Few voices in rock history are as instantly recognizable—or as emotionally powerful—as that of Steve Perry. As the golden-voiced frontman of Journey and a successful solo artist, Perry didn’t just sing songs—he poured his soul into every note, crafting anthems that have stood the test of time. From heart-wrenching ballads to fist-pumping rockers, his music has become the soundtrack to countless road trips, breakups, weddings, and arena sing-alongs. Whether you’re rediscovering his classics or hearing them for the first time, there’s something undeniably magical about the way Perry’s voice soars, aches, and commands attention.
In this article, we’re counting down the top 10 most popular Steve Perry songs of all time—a mix of his unforgettable hits with Journey and his equally powerful solo efforts. These tracks didn’t just climb the charts—they became cultural landmarks, echoing across generations through movie scenes, sports stadiums, and karaoke bars worldwide. So crank the volume, warm up those vocal cords, and take a journey (pun intended) through the songs that solidified Steve Perry as one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time. Let the nostalgia—and the goosebumps—begin.
1. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (1981)
“Don’t Stop Believin’” isn’t just a song—it’s a musical beacon of hope that has stood the test of time. Released in 1981 on Journey’s Escape album, it opens with Jonathan Cain’s unforgettable piano line, setting the stage for a story of small-town dreamers and restless souls searching for connection. Steve Perry’s soaring vocals give voice to their journey, rising gradually with each verse until it reaches that explosive, late-arriving chorus—nearly three minutes in—that has become legendary. The song’s unusual structure only adds to its emotional impact. Fueled by Neal Schon’s guitar work and Perry’s raw sincerity, it captures the heartache, optimism, and resilience of trying to make it in an uncertain world. Over the decades, “Don’t Stop Believin’” has transcended generations and genres, reemerging through TV finales like The Sopranos, stadium singalongs, and late-night karaoke sessions. In the digital era, it surged again to become one of the most downloaded classic rock songs ever. It’s more than just a rock anthem—it’s a cultural touchstone that continues to remind us all to hold on to our dreams, no matter how long the night.
2. “Open Arms” – Journey (1981)
“Open Arms” is one of Journey’s most emotionally resonant songs, a power ballad that showcases the heart and soul of Steve Perry’s voice. Released in 1981 on the Escape album, it was co-written by Perry and Jonathan Cain, who together crafted a song about vulnerability and reconciliation. From the moment the gentle piano chords begin, you’re pulled into a world of longing and emotional honesty. Perry sings with a tenderness that’s rare in rock music, expressing the ache of a love nearly lost and the desperate hope to make things right. The lyrics—“So now I come to you, with open arms…”—are simple but deeply affecting, tapping into a universal desire for forgiveness and connection. Musically, it’s a study in restraint: no flashy solos or dramatic crescendos, just a steady build of emotion that peaks in a powerful chorus. The track reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for six weeks, cementing its place as one of the greatest rock ballads of all time. Its purity and emotional clarity have made it a timeless staple for weddings, breakups, and romantic reunions alike.
3. “Oh Sherrie” – Steve Perry (1984)
Steve Perry’s 1984 solo debut, “Oh Sherrie,” proved that he could shine just as brightly outside of Journey. Released as the lead single from his Street Talk album, the song was inspired by and dedicated to his then-girlfriend, Sherrie Swafford, who also appeared in the music video. With its passionate vocals and glossy production, “Oh Sherrie” captures the spirit of mid-‘80s rock-pop while remaining grounded in Perry’s signature emotional delivery. The song begins with a dramatic vocal entrance—instantly gripping—before launching into a powerful, hook-laden melody supported by synths, guitar flourishes, and tight rhythm work. What sets “Oh Sherrie” apart is the urgency and sincerity in Perry’s performance; it’s clearly a personal song, and his voice carries both heartbreak and devotion in every note. The track climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a successful step for Perry as a solo artist and establishing Street Talk as more than just a side project. Even decades later, “Oh Sherrie” remains a fan favorite, both as a nostalgic throwback and a powerful testament to Perry’s ability to turn personal pain into unforgettable music.
4. “Faithfully” – Journey (1983)
“Faithfully” stands as one of Journey’s most poignant and enduring love songs. Released in 1983 on their Frontiers album, it was written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain while reflecting on the sacrifices of a life spent on the road. The song trades in Journey’s typical arena-rock intensity for quiet intimacy, focusing instead on a theme of unwavering loyalty. Steve Perry’s vocal delivery is heartfelt and sincere, imbuing the lyrics—“I’m forever yours, faithfully”—with a kind of spiritual devotion. There’s no guitar solo, no dramatic breakdown—just piano, minimal instrumentation, and a voice filled with longing and love. “Faithfully” reached the Billboard Top 20, and over time, it’s become a mainstay in wedding playlists, romantic montages, and live setlists. It’s celebrated not just for its beauty, but for its honesty. The song speaks directly to anyone who has ever struggled to keep love alive across distance and time. In a genre known for bombast and swagger, “Faithfully” is a quiet masterpiece—a ballad that lays bare the emotional toll of devotion and the strength required to hold on.
5. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – Journey (1983)
Released in 1983 on the Frontiers album, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” marked a darker, more aggressive side of Journey. The track opens with an iconic, pounding synth riff that hits like a hammer, setting the stage for a dramatic exploration of lost love and emotional endurance. This isn’t a tender ballad—it’s a defiant anthem. Steve Perry’s vocal performance is fierce and impassioned, bringing both anguish and strength to lyrics that deal with heartbreak, betrayal, and the determination to move forward. Lines like “If he ever hurts you, true love won’t desert you” are delivered with a searing mix of hope and pain. Backed by Neal Schon’s driving guitar and Cain’s cinematic keyboard work, the song balances melody with grit. Though it peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100, it has grown in stature over time—despite, or perhaps because of, its famously awkward music video. “Separate Ways” has earned its place as one of Journey’s most intense and emotionally raw tracks, proving the band could channel heartache into something powerful and unforgettable.
6. “Foolish Heart” – Steve Perry (1984)
With “Foolish Heart,” Steve Perry took a softer, more introspective route. Released in 1984 as the third single from his Street Talk album, the song reveals a contemplative side rarely seen in his arena-shaking Journey days. Built around a sparse, elegant electric piano line, “Foolish Heart” allows Perry’s voice to take center stage—exposed, delicate, and filled with emotion. It’s a conversation between a man and his own cautious heart, questioning whether it’s wise to risk love again. There’s no grand production here, no soaring guitar solos—just subtle textures and a vocal performance so controlled and sincere that it draws the listener in like a whisper. The song reached No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed even higher on Adult Contemporary charts, proving that less can sometimes mean more. “Foolish Heart” is a quiet triumph, showcasing Perry’s ability to convey deep emotion with restraint and nuance. It remains one of his most affecting solo efforts—a ballad that resonates not through volume, but through vulnerability.
7. “Any Way You Want It” – Journey (1980)
“Any Way You Want It” explodes out of the gate with pure rock ‘n’ roll energy. Released in 1980 as the opening track on Journey’s Departure album, the song is a fast-paced, feel-good anthem that embodies the band’s lighter, more playful side. Written by Steve Perry and Neal Schon during a tour with Thin Lizzy, the track carries the excitement of life on the road. Schon’s driving guitar riffs and Perry’s electrifying vocals push the tempo into overdrive, while the call-and-response lyrics make it a perfect live singalong. The song is pure adrenaline—lean, catchy, and bursting with joy. It peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, but its impact goes far beyond the charts. “Any Way You Want It” has been a concert staple for decades and continues to show up in movies, commercials, and sports arenas. It’s a celebration of spontaneity, love, and freedom—all wrapped in a two-and-a-half-minute rock package. Few songs capture the spirit of classic rock fun as perfectly as this one.
8. “Who’s Crying Now” – Journey (1981)
“Who’s Crying Now,” released in 1981 on Escape, showed a more mature and restrained side of Journey. Co-written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, the song diverges from the band’s typical power-ballad formula, leaning instead into a mellow, soulful groove. It begins with a gentle keyboard intro, setting a contemplative tone. Perry’s vocals are smooth and nuanced, navigating the emotional push and pull of a fractured relationship. The chorus swells with longing, but it’s the understated guitar solo at the end—elegant and expressive—that truly elevates the song. Reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Who’s Crying Now” proved that Journey didn’t need bombast to connect with listeners. It’s a breakup song that’s neither bitter nor angry, but quietly powerful in its honesty. The song’s jazzy, laid-back rhythm makes it one of Journey’s most musically sophisticated tracks. It’s a reminder that emotion doesn’t always need to be loud—it just needs to be real.
9. “Lights” – Journey (1978)
“Lights” is one of Journey’s earliest classics and a tender love letter to San Francisco. Released in 1978 on Infinity, it marked one of Steve Perry’s first contributions to the band—and what a start it was. Co-written by Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, the song opens with soft guitar lines and a relaxed rhythm that immediately create a dreamy, late-night atmosphere. Perry’s voice is warm and inviting, delivering the famous line, “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay,” with gentle affection. Though it only reached No. 68 on the Billboard Hot 100, “Lights” has grown in popularity over the years and become a staple at San Francisco Giants games and Bay Area events. The track’s nostalgic charm and understated beauty have helped it endure long past its original release. It’s not just a song about a city—it’s about belonging, memory, and the emotional pull of home.
10. “Send Her My Love” – Journey (1983)
“Send Her My Love” is a heartbreak ballad wrapped in simplicity. Released in 1983 on Frontiers, it was co-written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, and its strength lies in its emotional restraint. The arrangement is sparse—piano, synth, and subtle percussion—leaving plenty of space for Perry’s emotive vocals to breathe. He delivers lines like “Send her my love, memories remain” with quiet devastation, capturing the bittersweet ache of missing someone who’s no longer in your life. Unlike many of Journey’s other hits, this song avoids big choruses or epic solos; instead, it stays intimate and grounded, making its message feel even more personal. It peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, and while it may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of the band’s other singles, it remains a fan favorite. “Send Her My Love” is a study in emotional economy—simple, haunting, and beautifully sincere. It’s a hidden gem that proves sometimes the softest songs hit the hardest.
Samuel Moore 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.
