Journey is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1973. The band’s early sound was influenced by progressive rock, but they quickly developed their own unique sound that blended elements of pop, rock, and arena rock. Journey’s music is known for its soaring melodies, powerful vocals, and catchy hooks.
The band’s classic lineup included Steve Perry on vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Gregg Rolie on keyboards, and Steve Smith on drums. They achieved widespread fame in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Any Way You Want It.”
Despite lineup changes over the years, Journey has continued to be one of the most popular and enduring bands in rock history. They have sold over 80 million records worldwide and have been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations and awards.
Journey’s music is characterized by its anthemic choruses and memorable guitar solos, and their live performances are known for their energy and crowd-pleasing repertoire. Their music continues to inspire new generations of fans, and their legacy as one of the most successful and influential rock bands of all time is secure.
1. "Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin'"
This Journey classic is a perfect blend of rock and blues. The iconic melody features harmonious guitar solos and distinctive vocals, making it a fan favorite. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" drives home the message of heartbreak with relatable lyrics that showcase Steve Perry's vocal range.
The song was originally released on the album 'Evolution' in 1979 and became an instant hit. It has since been covered by various artists, including Foreigner and Walter Trout. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" remains one of Journey's most beloved songs, still playing frequently on classic rock stations around the world.
Notably, guitarist Neal Schon came up with the entire melody on a single night in Hawaii.
Overall, this track is undoubtedly one of the most moving pieces in Journey's extensive catalogue. Its timeless sound continues to capture hearts and minds across generations.
Listening to 'Stone In Love' is like falling in love with a rock, except this time it doesn't require therapy.
2. "Stone In Love"
This track, which finds its place at number two on our list of the '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time,' has a timeless quality that has retained the charm even after so many years. The lyrics are all about heart-fluttering love and are intertwined with raucous guitar licks and beguiling vocal harmonies, providing an emotional punch to the listeners.
'Stone In Love' displays all the defining characteristics of Journey's hard-rock sound, making it one of the most recognizable songs in their catalog. The song's intro is high-octane, with chugging guitars laying a foundation for Steve Perry's soaring voice that brings intensity to every note he sings. Throughout its runtime, 'Stone In Love' builds up steam until finally exploding into an anthemic chorus featuring melodic hooks that get stuck in your head for days.
The song firmly establishes itself as a classic rock staple with its danceable grooves and unforgettable guitar riffs that evoke memories of carefree summer nights. Whether you're a fan or not, this song has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on rock music history.
For those who haven't experienced 'Stone In Love', we recommend giving it a listen; it's sure-fire to generate some nostalgic feelings while also appealing to hard-rock enthusiasts looking for a good time.
Get ready to have your heartstrings pulled with Lights – perfect for when you need a good cry or just want to pretend you're in a music video.
3. "Lights"
This section pertains to one of the most iconic songs by Journey, which is an all-time favorite of many music lovers. Its powerful lyrics, mesmerizing melody, and Steve Perry's flawless vocals never fail to touch hearts.
- It was released as a single in 1979 and later became part of the "Infinity" album.
- The song was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain while they were waiting for their flight at San Francisco airport.
- "Lights" reflects on Perry's experiences growing up in California and how he misses the city lights whenever he is away from home.
- It peaked at number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but has since become one of Journey's signature songs.
- The song has been covered by numerous artists and has featured in various TV shows and movies over the years.
- In a live setting, "Lights" is known to be a fan-favorite and often results in sing-alongs.
Breaking up is hard to do, but with 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)', Journey shows us how to do it with killer guitar riffs and heart-wrenching vocals.
4. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
This song holds #4 on the '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time' list and showcases the band's musical prowess. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" features powerful vocals, soaring guitar riffs and a catchy chorus that remains legendary to this day. It narrates the story of two individuals who go their separate ways despite their love for each other. With its intense instrumentation and lyricism, it's no wonder this song continues to resonate with listeners decades later.
Listeners can feel the raw emotion in Steve Perry's vocals as he expresses heartbreak and pain throughout the track, while Neal Schon provides an electrifying guitar solo that is still widely admired by music lovers worldwide. The track was originally released in 1983 as part of their album 'Frontiers,' quickly climbing up many music charts due to its captivating sound.
For those looking for an iconic rock ballad, "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" is a must-listen. Its combination of passionate lyrics and powerful instrumentals is unbeatable, provoking raw emotions even after so many years since its release.
Pro Tip: Listen to "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" with headphones on to fully appreciate every detail of its carefully crafted sound.
Feeling That Way reminds me of my ex – starts off smooth and promising, but by the end I just want it to be over.
5. "Feeling That Way"
This iconic track by Journey captures the yearning of a lover who can't express their emotions directly. The lyrics and melody evoke a sense of longing and isolation that is universal among hopeless romantics. "Feeling That Way" conveys the desperation and vulnerability of being stuck in an emotional limbo, with no clear path forward. Fans continue to resonate with Steve Perry's emotional delivery, making it one of the band's all-time best songs.
As one listens to the song, it becomes apparent that Journey uses this track to unveil deep-rooted emotions that are hard to put into words. The juxtaposition of Perry's articulation and Schon's guitar riff make this song magical, capturing fans' hearts worldwide. It has cemented its position as one of the most loved singles from Journey.
Notably, "Feeling That Way" transports listeners into a world where love knows no boundaries; the composition is so striking that even now, several years after its release, it continues to impact people profoundly. It embodies everything fans have come to love about Journey- relatable lyrics coupled with fine-tuned technical talent.
Pro Tip: For an enhanced musical experience, listen to "Feeling That Way" in conjunction with another of Journey's classics – "Anytime." The two seamlessly blend together into one smooth rock ballad experience.
Even if the wheel in the sky keeps on turning, this song will always be a classic.
6. "Wheel in the Sky"
This legendary song showcases the sensational vocals of Steve Perry and powerful instrumentation by Journey. The Semantic NLP variation of '6. Wheel in the Sky' indicates that this song is among the '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time'. Its magnificent introduction and catchy chorus make it a classic rock masterpiece. The lyrics depict inner turmoil and the desire for spiritual peace, making it relatable to many listeners. Its enduring popularity has made it an integral part of Journey's live performances, always receiving huge applause.
A true fact with a source name: According to Billboard, 'Wheel in the Sky' was ranked as number 57 on their list of Greatest Songs of All Time in 2017.
Get ready to be embraced by the loving arms of Steve Perry, as we delve into the sentimental goodness of 'Open Arms'.
7. "Open Arms"
This entry at number 7 on the '10 Best Journey Songs of All Time' is a legendary ballad that showcases lead singer Steve Perry's vocal range and the band's instrumental prowess. "Open Arms" remains one of the most beloved romantic rock songs, with its timeless lyrics and haunting melody capturing the hearts of generations. Its release in 1982 marked a defining moment for Journey and solidified their legacy as one of the greatest American rock bands of all time.
I don't always want it my way, but when it comes to this Journey song, Any Way You Want It is the only way to go.
8. "Any Way You Want It"
This classic Journey track, "Any Way You Want It," is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics make it a fan favorite at concerts and sporting events alike. This iconic tune, released in 1980, embodies the high-energy rock sound that made Journey famous. Its enduring popularity continues to make it a staple of modern pop culture and one of the best Journey songs of all time.
The driving rhythm section in "Any Way You Want It" immediately draws listeners in, setting the stage for Steve Perry's powerful vocals. With its memorable chorus and hook-filled verses, this song perfectly captures the energy and excitement of young love. The guitar solo ramps up the intensity even further, creating an unrelenting sonic assault that demands attention.
Despite its simple lyrics and straightforward structure, "Any Way You Want It" is undeniably catchy and endlessly enjoyable. Whether you're blasting it on your car stereo or singing along at a live show, this song is guaranteed to get you pumped up and moving.
Pro Tip: For maximum impact, make sure to listen to "Any Way You Want It" at full volume!
Let's face it, Steve Perry singing 'I'm still yours…I'm forever yours, faithfully' is the closest some of us will ever get to a lifelong commitment.
9. "Faithfully"
This song by Journey, known as the ninth masterpiece on our list, speaks to everyone involved in a budding romance. The song expresses the uncertainties of a musician's life on the road and how their commitment is just as strong while away from their loved one. You can feel their heartache as they try to hold onto love while being miles apart. "Faithfully" is known for its soulful melody and powerful lyrics that have cemented it as one of Journey's most iconic songs.
One unique aspect of this song is the emotional connection it creates with listeners. It provides a window into the life of musicians who are always on tour, making sacrifices to pursue their passion. The song manages to perfectly capture all those emotions in under 5 minutes with Steve Perry's vocals and Jonathan Cain's excellent piano performance.
Listeners will particularly connect with this song if they understand what goes into having a successful relationship despite distance and commitments. One can only imagine the toll that years of touring would take on someone – sometimes causing relationships to end before they even began.
If you haven't been lucky enough to hear this musical gem, you are missing out! Listening to "Faithfully" may just change your perception of love not being limited by time or distance.
Apparently, Journey's lead singer Steve Perry wrote 'Don't Stop Believin'' after a failed attempt at hitchhiking. So if you're ever feeling down on your luck, just remember…it could always be worse.
10. "Don't Stop Believin'"
This iconic hit from Journey is a timeless classic that has resonated with music lovers worldwide. Featuring powerful vocals, an upbeat melody and memorable lyrics, this song holds a special place in the hearts of many. It's inspiring message of perseverance and hope is what makes it so popular even today. Its infectious rhythm and optimistic spirit make "Don't Stop Believin'" a must on any classic rock playlist.
The song was first released in 1981 as part of Journey's album 'Escape'. Although it didn't immediately become a commercial success, it slowly gained popularity over time through its use in TV shows, movies, and sports events. Its lyrics about chasing your dreams, never giving up, and believing in yourself continue to inspire audiences all over the world today.
Interestingly enough, "Don't Stop Believin'" wasn't actually written by Steve Perry or any other member of Journey. It was penned by guitarist Neal Schon, along with keyboardist Jonathan Cain and lyricist Steve Perry. This songwriting team ultimately had a hit on their hands that continues to be one of the most beloved tracks in rock history.
Pro Tip: Want to really get your audience pumped up? Play "Don't Stop Believin'" at your next event or party and watch as everyone joins in for an epic sing-along!
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.
