcases Steve Perry’s emotive vocal performance.
The track features a heartfelt melody and lyrics that express deep yearning and the longing for reconciliation. The song’s lyrics convey a sense of vulnerability and the desire to embrace a loved one with open arms, reflecting themes of forgiveness and hope.
“Open Arms” was a commercial success, reaching number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its emotional depth and powerful delivery have made it a timeless classic and a staple in Journey’s live performances. The song remains a favorite for its romantic sentiment and enduring appeal.
5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a 1983 single by Journey from their album *Frontiers*. Written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon, the song is known for its powerful, energetic rock sound and iconic synthesizer riff.
The track’s lyrics reflect themes of separation and perseverance, capturing the feeling of being apart from a loved one while facing personal challenges. The song features a driving beat, dynamic vocals by Steve Perry, and prominent keyboard work by Jonathan Cain, which gives it a distinct ’80s rock flavor.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” achieved significant success, reaching number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It has remained a fan favorite and a staple of Journey’s live performances, celebrated for its anthemic quality and memorable chorus.
6. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a 1978 single by Journey from their album *Infinity*. Written by Robert Fleischman, Neal Schon, and Gregg Rolie, the song is notable for its blend of rock and melodic elements, featuring a prominent keyboard riff and an energetic arrangement.
The track’s lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and the passage of time, reflecting themes of change and uncertainty. Its dynamic instrumentation includes a memorable guitar solo by Neal Schon and a driving rhythm that complements the reflective lyrics.
“Wheel in the Sky” became one of Journey’s early hits, reaching number 57 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains a classic example of the band’s signature sound during their transition to a more mainstream rock style.
7. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a 1981 single by Journey from their album *Escape*. Written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, the song is a power ballad that showcases the band’s melodic rock style and features Steve Perry’s emotional vocal performance.
The track’s lyrics explore themes of heartbreak and regret, focusing on the emotional aftermath of a relationship. The song combines a poignant melody with a dramatic chorus, highlighting the band’s ability to blend rock and emotional depth.
“Who’s Crying Now” was a commercial success, reaching number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Its compelling blend of rock and ballad elements has made it a staple of Journey’s live performances and a favorite among fans.
8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a 1979 single by Journey from their album *Evolution*. Written by Steve Perry and Neal Schon, the song is a classic example of the band’s blend of rock and melodic elements.
The track features a catchy chorus and an emotive vocal performance by Steve Perry, with lyrics that explore themes of betrayal and heartbreak in a relationship. The song’s arrangement includes a prominent piano line and a memorable guitar solo, contributing to its memorable and anthemic quality.
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” was a commercial success, reaching number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains a beloved track in Journey’s catalog, known for its engaging melody and relatable lyrics.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a 1978 single by Journey from their album *Infinity*. Written by Jonathan Cain, the song is a melodic rock track that showcases the band’s signature sound and features Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals.
The song’s lyrics express a longing for home and a sense of nostalgia for San Francisco, where Cain was living at the time. The track combines a memorable piano riff with an uplifting chorus, capturing the emotional connection to the city and the desire to return.
“Lights” became one of Journey’s early hits and is often praised for its evocative lyrics and melodic charm. It reached number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remains a fan favorite, celebrated for its reflective and heartfelt quality.
10. Send Her My Love
“Send Her My Love” is a 1983 single by Journey from their album *Frontiers*. Written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, the song is a power ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics and melodic rock style.
The track’s lyrics convey a message of longing and emotional vulnerability, as the narrator expresses his feelings of love and regret, asking someone to convey his sentiments to a former lover. The song features Steve Perry’s expressive vocals and a memorable chorus, with lush instrumentation that complements the emotional depth of the lyrics.
“Send Her My Love” achieved moderate commercial success, reaching number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains a favorite among fans for its emotional resonance and the band’s signature melodic rock sound.