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Journey’s 10 Best Songs

Sure, "Don't Stop Believin'" -- but there's a whole lot more.

By Gary Graff

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Though it arrives amidst lawsuits , social media sniping and infighting, Journey is turning 50 this year.

During that half century, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, logging 11 platinum-or-better albums (including Diamond certifications for 1981’s Escape and 1988’s Greatest Hits) , earning eight top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s also been a reliable ticket-selling act for most of its career, and in 2017, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Journey’s is the story of eras. When the group originally formed in San Francisco in 1973, original manager Herbie Herbert helped bring together guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player/vocalist Gregg Rolie from Santana, bassist Ross Valory and rhythm guitarist George Tickner from Frumious Bandersnatch and drummer Prairie Prince from The Tubes. Prince would be replaced by David Bowie/Frank Zappa skins man Aynsley Dunbar, while Tickner would leave after Journey’s self-titled first album in 1975. The remaining quartet recorded two more albums before Steve Perry came on board for 1978’s Infinity, which began the band’s run of multi-platinum smashes — also marking the first appearance of Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse’s iconic scarab logo for the band. Dunbar was replaced by Steve Smith for 1979’s Evolution , and Rolie would leave in 1980 with Jonathan Cain of The Babys joining to help elevate the band to even greater fortunes on Escape and Frontiers .

The palette has been diverse, but there are common elements among Journey’s best songs — sturdy melodies and sing-along choruses, usually leading into one of Schon’s majestic guitar solos. But within that mold there’s also been plenty of invention and clever arrangements that have never been as formulaic as some of the band’s detractors (particularly during their early ‘80s heyday) would have you believe.

Journey has gone through its fair share of lineups, with singer Arnel Pineda on board since 2007 — the longest continuous tenure of any Journey frontman. The group released Freedom , it’s first new studio album in 11 years, in 2022, and despite the current legal fractures (which you can read about in detail here ), still they ride, as the Escape track says — and may they keep on runnin’ for a long time.

With all that in mind, here are our picks for Journey’s 10 best songs — not all of which come from the biggest hits.

"Someday Soon" ( Departure , 1980)

This album track from Rolie’s finally studio effort with the band is a hypnotic tone poem, with a ringing, cushy ambience and a hippie kind of optimism – not to mention the best give-and-take Perry and Rolie achieved during their time together in the band. It’s of course been eclipsed by Journey’s myriad hits (“Any Way You Want It” is the enduring top 40 Hot 100 hit from Departure ), but it’s a gem worthy of discovery.  Listen here.

"Escape" ( Escape , 1981)

The title track from Journey’s Billboard 200-topping studio album straddled the hard rock/pomp attack of the group’s mid-‘70s output with the melodic sensibility of the Perry-Cain axis. Its five-minute length provides room for the arrangement to stretch out and flow from one song part to the next, with a crunch that was part of Journey’s palette at the time. Listen here.

"Of a Lifetime" ( Journey , 1975)

The Journey of 1973-77 was certainly a different creature than the hitmaking colossus so many know and love. The group’s initial lineups flexed instrumental muscles, smoothly knitting together a number of styles more interested in the journey (ba- dum ) than any commercial destination. The first track from its first album is a prototype, leaning into blues, psychedelic rock and a touch of Latin, with the first of what would become many standout Schon solos, and a tuneful sturdiness delivered by Rolie’s soulful vocal. Listen here.

"Faithfully" (Frontiers , 1983)

The melody of this top 20 Hot 100 hit came to Cain in a dream on a tour bus, and his paean to the struggle between home and the road was written in a half-hour. The result was a swoon-inducing ballad tailor-made for a sea of lighters (back then) and cellphone flashlights (now), capturing one of Perry’s best recorded performances and one of Schon’s most inspired solos. One of its great side stories is that Prince contacted Cain after he wrote “Purple Rain,” concerned that it might be too similar to “Faithfully.” Cain determined it wasn’t, but joked to Billboard that, “After seeing what it became, I should have asked for a couple of points….”

"Ask the Lonely" (single, 1983)

Recorded for Frontiers , this one wound up in the romcom Two of a Kind (starring the Grease duo of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John) and rocked its way to No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Like “Only the Young,” which wound up in Vision Quest two years later, it showed that Journey was on roll – and well-suited for big soundtrack moments. Listen here.

"Who's Crying Now" ( Escape, 1981)

The best of Journey’s swoon songs — started by Perry while driving into Los Angeles and finished with Cain — has a subtlety and dynamic build that sets it apart from the many others of its ilk they’d create. The verse slips into the chorus with a soulful ease, and Schon’s guitar accents deftly build up to his searing solo at the end. The Escape single reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. Listen here.

"Feeling That Way" ( Infinity , 1978)

If fans at the time wondered how Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie would co-exist, this was the answer — an ebb-and-flow tradeoff that proved they could complement each other as lead singers as well as harmonize smoothly together (first evidenced by Infinity ‘s lead track “Lights”). Its medley-like pairing with the next track, “Anytime,” was gravy that would become a motif on the next few Journey albums. Listen here.

"Just the Same Way" ( Evolution , 1979)

Journey’s fifth album had a punchier sound than Infinity — though they shared producer Roy Thomas Baker — which worked to the benefit of the album’s first single. Led by Rolie’s piano and muscular lead vocal, with Perry responding on the choruses and bridge, it reached No. 58 on the Hot 100 in 1979. In a perfect world this would have been as big as anything from Escape or Frontiers, but it’s still a convincing introduction to the Rolie era of the band. Listen here.

"Don't Stop Believin'" ( Escape , 1981)

More than a billion Spotify streams, a Library of Congress National Recording Registry placement and plays at virtually every sporting event around the world don’t lie — this one is Journey’s pinnacle of success. Created during a rehearsal at the group’s warehouse HQ in Oakland, Calif., it gave us the “streetlight people” of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and put the non-existent South Detroit on the map. And it saves the chorus for the song’s end, after the guitar solo. A cross-generational hit? Believe it, gleefully.

"Stone in Love" ( Escape , 1981)

Schon reportedly called this “Stoned in Love” when he wrote the riff, and it’s certainly an addictive track that’s the best roll-down-the-windows-and-crank-it-up Journey fix you could ask for — not to mention a frequent show opener. A No. 13 Mainstream Rock Airplay hit in 1981, the song is practically a deep cut today. But its anthemic chorus is a spirit-lifter and the dynamic breakdown that segues into the song-closing guitar solo harks back to the ambitious musicality of the first few albums. “Stone” is a gem that still shines bright. Listen here.

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The Best Journey Songs Of All Time

f you’re on the lookout for the best Journey songs of all time, you’ve landed in the right spot. Journey, the legendary rock band formed in the 1970s, has an extensive catalog of hits that continue to resonate with fans old and new. Their iconic anthems, powerful ballads, and infectious melodies have made them a staple in rock music history.

Among their most unforgettable tracks is "Don't Stop Believin'," a song that has become an anthem of hope and perseverance, spanning generations and inspiring countless sing-alongs. Then there's "Faithfully," a heartfelt ballad that captures the struggles and dedication of life on the road, showcasing Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and emotional delivery. And let’s not forget "Any Way You Want It," an up-tempo classic that’s guaranteed to get the crowd energized with its catchy chorus and electrifying guitar riffs.

Now it’s your turn to participate. Scroll through our list and vote on your favorite Journey songs. Whether you’re drawn to the timeless classics or have a personal favorite that brings back memories, your votes will help highlight the tracks that define Journey’s enduring legacy. Let’s celebrate the music that continues to inspire and move us.

Best Lyrics:

And being apart ain't easy on this love affair Two strangers learn to fall in love again I get the joy of rediscovering you Oh girl, you stand by me I'm forever yours, faithfully

Don't Stop Believin'

Strangers waiting Up and down the boulevard Their shadows searching in the night Streetlights, people Living just to find emotion Hiding somewhere in the night

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

Someday, love will find you Break those chains that bind you One night will remind you How we touched and went our separate ways

If he ever hurts you True love won't desert you You know I still love you Though we touched and went our separate ways

Who's Crying Now

One love, feeds the fire One heart, burns desire I wonder who's crying now? Two hearts, born to run Who'll be the lonely one? I wonder who's crying now?

Stone in Love

In the heat with a blue jean girl Burning love comes once in a lifetime She found me singing by the rail road tracks Took me home, we danced by the moonlight

Those summer nights are calling Stone in love Can't help myself, I'm falling

Any Way You Want It

She said, any way you want it That's the way you need it Any way you want it

I was alone I never knew What good love could do Ooh, then we touched Then we sang About the lovin' things

Send Her My Love

Callin' out your name I'm dreamin' Reflections of a face I'm seein' It's her voice That keeps on haunting me

Send her, send her my love Roses never fade Memories remain

When the lights go down in the City And the sun shines on the bay Ooh, I wanna be there in my City, oh Oh, oh, oh

Only the Young

Shadows of a golden age A generation waits for dawn Brave carry on Bold and the strong

Only the young can say They're free to fly away Sharing the same desire Burnin' like wildfire

Wheel in the Sky

Winter is here again, oh lord Haven't been home in a year or more I hope she holds on a little longer Sent a letter on a long summer day Made of silver, not of clay I've been runnin' down this dusty road

Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin' I don't know where I'll be tomorrow

Still They Ride

Spinning 'round, in a spell It's hard to leave this carousel 'Round and 'round And 'round and 'round

Still they ride, on wheels of fire They rule the night Still they ride, the strong will survive Chasing thunder

Feeling That Way

Opened my eyes to a new kind of way All the good times that you saved Are you feeling You feeling that way too Or am I just Am I just a fool

Girl Can't Help It

If he could hold her, so close in his arms again If she could show him The letter her heart forgot to send why They're livin' dreams on their own Ooh they'll never stop running

The girl can't help it, she needs more He hasn't found what he's lookin' for They're still standing in the rain He can't help it, and she's just that way

Ask The Lonely

You've got some fascination With you high expectations This love is your obsession Your heart, your past possession Let down your defenses Won't be up to the one who cares

Touchin', Lovin', Squeezin'

It won't be long, yes, till you're alone When your lover, oh, he hasn't come home 'Cause he's lovin' who he's touchin', he's squeezin' another

He's tearin' you apart Ooh, every day, every day

I'll Be Alright Without You

I'll be alright without you Oh love's an empty face, I can't replace (You don't need it) People wonderin' why we broke apart The great pretender here I go again These things I do (It's all because of you) I'll keep holdin' but I'll try (Try not to think of you)

Mother, Father

Through bitter tears And wounded years, those ties Of blood were strong So much to say, those yesterdays So now don't you turn away.

Hey, mother, father, sister Hey, come back, tryin', believein' Hey, mother, father, dreamer

Just The Same Way

Take a chance now the timing's right. You're free to leave the key to my life. Stay with me. Won't you stay the night, In the mornin' feelin' fine, yeah.

That's the same way you love me. 

Be Good To Yourself

Runnin' out of self-control Gettin' close to an overload Up against a no win situation Shoulder to shoulder, push and shove I'm hangin' up my boxin' gloves I'm ready for a long vacation

Be good to yourself when, nobody else will Oh be good to yourself You're walkin' a high-wire, caught in a crossfire

When You Love A Woman

When you love a woman You see your world inside her eyes When you love a woman (Well) You know she's standing by your side A joy that lasts forever There's a band of gold that shines Waiting somewhere, oh, yeah

The Party's Over (Hopelessly In Love)

So I will tell you this, Our love is in a fix. Just what more can I do. When I'm hopelessly in love with you?

I see your face at the movies I hear your voice on the radio You're making love on the silver screen I want you more than you will ever know Temptation...Infatuation

Suzanne, don't walk away

Why Can't This Night Go On Forever

Lost in twilight, the memories Precious moments, you and me We've been old friends, all through the years Picture postcards, sharing tears

What's in our hearts, there's never time, to say Need you tonight, lover don't fade away I've seen your city lights As I walk away Why can't this night...go on forever

After The Fall

But a head strong stubborn man Only works it out the best he can Valentines he never sent There's not enough time he's a working man

Can't stop falling Heartaches calling Finds you after the fall

After All These Years

A faded wedding photograph You and me in our first dance Our eyes are closed We're lost in one sweet embrace Since those days the world has changed But our love remains the same God knows we've had our share of saving grace

Where Were You

I didn't know what the hell was goin' on, Someday you're gonna break. So don't try to get yourself straight, You're just a little too late.

• Classic Rock

The 10 best Journey songs

Let's face it, AOR just wouldn't have been the same without them – here are Journey's ten best tracks

For many, Journey are the band who define AOR better than anyone else. Their catalogue glitters with unforgettable anthems, which not only contain massive choruses, but also the sort of musicianship you might expect from a band who began life as jazz rock instrumentalists before embracing the melodic rock style for which they’re renowned. We've gone through the band's back catalogue and hand-picked their 10 finest moments.

10. Girl Can’t Help It (1986)

After taking a break from the band to work on his solo album Street Talk , vocalist Steve Perry was persuaded to return to the fold for 1986's Raised On Radio album. While the production shows a clear-cut influence of the times, Perry’s vocals shine as brightly as ever, while Jonathan Cain’s smooth keyboards complement Neal Schon ’s edgy guitar stride.

9. Faithfully (1983)

This is the way Journey explained the problems of trying to carry on a relationship while out on the road touring. One of the stand-out tracks from 1983's Frontiers , Faithfully has a soft lilt that exposes an emptiness. However, this is augmented by the lush rhythm and the way that Steve Perry croons his way through without ever wallowing in over emotional hyperbole. A power ballad in the best Journey tradition.

8. Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (1979)

Anyone who thinks that Journey aren’t capable of anything other than slushy ballads really should check out Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ from 1979's Evolution album. It has a funk groove, and while the tempo is very much of the balladic kind, Neal Schon stabs through with some electrifying moments. What’s more, Steve Perry’s vocals soar impressively to ensure maximum dramatic impact. One of the highlights on Evolution .

7. Lights (1978)

The opening song from 1978's Infinity record – the album that introduced Steve Perry to the world, and also put the band’s new-found melodic style on display for the very first time. It’s easy to tell why American radio fell in love with Journey at this point in time. The music is filled with commercial astuteness, the harmonies are sublime and the whole timbre of Lights is evocative and stylish. This oozes the sort of class that would become the norm for Journey in the coming years.

6. Who’s Cryin’ Now (1981)

Who’s Cryin’ Now begins with an unvarnished piano piece from Jonathan Cain, on which Steve Perry builds his rich tone. And Ross Vallory provides some tasteful bass lines, to underline the whole feel of the song. This is the type of track that accentuates Perry’s love for great soul singers, while it also showcases the way in which Journey stood apart from all the huge selling AOR masters, and why Escape is regarded as the classic Journey album.

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5. Stone In Love (1981)

The fact this song opens up with shards of Neal Schon's guitar riffing proves that Journey were always prepared to give full weight to the heavier side of their talent. And Steve Perry also comes across with a lot more power than you might expect. This is a song where Journey never forget about the melody, but also give free rein to a rocky vibe. It also accentuates that Escape was always far more than just a collection of power ballads.

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4. Any Way You Want It (1980)

It may seem odd, but this song was actually inspired by Thin Lizzy , with whom Journey had toured a couple of years before recording the Departure album in 1980. But when you dig down and analyse the way in which the vocals are constructed, and the interchange between the instruments, then the influence becomes a lot clearer. There’s a gliding feel to the guitar parts that does feel like it is Thin Lizzy influenced, and Steve Perry adopts a storytelling style that is close to the Phil Lynott approach – and the whole feel suits Journey superbly.

3. Wheel In The Sky (1978)

Wheel In The Sky was co-written by Robert Fleischman, the band’s original choice of vocalist when they moved into a more commercial direction. However, when Fleischman didn’t work out and was replaced by Steve Perry, the song was thankfully retained. It starts with a flashing guitar groove, through which Perry cuts with a vibrant performance. In some ways, this is a basic live performance from the band, bringing a heavier dynamic to bear, but this fitted right into the whole feel of Infinity , and showed Journey could pound with the best.

2. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (1983)

After the enormous success of the Escape album, how did the band choose to open up their next album Frontiers ? With a powerhouse rocker than fitted right into an era where AOR was beginning to become a little less reliant on studio technology and celebrated talent. Of course, the rich production is evident here, but what makes the song work superbly is that way Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon intertwine. There’s a buoyancy in Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) that tells of a band who are really playing off of each other’s strengths. The result is undeniably passionate.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981)

Is there anyone on the planet who does not know this song? It has got to be one of the most exposed tracks over the past two decades or so. And, because it’s so well known, it’s very easy to lose sight of just why this is so popular. Because Don’t Stop Believin’ is a peerless example of musical genius. Everything about it is simply perfect – the musicality, the vocals, the simple structure, the insistent melody… hell, this is not just Journey’s best song, it’s one of the truly landmark moments of the 80s.

Malcolm Dome had an illustrious and celebrated career which stretched back to working for  Record Mirror  magazine in the late 70s and  Metal Fury  in the early 80s before joining  Kerrang!  at its launch in 1981. His first book,  Encyclopedia Metallica , published in 1981, may have been the inspiration for the name of a certain band formed that same year. Dome is also credited with inventing the term "thrash metal" while writing about the  Anthrax  song  Metal Thrashing Mad  in 1984. With the launch of Classic Rock magazine in 1998 he became involved with that title, sister magazine Metal Hammer, and was a contributor to Prog magazine since its inception in 2009. He died in 2021 . 

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Top 10 Journey Songs Loved By Fans

After quickly abandoning the plan to be a backup group, the band experimented with a jazz-fusion sound. The band’s self-titled debut album was released in 1975, followed by Look into the Future a year later and Next in 1977. Sales of these first few albums were not promising, with only one (just barely) making the top 20. These disappointments led the band to move further away from their jazz roots and towards a harder (and more popular) rock sound. This coincided with Steve Perry joining the band as frontman, a change which, coupled with the band’s new sound, saw their fortunes improve dramatically.

Journey achieved their first top 20 single in 1979, while the band’s sixth album, Departure (1980), charted at number eight. The early ’80s saw the band peak their popularity, earning a number-one album, Escape, in 1981 and many successful singles. Following an explosion of success, the band took some time off, with a few members, including Steve Perry , working on solo projects. Raised on the Radio (1986) was a massive hit for the band, but Steve Perry felt unable to continue with the group, causing them to go on hiatus for almost a decade between 1987 and 1995.

The band eventually reformed to a decent enough reception, but following a hip injury, Steve Perry decided to leave the band for good. Ironically, he was replaced by another Steve, Steve Augeri (of Tyketto and Tall Story) while Dean Castronovo replaced drummer Steve Smith (who also left). The band’s 2001 album, Arrival , was met with quiet success, after which Augeri was forced to leave the band due to problems with his throat. The remaining band members scoured YouTube to find a new singer, eventually settling on Arnel Pineda. The first record released with Pineda on lead vocals ( Revelation, 2008 ) was a great success, and this was shortly followed by the TV series Glee, which introduced the band’s music to a whole new generation of listeners.

Although the glory days of the bands are over, it makes a nice change for an iconic band such as Journey to be decently still chugging along almost half a century since their debut. Despite an ever-changing lineup, the band created some extraordinary tracks, the best of which will be featured on this list of the top ten Journey songs.

# 10 –  Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

This single from Evolution (1979) was the band’s first song to break into the Billboard Top Twenty, where it peaked at number 16. Steve Perry wrote the track and seems to be an extremely personal track about a relationship that is believed to be inspired by actual events. The song sees Steve Perry’s  girlfriend having an affair with someone else, leaving him feeling broken and lonely. During the final chorus, the girl gets a taste of her own medicine when it is revealed that the guy she cheated with is now cheating on her. This twist allows Steve Perry to get the last laugh, even if his heart is broken.

The track begins with a bass-infused drum beat, quickly joined by a squealed guitar and lush piano chords. The screeched guitar soon makes way for a crunchy, distorted sound, which captures the familiar mix of joy and pain that is love when paired with the gorgeous piano notes. Steve Perry imbues the lyrics with anguish and emotion, particularly evident during the song’s title hook.

Most of the song’s second half is taken up by a Beatles’ Hey Jude -inspired “Na na na” section. In less capable hands, this could seem lazy or uninspired, but mixed with soaring guitar runs, Journey manages to create a catchy and evocative outro.  Lovin’, Touchin’ , Squeezin’ was the first of many Journey songs to succeed, so it thoroughly deserves its place on this list.

# 9 –  Only the Young

Initially intended for inclusion on Frontiers (1983), this track was sold to the band Scandal, who received significant payment after Journey decided to record and release their version of the song. As the title suggests, the track covers a timeless topic: youth’s boundless promise and freedom. Journey puts their spin on things by suggesting that the young are potentially smarter than the generations before and can see through past lies, allowing them to build a better future.

This track is full of ’80s rock essentials, including a powerful and catchy chorus and a face-melting guitar solo. Neal Schon’s solo is only short on this track, but he manages to pack it full of ideas, somehow suggesting freedom, victory, and a hint of sadness with just a few chords.

A sad story goes along with this song, as it was played to a sixteen-year-old fan with cystic fibrosis as part of a request from the Make a Wish Foundation. The band was deeply moved by this experience and was devastated to find out that the fan passed away the next day. This must have been incredibly upsetting given the song’s theme, and is believed to have caused the group to realize that in-band tension was petty and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. The track was used to open the band’s Raised on Radio tour in tribute to the departed teenager.

Only the Young is one of those often underrated Journey songs, which, especially given its backstory, comes with a real punch of genuinely powerful emotion.

# 8 –  Wheel in the Sky

Although it was only a minor hit upon release – peaking at number 57 in the US – Wheel in the Sky has become a bonafide Journey classic. Recorded in 1977, the track comes from when the band was transitioning toward a harder rock sound, so much of the song features edgy and immediate guitar chords and simple rock beats.

The track begins with an instrumental section composed of a thoughtful and subdued sound, quite unlike the rest. The ominous atmosphere begins to build as soon as the growling guitar kicks in. The song’s churning guitar riffs echo the titular wheel in the sky, representing the idea that time goes on and on, that seasons will change and repeat forever, and there’s nothing anyone can do about it.

The song’s references to being on the road and away from home suggest that the band’s incessant touring could also have informed the song’s lyrics. The track ends on a hopeful note, where the final instance of the song’s chorus hook changes from “turning” to “yearning,” hinting that the band finds hope and promise in their existence rather than an endless cycle of repetition.

Unlike many Journey songs, the meaning of “Wheel in the Sky” is ambiguous and open to interpretation. This ambiguity mixes with the track’s moody and vaguely menacing instrumental, creating an exciting and uneasy hard rock Journey classic.

# 7 –  Lights

One of the first Journey songs to feature Steve Perry , “Lights” is a soft rock ballad that has gone from being a minor hit (reaching number 68 on the charts) to being one of the band’s signature tracks. The song has become a mainstay of classic rock stations and San Francisco based sports events.

The track is an ode to San Francisco, where Journey originated, and is full of references to the beauty of the city and its bay. Ironically, Steve Perry originally wrote the track about Los Angeles but found that the lyrics did not scan as well as he’d hoped. Realizing that the band’s precious San Francisco would be a better fit, Perry and Schon tweaked the track and made history.

“Lights” is a calming and soothing rock song, and it’s almost impossible to resist finding a lighter to sway about. The track features tender chords, just on the very edge of distortion, and a harmonious, tinkling piano. Dramatic keyboard notes sound subtly in the background, adding further atmosphere to the song’s images.

The instrumental complements the track’s lyrics, creating a relaxed and peaceful image of San Francisco. Having never visited the place, you can’t help but imagine yourself watching a gorgeous sunset surrounded by loved ones.

“Lights” has gone from humble beginnings to being one of Journey’s best-loved tracks. You don’t have to be from San Francisco to understand how magical this dreamy track is.

# 6 –  Who’s Crying Now

“Who’s Crying Now “ is one of the more successful Journey songs, peaking at number four in the US and becoming the highest-charting Journey single in the UK. The track is a soulful piece with a simple piano riff. According to the band, Steve Perry wrote the song’s chorus while coming to Jonathan Cain’s house during a storm. Upon his arrival, Cain had a few suggestions for changes, and the song was finished that afternoon.

The instrumental is moody and bitter, and you can tell it was inspired by a storm. The central piano hook is catchy but not particularly joyful, and when this is paired with Schon’s piercing and high-pitched guitar solo, you get the sense of the tense and tragic relationship described by the song. The lyrics tell a story of a toxic and tumultuous relationship, which, once again, can be linked to the song’s stormy inspiration.

This was the first Journey song to feature Cain, who had previously been a member of The Babys . It speaks volumes of Cain’s talent that he was so effortlessly able to slot into the band’s lineup and help create such an evocative and atmospheric piece. Of additional note is the curious decision for the drumbeat to be absent for much of the song, only appearing during the chorus and towards the track’s end. This allows for Cain’s impressive piano hook to become the song’s anchor, allowing its greatness to take center stage. Who’s Crying Now is a grim and tempestuous masterpiece.

# 5 –  Open Arms

The third single from 1981’s Escape , this track is an emotional power ballad and is often seen as being one of the best examples of this vibrant sub-genre. It is believed that Cain had already begun working on the song when he was a member of The Babys , but that band was not keen on the melody. After hearing the concept, Steve Perry was immediately interested, and the two finished the track together. The rest of the band were not so enamored with the track (or ballads in general), but after performing the track live, they saw the crowd’s warm reaction to the song and changed their hearts.

The track’s lyrics see Steve Perry (in extraordinary vocal form) pleading with his lover to forgive his wrongdoings and restart their relationship. The track utilizes some sparkling piano chords, a heartbeat-like drum, and beautiful orchestral elements, all contrasted by some gritty guitar runs.

The track is one of the band’s most successful songs, earning them their highest position on the Billboard 100 (number two). The track has been introduced to a broader (and more contemporary) audience by becoming a staple of many pop diva’s covers discography, including Mariah Carey , Britney Spears , and Celine Dion . Open Arms’ immense popularity is undoubtedly down to its relatable, heartfelt lyrics and gorgeous instrumental. You can be sure that many couples have used this – and other Journey songs – as the first dance at their wedding, and it’s easy to see why.

# 4 –  Faithfully

Another one of those stunningly powerful Journey songs, “Faithfully,” comes from 1983’s Frontiers. The track was written by Jonathan Cain while on the road and was completed in an extremely short time (something which the religious Cain puts down to divine intervention). The track is a charming ode to Cain’s wife, which pays particular attention to the realities of a relationship with a rock star and how these issues aren’t a problem for them. The song is unusual because it has no actual chorus; instead, it features two chorus-like sections ending on the same lines.

Being two of the band’s best-known power ballads, it’s inevitable that Faithfully will be compared to Open Arms . While traditionalists might prefer the more conventional Open Arms , “Faithfully”   imbues the power ballad with even more layers of drama and emotion. The strident and chiming electric chords that follow the first “chorus” are magical and a perfect example of the unbelievable range of sounds that guitars can create.

Bryan Adams (who supported Journey on the Frontiers Tour is thought to have been heavily influenced by “Faithfully” while writing “Heaven,” and legend has it that Prince called Cain to check whether or not he thought Purple Rain sounded too similar to the track. That “Faithfully”   could inspire such iconic songs should give you some idea of the sheer magnetism and brilliance of this moving and timeless power ballad.

# 3 –  Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

This moody ’80s classic comes from Frontiers  and was a decent hit for the band, staying at number eight on the chart for six consecutive weeks. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) is a dark and moody piece brooding with heavy, atmospheric guitar and foreboding synthesizer chords.

The song tells the story of a couple who have broken up and gone their separate ways but will still always share a connection because of the time they spent together. The track was written on tour while Schon and Valery were both going through stressful divorces, which no doubt informed the song’s creation. The track is notable for making its debut halfway through the tour, with these live performances being the first time fans would hear the record. The fan reaction was highly positive.

The song’s release coincided with the creation of MTV , meaning bands were forced to develop wacky and weird concepts for their music videos. This track has, unfortunately (if not unfairly), been labeled as having one of the worst music videos of all time. The video features the band playing cringeworthy imaginary instruments on a pier. As well as looking completely ludicrous, the video does a real disservice to what is a powerful and edgy piece of ‘80s rock.

# 2 –  Any Way You Want It

The opening track of Departure , Any Way You Want It, is an immense, stadium-filling, feel-good track. The song is often used to close Journey shows, finishing concerts on a genuinely euphoric note that will stick with fans. At the center of this hard rock track is a call and response between vocals and guitar, which is simply an absolute, unbridled pleasure to listen to. This method is believed to have been inspired by Thin Lizzy bassist Phil Lynott , who was jamming with Steve Perry and Neal Schon while the two bands were on tour together.

Even if you’ve never heard of Journey, chances are you will be familiar with this track, as it has been featured in many different films, TV shows, and commercials since its release. The song is well suited to this type of setting as it’s a real rip-roarer of a track that grabs listeners immediately with that introductory vocal hook and doesn’t let go until it reaches its end three and a half minutes later.

As well as the call and response guitar, the most notable part of the song is the sparkling organ (and mellotron) notes, which briefly play during the chorus, adding a pinch of variety and manic glamour to the proceedings. When a track is as shiny and genuinely excellent as this, it’s no surprise that it has become a mainstay of popular culture.

# 1 –  Don’t Stop Believin’

Love it or loathe it (not that that’s possible), there is truly no other track that will ever top a list of Journey songs. Taken from 1981’s Escape , this track is, quite simply, one of the most anthemic and catchy rock songs of all time.

Don’t Stop Believin’ begins with a glittering and iconic keyboard riff, which is soon joined by Perry’s vocals and some urgent and jittering guitar. From there, the song gets bigger and bigger, introducing some catchy pre-choruses and instrumentals before finally climaxing with that enormous chorus.

Like many Journey songs, this track did decently enough upon first release but, over time, morphed into achieving legendary status. Thanks to various television shows over the years ( The Sopranos, Glee , The X-Factor), the song has been in and out of the chart ever since its initial release, even managing to become the 25th best-selling track of 2010 in the UK, over twenty years since its release.

The track’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its cheerful and feel-good message, which everyone needs to hear at some point in their lives. The clever structure and progression also take the listener on (ironically) a journey. Don’t Stop Believin’ is a heavenly piece of everlasting rock goodness that will undoubtedly keep listeners believin ’ long into the future.

Journey’s various incarnations have created many memorable and moving tracks throughout their career, creating an impressive and influential discography. You can be sure that each of the Journey songs on this list will be remembered and cherished for years.

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com

Top 10 Journey Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2024

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Top 10 Best Journey Songs Of All Time

Ahead of their time with pioneering live shows and productions, Journey is one of the most influential bands of all time. One of the first bands to successfully play ‘arena rock,’ Journey’s pioneering live shows are still seen as the standard to be met by international rock bands today.

Formed in 1973 in San Francisco, the band has gone through various lineup changes over the years. With over 20 albums released, they gave us plenty of material to draw from when creating our list of the best Journey songs.

Originally, Journey consisted of Neal Schon on lead guitar (also in Santana’s band), Gregg Rolie on keyboards and lead vocals, Ross Valory on bass guitar, George Tickner on rhythm guitar, and Prairie Prince as the drummer.

Originally called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, the band’s sole intention was to be a backup band for other established Bay area artists. However, this backup band concept was abandoned soon after as they began writing jazz-fusion music and changed their name to Journey.

In 1974, Aynsley Dunbar joined the band on drums after recently working with one of the biggest stars on the planet, David Bowie . 1975 saw the departure of rhythm guitarist George Tickner with Neal Schon taking over the full duties of the guitar.

After poor sales of their first album, fortunes changed in October 1977 as Steve Perry was hired as the new lead singer.

Working with the producer Roy Thomas Baker, Journey began recording with a layered sound approach, something that has become ingrained in the recording industry to this very day.

Over the next 10 or so years, Journey enjoyed their biggest commercial success and recorded some of the best selling and most beloved rock songs in history such as Don’t Stop Believing, the top-selling track in iTunes history back in 2009.

It’s not been plain sailing for Journey as with any band as their recording and live show processes have come in for some criticism over the years. But, as it should be with any artist, it is their music that matters most.

Their iconic blend of hard rock guitar-driven music with powerful vocals has endured over the last 40 years with generation after generation finding a new admiration for the band.

From their early mix of progressive and rock fusion to their shift into a more commercial direction, Journey has recorded songs that will appeal to everyone.

There’s no doubt that the band’s level of instrumentation and Perry’s incredible vocal range and ability were ahead of most bands of the time and arguably ever since.

To really understand Journey’s impact on music, we need to delve into their musical archive. And that is exactly what we are doing today. Below, we will be guiding you through our choice of the top 10 Journey songs that you must check out if you didn’t know already.

From unforgettable rock anthems to some of the biggest choruses in popular music, join us as we take a glimpse into Journey’s back catalog of incredibly well-written and performed songs.

Our List Of The Top 10 Best Journey Songs (Including That One From Family Guy)

Table of Contents

10. Only The Young

We begin with a song that was originally going to be included on their 1983 album Frontiers. However, Only The Young was then sold to another band, Scandal. After Journey ended up recording and releasing their own version, Scandal received a large payment much to their delight.

As the name of the song suggests, Only The Young is about the freedom and promise of youth.

Rather than sing about younger generations in derogatory terms, as so many older generations have done throughout history, the band suggests that the youth are arguably smarter than any generation before them.

By seeing all the lies in the past, it’s an opportunity for the young to build a better and brighter future.

Although this song is full of positive connotations, there is some sadness behind it. It was played to a 16-year-old fan who suffered from cystic fibrosis on behalf of the Make a Wish Foundation. The band found out about this and were deeply moved.

However, they were devastated to find out that the young fan passed away the day after listening to the track. Given what the song is about, it is believed that the band members realized how unimportant any tension between them was in the grand scheme of life.

The song eventually opened up their shows on their Raised on radio Tour in tribute to the young teen.

As for the song itself, Only The Young has everything you would come to expect from 1980s Journey. A powerful and catchy chorus and, of course, a mind-blowing epic guitar solo from Neil Schon.

Although the solo is short in comparison to most of Schon’s work, it is full of intricate ideas. Somehow, the solo has some symbolism of freedom but is tinged with some sadness.

Not only is Only The Young a timeless classic and beautifully written song, its emotional backstory just gives it more meaning than it ever would have had otherwise.

9. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

Going back to 1979, we have Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’, from the band’s Evolution album. This is an important track for the band as it was the first to break into the Billboard top twenty eventually peaking at number 16.

Written by lead singer, Steve Perry, this song appears to be deeply personal to the songwriter. It is believed that it is about a real relationship Perry had where he found out his girlfriend was having an affair with someone. Of course, this left Perry in a broken, lonely, and dark place.

But, the song takes a twist as the girl gets a taste of her own medicine. The man who she cheated with is found to be cheating on her. Talk about karma! Although the song is heartbreaking, it allows Perry to get the last laugh in and come out of the experience with some relief.

Unlike many of the band’s upbeat, anthemic commercial successes, this song starts with a bass-driven drum beat with a blues vibe. Of course, Schon soon enters with some bluesy, rich guitar tones as well as some warm piano chords from Gregg Rolie.

The screeching guitar soon transforms into a distorted sound. Combined with the beautiful piano chords and Perry’s heartfelt vocals, Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ has a mix of joyful as well as painful emotions throughout.

The anguish behind Perry’s lyrics and voice is none more evident than in the catchy title hook of the track.

The song moves from heartfelt and deeply meaningful lyrics to an almost Hey Jude (The Beatles) inspired second half. Perry sings “Na na na” repeatedly which could be considered lazy songwriting on the band’s behalf. But, this is Journey! They know how to write a song.

With the “Na na nas” soaring about the chunky guitar runs, Journey manages to perform a very catchy and enjoyable track. The song builds and builds until we are met with a very catchy and beautiful harmonized outro.

While it may not be as catchy as some other anthemic Journey songs, Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ is certainly a perfect song to sing along to and enjoy. And, the fact it was instrumental in the band’s success means it may be one of their most important tracks.

8. Stone In Love

From one of Journey’s most emotional and slower-paced songs to a hard rock track that is considered quite heavy for the band. Taken from Journey’s seventh studio album Escape, Stone In Love saw the introduction of newcomer Jonathan Cain’s songwriting talents.

Cain, who took over from Gregg Rolie on keyboards, wrote Stone In Love alongside Perry and Schon.

A combination of heavy rock riffs, mind-bending, storming guitar solos, and infectious melodies mean this song is an absolute classic. If you ever want to make a compilation CD for a road trip, you must add this!

Topped off with the world-class vocals of Steve Perry, Stone In Love quickly became a staple of rock radio and has remained so ever since.

This song was something that hardcore Journey fans had been waiting for. Although they had become famous for their anthems, some would argue that the band hadn’t explored their heavier side on many albums. But, this track changed all that.

The heavy riffs that any heavy metal band would be proud of thump you in the face and Perry’s vocals are more powerful than ever.

Stone In Love reminds us that Journey always had the melody of a song as their principal focus but could also rock out when they needed to as well.

And, it also reminds us that their album Escape was far more than a collection of power ballads. It was an example of Journey doing what they loved and doing it well.

7. Wheel In The Sky

Wheel In The Sky may not have been the hit Journey had hoped for when it was first released in 1978 but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of their best songs. Peaking at number 57 in the US charts, Wheel In The Sky’s impact has only been felt decades after its initial release.

Ask any bonafide Journey megafan and they will usually include Wheel In The Sky on their top 10 list.

Wheel In The Sky was recorded during a time when the band was changing their sound somewhat into a more edgy, hard rock direction. The guitar chords became more immediate and the rock beats had transitioned from intricate timings to more simple 4/4 timing signatures.

Beginning with an instrumental section, this track’s intro is more subdued than the rest of the song. But, as you come to expect from Journey, the guitar starts to growl, and the atmospheric sound kicks in, shadowing the song in an almost-ethereal essence.

Much like a wheel turning and turning, the guitar riffs churn over and over, as if to symbolize the ever-present movement of time. The wheel in the sky keeps turning like the seasons keep changing forever and ever.

Recorded in 1977, this song came at a time when the band had been touring continuously for some time. Wheel In The Sky references their time on the road and being away from home.

However, while being away can be tiring, the song ends on a more positive note where the hook changes from “turning” to “yearning.” It could be a sign that the band has found some hope and meaning through their endless touring and repetitive work cycle.

Of course, the meaning behind this song is not set in stone. Like many Journey songs, it is open to interpretation. What is for sure is that Wheel In The Sky is a Journey hard rock classic.

6. Who’s Crying Now

Beginning with impactful piano chords by Jonathan Cain and a synthesized sounding bass guitar riff by Ross Valory, Who’s Crying Now soon grows with the help of Perry’s rich vocal tones.

The bass behind this song is not “in your face” but the riffs are very tasteful and act as the backbone to the whole track.

One of the most successful songs for Journey, Who’s Crying Now peaked at number four in the US. But, it was in the UK where this song shone brightest becoming the band’s highest-charting single in the country.

Compared to other Journey songs, this is one of their most soulful pieces of work. It is believed that the song’s chorus was written by Perry on his way to Jonathan Cain’s house where they both started working on it that afternoon.

Moody and atmospheric, the instrumental of this song is almost like a storm. The fact that Perry was traveling in a storm whilst coming up with its chorus line is certainly evident.

With no surprise, Schon’s epic high-pitched and searing guitar solo enters the song’s frame giving us the sense of the tragic, stormy relationship sang about in the song.

This was actually the band’s first song to feature Cain and it is a testament to how easily he gelled with the other members both performance and songwriting-wise.

This is perhaps why this song is so piano orientated with very little drumbeat appearing throughout. This more ‘naked’ sound allows Cain’s piano hook to take center stage and act as the song’s anchor alongside the chunky bass line.

5. Any Way You Want It

Any Way You Want It was co-penned by Perry and Schon and released in 1980. When you listen to this track, it may not come as much of a shock to learn that it was inspired by Phil Lynott, the frontman of Thin Lizzy.

He was doing a rhyme scheme exercise with the two Journey members while waiting backstage when Thin Lizzy and Journey were on tour together.

Released on the band’s 1980 Departure album, the construction of Any Way You Want It and the interchanges between the instruments soon bear the influence of Thin Lizzy.

If Thin Lizzy released this song, it would have been different in terms of vocals but the overall sound would probably have been very similar.

The guitars seem to glide like Thin Lizzy’s iconic sound. Even Perry’s storytelling approach is similar to Lynott’s way of singing. But, it is undoubtedly a Journey song and an absolute classic.

The Departure album has a “live in the studio” sound to it and Any Way You Want It is a prime example. It is edgier than many previous Journey songs but it still contains Schon’s fast-fingered solos and the high notes and power of Perry’s vocals.

Lights was one of Journey’s first songs to feature Steve Perry on lead vocals. The beginning of something very special!

A soft rock ballad, Lights was initially a minor hit for the band, only peaking at number 68 on the US charts. However, it has become one of the band’s signature tunes and a favorite of Journey fans worldwide ever since.

Tune in to a whole host of classic rock radio stations or visit a sports event in San Francisco and you will probably hear Lights.

Its popularity in San Francisco is down to the fact that the song is an ode to the city which is where the band formed. Lights reference the beauty of the entire city including the bay.

However, Perry once stated that he originally wrote the song about Los Angeles but the lyrics didn’t suit LA so well. Therefore, Perry and Schon tweaked the track to help it become a San Francisco favorite.

Lights has not got that giant wall of sound to it like so many Journey songs. It is a subtle, soothing, and light ballad. With soft chords that verge on a little distortion, sweet piano chords, and beautiful harmonies, Lights is perfect to sway gently to wherever you are.

Relaxed and peaceful, Lights gives us an image of a serene and dreamy San Francisco.

3. Open Arms

Our number three spot belongs to the band’s third single off their 1981 album Escape. Another emotional power ballad, Open Arms is considered by many to be one of the best emotive songs from this sub-genre ever.

Before joining Journey, Jonathan Cain was a member of The Babys. It is believed that he started writing this song when in that band but the other members were not fans of the melody. However, Perry took an interest in the song immediately and soon finished writing it with Cain.

Again, the rest of the band were not that keen on the track but after playing it live, the audience’s reaction was warm and extremely positive. This led to Open Arms becoming a staple of the band’s live shows.

Yet again, Perry’s vocal prowess is awe-inspiring as he pleads with his lover to forgive his mistakes and rekindle their broken relationship. Unsurprisingly, Open Arms is full of vibrant piano chords, gritty guitar runs, and a thumping heartbeat drum pattern.

Produced with some wonderful orchestral instruments, this song is as emotional as Journey has made.

Reaching number two on the Billboard 100 chart, Open Arms is one of Journey’s most successful songs. Almost 20 years after its first release, the song reached new audiences as pop stars such as Britney Spears and Mariah Carey covered it for their respective albums.

And, it’s no surprise that this relatable and heartfelt song, as well as many other Journey tracks, have been used as first dances at so many weddings over the years.

2. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

If you wanted to find a sound that encapsulates the 1980s, Separate ways (Worlds Apart) may just be it. Recorded for the band’s 1983 album Frontiers, this song is a classic 80’s tune.

Reaching number eight on the chart for six consecutive weeks, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) may not be one of the band’s biggest hits but it has all the ingredients of a timeless Journey track.

This is certainly one of Journey’s most dark and moody songs in their vast discography with atmospheric yet heavy guitar licks and those foreboding yet distinctly 80’s synth chords.

The song itself is about a couple who have broken up and headed their separate ways. However, they still share a deep connection from the time they were together. Again, this song was written from personal experiences.

Both Schon and Valery were going through pretty bitter divorces at the time they wrote this on tour. As a matter of fact, Journey debuted the song halfway through their tour meaning audiences heard Separate ways *Worlds Apart) live before ever hearing the recorded version.

As you can probably imagine, the song was greeted with positive reviews and love by Journey fans during and after the tour.

This song was released around the same time MTV came to prominence. Therefore, Journey had to come up with imaginative ideas for their music videos. Although the band would have thought long and hard about the video, it has gone down in history as one of the worst music videos of all time.

Click the link above and you will probably agree! Seeing these legendary musicians play air instruments alongside a wharf and looking at the camera with angst and some broodiness, the video is pretty damn ludicrous.

But, the song itself is a masterpiece that is probably best enjoyed on a record player without the music video in sight.

1. Don’t Stop Believing

If this song wasn’t on the list yet, you must have been expecting it to be number one! Whether you love it or hate it, Don’t Stop Believing is one of the most popular and famous songs of all time , let alone by Journey.

It’s so popular, it came in at number 13 on the poll of Top 100 Classic Rock Songs and became the best-selling track of the digital era with over 5 million sales.

Recorded for the band’s 1981 album Escape, Don’t Stop Believing is undoubtedly one of the most catchy, anthemic rock songs that have ever been. Written by Perry, Cain, and Schon, this song has become a favorite across multiple generations.

Not only is its arrangement out of this world catchy, but it holds an inspirational message of always believing in yourself and your dreams. A song that appeals to fans, young and old, all over the world.

Beginning with that now iconic keyboard riff, Perry joins in with his upbeat, powerful vocals. Next, the guitar steps in with some sort of urgency before building up and fading off for Perry to take the reins again.

The song just grows and grows with a catchy pre-chorus and infectious instrumentals before climaxing with one of the most gigantic, almighty, energetic choruses of all time.

Although a legendary song now, Don’t Stop Believing wasn’t as big a hit as you would expect when it was released. Like many Journey songs, it made a decent climb in the charts.

But, thanks to various TV shows such as The X Factor and Glee in recent years, the song was introduced to new audiences and re-entered the charts on numerous occasions. In 2010, 29 years after its initial release, the song was the 25th best-selling track of the year in the UK.

With its endearing, feel-good lyrics and upbeat music, Don’t Stop believing has enduring popularity. It is ingrained in the structure of rock’s most iconic songs and has certainly been on one of the most extraordinary journeys since its first release.

We hope you have enjoyed our journey into Journey’s top 10 songs. The band has created a plethora of everlasting feel-good rock songs over the years. Not only has the band created catchy anthems for arenas to sing along to but they have become one of the most influential bands ever.

You can be sure that audiences and generations far from now will continue listening to Journey’s songs and won’t stop believing in the band’s impact on the world of music.

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15 Best Journey Songs Of All Time

Journey formed in 1973 and would go on to become one of the most iconic rock bands of the 20th century. The pioneers of arena rock have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, sold over 100 million albums worldwide, and been featured on numerous lists of the best rock bands of all time. In this article, we’ll be looking at the 15 best Journey songs of all time. 

1. Don’t Stop Believin’

I would be remiss if I didn’t place this track in this list’s number-one position. Other Journey songs might have performed better on the charts and a different one might be your favorite, but Don’t Stop Believin’ is by far the band’s most famous track.

Nothing gets the middle-aged folk moving at the bar like this song. It’s also one of the best-selling tracks of all time with more than seven million digital download sales. It’s also safe to say that the song is Journey in its purest form, a track driven by pop-style vocals and hard rock guitar riffs.

Recommended: Interesting facts about Journey the band

2. When You Love A Woman

For the number-two spot, I’m jumping away from their most popular and including Journey’s best-performing track when it came to the actual charts. When You Love A Woman only peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 , but it spent 22 weeks on the chart, the longest of any song by them.  It was released as the lead single of their Trial By Fire album in 1996 and was nominated for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group at the Grammy Awards. It departs a bit from their arena-rock style and was one of the final vocal performances of Steve Perry with the band.

3. Faithfully

Faithfully also peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and would go down in history as one of Journey’s most enduring songs. Originally, this was written by Jonathan Cain to describe the troubles of maintaining a healthy marriage while on the road so much. It struck a chord with many listeners as one of the ultimate love tracks, especially for those away from their loved ones. Apparently though, being forever hers wasn’t in the cards, as the marriage dissolved four years after the release of the song . 

4. I’ll Be Alright Without You

Again, I’m pulling away from the most popular Journey songs to look at one of their top chart performers. It’ll be a theme as we go forward, so if your favorite ranks lower than expected, that’ll probably be why. Anyways, I’ll Be Alright Without You rose to number 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent a total of 21 weeks on the chart, a record that puts it just behind When You Love A Woman and ties it with Who’s Crying Now . It’s a classic ballad from the band and features a rich bassline that has made many fans call it their favorite track. 

5. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

If you’re looking for that classic, hard rock Journey sound, you can’t go wrong with Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) . It holds onto the general love themes in most of their popular songs but also has hard-hitting guitar riffs and powerful vocals that’ll bring goosebumps to your arms.

While the two partners in the track are separating, the singer confesses his undying love despite the breakup and reassures the other person that if their new partner fails them, he’ll still be there. It’s the first song the band shot a choreographed music video , though it’s more famous for the fact that they are seen playing invisible instruments in it.

Next: Best 1980s music videos list

6. Open Arms

Open Arms might have been the band’s highest chart performer, reaching the number-two spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding it for six weeks. While they might not have felt it was too light for them, the track has been named one of the greatest love songs ever composed, with VH1 naming it the greatest power ballad of all time. Like most of their most popular singles, the track was certified gold by the RIAA and has been used in television shows and competitions consistently in the years since its release. 

7. Any Way You Want It

Any Way You Want It is probably as recognizable for Journey as Don’t Stop Believin’ . The song today is a classic and a frequent fixture on classic rock radio stations. This has been included on all four of their live albums and remains one of their most frequently-performed tracks today. It debuted on the band’s Departure album in 1980, which was considered one of their edgier ones. This was recorded more like a live performance than a studio album, giving it a rougher quality that fans ate up. 

8. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’

This one became Journey’s first Top 20 hit, making it to the number 16 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and powering their album Evolution to triple-platinum status. It starts off with a bluesy drum and guitar intro and is overall a slower-tempo song from them. You can also bet the rolling chant at the end will have everyone around you singing along, even if they miss out on the tough situation the narrative describes. 

9. Wheel In The Sky

Wheel In The Sky originated as a poem titled Wheels In My Mind written by Diane Valory, the wife of Journey’s bassist at the time. The poem was rewritten into the song by Valory, alongside Robert Fleischman and Neal Schon. It would reach number 57 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1978, becoming their first track to make it onto that chart. It is one of their most memorable songs, and the hard-rock tune is one of the earliest tracks that helped turn them into the legendary band we know them as today.  

Lights was one of Journey’s first songs written by Perry with the band. It was originally written about Los Angeles, but it was changed to be about San Francisco, the birthplace of Journey. The iconic line “When the lights go down in the city, and the sun shines on the bay” originally said “LA” instead of “the bay,” but Perry didn’t like the way it sounded. This eventually went on to become a ridiculously popular track on classic and oldies radio today, but when it was released, it wasn’t a big hit. Though it never got higher than number 68 on the charts, it’s become an iconic example of classic rock.

Recommended: Songs about San Francisco  

11. Who’s Crying Now

Who’s Crying Now was Journey’s best-charting song in the UK until they released Don’t Stop Believin’ , making it all the way to number 46 on the UK charts and number four on the Hot 100 charts in the US. Critics acclaimed the track as one of the “most appealing love songs of 1981.” The solo at the end of the track was originally much more aggressive and experimental, but the band didn’t like it too much, leading to Schon doing it over again as the version we ended up getting in the song. 

12. Send Her My Love

Send Her My Love is another one of Journey’s underrated songs that performed surprisingly well and became well-known today. As the fourth single released from the Frontiers album, it eventually climbed to number 23 on the US Pop charts. It’s yet another example of the chemistry between Schon and Perry , highlighting their talent when it comes to rockin’ ballads. 

13. Only The Young

Journey wrote Only The Young for their Frontiers album but decided to sell the song to the band Scandal instead. Eventually, they released their own version of the track in 1985. It’s all about how young people are smarter than older generations and can build a better future since they aren’t held back by the lies of those who came before them. While this isn’t always mentioned on top-ten lists of Journey songs, it’s absolutely one of their best compositions, containing both emotional messages and the classic sound you expect from them. 

14. Girl Can’t Help It

Girl Can’t Help It is a special song for Journey since at the time it was released, only Perry, Schon, and Cain remained with the band. It was the third release from the Raised On Radio album, and like Be Good to Yourself and Suzanne , it would go on to be a Top 40 hit. While it made it to number 17 on the Top 40, this reached the Top 10 on the Mainstream Rock charts, peaking at number nine. 

15. Forever In Blue

Released on the Trial By Fire album alongside massive hits like When You Love A Woman and Message Of Love, Forever In Blue was not a song that saw radio airtime. It only saw plays on the album, but it remains an incredible track. Even without radio playtime, the song is one of the band’s best, and it’s unfortunate that it isn’t as well-known as many of their other tracks.

As a contributing writer for Music Grotto, Dakotah writes and produces professional music/media content. He works closely with editorial staff to meet editorial standards and create quality content for the Music Grotto website. Dakotah is passionate about music in a wide variety of genres, from hip-hop to country and lo-fi to metal, and he enjoys creating music pieces for Music Grotto.

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10 Best Journey Songs of All Time

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981)

Released in 1981 as the lead single from Journey’s Escape album, "Don’t Stop Believin’" has transcended its era to become an anthem of hope and resilience. With its instantly recognizable piano intro and Steve Perry’s soaring vocals, the song captures the essence of holding onto dreams against all odds. The narrative of a "small-town girl" and a "city boy" on a journey through life resonates universally, making it a timeless classic. Decades after its release, the song experienced a resurgence in popularity, proving its staying power across generations. It’s not just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire.

2. Faithfully (1983)

"Faithfully," released in 1983 as part of Journey’s Frontiers album, is a power ballad that encapsulates the struggles and commitments of life on the road. Written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain in just 30 minutes, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and sweeping melody convey the deep emotions of love and dedication. Steve Perry’s emotive delivery, paired with the band’s lush instrumentation, makes "Faithfully" an unforgettable ode to enduring love. It’s a song that has become synonymous with wedding receptions and romantic dedications, solidifying its place as one of Journey’s most cherished tracks.

3. Any Way You Want It (1980)

From the opening guitar riff, "Any Way You Want It" exudes high-energy rock and roll. Released in 1980 on the Departure album, this song is a celebration of freedom and living life on your own terms. With its infectious chorus and driving rhythm, the track showcases the dynamic range of Steve Perry’s vocals and Neal Schon’s guitar work. "Any Way You Want It" quickly became a concert staple, energizing audiences with its upbeat tempo and feel-good lyrics. It’s a quintessential Journey song that epitomizes the band’s ability to blend rock with irresistible pop sensibilities.

4. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (1983)

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" is a hard-hitting rock anthem that reflects the pain of a relationship falling apart. Released in 1983 on the Frontiers album, the song features a powerful blend of driving synths, heavy guitar riffs, and one of Steve Perry’s most impassioned vocal performances. The track’s intensity is matched by its memorable, anthemic chorus, which has made it a favorite among fans. The music video, with its iconic warehouse setting, has become a piece of 1980s pop culture history. "Separate Ways" is a testament to Journey’s ability to channel raw emotion through rock music.

5. Open Arms (1982)

"Open Arms," released in 1982 as the third single from the Escape album, is one of the most iconic power ballads of all time. The song’s delicate piano intro and Steve Perry’s tender vocals immediately set a tone of vulnerability and longing. Lyrically, it’s a plea for reconciliation, with the protagonist offering "open arms" to a lost love. The song’s crescendo builds to a powerful emotional climax, making it a favorite for romantic moments. "Open Arms" has been covered by numerous artists over the years, but Journey’s original remains the definitive version, capturing the essence of love and forgiveness.

6. Wheel in the Sky (1978)

Released in 1978 on the Infinity album, "Wheel in the Sky" marks a pivotal moment in Journey’s transition from a jazz fusion band to a rock powerhouse. The song’s haunting lyrics, inspired by a poem written by keyboardist Robert Fleischman’s wife, speak of endless longing and the passage of time. Neal Schon’s guitar work, combined with Steve Perry’s powerful vocals, creates a sound that is both mystical and urgent. The song’s chorus, with its imagery of a wheel turning in the sky, has become emblematic of the band’s early sound. "Wheel in the Sky" is a track that continues to captivate listeners with its blend of rock and mysticism.

7. Lights (1978)

"Lights," released in 1978 on the Infinity album, is Journey’s love letter to San Francisco, the band’s hometown. The song’s mellow, yet uplifting melody, combined with Steve Perry’s smooth vocals, creates a sense of warmth and nostalgia. The lyrics, which speak of the city’s beauty as the "lights go down in the city," have made it an unofficial anthem for San Francisco. Despite its laid-back vibe, "Lights" has a powerful emotional resonance, capturing the feeling of longing for home. It’s a track that has endured as one of Journey’s most beloved songs and a staple of their live performances.

8. Who’s Crying Now (1981)

"Who’s Crying Now," released in 1981 as the lead single from the Escape album, is a song that blends heartache with a sense of triumph. The track’s smooth, mid-tempo rhythm provides the perfect backdrop for Steve Perry’s soulful vocals, which tell the story of a relationship gone sour. The song’s chorus, with its poignant question of "who’s crying now," is both haunting and empowering. Neal Schon’s extended guitar solo at the end adds an extra layer of emotion, making it one of the highlights of the song. "Who’s Crying Now" showcases Journey’s ability to craft songs that are both musically sophisticated and emotionally resonant.

9. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (1979)

" Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’," released in 1979 on the Evolution album, is a bluesy rock track that captures the pain of infidelity. The song’s slow, deliberate groove, punctuated by Steve Perry’s raw, emotive vocals, creates a sense of simmering tension. The lyrics, which recount the betrayal of a lover, are both relatable and cathartic. The repeated refrain of "na-na-na-na" at the end of the song has become one of Journey’s most iconic moments, often sung along by audiences at live shows. "Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’" is a testament to Journey’s ability to channel raw emotion into their music, making it a standout track in their discography.

10. Stone in Love (1981)

"Stone in Love," released in 1981 as part of the Escape album, is a nostalgic rock anthem that recalls the intensity of youthful love. The song’s upbeat tempo, driven by Neal Schon’s electrifying guitar riffs, perfectly complements Steve Perry’s passionate vocals. The lyrics, which speak of memories "burning like a fire," capture the bittersweet nature of looking back on a past romance. "Stone in Love" is a high-energy track that showcases Journey’s ability to fuse powerful rock instrumentation with heartfelt emotion. It’s a fan favorite that continues to be a highlight of the band’s live performances.

Journey’s top 10 most popular songs of all time are a testament to the band’s enduring legacy and their ability to craft timeless, iconic rock anthems. With their signature blend of soaring vocals, masterful instrumentation, and timeless lyrics, Journey has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual listener, Journey’s music has a way of resonating with you on a deep emotional level.

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Ranking All 52 Journey Songs From the ’80s

Journey moved more than 6 million albums in America in the '70s, most of them after Steve Perry joined in time for 1978's Infinity . Not bad.

Then their second proper studio album of the following decade, 1983's Frontiers , sold more than that all but itself. By then, however, they'd amassed so much commercial momentum that this LP was actually considered something of a letdown.

Journey kicked off the '80s with a trio of very different farewell projects as co-founder Gregg Rolie left the band. The Top 10 hit Departure arrived first as a proper studio album, selling three million copies. Journey followed that with Dream, After Dream (a little-heard largely free-form import movie soundtrack) and Captured , a double-platinum Top 10 live sendoff with two new songs.

Then Jonathan Cain supercharged the band's more recent pop-leanings, bringing along a new sensibility (and a song idea for their highest-charting single). Perry was still their honeyed frontman and Neal Schon was still their soaring guitarist – but something fundamental had changed.

READ MORE: Top 10 Post-Steve Perry Journey Songs

The chart-topping Escape proceeded to reel off three Top 10 hits, while moving a career-best 10 million copies in the United States alone. Prior to that, they'd never had a song go higher than the No. 16 finish for 1979's "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin.'"

Journey couldn't quite reach those heights again, concluding the decade with 1986's double-platinum Raised on Radio . But they still spun off four more Top 20 hits.

Along the way, they issued a little more than 50 proper songs in the '80s, including B-sides, bonus tracks and stand-alone releases. Here's how they ranked, with comments and insight from my new Amazon best-selling rock and pop band bio, Journey: Worlds Apart :  

No. 52. "Back Talk" From: Frontiers (1983)

This song almost single-handedly kept Frontiers from becoming Journey's best '80s album . That's enough to earn this spot.  

No. 51. "Departure" From: Departure (1980)

Pretty but insubstantial, this brief instrumental was tucked into the middle of co-founding member Gregg Rolie's last proper studio effort with Journey.  

No. 50. "I'm Cryin'" From: Departure (1980)

Steve Perry usually had a canny ability to convey emotion. "I'm Cryin'," however, slipped off into abject mawkishness.  

No. 49. "Positive Touch" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

The demos for this album were completed with a click track rather than in a room together as Journey had typically done in the past. That left drummer Steve Smith to either copy these metronomic sounds – heard to teeth-grating effect on "Positive Touch" – or to stay home. Partway through the sessions, it became the latter.  

No. 48. "Liberty" From: Time3 (1992)

A Frontiers -era leftover for those who wondering what Journey would sound like as a country band.  

No. 47. "Troubled Child" From: Frontiers (1983)

Another Side Two dud. Replace this with "Only the Young" or "Only Solutions," and all is forgiven.

No. 46. "Happy to Give" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Perry had trouble nailing the vocal on this too-atmospheric ballad, which should have told them something. (In fact, it got to the point where Cain started calling "Happy to Give" Perry's "pet song.") It's understandable: "Happy to Give" grew out of a soundtrack idea Cain had, and it sounds like it. Journey never played the song live.  

No. 45. "La Raza Del Sol" From: B-side of "Still They Ride" (1981)

The song's heart is in the right place, as Cain finds inspiration in the plight of immigrant California farm workers. Unfortunately, that narrative is surrounded by a meandering music bed that sounds like a rightly discarded leftover from their pre-Perry days.  

No. 44. "Mother, Father" From: Escape (1981)

An overwrought, understandably disjointed song that was pieced together from two separate ideas by Perry and Schon, then completed with another interlude written by Schon's dad.  

No. 43. "All That Really Matters" From: Time3 (1992)

Jonathan Cain took over the mic for this Frontiers outtake, returning to a sound that's more in keeping with his earlier tenure in the Babys . That's fine, but it's not Journey.  

No. 42. "Homemade Love" From: Departure (1980)

Despite discovering a newfound chart prowess, Journey was still prone to longing looks back to their earliest musical excesses. In keeping, this sludgy, clumsily salacious song couldn't have sounded more out of place on Departure . Positioning "Homemade Love" as the album-closing song made even less sense.  

No. 41. "Dixie Highway" From: Captured (1981)

"Dixie Highway" sounds like what it was: a throwaway track written on Journey's tour bus while traveling the eponymous interstate into Detroit. It was perhaps interesting enough to be tried out live, but not interesting enough to make it onto a studio album.

No. 40. "Keep On Runnin'" From: Escape (1981)

A pedestrian rocker, "Keep on Runnin'" is the only stumble on Side One of Journey's biggest-ever selling album.  

No. 39. "Dead or Alive" From: Escape (1981)

The second of two throwback-style songs on Escape that seek to approximate Journey's more rugged, fusion-leaning '70s-era, and the lesser of the pair. That "Dead or Alive" came directly after the too-similar "Lay It Down" didn't do the song any favors, either.  

No. 38. "Escape" From: Escape (1981)

Cain and Perry are credited as co-composers, but the title track from Escape still feels like the first of what became a series of not-always-successful attempts by Neal Schon to balance Journey's new knack for balladry with ballsier rock songs. That's certainly the role it played in contemporary setlists after he became the band's sole remaining original member.  

No. 37. "Line of Fire" From: Departure (1980)

A perfunctory rocker best remembered for a sound effect at roughly the 2:10 mark that Perry cribbed from Junior Walker's chart-topping 1965 R&B hit "Shotgun ."  

No. 36. "Precious Time" From: Departure (1980)

Rolie adds a gurgling harp squall, but not much else stands out.

No. 35. "Lay It Down" From: Escape (1981)

Steve Smith approximates early drummer Aynsley Dunbar's thudding, heavy-rock approach while Schon swirls into the stratosphere on one of two songs from Escape that could have seamlessly fit into a Rolie-era album.  

No. 34. "Chain Reaction" From: Frontiers (1983)

Schon finds a fusible groove, then joins Perry for a gutty vocal interplay. But "Chain Reaction" ends up getting lost somewhere along the way.  

No. 33. "Once You Love Somebody" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

They tried for a bluesy feel on a song echoing the relationship troubles that both Perry and Cain were then experiencing, but there's simply not enough grit to this.  

No. 32. "Natural Thing" From: B-side of "Don't Stop Believin'" (1981)

Your average classic rock radio-loving fan might not peg Steve Perry as a died-in-the-wool R&B guy who can totally pull off this sometimes very un-Journey style. Tell them to start here.  

No. 31. "Rubicon" From: Frontiers (1983)

This song drove a seemingly permanent wedge in the band. Schon said he was playing "Rubicon" when Perry walked over and turned down his amp . He argued that fans wanted to hear his voice rather than all of those guitars. They put out only two more albums together, and it took them 13 years to do it.

No. 30. "Frontiers" From: Frontiers (1983)

The second-best song on this album's deflating flip side. Singing in a clipped, coolly detached tone, Perry offers a great put-down for heartless generals and politicians: " War is for fools; crisis is cool ."  

No. 29. "It Could Have Been You" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Schon's riffy contributions work in brilliant counterpoint to Perry's poignancy, underscoring why this partnership meshed so easily – and so well.  

No. 28. "Where Were You" From: Departure (1980)

There's a reason Journey opened their concerts with "Where Were You" for so long. It simply crackles with energy. They were just coming off an opening gig with AC/DC at this point, and the headliner's knack for outsized, riffy rockers obviously rubbed off.  

No. 27. "Little Girl" From: B-side of "Open Arms" (1981)

"Little Girl" was the the only proper song from 1980's Dream, After Dream , a soundtrack that's not part of the band's main catalog since it's otherwise filled with incidental music for a now-forgotten foreign film. Elsewhere, the instrumentals provide an untimely restatement of their old penchant for prog and fusion, considering Journey was already on a pop-chart roll. Dream After Dream disappeared without a trace once Journey issued  Escape , and the too-often-overlooked "Little Girl" only saw U.S. release as the B-side to their "Open Arms" single.  

No. 26. "Raised on Radio" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Radio holds a talismanic place in Perry's imagination for two reasons. His absent father owned a station. At the same time, it's a constant presence in the youthful places where he returns, time and time again, for creative sustenance. If things had gone another way, Perry has said he could see himself as a DJ, rather than a huge pop star.  

No. 25. "Ask the Lonely" From: Two of a Kind (1983)

Jonathan Cain once said Perry could write love songs in his sleep , and this only-okay leftover is an example of that assembly line-type approach. Yet, he gives his whole heart to every line. "This is my big theory on Steve Perry: Beyond being a great vocalist, I think the secret and maybe why generations connect with him is he is an empath," former Rolling Stone editor David Wild told me. By the end, "Ask the Lonely" still proves to be a better choice that most of what appeared on the back end of Frontiers .

No. 24. "Why Can't This Night Go on Forever" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Written in tribute to their fans, "Why Can't This Night Go on Forever" moved past its quite overt "Open Arms" / "Faithfully"-style ambitions on the strength of performances by Schon and Perry.

No. 23. "The Eyes of a Woman" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Steve Smith only appeared on three Raised on Radio tracks, but that doesn't mean he didn't have an undeniable impact. His anticipatory rhythm builds this quiet tension on the underrated "The Eyes of a Woman," as Schon's echoing chords surround the vocal. Perry has called this one of his favorite Journey songs, and that might be because "The Eyes of a Woman" is one of the very few here that fully recalls their Escape / Frontiers -era midtempo sound.

No. 22. "Suzanne" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

If Steve Perry sounds a little overwhelmed on the second single from this album, there's a reason for that. This No. 17 hit was written in tribute to an actual crush – framed as a fantasy encounter with a film star who also had a singing career. He never revealed her name.

No. 21. "Edge of the Blade" From: Frontiers (1983)

Side Two of Frontiers gets off to a roaring start. Buckle up, though. As things progress, you're in for a bumpy ride.

No. 20. "Be Good to Yourself" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

A throwback Top 10 rocker, "Be Good to Yourself" had little in common with the sleeker, more adult-contemporary feel found elsewhere on Raised on Radio . It didn't make for the most representative lead single, but manager Herbie Herbert insisted – because "Be Good to Yourself" sounded the most like Journey on their previous two albums.

No. 19. "I'll Be Alright Without You" From: 'Raised on Radio' (1986)

Schon, who earned a co-writing credit with Cain and Perry, told me he tried out a then-new guitar in search of a distinct sound for this song. Best known for using a 1963 Fender Stratocaster, Schon experimented with a graphite Roland 707 to see if he could get a different, more even tone. It worked: "I'll Be Alright Without You" remains Journey's penultimate Top 20 hit, followed by 1996's "When You Love a Woman." Cain, like Perry, was going through a breakup and called this track the other half of the emotions expressed in "Once You Love Somebody."

No. 18. "Only Solutions" From: Tron (1982)

Unjustly forgotten, and barely used in the film at all, the hooky "Only Solutions" would have greatly enlivened what turned out to be a letdown on Side Two of Frontiers .

No. 17. "People and Places" From: Departure (1980)

A circular vocal effect makes the song's larger point, as Perry and Schon share a vocal that examines life's maddening duality.

No. 16. "Faithfully" From: Frontiers (1983)

Journey was in the midst of a two-leg, 132-show tour in support of Escape and Jonathan Cain was feeling disconnected from his then-wife. Cain noticed the moon above their tour bus and, to him, "it looked like the midnight sun." He wrote that down then fell asleep. Upon awaking, Cain said the rest of "Faithfully" came to him in a rush. He wrote it in his own key, and that allowed Perry to explore a different vocal timbre. "'Faithfully' is to die for. I mean, Jonathan Cain's lyrics are amazing, and Steve Perry gave it everything he had," original MTV VJ Martha Quinn told me. "From the opening lines, he's just absolutely dripping with emotion. Every time you put the needle down, you can just feel it." Journey finished the song with a memorable back-and-forth between Perry and Schon, also completely unrehearsed.

No. 15. "Walks Like a Lady" From: Departure (1980)

A great example of the way Journey songs evolved in the studio. Perry brought in a rough sketch, Schon added a blues-inspired riff, then Smith picked up his brushes. All that was left to complete things was Rolie's greasy Hammond B3 groove, and he said it's one of his favorites.

No. 14. "Girl Can't Help It" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Perry essentially took control of Journey in the run-up to this album, switching out band members for sidemen with whom he'd worked before then serving as the project's de facto producer. That led them to some song treatments that moved well away from anything Journey had done before, or since. "Girl Can't Help It," one of three Top 40 singles from Raised on Radio , was another exception. This was classic Journey, spit-shined up for a new era.

No. 13. "After the Fall" From: Frontiers (1983)

Perry began this song on the bass, perhaps an early indication of the changes in store for Journey. By the time they released 1986's Raised on Radio , Ross Valory had been replaced by Randy Jackson, later of American Idol fame. Smith departed too, but not before proving himself utterly invaluable here.

No. 12. "Good Morning Girl" / "Stay Awhile" From: Departure (1980)

Inextricably linked by their successive appearances on Departure , these two songs showcased Perry's dual gifts: "Good Morning Girl" was a fragile, impossibly beautiful ballad that emerged from a jam session with Schon, while "Stay Awhile" showed off his R&B chops.

No. 11. "Who's Crying Now" From: Escape (1981)

The initial single from Escape , a No. 4 hit, perfectly illustrates how Cain's new presence impacted Perry's writing style, then forever changed Journey. The first inklings of the track came to Perry as he was driving up to San Francisco on Route 99. But "Who's Crying Now" was a song with no real direction until Cain suggested the title. They worked out a cool b-section featuring only voice and keyboard, and their very first co-written composition was completed. "He helped me go to another place as a writer," Perry later gushed in Joel Selvin's Time3 liner notes. Inspired, Perry also fought to keep Schon's extended guitar solo on the single.

No. 10. "Someday Soon" From: Departure (1980)

The final major vocal collaboration featuring Perry and Rolie and, still, one of the more memorable for its thoughtful optimism. There were plenty of reasons for this upbeat outlook, even though "Someday Soon" appeared as Rolie exited. Departure reached the Billboard Top 10, then the band's highest-charting effort ever. Meanwhile, a subsequent, wildly successful tour was chronicled on 1981's Captured . But why weren't there more of these duets? "I didn't want to quit singing, but it got diminished, there's no doubt," Rolie told me. "I don't think Perry really liked me singing. 'I'm the singer.' Well, OK. But my answer to that is, you know, the Beatles did great with four singers. Four, right? Not one."

No. 9. "Open Arms" From: Escape (1981)

Jonathan Cain brought this to Journey after John Waite , the frontman in Cain's former band the Babys, rejected an early version. Schon didn't really want "Open Arms" either, but Perry intervened. He knew just what to do with it. "He was fascinating to write with because he's such a technician. I'd never worked with a vocal perfectionist," Cain told me. "I mean, he would memorize every line as we wrote it, then his voice — he'd put it in the register we wanted and deliver it how we wanted it. Steve rehearsed everything as we wrote it, so then when we got into the studio or rehearsal, he knew where it lived in his range. He was very specific about what words he wanted to say. I was kind of taken with it." That helped turn "Open Arms" a soaring paean to renewal. Oh, and Journey's highest-charting single ever.

No. 8. "Still They Ride" From: Escape (1981)

Cain and Schon earned co-songwriting credits on the lonesome "Still They Ride," and Steve Smith showed off an accomplished dexterity. But this song belonged in no small part to Perry. Its main character, Jesse, never left the town of his youth, and still drives through its darkening streets looking for some connection. Perry has admitted that this dreamer who refuses to give up on his youthful reverie works as a metaphor for himself. If you'd found yourself in mid-century Hanford, California, you might have seen Journey's future singer doing the same thing. Along the way, a touchingly emotional trip back to Perry's San Joaquin Valley youth showed that the seemingly ageless Escape could still produce a Top 20 single, more than a year after its release.

No. 7. "The Party's Over (Hopelessly in Love)" From: Captured (1981)

"After I left," Gregg Rolie told me, "it became more pop rock. It was a little heavier when I was in it." That transformation started with "The Party's Over," a Top 40 studio song tacked onto a live project which marked Rolie's exit. Journey's original keyboardist doesn't even appear on the track. Instead, the session featured Stevie "Keys" Roseman, who was later part of VTR with Ross Valory and George Tickner. He'd been working on a later-shelved project with Tickner, Valory and Schon in the next studio. He still hopes to have the old masters "baked so they can be released in some format," Roseman told me. "Neal played a couple of unbelievable solos that still need to be heard."

No. 6. "Stone in Love" From: Escape (1981)

Schon had a tape recorder going while he fooled around with the guitar during a party at his house in San Rafael. Perry and Cain did the rest. "Stone in Love" subsequently charted in the U.K., but never appeared on the main Cashbox or Billboard charts in America. After the release of "Open Arms" and "Still They Ride," however, it provided a welcome reminder that Journey had not given themselves completely over to balladry.

No. 5. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" From: Frontiers (1983)

Cain and Perry looked on, feeling a little helpless, as Valory and Schon endured painful divorces. "There's got to be a more soulful way of looking at this," Perry countered in the Time3 liner notes. Just like that, the pair had the makings of the Top 10 opening single from Frontiers . "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" so energized Journey that they began performing it onstage before Perry had completely learned the words. Then they filmed a video that sharply divided some fans. "Rock aficionados may have said, 'Oh, that was cornball,'" Martha Quinn told me. "Well, ask people that are still doing send-ups today, down to every last camera angle. Those people love that video. That's something else you couldn't have predicted that would have stood the test of time — but it has. People love it."

No. 4. "Send Her My Love" From: Frontiers (1983)

One of four Top 40 hits found on the album, the lonesome No. 23 anthem "Send Her My Love" is notable for an ambient turn by Schon (he used a high-end Lexicon 480L echo unit) and perhaps the most intriguing drumming contribution on Journey's string of familiar ballads from Steve Smith. A jazz lover who later founded his own combo, Smith added a slyly involving polyrhythm lifted from Miles Davis' "In a Silent Way." "The drummer on that was Tony Williams," Smith told me, "and he played quarter notes with a cross-stick on the snare drum — a very hypnotic groove." Same here.

No. 3. "Only the Young" From: Vision Quest (1985)

Another song that, had it been included, might have pushed Frontiers past Escape as Journey's best Cain-era album. Instead, "Only the Young" appeared much later on this soundtrack, and by then Kenny Sykaluk – a 16-year-old fan suffering from cystic fibrosis – had already died after becoming the first person to hear it . The song is now credited with bringing Journey back together after a period of solo projects. "Only the Young" eventually opened every concert on Journey's subsequent tour, too. Still, it will be forever associated with Sykaluk's brave fight.

No. 2. "Any Way You Want It" From: Departure (1980)

Perry said the vocal and guitar interplay on "Any Way You Want It" was inspired by the performances of Phil Lynott , after Thin Lizzy opened for Journey. So, Perry sang "she loves to laugh," and Schon responded with a riff. Perry sang "she loves to sing," and Schon responded again. Then "she does everything" led into another guitar riff — just like Thin Lizzy might have. Perry and Rolie then brought a tight focus to the bursts of shared vocals that close things out, fashioning Journey's second-ever Top 40 hit – but not before Rodney Dangerfield's character in Caddyshack broke out in a hilariously awkward dance as "Any Way You Want It" blared out of a golf bag radio.

No. 1. "Don't Stop Believin'" From: Escape (1981)

It wasn't the biggest song of the year. In fact, "Don't Stop Believin'" finished at No. 72 on Billboard magazine’s year-ending Hot 100 singles of 1982. It wasn’t even the biggest song from Escape , which spun off not one but two songs that finished higher on the charts. It didn’t have a typical song structure, not referencing the title until 3:22 in, after three verses, two pre-choruses, and some abbreviated instrumental passages. It's set in a place — South Detroit — that doesn’t actually exist. So how did this become Journey's defining moment? "Who wants to keep believing? That would be everybody, you know?" Jonathan Cain told me. "And I think it's a certain song in uncertain times. You have this certainty about that song, and it has this rhythm to it that's just very assuring and very sure of itself. From the beginning piano line, it speaks — and it speaks to hope. I think people are looking for hope."

Rockers Whose Bands Tried to Erase Them

Gallery Credit: Nick DeRiso

You Think You Know Journey?

More From Ultimate Classic Rock

The 10 Best Journey Songs of All-Time

Journey is the kind of band that inspires intense emotion. Some people hate them, some people love them. Very few people manage to stay indifferent to them. Known for their soulful (some say slushy) ballads, their massive choruses, and their consummate musicianship, this is a band that defines AOR. Their line up may have experienced multiple changes over the years (in fact, the only original member to still remain with the group is lead guitarist Neal Schon) , but their classic hits remain a constant source of pleasure… at least to those who fall on the ‘love’ side of the debate. But which of those hits rank as the best Journey songs of all time? Find out as we reveal the ten finest moments from the band’s back catalog.

10. Girl Can’t Help It

As loudersound.com writes , the production of the 1986 song “Girl Can’t Help It” might be very much a product of its time, but there’s enough good stuff happening elsewhere to make it one of the band’s most enduring classics. Steve Perry’s vocals are a thing of beauty, while Neal Schon’s heavy guitar riffs cut through Jonathan Cain’s velvety keyboards perfectly.

When Perry joined the band in 1977, he meant business. He may have been recruited as a lead singer and frontman, but his talent as a writer soon became evident, as seen in the 1978 song, “Infinity.” It may have charted at a disappointing 68, but its soulful lyrics and Perry’s shining vocals have since tuned it into a concert staple.

8. In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations

Before Journey decided that soulful ballads and power anthems would get them more album sales, they were a jazz fusion band with hints of progressive rock. Some of their earlier work has been criticized as self-indulgent, but there’s still plenty of gems in among the dross. Taken from their 1975 album “In The Beginning,” “In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations” is a psychedelic number that, as recording-history.com notes , has the kind of memorable riff that will have you bobbing your head for days.

7. Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin’

Big ballads may be what Journey has become best known for, but this is a band with roots in jazz fusion. When it wants to pull out a funky groove, it can, as demonstrated by the electrifying “Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin’.” As one of the highlights of the 1979 “Evolution” album, “Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin'” features soaring vocals, heavy guitars, and several moments that would convince even the most committed Journey hater of the band’s merits. As the first Journey single to reach the Top 40 in the United States, “Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin'” occupies a special place in the hearts of fans, and for good reason.

6. Faithfully

When Cain wrote “Faithfully,” he was channeling his emotions as a rocker on the road with a wife and family at home. The result is wistful, poignant, utterly human, and a timely reminder of Journey’s soulful side The melody, piano backing, and plaintive vocals combine to create what some critics have described as the greatest power ballad ever recorded. In the event, the song outlived the marriage it was written to celebrate: within just four years of it reaching number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, Cain and his wife had divorced.

5. Any Way You Want It

The Thin Lizzy-inspired track “Any Way You Want It” may not have performed as well as some of Journey’s later singles (it peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart), but since its release in 1980, it’s become one of the band’s most popular and revered tracks. Featuring a storytelling style reminiscent of Thin Lizzy’s Phil Lynott along with gliding guitar riffs, it marked a departure from the band’s usual style, but a very welcome one nonetheless.

4. Open Arms

As ultimateclassicrock.com (ultimateclassicrock.com/journey-songs/) writes, the melody for “Open Arms” was pitched by Cain during his time with rock group, the Babys, but singer John Waite decided it was too sentimental to work. Initially, Journey felt the same, with Schon, in particular, dismissing it as too lightweight. Fortunately, Cain won the toss. The track became one of the band’s most commercially successful songs of all time, holding the number 2 spot on the Billboard 100 for 6 consecutive weeks and wining a permanent place in the hearts of Journey fans around the world.

3. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

The year was 1983. Journey was riding high on the success of “Escape,” their most commercially successful album to date. Expectations for their follow-up album, “Frontiers,” were riding high. It didn’t disappoint. Its opening track, “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” is a hugely enjoyable, powerhouse of a song that features Cain, Perry, and Schon bouncing off each other’s strengths and intertwining to masterful effect.

2. Wheel In The Sky

By 1977, Journey (and quite possibly, their record label) were getting sick of poor album sales. Determined to move the band in a more commercial direction, they hired a new frontman in the form of Robert Fleischman. Differences between Fleischman and the band’s management would ultimately lead to his departure within the year, but his time with Journey wasn’t completely wasted. The proof? “Wheel in the Sky,” a dazzling little number co-written by Fleischman. Featuring a dynamic guitar groove and a heavier beat than we were used to from Journey, it ranks as one of the highlights on “Infinity.”

1. Don’t Stop Believin’

When it came to the number one spot, there was never any real competition. “Don’t Stop Believin'” isn’t just a song. It’s not just an anthem. It’s a seminal moment from the 1980s that managed to make the decade everyone would rather forget that little bit brighter. If you ever come across someone who says they’ve never heard it, don’t trust them. They’re either lying or have never turned on a radio in their life. Either way, they’re best avoided. “Don’t Stop Believin'” is peerless. It’s one of the few songs that everyone, whether they care to admit it or not, likes. The vocals, the musicality, the simplicity…. whatever it is, it makes us happy, and for as long as it does, we’ll keep on belivin’.

No, do not confuse this Thomas Newman with the composer. But I'm still a music lover nonetheless. You'll catch me mostly writing articles about the artists and bands I love. Maybe some theory. Maybe some analysis. Whatever lands in the world of music is something I'm likely interested in. In particular I'm a huge fan of classic rock and the oldies. Zeppelin are among my favorites and Foghat's "Slowride" is one of my favorite tracks.

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Sabrina Carpenter has the No. 1 album — and 3 of the week’s top 5 songs

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Sabrina Carpenter ’s Short n’ Sweet would top the Billboard albums chart in its first week of eligibility — especially if you knew that the singer would also have three of the top five songs on the Hot 100. (“Taste” enters this week’s chart at No. 2, followed by “Please Please Please” at No. 3 and “Espresso” at No. 4.) Still, while Short n’ Sweet took No. 1, it grabbed the spot in a down-to-the-wire photo finish with the 10th-anniversary reissue of Travis Scott ’s 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo , which benefited from a flood of digital variant editions. And not even a small army of Sabrina Carpenter singles could dislodge Shaboozey ’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” from holding down an eighth week at the top of the Hot 100.

Sabrina Carpenter was expected to have a massive week; after all, she’s had two of the summer’s biggest songs (“Espresso” and “Please Please Please”), which only heightened expectations for the release of her new sixth album, Short n’ Sweet . Still, her journey to the top of the album charts was fraught right up to its final moments, as she fended off a furious challenge from rapper Travis Scott.

For those who wish to break down Billboard ’s byzantine metrics, the pair’s neck-and-neck battle was unbelievably close, as Carpenter snagged 362,000 “album equivalent units” — a number derived from a mix of online sales, physical sales and streaming — to 361,000 for Scott’s Days Before Rodeo . Both numbers were boosted by digital variant editions, but Scott took such efforts to another level: He released eight different versions of the album, with seven containing bonus tracks and each available for a limited time. Six of those were available only on his website and priced at just $4.99.

The strong numbers for Days Before Rodeo are especially striking, given that it was originally released as a free mixtape in 2014. It had never been made available for sales or streaming, so the version that cracked the Billboard charts this week was a 10th-anniversary commemorative edition, with physical copies (and variant editions) available only via Scott’s webstore.

Elsewhere in the Top 10, country star Lainey Wilson scored her highest chart position to date with the debut of her new album Whirlwind at No. 8. Post Malone’ s F-1 Trillion , which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 last week, slid to No. 3 to make room for Carpenter and Scott. And Chappell Roan ’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess fell from No. 2, its chart peak so far, to No. 4.

Rounding out the Top 10, Morgan Wallen ’s One Thing at a Time fell from No. 4 to No. 5, Taylor Swift ’s The Tortured Poets Department slipped from No. 3 to No. 6, Billie Eilish ’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slid from No. 5 to No. 7, Zach Bryan ’s The Great American Bar Scene dropped from No. 6 to No. 9 and Noah Kahan ’s Stick Season took a dip from No. 8 to No. 10.

Milestones abound this week, as Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” extends its longest-of-the-year run at the top of the Hot 100 to eight nonconsecutive weeks. That’s two weeks longer than the run enjoyed by Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen),” which this week slid from its long-held slot at No. 2 all the way down to No. 5.

The real milestone action lives in between those two “song of the summer” finalists: Fueled by Short n’ Sweet ’s chart-topping debut — and the concurrent release of the album’s new single and video, “Taste” — Sabrina Carpenter now holds the No. 2 song (“Taste”), the No. 3 song (“Please Please Please,” up from No. 9) and the No. 4 song (“Espresso,” up from No. 7) simultaneously. She’s the first solo artist ever, in the history of the chart, to have her first three top-five hits land in the top five simultaneously.

In fact, only one artist has ever accomplished this feat prior to Carpenter: The Beatles , who first pulled it off on March 7, 1964 with “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You” and “Please Please Me.” (In other words, Carpenter can’t say she’s the first artist to have her first three top-five hits land in the top five simultaneously while one of those songs contains the words “Please Please.” And it should be noted that The Beatles’ first five singles were all in the top five simultaneously, back in April 1964.)

Elsewhere, in chart news that doesn’t place the words “Sabrina Carpenter” and the words “The Beatles” in the same sentence, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars ’ new collaborative single (“Die With a Smile”) slides to No. 6 from last week’s No. 3 debut. Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” (No. 5 to No. 7), Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” (No. 6 to No. 8) and Kendrick Lamar ’s “Not Like Us” (No. 4 to No. 9) all tumbled down the chart to make way for Carpenter’s surge. But Teddy Swims ’ “Lose Control” remains impervious to the chart surges of others, as it holds steady at No. 10.

WORTH NOTING

Speaking of “Lose Control” and the imperviousness thereof, the song is currently experiencing its astounding 33rd week in the Top 10 — a number that has it tied with three other songs for the ninth-longest Top 10 run of all time. Looking over the list of the longest-ever runs in the Top 10, it’s hard not to notice a fair bit of recency bias, as streaming algorithms and radio playlists have made it easier than ever for songs and albums to stick around the charts for months or even years at a time. (As you might expect, given those considerations, it’s also harder than ever for songs to crack the Top 10 in the first place.)

In fact, the longest-ever run took place from 2020 to 2021, as The Weeknd ’s “Blinding Lights” sat on the Top 10 for a whopping 57 weeks (and then shocked the world by receiving zero Grammy nominations). From there, it’s a flood of recent-vintage jams: The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber ’s “Stay” held on for 44 weeks in 2021-22, followed by Morgan Wallen ’s “Last Night” (41 in 2023-24), Dua Lipa ’s “Levitating” (41 in 2021), Post Malone’s “Circles” (39 in 2019-20), Harry Styles ’ “As It Was” (38 in 2022-23), Glass Animals ’ “Heat Waves” (37 in 2021-22) and Taylor Swift ’s “Cruel Summer” (34 in 2023-24).

If “Lose Control” can hold on for one more week, it’ll leave in the dust the 33-week runs of “Sunflower” (by Post Malone and Swae Lee in 2018-19), “Girls Like You” (by Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B in 2018-19) and “Shape of You” (by Ed Sheeran in 2017). Can you imagine how long those early Beatles singles would have hung around on the charts if Spotify had been around in 1964?

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Sabrina Carpenter has the No. 1 album — and 3 of the week’s top 5 songs

Stephen Thompson

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet would top the Billboard albums chart in its first week of eligibility. Nina Westervelt/Billboard via Getty Images/Billboard hide caption

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Sabrina Carpenter ’s Short n’ Sweet would top the Billboard albums chart in its first week of eligibility — especially if you knew that the singer would also have three of the top five songs on the Hot 100. (“Taste” enters this week’s chart at No. 2, followed by “Please Please Please” at No. 3 and “Espresso” at No. 4.) Still, while Short n’ Sweet took No. 1, it grabbed the spot in a down-to-the-wire photo finish with the 10th-anniversary reissue of Travis Scott ’s 2014 mixtape Days Before Rodeo , which benefited from a flood of digital variant editions. And not even a small army of Sabrina Carpenter singles could dislodge Shaboozey ’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” from holding down an eighth week at the top of the Hot 100.

Sabrina Carpenter was expected to have a massive week; after all, she’s had two of the summer’s biggest songs (“Espresso” and “Please Please Please”), which only heightened expectations for the release of her new sixth album, Short n’ Sweet . Still, her journey to the top of the album charts was fraught right up to its final moments, as she fended off a furious challenge from rapper Travis Scott.

For those who wish to break down Billboard ’s byzantine metrics, the pair’s neck-and-neck battle was unbelievably close, as Carpenter snagged 362,000 “album equivalent units” — a number derived from a mix of online sales, physical sales and streaming — to 361,000 for Scott’s Days Before Rodeo . Both numbers were boosted by digital variant editions, but Scott took such efforts to another level: He released eight different versions of the album, with seven containing bonus tracks and each available for a limited time. Six of those were available only on his website and priced at just $4.99.

The strong numbers for Days Before Rodeo are especially striking, given that it was originally released as a free mixtape in 2014. It had never been made available for sales or streaming, so the version that cracked the Billboard charts this week was a 10th-anniversary commemorative edition, with physical copies (and variant editions) available only via Scott’s webstore.

Elsewhere in the Top 10, country star Lainey Wilson scored her highest chart position to date with the debut of her new album Whirlwind at No. 8. Post Malone’ s F-1 Trillion , which entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1 last week, slid to No. 3 to make room for Carpenter and Scott. And Chappell Roan ’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess fell from No. 2, its chart peak so far, to No. 4.

Rounding out the Top 10, Morgan Wallen ’s One Thing at a Time fell from No. 4 to No. 5, Taylor Swift ’s The Tortured Poets Department slipped from No. 3 to No. 6, Billie Eilish ’s Hit Me Hard and Soft slid from No. 5 to No. 7, Zach Bryan ’s The Great American Bar Scene dropped from No. 6 to No. 9 and Noah Kahan ’s Stick Season took a dip from No. 8 to No. 10.

Milestones abound this week, as Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” extends its longest-of-the-year run at the top of the Hot 100 to eight nonconsecutive weeks. That’s two weeks longer than the run enjoyed by Post Malone’s “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen),” which this week slid from its long-held slot at No. 2 all the way down to No. 5.

The real milestone action lives in between those two “song of the summer” finalists: Fueled by Short n’ Sweet ’s chart-topping debut — and the concurrent release of the album’s new single and video, “Taste” — Sabrina Carpenter now holds the No. 2 song (“Taste”), the No. 3 song (“Please Please Please,” up from No. 9) and the No. 4 song (“Espresso,” up from No. 7) simultaneously. She’s the first solo artist ever, in the history of the chart, to have her first three top-five hits land in the top five simultaneously.

In fact, only one artist has ever accomplished this feat prior to Carpenter: The Beatles , who first pulled it off on March 7, 1964 with “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You” and “Please Please Me.” (In other words, Carpenter can’t say she’s the first artist to have her first three top-five hits land in the top five simultaneously while one of those songs contains the words “Please Please.” And it should be noted that The Beatles’ first five singles were all in the top five simultaneously, back in April 1964.)

Elsewhere, in chart news that doesn’t place the words “Sabrina Carpenter” and the words “The Beatles” in the same sentence, Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars ’ new collaborative single (“Die With a Smile”) slides to No. 6 from last week’s No. 3 debut. Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather” (No. 5 to No. 7), Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” (No. 6 to No. 8) and Kendrick Lamar ’s “Not Like Us” (No. 4 to No. 9) all tumbled down the chart to make way for Carpenter’s surge. But Teddy Swims ’ “Lose Control” remains impervious to the chart surges of others, as it holds steady at No. 10.

WORTH NOTING

Speaking of “Lose Control” and the imperviousness thereof, the song is currently experiencing its astounding 33rd week in the Top 10 — a number that has it tied with three other songs for the ninth-longest Top 10 run of all time. Looking over the list of the longest-ever runs in the Top 10, it’s hard not to notice a fair bit of recency bias, as streaming algorithms and radio playlists have made it easier than ever for songs and albums to stick around the charts for months or even years at a time. (As you might expect, given those considerations, it’s also harder than ever for songs to crack the Top 10 in the first place.)

In fact, the longest-ever run took place from 2020 to 2021, as The Weeknd ’s “Blinding Lights” sat on the Top 10 for a whopping 57 weeks (and then shocked the world by receiving zero Grammy nominations). From there, it’s a flood of recent-vintage jams: The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber ’s “Stay” held on for 44 weeks in 2021-22, followed by Morgan Wallen ’s “Last Night” (41 in 2023-24), Dua Lipa ’s “Levitating” (41 in 2021), Post Malone’s “Circles” (39 in 2019-20), Harry Styles ’ “As It Was” (38 in 2022-23), Glass Animals ’ “Heat Waves” (37 in 2021-22) and Taylor Swift ’s “Cruel Summer” (34 in 2023-24).

If “Lose Control” can hold on for one more week, it’ll leave in the dust the 33-week runs of “Sunflower” (by Post Malone and Swae Lee in 2018-19), “Girls Like You” (by Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B in 2018-19) and “Shape of You” (by Ed Sheeran in 2017). Can you imagine how long those early Beatles singles would have hung around on the charts if Spotify had been around in 1964?

• Sabrina Carpenter
• Travis Scott