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Top '80s Songs of American Arena Rock Band Journey

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Over the course of only four '80s albums, former progressive rock band turned rock balladeers Journey churned out an impressive array of hit singles and prime album tracks. Almost all are worthy of praise, but it's also notable that a handful of these tunes have not only withstood the test of time but stand up well to focused scrutiny. The best of the best of Journey may be up for debate, but the fact that the band still matters as a key arena rock prototype has by now become a matter of certainty. Here are eight reasons why presented in chronological order of release.

"Any Way You Want It"

Despite the occasional but too-frequent use of this tune in annoying TV advertising, this full-tilt rocker from 1980's Departure most definitely stands as one of Journey's finest moments as a band. After all, it serves as definitive proof that the quartet had the capacity to rock with some serious authority. I don't know why people tend to forget that Neal Schon was not only a guitar prodigy but also possesses one of the most distinctively scorching guitar styles in rock. This is one of the few Journey classics on which Steve Perry's vocals take a bit of a backseat; it's all about Schon's killer riff and his commanding solos. And what's more rock than that?

"Don't Stop Believin'"

A few years back I went through a fairly prolonged "I hate Journey, they're so lame" phase, the kind that could be put to an end only through well-placed logic. I have a friend of mine to thank for that; when she offered me a viable explication of the "streetlight people" lyric from this 1981 standout, I lost a key assumed reason to criticize this rock masterpiece. A graceful combination of muscular guitars and haunting melody, this song just works down to its core, in a way as magically mysterious as the Internet or a car engine to those of us not inclined to understand the workings of such things. So just sit back and enjoy the majesty.

"Stone in Love"

Again, anyone inclined to dismiss Journey as a cream puff band overly fond of ballads and sorely lacking rock and roll cred should give another listen to this underrated classic from 1981's Escape. In terms of rock guitar riffage, this tune earns major points for its explosive intro, but beyond that, it showcases the general tightness of Journey's core quintet of members during the band's peak period. I mean, if even Ross Valory's bass playing shines during the irresistible chorus of this nearly perfect mainstream rock song, Journey must have pretty well known what it was doing.

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"

This song is essential in a total package sort of way, from the unmistakable, energizing synth opening all the way across the spectrum to its impossibly cheesy music video chock full of '80s missteps . Whatever the angle, "Separate Ways" is valuable, central '80s music listening. After all, what makes Journey's best music so constant is the consistent quality of band components, from Perry's vocal showcase to Schon's aggressive, solid guitar work to - of course - the efficient and skilled songwriting necessary to produce this song's utterly transcendent bridge and chorus. A glorious '80s moment.

"After the Fall"

Perhaps the most underappreciated vital track from Journey's peak '80s period, this tune doubles effectively as a power ballad and mid-tempo rocker. The band happened to be a master of that format during this era, but here the lines are blurred wonderfully between lighter-worthy romantic balladry and a melodic guitar-hero sing-along. Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto and Arnel Pineda notwithstanding, no one ever has sounded or probably ever will sound quite like Steve Perry at his powerfully emotive best, and this distinctiveness always will be the fuel that drives Journey's greatness.

"Faithfully"

Of Journey's two blockbuster slow-dance power ballads, I've always preferred this one for its proper appropriation of Schon's nimble lead guitar work into the winning formula. That's not to say "Open Arms" doesn't have its charms, but it's certainly one of the few occasions in which the band did not use all its positive attributes for maximum impact. "Faithfully," on the other hand, authentically tackles a subject - the impact of excessive time apart on romantic relationships - with equal amounts of universality and specificity. This soft rock classic is perhaps the epitome of Journey's wide-ranging appeal.

"Girl Can't Help It"

Despite the odd move of ditching drummer Steve Smith and bassist Valory for the 1986 album Raised on Radio, the music on the last release from Journey's most successful phase maintained the band's successful formula of guitar, keyboards, and, of course, Steve Perry. This song didn't disappoint longtime fans even if they were tired of waiting for a follow-up to 1983's Frontiers, and the reasons it struck such a chord are, again, solid song structure and familiar if not groundbreaking lyrical treatment of the inherent pitfalls of romance. It's not Perry's fault his voice soars in such an irresistible way; the boy just can't help it.

"I'll Be Alright Without You"

The good thing about Journey going on hiatus following the Raised on Radio tour is that the best music on that disc measured up quite favorably with the band's highest-quality earlier material. That's actually a pretty rare occurrence when bands are wise enough to exit before inevitable decline sets in. This fine mid-tempo track arguably stands as one of the band's most impressive achievements of the '80s, blessed as it is with a compelling keyboard groove, some of Schon's tastiest lead guitar work of his long career, and another forehead-vein-protruding but the thoroughly engrossing vocal performance from Mr. Perry.

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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 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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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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

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.

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Journey Song list

• After All These Years (2008)
• Any Way You Want It (1980)
• Anytime (1978)
• Be Good To Yourself (1986)
• City of Hope (2011)
• Dixie Highway (1981)
• Don't Stop Believin' (1981)
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• Homemade Love (1980)
• I'll Be Alright Without You (1986)
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• Still They Ride (1981)
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• The Journey (Revelation) (2008)
• Too Late (1979)
• Wheel In The Sky (1978)
• When I think Of You (1996)
• Where Were You (1980)
• Who's Crying Now (1981)

More Songfacts:

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"Walking In Memphis" isn't so much about Memphis as it is The Hollywood Cafe in Mississippi, where Marc Cohn encountered an older woman named Murial playing piano.

It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday Boyz II Men

The Boyz II Men hit "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" is an a capella cover of a song from 1975 by G.C. Cameron that was used in the movie Cooley High to express the feeling of parting ways with high school friends.

Compassion Lucinda Williams

Lucinda Williams' track "Compassion" is based on a poem by her father, lauded Arkansas poet Miller Williams.

One Week Barenaked Ladies

"One Week" by Barenaked Ladies was a #1 hit in America - for exactly one week in 1998.

Come Dancing The Kinks

"Come Dancing" by The Kinks was inspired by the older sister of Ray Davies, who would make guys take her out dancing and spend their money on her, only to send them home frustrated with just a peck on the cheek.

Hey Nineteen Steely Dan

Steely Dan's engineer, Roger Nichols, built one of the first drum machines, which they used on "Hey Nineteen."

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Top 35 Videos by Journey, Together and Apart

Journey managed to release one of the most talked-about clips in MTV history during their brief time making videos. As you'll see below in our ranking of every Journey music video, however, there were plenty of other high and low points beyond the ubiquitous "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)."

Because of their relatively small video catalog, we've expanded the rankings to include closely related clips from Steve Perry , Bad English (which included three members of Journey's current lineup ), Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon . That serves to provide a broader overview of their career arc from the '70s through the '20s without drifting too far afield thematically.

Some feature composed storylines while others lean on lip-synced performances. Along the way, you'll find knights and motorcyclists, big hair and even bigger hooks, backstage shenanigans and long-gone girlfriends, cartoon beetles and (yes) air-keyboards.

READ MORE: Ranking All 52 Journey Songs From the '80s

Taken together with a multi-platinum discography, the Top 35 Videos by Journey complete a winding narrative from obscure jam band to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame . Additional commentary for the entries is excerpted from the new Amazon best-selling Journey biography, Journey: Worlds Apart . No. 35. Journey, "After the Fall" From: Frontiers (1983)

By the time Journey returned for 1986's Raised on Radio , they had sworn off scripted videos . This clip makes the case for that decision, reeling off a sort of greatest hits of bad choices. A set resembling an empty builder-grade apartment was lit through the blinds. There's awkward lip-syncing, awkward dancing, even awkward standing – and, sigh, band members actually falling. Even Journey looks bored, at one point reaching for a caffeine boost of coffee while singing the chorus.

No. 34. Journey, "City of Hope" From: Eclipse (2011)

Smart use of video from Arnel Pineda's homeland for one of this album's better songs, but it's all undercut by a series of remarkably cheap-looking band shots.

No. 33. Journey, "Chain Reaction" From: Frontiers (1983)

For some reason, this era saw a lot of singing into women's ears. (More on that later.) This time, they sing into a mannequin's ear! Seriously, though, that tussle between Steve Perry and Neal Schon looked a little too real. Their next project together wouldn't arrive for three years.

No. 32. Gregg Rolie, "Young Love" From: Gregg Rolie (1985)

Videos like this were so common as to be anodyne in the '80s. That's not the problem. It's that Columbia Records somehow picked "Young Love" over "I Wanna Go Back," the Gregg Rolie deep cut that would become a Top 15 hit for Eddie Money just one year later.

No. 31. Schon and Hammer, "No More Lies" From: Here to Stay (1982)

Neal Schon sings some stuff to a woman, then he and Jan Hammer get trapped in a twine box? Hey, it was the '80s.

No. 30. Bad English, "Love is a 4 Letter Word" From: Bad English (1989)

A rudimentary lip-sync video is enlivened by an actual crowd at an actual show in Atlanta.

No. 29. Neal Schon, "What You Want" From: So U (2014)

For some reason, the deeply talented Deen Castronovo shared singing duties on So U with Marco Mendoza and leader Neal Schon, as Schon continued an occasional flirtation with vocals that went back to Journey's Next in 1977. History tells us, however, that Columbia Records demanded that Journey hire a new singer for the LP which followed.

No. 28. Journey, "Wheel in the Sky" From: Infinity (1978)

An otherwise nondescript performance video is paired with the single. Best part: Neal Schon's seriously kick-ass kimono.

No. 27. Bad English, "Straight to Your Heart" From: Backlash (1991)

Arguably Bad English's best single arrived on their well-named second album: The whole AOR sound that its members from Journey and the Babys had created was about to be subsumed by the tidal wave of grunge.

No. 26. Journey, "Send Her My Love" From: Frontiers (1983)

As with "Wheel in the Sky," a performance video is paired with the single – only this time with some utterly enraptured gazes from the audience.

No. 25. Journey, "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

"Why Can't This Night Go On Forever" featured an appropriately wistful clip-file video from a band that was grinding to another sudden halt .

No. 24. Journey, "Lights" From: Infinity (1978)

Unlikely controversy surrounded this clip, and not because of the dizzying visual effects during the choruses. "I went to some Billboard conference, and [founding manager] Herbie Herbert was there," Journey video producer Paul Flattery told me. "He came up to me and he was blasting me for the Journey video. His big complaint involved Aynsley Dunbar, the drummer. His stomach stuck out in one of the shots. They were lined up, in kind of a profile thing. It was like, 'He complains to me about this every day.'"

No. 23. Neal Schon, "The Calling" From: The Calling (2012)

You get a sense that Schon maybe loves motorcycles? What actually made this session so great: Steve Smith. Initial work on a few tracks eventually became an album-length collaboration, then The Calling – Schon's best solo album to date – precipitated a completely unexpected return to Journey.

No. 22. Journey, "Any Way You Want It" From: Departure (1980)

An otherwise nondescript performance video is bookended with jukebox scenes that neatly presuppose the placement of "Don't Stop Believin'" in the finale of The Sopranos .

No. 21. Steve Perry, "Missing You" From: For the Love of Strange Medicine (1994)

Typical of its time, this clip from Perry's long-awaited sophomore solo LP is more texture than actual context.

No. 20. Bad English, "Forget Me Not" From: Bad English (1989)

This band included three former members of the Babys, the doomed opening act that provided a tour-long audition for future cornerstone Jonathan Cain . Bad English would suffer a similar fate, hinted at (once again) by the way John Waite and Neal Schon push each other around in this clip for their failed debut single.

No. 19. Journey, "Just the Same Way" From: Evolution (1979)

OK, not much happens. But there was a cool juxtaposition of light and darkness when Rolie shared vocals early in Perry's tenure. Unfortunately, it was an all-too-brief moment in time. Media attention was soon focused squarely on the newcomer, and Rolie exited in 1980. "I don't think Perry really liked me singing. 'I'm the singer,'" Rolie told me. "Well, OK. But my answer to that is, you know, the Beatles did great with four singers. Four, right? Not one." In the end, Rolie felt "there was a design to all of that: 'You've got to have a frontman now,' and it was so they've got something to write about, and focus on. Now hopefully the frontman in any band is going to rally behind the guys behind them that helped them be the frontman. Bands are bands and they've got to live like that — and that's hard to do, especially when the press gets involved."

No. 18. Gregg Rolie, "The Hands of Time" From: Gringo (1987)

You may assume that Rolie couldn't pull off the sleek plasticine sound of the '80s, since his departure coincided with Journey's shift in that direction. "The Hands of Time" proves otherwise.

No. 17. Bad English, "Price of Love" From: Bad English (1989)

They whiffed on a rocker, then hit with a Diane Warren power ballad. So guess what their next single sounded like? A somehow forgotten No. 5 hit.

No. 16. Neal Schon, "Love Finds a Way" From: So U (2014)

Schon's best solo single agan showcases Castronovo and Mendoza, both of whom participated in offshoot bands and the main Journey lineup. Castronovo's ability to pull off Perry-type vocals while manning the drums is a remarkable thing to watch. A friend of Rolie's son memorably walked up to Castronovo after a performance and "and he goes, 'I'm convinced that you're only half human' — because he can do that," Rolie told me, with a laugh. "I couldn’t believe that he was singing the way he was singing and playing these complex things. It's amazing to me. He thinks 'What? Can't everybody do that?' 'No, no, not at all!'"

No. 15. Journey, "When You Love a Woman" From: Trial By Fire (1996)

A suitably staid clip for a very staid song.

No. 14. Journey, "I'll Be Alright Without You" From: Raised on Radio (1986)

Points given for the new accapella ending. Points taken away for Randy Jackson's polka-dotted bass.

No. 13. Steve Perry, "No More Cryin'" From: Traces (2018)

Notable for the unwelcome absence of organist Booker T. Jones. The Stax legend connected Traces with Perry's love of R&B, while girding it all with mirthful soul. Keyboardist Dallas Kruse mimes the part.

No. 12. Bad English, "When I See You Smile" From: Bad English (1989)

In which three past or future members of Journey are shown up by John Waite's gloriously hair-sprayed visage.

No. 11. Journey, "Feeling That Way" From: Infinity (1978)

Love the Budweiser on Gregg Rolie's keyboard. The only disappointment was learning that he wasn't simply boozing it up. The beer company was a Journey tour sponsor.

No. 10. Steve Perry, "Most of All" From: Traces (2018)

Notable for its welcome showcase of Thom Flowers, who turns in a delicately involving guitar solo after helping shepherd Perry's long-awaited comeback as co-producer of Traces . "Most of All," an emotional goodbye to Perry's late girlfriend Kellie Nash, was one of its triumphs.

No. 9. Gregg Rolie, "What About Love" From: Sonic Ranch (2019)

Rolie was inspired by Ringo Starr 's message of peace and love as a member of the longest-tenured lineup of the All-Starr Band, and "What About Love" is the result. Rolie then enlisted his son Sean Rolie to help with a music video. Its jittery blend of candid backstage footage, performance clips from the Journey Through Time offshoot band, and open-road imagery served as a canny update of Rolie's image for a new era.

No. 8. Steve Perry, "You Better Wait" From: For the Love of Strange Medicine (1994)

It's cool that he carried the patented tuxedo-jacket look into his solo career, but a run-down shack out in the desert clearly wasn't the most hospitable setting. Perry loses the shirt.

No. 7. Steve Perry, "Foolish Heart" From: Street Talk (1984)

Deceptively difficult to film, this concept came courtesy of Journey video producer Paul Flattery's director of photography. But slowly zooming in and out on Steve Perry from the balcony of this intimate theater proved to be outrageously expensive. "You didn't have a crane that could have the camera actually in the balcony and below the parapet, and then come up and go all the way down," Flattery told me. "So, the solution was to build a fake balcony, which you could then strike as soon as the camera was clear of it. Then you could get everything and everybody out of the way by the time you got down to the stage and the camera turned around. For something that looks so simple, that was a lot of hard work."

No. 6. Journey, "The Way We Used to Be" From: Freedom (2022)

They made the best of pandemic-era restrictions with a fizzy animated video that finds Neal Schon suddenly transforming into Journey's familiar scarab .

No. 5. Steve Perry, "We're Still Here" From: Traces (2018)

Perry's first scripted video since 1994's "Missing You" recalls the pitched nostalgia of Journey's "Still They Ride" – but from a much different perspective. "I think I was the first person to ask him about 'We're Still Here,' and I was taking that as, like, existential," former Rolling Stone editor David Wild told me. "Instead, it was him remembering how he went down to record some- thing in Hollywood at one of the studios and all these young people and rock 'n' roll freaks were out, sort of crawling around — 'streetlight people,' as he once coined it. He was praising and con- necting with them. There's still youth and still energy on the streets."

No. 4. Steve Perry, "Strung Out" From: Street Talk (1984)

Perry began sessions for this first solo album by tearing through an early version of "Strung Out." It was largely indistinguishable from the average Journey song in both construction and approach. Things got more interesting with the video, as Journey video producer Paul Flattery oversaw a prequel for Perry's "Oh Sherrie" promo clip. "We were trying to make pieces of art as opposed to pieces of commerce," Flattery told me. The obvious goal was to "build on the success of 'Oh Sherrie,' which was a huge, huge hit — and so we wanted to ride the coattails of that. I don't know if anybody had ever done a sequel, let alone a prequel. What happened was, it gave MTV an incentive to play both together as a kind of a suite. So they would say, here's the new Steve Perry thing — and then of course, it would lead into his biggest hit, which wasn't a bad thing to do."

No. 3. Journey, "Faithfully" From: Frontiers (1983)

A road video for song written on the road about life on the road, and the terrible strain that can put on a relationship. The funny scene with Steve Smith belies this song's underlying message: Author Cain and singer Perry were both struggling against heartbreak. The track itself came together spontaneously, before Perry asked to be alone in the studio to record his vocal. The finished take was unlike any Perry ever tried. He credited that, in part, to the fact that Cain had written "Faithfully" in his own key. "From the opening lines, he's just absolutely dripping with emotion," founding MTV VJ Martha Quinn told me. "Every time you put the needle down, you can just feel it." Perry completed the song by conjuring an ending dance between his “whoa whoa whoa” and Neal Schon's guitar out of thin air.

No. 2. Journey, "Separate Ways" From: Frontiers (1983)

The set up, featuring Journey members playing air instruments while a model marches around, has been mercilessly mocked . But "Separate Ways" was simply a product of its time – and hardly the worst example of '80s-era video excess. "It goes back to that optimism and sense of fun that people will return to, time and time again," Quinn said. "Rock aficionados may have said, 'Oh, that was cornball.' Well, ask people that are still doing send-ups today, down to every last camera angle." At the same time, the video inadvertently set the stage for future solo success. Perry brought then-girlfriend Sherrie Swafford to the set, and she reportedly became jealous. "You're going to have a slut in your video?" Jonathan Cain remembered Swafford asking Perry. That left Perry to openly wonder if he'd have to write a song for Swafford to smooth things over. " And so he did ," Cain said with a laugh.

No. 1. Steve Perry, "Oh Sherrie" From: Street Talk (1984)

Journey video producer Paul Flattery came up with a story-within-a-story approach that showed Steve Perry pushing back against a typically over-the-top shoot in order to film a more straightforward plea to namesake girlfriend Sherrie Swafford. The rejected high-concept portion originally had an Egyptian motif, but they couldn't find a suitable location, so they switched to a Shakespearean approach. ("I like to think of it as 'Richard III' — with Steve's hair," Flattery quipped.) On set, Perry's concluding interaction with Swafford may have provided some hint at what was to come: "The weird thing was at the very end, the first take we did, he goes: 'Hey, I kinda love you.' By take 6, it was 'I kinda like you,'" Flattery said with a laugh.

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