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10 Best Journey Songs of All Time

singersroom.com 2 days ago

Journey is an American rock band known for their melodic rock and arena rock style, formed in San Francisco in 1973. The band has undergone several lineup changes over the years, with members including Steve Perry (vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Gregg Rolie (keyboards), and Steve Smith (drums), among others.

Journey rose to prominence in the late 1970s and 1980s with a series of successful albums and hit singles. Their music is characterized by catchy melodies, lush harmonies, and powerful vocals, often featuring soaring guitar solos and keyboard-driven arrangements.

Some of Journey’s most popular songs include “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” These songs have become anthems of classic rock and continue to enjoy significant airplay on radio stations worldwide.

Journey’s enduring popularity is due in part to their memorable live performances and the distinctive voice of Steve Perry, who fronted the band during their most commercially successful period. Despite lineup changes over the years, Journey has maintained a dedicated fan base and remains influential in the rock music genre.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’

“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” It’s one of Journey’s most popular and enduring songs, known for its anthemic chorus and uplifting lyrics. The song features Steve Perry’s distinctive vocals and Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, blending rock and pop elements into a timeless classic. “Don’t Stop Believin'” tells the story of a journey (pun intended) toward hope and perseverance, capturing the universal theme of staying optimistic despite challenges. The song’s catchy melody and inspiring message have made it a favorite for generations, remaining a staple in pop culture and a highlight of Journey’s live performances.

2. Faithfully

“Faithfully” is a power ballad by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” The song is known for its heartfelt lyrics and emotional delivery, highlighting the theme of love and devotion despite the challenges of life on the road.

Lyrically, “Faithfully” expresses the struggles and commitment of being away from loved ones while touring. The lyrics reflect on the sacrifices made and the enduring love that keeps relationships strong through distance and adversity. The song’s chorus, “I’m forever yours, faithfully,” encapsulates the sentiment of loyalty and dedication.

Musically, “Faithfully” features a melodic composition with Steve Perry’s soulful vocals, Neal Schon’s expressive guitar solos, and Jonathan Cain’s poignant keyboard melodies. The song’s arrangement builds in intensity, conveying the emotional depth of the lyrics.

“Faithfully” became one of Journey’s signature songs and a fan favorite, reaching high positions on music charts and receiving widespread acclaim for its heartfelt lyrics and powerful musical performance. It remains a classic example of Journey’s ability to blend rock with emotional balladry, resonating with audiences for decades.

3. Any Way You Want It

“Any Way You Want It” is a song by Journey, released in 1980 on their album “Departure.” It’s a high-energy rock song known for its infectious rhythm and catchy chorus. The track features Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s dynamic guitar riffs, and the band’s tight musical arrangements. “Any Way You Want It” became a hit, reaching the top 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Lyrically, the song celebrates freedom and spontaneity in relationships, with its upbeat tempo and energetic delivery making it a crowd favorite at concerts. It remains one of Journey’s signature songs and continues to be a popular anthem for fans worldwide.

4. Open Arms

“Open Arms” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” The song is a power ballad known for its heartfelt lyrics and soaring melody, showcasing Journey’s ability to blend rock with emotional balladry.

Lyrically, “Open Arms” expresses vulnerability and longing in love, with lyrics that convey a desire for emotional connection and reconciliation. The song’s chorus, “So now I come to you with open arms, nothing to hide, believe what I say,” encapsulates the theme of openness and vulnerability in relationships.

Musically, “Open Arms” features a melodic composition with Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s emotive guitar work, and Jonathan Cain’s evocative keyboard arrangements. The song’s arrangement builds gradually, culminating in a powerful and emotive chorus that highlights Perry’s vocal range and the band’s musical prowess.

“Open Arms” became one of Journey’s most successful songs, reaching high positions on music charts and becoming a staple of classic rock radio. It remains a beloved ballad and a testament to Journey’s ability to create timeless and emotionally resonant music.

5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 as the lead single from their album “Frontiers.” It’s known for its powerful and dramatic sound, featuring a blend of rock and synth elements. The song showcases Steve Perry’s emotive vocals, Neal Schon’s soaring guitar riffs, Jonathan Cain’s iconic keyboard work, and the driving rhythm section of Ross Valory (bass) and Steve Smith (drums).

Lyrically, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” deals with themes of love and heartbreak, focusing on the painful end of a relationship but also conveying a sense of determination and resilience. The song’s intense and anthemic quality has made it a fan favorite and a staple in Journey’s live performances. The music video, with its memorable and somewhat kitschy 1980s style, has also become iconic in its own right.

6. Wheel in the Sky

“Wheel in the Sky” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” The song is characterized by its driving rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and introspective lyrics.

Lyrically, “Wheel in the Sky” explores themes of introspection and uncertainty, with the lyrics reflecting on a journey of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating life’s uncertainties. The chorus, “Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’, I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow,” captures the sentiment of facing the unknown with resilience and determination.

Musically, “Wheel in the Sky” features Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, Gregg Rolie’s soulful vocals and keyboards, and a solid rhythm section. The song’s dynamic arrangement builds tension and momentum, complementing the introspective lyrics with its energetic and driving pace.

“Wheel in the Sky” became a popular track for Journey, receiving airplay on rock radio stations and becoming a fan favorite. It showcases the band’s early ability to blend rock with introspective themes, setting the stage for their future success in the rock music scene.

7. Who’s Crying Now

“Who’s Crying Now” is a song by Journey, released in 1981 on their album “Escape.” The song is a power ballad that combines rock with elements of pop, showcasing Journey’s ability to create emotionally resonant music with a commercial appeal.

Lyrically, “Who’s Crying Now” explores themes of heartbreak and resilience in relationships. The lyrics depict a narrator reflecting on a past romance where emotional pain and betrayal have left scars. The song’s chorus, “Who’s crying now, who’s crying now, who’s crying now,” emphasizes the theme of emotional turmoil and the aftermath of a broken relationship.

Musically, “Who’s Crying Now” features a melodic composition with Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, Neal Schon’s expressive guitar work, and Jonathan Cain’s evocative keyboard melodies. The song’s arrangement builds in intensity, culminating in a memorable and anthemic chorus that highlights Perry’s vocal range and the band’s musical chemistry.

“Who’s Crying Now” became a successful single for Journey, reaching high positions on music charts and receiving extensive airplay on radio stations. It remains a classic example of Journey’s ability to blend rock with heartfelt lyrics and memorable melodies, resonating with listeners through its universal themes of love and emotional resilience.

8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” is a song by Journey, released in 1979 on their album “Evolution.” It’s a classic rock ballad known for its soulful vocals and catchy chorus. The song features Steve Perry’s emotive singing, Neal Schon’s melodic guitar work, and the band’s harmonious backing vocals.

Lyrically, “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” explores the pain and betrayal of infidelity in a relationship. The song’s passionate delivery and memorable melody contributed to its popularity, making it a staple of Journey’s live performances and a fan favorite over the years. The song showcases Journey’s ability to blend rock, pop, and soul influences into a heartfelt ballad that resonates with listeners.

9. Lights

“Lights” is a song by Journey, released in 1978 on their album “Infinity.” The song is notable for its melodic and introspective qualities, capturing a sense of nostalgia and longing for home.

Lyrically, “Lights” reflects on the band’s experiences and travels, particularly their time spent in San Francisco. The lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and appreciation for the city’s lights and atmosphere, expressing a desire to return to familiar places and memories.

Musically, “Lights” features a gentle and melodic composition, driven by Neal Schon’s guitar work and Gregg Rolie’s emotive vocals and keyboards. The song’s arrangement creates a wistful and reflective mood, resonating with listeners through its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody.

“Lights” became a successful single for Journey, receiving significant airplay on radio stations and becoming a fan favorite. It remains a classic example of the band’s ability to blend rock with introspective and nostalgic themes, capturing the essence of their musical journey and connection to their roots.

10. Send Her My Love

“Send Her My Love” is a song by Journey, released in 1983 on their album “Frontiers.” The song is a power ballad that showcases Journey’s signature blend of melodic rock and emotional storytelling.

Lyrically, “Send Her My Love” explores themes of heartache, longing, and separation. The lyrics depict a narrator reflecting on a past relationship and expressing regret for not being able to reconcile or communicate with their former lover. The song’s chorus, “Send her my love, memories remain,” encapsulates the sentiment of yearning and emotional closure.

Musically, “Send Her My Love” features a melodic composition with Steve Perry’s emotive vocals, Neal Schon’s soulful guitar solos, and Jonathan Cain’s atmospheric keyboard arrangements. The song’s arrangement builds gradually, emphasizing Perry’s vocal range and the band’s ability to convey deep emotion through their music.

“Send Her My Love” became a successful single for Journey, reaching high positions on music charts and becoming a fan favorite. It remains a poignant example of Journey’s ability to blend rock with heartfelt balladry, resonating with listeners through its universal themes of love and loss.

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.

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