Released as the first single featuring Steve Perry from their pivotal 1978 album Infinity, "Wheel in the Sky" became a defining hard rock hit for Journey. Its driving rhythm, memorable guitar riffs, and Perry's emotive vocals established the classic sound that would launch them to superstardom.

This 1978 hard rock classic captures a sense of longing and the relentless passage of time. From its atmospheric opening to the powerful chorus, "Wheel in the Sky" showcased Journey's arena-ready sound and remains one of their most enduring and beloved early hits.

SONG MEANING: The song reflects feelings of uncertainty, loneliness, and being subject to the cyclical nature of fate or time ("Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin' / I don't know where I'll be tomorrow"). Written while away from home, it conveys a sense of longing and resignation to life's unpredictable journey.

Appearing on the diamond-selling 1981 album Escape, "Mother, Father" delves into complex family themes with Journey's signature musical prowess. This hard rock deep cut balances powerful instrumentation and intricate arrangements with the emotional weight expected from classic rock storytellers, showcasing their dynamic range.

Driven by a compelling rhythm section and building to soaring heights, "Mother, Father" remains a respected track among Journey fans. Its blend of hard rock energy and classic rock structure, coupled with poignant lyrics, demonstrates the band's depth beyond their radio-friendly power ballads in 1981.

SONG MEANING: The song addresses the strained relationship and growing distance between adult children and their aging parents ("Mother, father / Feel the distance grow"). It expresses regret over communication breakdowns ("It's such a shame we have to be this way") and pleads for connection and understanding before time runs out.

Featured on Journey's diamond-selling 1981 album Escape, "Stone in Love" stands as a quintessential classic rock deep cut. Co-written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain, it blends hard rock muscle with melodic hooks, showcasing Perry's impassioned vocals and Schon's signature guitar fire.

This nostalgic 1981 rock track evokes memories of young love under city lights. Its driving rhythm, powerful chorus declaring being "stone in love," and energetic instrumentation make it an enduring favorite among Journey fans, representing their peak classic hard rock sound.

SONG MEANING: The song is a nostalgic look back at intense young love, likely during summertime ("Those summer nights are callin', stone in love"). It evokes feelings of freedom, passion ("Young lovers, hearts on fire"), and the powerful, all-encompassing nature of being deeply, or "stone," in love during formative years.

Released as the lead single from Journey's 1980 album Departure, "Any Way You Want It" became another major chart success for the band. Its straightforward hard rock structure, featuring the dynamic vocal interplay of Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie alongside Neal Schon's powerful riffs, solidified their arena rock dominance.

This iconic hard rock track boasts an infectious energy perfect for hitting the open road. With its simple message of devotion and a driving beat that commands attention, "Any Way You Want It" remains one of Journey's most beloved and enduring hits, a true cruisin' classic.

SONG MEANING: This song is a direct and energetic declaration of love and devotion. The lyrics express the singer's willingness to do whatever their partner desires ("Any way you want it / That's the way you need it") to make them happy and prove their commitment, emphasizing flexibility and dedication in the relationship.

Released as a single in early 1982 from the diamond-selling album Escape, "Open Arms" soared to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its immense popularity solidified Journey's superstar status. This quintessential soft rock power ballad perfectly showcased Steve Perry's emotive delivery against a backdrop of lush instrumentation.

"Open Arms" remains one of Journey's most enduring and beloved songs. Its simple yet powerful melody, coupled with heartfelt lyrics about reconciliation and vulnerability, made it a staple at proms, weddings, and on soft rock radio throughout 1982 and beyond, defining the era's power ballad sound.

SONG MEANING: This classic power ballad is a plea for reconciliation and acceptance within a relationship that has faced difficulties or separation ("Lying beside you... We're so far apart"). The singer expresses vulnerability and a desire to return, hoping their partner will welcome them back with forgiveness and "open arms."

Featured on the 1978 album Infinity, which introduced Steve Perry, and released as a successful single, "Lights" became one of Journey's early signature hits. This soft rock gem, co-written by Perry and Neal Schon, captured a feeling of homesickness with its poignant melody and atmospheric arrangement.

With its memorable piano intro and heartfelt lyrics longing for the city by the bay, "Lights" remains a beloved soft rock staple. Perry's soulful delivery and the band's polished performance established their knack for crafting powerful ballads, making this 1978 track a Journey classic.

SONG MEANING: The song is a heartfelt expression of homesickness and longing, specifically for the city of San Francisco ("When the lights go down in the city / And the sun shines on the bay"). It captures the feeling of being away, possibly on tour, and yearning to return to the familiar sights and feelings of home.

Released in the summer of 1981, "Who's Crying Now" set the stage for Journey's diamond-selling album Escape, reaching the Top 5 on the Billboard charts. This evocative soft rock song, co-written by Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain, blended melancholy themes with arena-ready power, showcasing their sophisticated sound.

Featuring Jonathan Cain's distinctive keyboard opening and Neal Schon's expressive guitar solo, "Who's Crying Now" perfectly complements Steve Perry's emotional tale of love lost. Its atmospheric production and poignant lyrics made this 1981 soft rock hit a standout track, solidifying Journey's dominance on early 80s radio.

SONG MEANING: This song reflects on the end of a difficult relationship where the dynamic has shifted. The singer recalls past heartache ("So many stormy nights") caused by the partner and now observes, perhaps with a touch of bittersweet vindication, that the partner is the one left experiencing sorrow and regret ("Wonder who's crying now?").

Featured on Journey's diamond-selling 1981 album Escape and released as a massive hit single, "Don't Stop Believin'" became the band's signature song. With Jonathan Cain's unforgettable piano riff, Steve Perry's soaring vocals, and Neal Schon's driving guitar, this rock track's uplifting energy is perfect for both road trips and workout sessions.

This 1981 rock masterpiece tells stories of hopeful dreamers seeking connection. Its unconventional structure, building towards the title chorus only at the end, enhances its powerful message of perseverance. "Don't Stop Believin'" remains arguably the most iconic rock anthem ever, a timeless cruisin' and workout staple.

SONG MEANING: This iconic anthem is about hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams, particularly for young people seeking connection and a better future ("streetlight people living just to find emotion"). Inspired by real-life encouragement, it urges listeners to hold onto faith in themselves and their aspirations, even amidst uncertainty or difficult circumstances ("Don't stop believin', hold on to that feelin'").

Released as a hit single on April 16, 1983, from Journey's chart-topping album Frontiers, "Faithfully" captured the emotional core of the band's sound. Penned by keyboardist Jonathan Cain about life on the road, this soft rock masterpiece showcased Steve Perry's incredible vocal range and the band's knack for crafting timeless love songs.

From its memorable piano introduction to Neal Schon's emotive guitar solo, "Faithfully" embodies the arena rock power ballad. Its poignant lyrics detailing the challenges and promises of love amidst a musician's life struck a chord, making this 1983 soft rock classic an enduring symbol of devotion and a perennial favorite.

SONG MEANING: This iconic love song, written by Jonathan Cain, describes the challenges and commitment involved in maintaining a relationship while being a touring musician constantly on the road ("Highway run into the midnight sun"). It's a heartfelt promise of fidelity ("I'm forever yours... faithfully") to a partner back home, despite the distance, loneliness, and temptations encountered.

Released as the lead single from their 1979 album Evolution, "Just the Same Way" became another successful chart entry for Journey. Its energetic arena rock sound, memorable chorus, and unique vocal interplay between Perry and original keyboardist/vocalist Rolie showcased the band's evolving yet consistently powerful style.

This 1979 classic rock track delivers driving rhythms and impassioned vocals asserting unchanging feelings. "Just the Same Way," with its blend of melodic hooks and hard rock instrumentation, remains a fan favorite, highlighting Journey's signature arena rock sound during their rise to superstardom.

SONG MEANING: The song is a declaration of steadfast love and devotion, assuring someone that despite time or circumstances, the singer's feelings remain unchanged ("Oh girl, it's just the same way / You feel tomorrow / As you feel today"). It emphasizes the consistency and enduring nature of their affection.

Released as Journey's first Top 20 hit single in 1979 from the album Evolution, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" perfectly blended blues rock structure with hard rock energy and pop rock appeal. Steve Perry's passionate vocals tell a story of heartbreak and eventual vindication, resonating deeply with audiences.

Built on a soulful piano intro that gives way to driving rock, this 1979 hit showcases Journey's musical prowess. From the bluesy verses to the hard-rocking guitar solo and the legendary call-and-response "na-na-na" ending, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" remains a dynamic and beloved Journey staple.

SONG MEANING: This song tells a story of infidelity and its aftermath. The singer laments being cheated on by his partner ("You're tearin' me apart") but later observes that the same fate befalls her with her new lover ("Now it's your turn to cry"). It's a tale of heartbreak followed by seeing karma deliver a similar experience to the unfaithful partner.