Journey is an iconic American rock band formed in 1973, renowned for their powerful blend of rock and pop. With a lineup featuring Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ross Valory on bass, Steve Smith on drums, and the unforgettable vocals of Steve Perry, Journey soared to fame in the late 1970s and 1980s. They are celebrated for timeless hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” and “Open Arms.” Their music is characterized by soaring melodies, anthemic choruses, and a distinctive blend of rock and arena-ready pop, making them a staple of classic rock.
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is one of Journey’s most famous and enduring songs, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album *Escape*. Written by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, and Steve Perry, the song features a powerful piano intro, a memorable chorus, and Steve Perry’s soaring vocals. Its lyrics tell the story of a small-town girl and a city boy on a journey, seeking hope and connection. Despite initial moderate success, the song gained a resurgence in popularity over the years, becoming an anthem for perseverance and optimism. It remains a staple of classic rock and pop culture.
2. Faithfully
“Faithfully” is a heartfelt ballad by Journey, released in 1983 as a single from their album *Frontiers*. Written by Jonathan Cain, the song showcases the band’s softer, more emotional side, with a focus on Cain’s poignant piano work and Steve Perry’s powerful vocals. The lyrics reflect themes of love and devotion, capturing the struggles and triumphs of maintaining a relationship while on the road. “Faithfully” is widely regarded as one of Journey’s signature songs and is celebrated for its earnest expression of commitment and romance, often resonating with fans for its sincerity and emotional depth.
3. Any Way You Want It
“Any Way You Want It” is a high-energy rock anthem by Journey, released in 1980 as a single from their album *Departure*. Written by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, the song features a driving beat, upbeat guitar riffs, and Steve Perry’s dynamic vocals. Its lyrics celebrate living in the moment and embracing spontaneity in relationships, with a message of giving and receiving love freely. The track stands out for its infectious chorus and lively rhythm, making it a favorite in the band’s live performances and a quintessential example of Journey’s vibrant rock sound.
4. Open Arms
“Open Arms” is a classic ballad by Journey, released in 1981 as a single from their album *Escape*. The song is renowned for its heartfelt lyrics, emotive melody, and powerful vocal performance by Steve Perry. It features a prominent piano intro that sets a tender, romantic tone, building up to a soaring chorus that emphasizes the themes of love and reconciliation.
Lyrically, “Open Arms” expresses a deep sense of longing and the desire to mend a strained relationship, offering an emotional plea for a loved one to return. The song’s arrangement, which includes lush instrumentation and a memorable guitar solo, complements Perry’s expressive delivery, making it one of Journey’s most enduring and beloved hits.
“Open Arms” has been praised for its emotional depth and its role in solidifying Journey’s reputation as a leading rock band of the early 1980s. It remains a staple of the band’s live performances and a favorite among fans of classic rock and power ballads.
5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a powerful rock anthem by Journey, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album *Frontiers*. The song is known for its driving beat, anthemic chorus, and prominent keyboard riff, which are all characteristic of Journey’s signature sound.
Lyrically, the song addresses the theme of separation and the emotional challenges of going through a breakup or parting ways, while expressing hope and resilience in the face of such adversity. The energetic and uplifting nature of the track, combined with Steve Perry’s dynamic vocal performance and the band’s tight instrumentation, makes it a standout in Journey’s catalog.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” has been praised for its catchy melody and memorable hooks, and it remains one of Journey’s most iconic songs. The song’s high-energy vibe and relatable lyrics have contributed to its lasting popularity and frequent inclusion in the band’s live performances.
6. Wheel in the Sky
“Wheel in the Sky” is a classic rock song by Journey, released in 1978 as part of their album *Infinity*. The track is known for its driving rhythm, catchy chorus, and the distinctive vocal style of Steve Perry, who joined the band shortly before the album’s release.
The song features a blend of rock and pop elements, with its memorable guitar riffs and energetic keyboard lines contributing to its dynamic sound. Lyrically, “Wheel in the Sky” explores themes of travel, uncertainty, and the passage of time, reflecting a sense of restlessness and the search for meaning.
“Wheel in the Sky” became one of Journey’s early hits, helping to establish the band’s presence in the rock music scene. It remains a staple of their live performances and is celebrated for its engaging melody and its role in shaping Journey’s distinctive sound.
7. Who’s Crying Now
“Who’s Crying Now” is a hit single by Journey, released in 1981 as part of their *Escape* album. Written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, the song features a blend of emotional lyrics and melodic rock. It reflects on the end of a relationship and the loneliness that follows, with Steve Perry’s expressive vocals delivering a poignant performance. The song is notable for its powerful guitar solos and heartfelt chorus, capturing the band’s signature style of combining rock with emotional depth. “Who’s Crying Now” reached high on the charts and remains a memorable track in Journey’s discography.
8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” is a popular song by Journey, released in 1979 as part of their album *Departure*. The track is known for its catchy melody, upbeat tempo, and memorable chorus, showcasing the band’s signature blend of rock and pop.
Lyrically, the song deals with themes of heartbreak and betrayal, with the narrator expressing frustration over a partner’s infidelity and emotional manipulation. The chorus’s repeated lines, “Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’,” highlight the emotional intensity of the situation, making the song both relatable and impactful.
The track features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals and is complemented by energetic instrumentation, including prominent guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” became a hit, contributing to Journey’s growing popularity and solidifying their reputation as one of the leading rock bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
9. Lights
“Lights” is a classic Journey song released in 1978 on their album *Infinity*. Written by Jonathan Cain, the track is a tribute to San Francisco, celebrating the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the feeling of nostalgia associated with it. The song features a prominent piano melody, a smooth rock groove, and Steve Perry’s emotive vocals. With its memorable chorus and reflective lyrics, “Lights” evokes a sense of longing and appreciation for the city’s unique charm, and it has become an anthem for both Journey fans and those who cherish the spirit of San Francisco.
10. Send Her My Love
“Send Her My Love” is a heartfelt ballad by Journey, released in 1983 as a single from their album *Frontiers*. The song is known for its emotional lyrics, lush instrumentation, and Steve Perry’s powerful vocal performance.
Lyrically, “Send Her My Love” expresses the narrator’s feelings of longing and regret over a past relationship, asking a friend to convey his sentiments to a former lover. The track features a blend of rock and pop elements, with its memorable melody and expressive arrangement highlighting the song’s emotional depth.
The song’s orchestration includes a prominent keyboard line and a soaring guitar solo, contributing to its dramatic and melodic quality. “Send Her My Love” became a notable hit for Journey, praised for its poignant lyrics and Perry’s compelling delivery. It remains a favorite among fans of the band and a classic example of Journey’s power ballad style.
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.
