Journey is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1973. The band consists of Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards and guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Steve Smith on drums, and Arnel Pineda on vocals. Known for their arena rock sound, power ballads, and catchy hooks, Journey is one of the most successful and beloved bands of the late 1970s and 1980s.
Journey’s music is characterized by Schon’s intricate guitar work, Cain’s keyboard melodies, and Pineda’s soaring vocals. Their breakthrough album, Escape (1981), featured hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now,” and became one of the top-selling albums of the decade. They went on to release numerous other successful albums, including Frontiers (1983) and Raised on Radio (1986).
In addition to their music, Journey is also known for their high-energy live shows, which often feature elaborate stage setups and pyrotechnics. They have sold over 75 million records worldwide and have been honored with numerous awards for their music and contributions to rock and roll.
Journey’s legacy as one of the most iconic and influential bands of the arena rock era lives on, and their music continues to inspire fans and musicians around the world.
1. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
With its dramatic guitar riffs and belted lyrics, Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" is an electrifying rock anthem that perfectly captures the pain of a relationship gone wrong. The soulful vocals of Steve Perry drive home the emotion of the song, while the catchy chorus leaves listeners humming long after the track ends. Released in 1983 as part of Journey's "Frontiers" album, this iconic hit cemented the band's place in music history and remains a favorite among fans to this day.
Continuing with the same energy and passion, Journey's "Faithfully" follows up on their classic love ballad formula, with introspective lyrics about love and devotion. Steve Perry's emotive voice is paired beautifully with gentle piano notes, making for a wistful track that tugs at heartstrings. The song was featured in numerous movies, TV shows and commercials over the years spreading its charm across generations.
Adding to their repertoire is Journey's timeless hit "Don't Stop Believin'", which has become an absolute karaoke staple around the world. Released in 1981 on their album "Escape", it hit number 9 on Billboard charts on its initial release but went on to gain even more popularity later on. It has found its way into pop culture references and has been covered by numerous artists including Glee, which further fueled its recognition.
Pro Tip: If you want to experience true nostalgia or sing your heart out freely (in public or alone) then playing these legendary tracks from Journey can never go wrong!
2. Faithfully: Because nothing says I'll always be there for you like a song about a touring musician's infidelity.
2. Faithfully
This track, recognized as the second best Journey song of all time, is a testament to the band's melodic abilities. 'Faithfully' portrays a classic 'road' song with lyrics about life on tour and missing loved ones. Steve Perry's vocals add a touch of sincerity to the beautifully composed music.
The song, released in 1983, tells of a musician's fidelity to his partner while on the road touring. The melody is memorable and easy to follow along with. The band shows their musical prowess in this ballad with its mixture of rock and pop elements. 'Faithfully' has become an anthem for devoted love worldwide.
Fun fact – In the music video for this song, Journey had live footage from their tour featuring footage of the fans.
Pro Tip – To truly appreciate 'Faithfully', listen to it while looking at old pictures from one of your favorite memories.
Warning: Listening to 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' may cause sudden urges to sing awkwardly to your significant other in public places.
3. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
This track by Journey, about an unfaithful lover, ranks among their best works. The song’s lyrics are deep and emotional, infused with Steve Perry’s powerful rendition of the vocals. The iconic chorus, “Lovin’, touchin’, squeezin’ each other”, expresses the protagonist’s pain and confusion as he navigates his complicated relationship. One can feel the raw emotion captured in this classic hit.
Did you know that “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” was written by lead singer Steve Perry? Inspired by a real-life experience of catching his then-girlfriend cheating on him, Perry developed the hit tune that would become one of Journey’s most popular songs. The catchy melody has been featured in countless movies, TV shows and commercials over the years – reinforcing its status as one of Journey's signature tunes. Aspiring singers should consider adding it to their repertoire when hoping to captivate audiences with a truly compelling story set to music.
The only thing worse than being stuck on a never-ending road trip is having 'Wheel in the Sky' stuck in your head for the duration.
4. Wheel in the Sky
This classic rock song depicts a person's journey through the skies and their yearning to find love in a turbulent world. The melodic guitar solos and soaring vocals make "Wheel in the Sky" an iconic hit that resonates with fans of all ages. As one of Journey's biggest hits, this song has stood the test of time and continues to be a staple in classic rock radio. Its relatable lyrics and catchy hook make "Wheel in the Sky" a timeless addition to any playlist or rock lover's collection.
Turn off the lights and turn up the volume, because these Journey songs will take you on a sonic journey you won't forget.
5. Lights
This section of the article highlights a timeless classic by the iconic group, Journey. 'Lights' is an impressive song that has captured hearts for decades and continues to do so. Let's delve deep into what makes this piece so special.
- The opening multilayered synths that gradually build up set the tone and create a dreamy soundscape.
- The lyrics are simple yet evocative, chronicling life in San Francisco with romantic nostalgia.
- Steve Perry's soaring vocals beautifully complement the guitar work of Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain's keyboard playing, giving it emotional depth.
- Lights has stood the test of time and earned its place as one of Journey's most iconic songs of all time.
It's worth noting that despite being an ode to San Francisco, 'Lights' is relatable to anyone who loves their hometown. This song encapsulates the universal emotions of longing and nostalgia we feel towards our roots.
Don't miss out on listening to this gem that has been cherished by generations. Experience the magic of 'Lights' today!
Only the young can truly appreciate the full emotional journey of this classic Steve Perry ballad.
6. Only the Young
This classic Journey track, with its upbeat tempo and rocking guitar riffs, encapsulates the energy and spirit of youth. 'Only the Young' speaks to the unbridled optimism and sense of possibility that define those early years of life. With Steve Perry's signature vocals soaring over Neal Schon's iconic guitar work, this song is a timeless anthem for anyone who longs to hold onto their sense of adventure and wonder.
As one of Journey's most beloved hits, 'Only the Young' remains a fan favorite even decades after its release. The lyrics remind listeners to stay true to themselves and never lose sight of their dreams – a message that resonates just as strongly today as it did when the song first hit the airwaves.
For many fans, 'Only the Young' holds a special place in their hearts as a reminder of what it means to be young and carefree. Whether blasting it from their car stereos or singing along at concerts, Journey aficionados continue to cherish this timeless classic.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, 'Only the Young' was originally written for inclusion on the soundtrack for 1985 film Vision Quest before ultimately becoming a standalone single.
"Who needs therapy when you can just listen to 'Who's Crying Now' on repeat and cry your heart out?"
7. Who’s Crying Now
This iconic song, a part of 'Escape' album, showcases Steve Perry's powerful vocals. 'Who's Crying Now' is renowned for its soulful lyrics and hard-rock rhythms which continue to captivate audiences worldwide. The song tells the story of a woman who abandons her love for another man leaving the protagonist devastated. It perfectly captures the emotions of betrayal and sorrow with its memorable chorus and scintillating guitar solo.
The song entered the Billboard Top 40 chart and peaked at number four. 'Who’s Crying Now' has become one of the most beloved Journey songs over time. It represents an essential chapter in the band's history that encapsulates their ability to blend pop, rock, and ballad seamlessly.
Interestingly, before Steve Perry laid his vocals on it, guitarist Neal Schon wanted Anne Wilson from Heart to sing it. However, Perry's high-pitched voice added depth to the story's emotions, making it an instant classic.
As per him, he wrote this song for his journey exploring music with Journey and how people cry when they decide to leave things/someone behind even after they know they are not right for them- because we all have a soft spot for something or someone that we can't get rid of!
"Don't stop believin', unless you're on a train without WiFi and then you're just screwed."
8. Don’t Stop Believin’
This iconic Journey song, with its upbeat melody and inspiring lyrics, has become a beloved anthem for generations. It encourages listeners to keep pursuing their dreams and never lose hope, emphasizing the power of perseverance. The catchy chorus has made "Don't Stop Believin'" a staple at sports events and karaoke bars alike.
The song's dynamic instrumentation and emotional resonance have kept it relevant since its release in 1981. It tells the story of a small town girl and a city boy on a midnight train going anywhere, capturing the universal desire for adventure and escape. Its enduring popularity has earned it numerous accolades, including being certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Unique to "Don't Stop Believin'" is its frequent use in popular culture, from television shows like The Sopranos and Glee to movies such as Rock of Ages and Monster-in-Law. This song's legacy continues to inspire new audiences, proving that good music truly stands the test of time.
Pro Tip: When singing along with this classic tune, remember to take deep breaths during the chorus to keep up with Steve Perry's impressive vocal range.
Get ready to open your arms wide as we delve into one of the most romantic and sappy songs on the list.
9. Open Arms
Providing a soothing melody and lyrics, the track that occupies the 9th position in our list of '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time' is an iconic piece titled 'Embraces with Open Limbs.'
- Released in 1981 as part of their "Escape" album, it became one of the most famous ballads by Journey.
- The song was written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain and remains one of their masterpieces.
- It spent six consecutive weeks on top of the charts at its peak and also earned a place on several top year-end lists.
- The song marked Journey's arrival as a mainstay on Adult Contemporary pop radio stations.
As you delve deeper into the meaning behind this classic toil, one would realize how it reflects love's essence with its poignant verses and mellifluous chorus.
Notably, during his tenure with Journey, vocalist Steve Perry was invited to perform with Foreigner while fellow band members performed instrumentals for the Double Vision album.
Listening to 'Any Way You Want It' is like taking a scenic journey through a musical landscape of pure rock bliss.
10. Any Way You Want It
This particular track that is part of the 10 best journey songs of all time is a classic rock piece titled 'Any Way You Want It.' This song wouldn't be unfamiliar to anyone who's been around music for some time, especially within the rock genre. The power ballad features captivating lyrics with a soaring melody that can keep one humming it for days.
'Any Way You Want It' has been the go-to song for various occasions such as sports events, graduations, and weddings. With its upbeat rhythm and crowd-pleasing lyrics, this anthem still holds up today.
If you're looking to sing along, dance or pump yourself up before a big game in any way you want it – this song is your answer. It's perfect for any activity where energy and positive vibes are needed.
So if you're ever feeling down or need some inspiration to break out of your rut – trust us, give 'Any Way You Want It' a listen and let it uplift your spirits in ways you couldn't have imagined.
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.
