Best Journey Songs Top 10 All-Time
Last Updated: January 4, 2022 | Written by Matthew Campbell
Calling all Journey fans on the road tonight! We are here to list the top 10 Journey songs of all-time. Before we get to the songs we have to mention all of the band members. Journey first formed in 1973. We created a list of the best Journey’s top 10 songs of all-time.
Current members:
- Neal Schon – lead guitar (1973–present)
- Ross Valory – bass (1973–1985, 1995–present)
- Jonathan Cain – keyboards, rhythm guitar (1980–present)
- Deen Castronovo – drums, percussion (1998–present)
- Arnel Pineda – lead vocals (2007–present)
Former members:
- Gregg Rolie – keyboards, harmonica, lead vocals (1973–1980)
- George Tickner – rhythm guitar (1973–1975)
- Aynsley Dunbar – drums, percussion (1974–1978)
- Robert Fleischman – lead vocals (1977)
- Steve Perry – lead vocals (1977–1998)
- Steve Smith – drums, percussion (1978–1985, 1995–1998)
- Randy Jackson – bass, vocals (1985–1987)
- Steve Augeri – lead vocals, guitar (1998–2006)
Even though Steve Perry went his own way for a time being, we have to mention his most popular single released and played on the radio – “Oh Sherrie”. However, our favorite song was “Strung Out”. We also have to mention our favorite current song by Journey is “After All These Years” and from their current album Eclipse is “City Of Hope”.
The Birth of Journey
Every great band has a great origin. Journey is no different. Journey evolved from another successful band, Santana. Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie were important pieces of Carlos Santana’s band until they decided to form their own group. With Santana’s blessing, Schon and Rolie embarked upon a musical project that would make them legends.
The pair were established songwriters, but they needed a stellar vocalist to sing the Journey songs that would put the band in the record books. Steve Perry was handpicked by the founding members because of his vocal stylings and range. To this day you can instantly recognize Journey songs on the radio thanks to Perry’s distinctive voice.
Rolie would eventually leave Journey to pursue his own interests, leaving Schon and Perry to dominate the rock scene of the 80s with Journey classics like “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “Open Arms”, and many other huge hits.
The Secret to Journey’s Success
There are many elements that account for a successful rock band. One of these is the chemistry between members. Neal Schon and Steve Perry combined their talents to create the Journey songs the world knows and loves.
Schon is one of the greatest rock guitarists to ever pick up the instrument. Likewise, Perry is a unique vocalist that is unlike any other. For these two talented individuals to work together there was a great willingness to share the spotlight. Neither musician allowed their ego to get in the way of Journey’s success.
The large library of Journey songs that are still played on the radio today and chosen for special events like weddings are a collaborative effort between Schon and Perry. They played to each other’s strengths in their writing, and that made Journey a legend.
Replacing Steve Perry
When Steve Perry chose to leave the band after dealing with health issues and other problems, Neal Schon made a difficult decision. He chose to find another vocalist who could do justice to the classic Journey songs. Schon’s first choice was Steve Augeri. Augeri not only sang like Perry, he resembled him as well.
Some fans did not like the replacement and felt like the band was trying to produce a Steve Perry clone. The Augeri era lasted through one album, Arrival before Schon was again searching for a lead vocalist.
The right man was found in Arnel Pineda, a native of the Philippines who dedicated his life to matching Steve Perry’s vocal range. Pineda took the reins in 2007 and continues to deliver faithful renditions of Journey songs today. He has even been given the stamp of approval by Perry himself.
Today, Journey is still going strong and selling out concert venues. Fans come to hear all the classic music that they grew up with. If you are looking for the perfect love song to add to your wedding or other events, look no farther than this list of top Journey songs.
Top Journey Songs List
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10. Who’s Crying Now
Released in 1981
On Album: Escape
Two hearts, born to run
Who’ll be the lonely one?
I wonder who’s crying now?
9. When You Love A Woman
Released in 1996
On Album: Trial By Fire
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
8. Lights
Released in 1978
On Album: Infinity
A song about the city they are from – San Francisco.
When the lights go down in the city
And the sun shines on the bay
Ooh, I want to be there in my city
7. Wheel In The Sky
Released in 1978
On Album: Infinity
Oh the wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’
I don’t’ know where I’ll be tomorrow
6. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Released in 1979
On Album: Evolution
He’s tearing you apart
Oh, girl, what can you say?
Cause he’s loving, touching another
5. Any Way You Want It
Even though Journey gave the OK to play on some TV commercials, we still love this anthem song to many.
Released in 1980
On Album: Departure
She said, any way you want it
That’s the way you need it
Any way you want it
4. Open Arms
Another power ballad by Journey released in the 80s.
Released in 1982
On Album: Escape
So here I am, with open arms
Hoping you’ll see what your love means to me
Open arms
3. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
This is a great breakup song. It is a bit gritty but full of emotion.
Released in 1983
On Album: Frontiers
True love won’t desert you
You know I still love you
Though we touched and went our separate ways
2. Faithfully
This a power love ballad too many married couples from the Eighties and beyond.
Released in 1983
On Album: Frontiers
And lovin’ a music man
Ain’t always what it’s supposed to be
Oh girl you stand by me
I’m forever yours, faithfully
1. Don’t Stop Believin’
This song is an anthem to get things going. Whether it is played at sports arenas or political speeches or even wedding receptions, the song will live on forever. Who can argue with more than 30 million views on YouTube also?
Released in 1981
On Album: Escape
Streetlights, people
Living just to find emotion
Hiding somewhere in the night
Journey Highest-Charting Songs
- #2 Open Arms, 1982
- #4 Who’s Crying Now, 1981
- #8 Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), 1983
- #9 Don’t Stop Believin’, 1981
- #9 Only the Young, 1985
- #9 Be Good to Yourself, 1986
- #12 Faithfully, 1983
- #12 When You Love a Woman, 1996
- #14 I’ll Be Alright Without You, 1987
- #16 Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’, 1979
- #17 Suzanne, 1986
- #17 Girl Can’t Help It, 1986
- #19 Still They Ride, 1982
Have a favorite Journey song, not on our list? Please share it below so that we can add it!
Other music artist song lists to read:
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I have to agree with Kent and his order not because of their chart toppin status but just because those are my faves and the top three can also have a very gospel feel to them as a Christian woman but I mainly just love those songs
Thanks Cindy for your insight. We can all agree they are one of the greatest bands of all time!
All great songs. I agree with your top 4, but in a different order. There is a reason “Open Arms” charted higher than “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Faithfully”. It’s a better song. I’d go:
1. Open Arms 2. Don’t Stop Believin 3. Faithfully 4. Separate Ways. and probably at 5. When You Love a Woman
Hi Kent. Thanks for the feedback. Yes, “Open Arms” I think had a wider mass appeal compared to any of their other songs at the time. Definitely a great list of songs!
On this list every song was a team effort, a big part was Steve Perry. No one else should sing them
Hi M Zak, I am still hoping that some day we will have a concert with Steve included before they get too old to perform.