Overview
Journey was built for arenas – and lucky for us, they carried that same energy into the world of music videos. With soaring vocals, emotional ballads, and Steve Perry’s iconic stage presence, Journey’s videos are a masterclass in rock-star drama, 80s aesthetics, and (occasionally baffling) storytelling.
While they weren’t as prolific as some of their peers, the videos they did release were often bold, cinematic, or just plain fun. And yes – “Separate Ways” will be on this list. How could it not?
Advertisment
Best Journey Music Videos
Journey didn’t crank out videos for every hit, but the ones they did make each have a mood – from moody ballads to mimed street performances. Whether shot on concert stages or New Orleans streets, these videos helped define Journey’s visual legacy in the MTV era and beyond.
We’re spotlighting official videos from the Steve Perry years (plus a few exceptional outliers), with an emphasis on creativity, direction, and emotional impact.
"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"
No list is complete without this glorious relic of 80s rock video excess. Filmed on the New Orleans riverfront, the band mimics playing instruments in thin air, and the result is… unforgettable. Over-the-top in all the best (and weirdest) ways.
Video Metadata
- Album: Frontiers
- Release: 1983
- Length: 4:26
- Director: Tom Buckholtz
Song Rating
"Faithfully"
A moody, heartfelt tour diary. “Faithfully” strips away the fantasy and gives us real behind-the-scenes footage from life on the road. It’s equal parts raw and romantic – and it might just be the most emotionally grounded video Journey ever made.
Video Metadata
- Album: Frontiers
- Release: 1983
- Length: 4:24
- Director: Tony Bongiovi
Song Rating
"Send Her My Love"
This one leans into dreamlike lighting and long, reflective shots. Perry’s anguish is front and center here – no flashy effects, just a focus on the emotion. The minimalist approach gives the video a timeless, melancholy feel.
Video Metadata
- Album: Frontiers
- Release: 1983
- Length: 3:55
- Director: Tom Buckholtz
Song Rating
"Only the Young"
A powerful song paired with footage from the film Vision Quest. While not a traditional video, the combo works, creating a sense of teen angst, resilience, and coming-of-age drama. Plus: it’s one of Journey’s best anthems.
Video Metadata
- Album: Vision Quest Soundtrack
- Release: 1985
- Length: 4:06
- Director: Taylor Hackford (fim clips)
Song Rating
"Girl Can't Help It"
A slick, highly stylized video with dramatic lighting and tight camera work. This song from the Raised on Radio era proves Journey still had the visual flair post-Perry’s first departure.
Video Metadata
- Album: Raised on Radio
- Release: 1986
- Length: 3:52
- Director: Jim Yukich
Song Rating
"After the Fall"
A hidden gem in Journey’s video catalog. Set in a gritty apartment and urban locations, this video goes full noir – tension, shadows, and Steve Perry looking like he just walked off a detective set.
Video Metadata
- Album: Frontiers
- Release: 1983
- Length: 5:00
- Director: David Hogan
Song Rating
"I'll Be Alright Without You"
Melancholy and beautifully shot, the video is filled with longing stares and introspective band shots. The lighting and slow pans help match the song’s reflective tone.
Video Metadata
- Album: Raised on Radio
- Release: 1986
- Length: 4:52
- Director: Jim Yukich
Song Rating
"Wheel in the Sky"
A pre-MTV entry that feels like a concept short film. The performance footage is theatrical and packed with drama. Bonus points for Steve Perry’s feathered hair.
Video Metadata
- Album: Infinity
- Release: 1978
- Length: 4:12
- Director: Bruce Gowers
Song Rating
"Lights"
This official video captures the magic of San Francisco at dusk, perfectly complementing the warmth of the song. Simple visuals and cityscapes make it one of Journey’s most grounded and heartfelt videos.
Video Metadata
- Album: Infinity
- Release: 1978
- Length: 3:11
- Director: Bruce Gowers
Song Rating
"Chain Reaction"
The video goes all-in on quick cuts, live energy, and gritty effects. Less polished, more punch. A high-octane contrast to their softer ballads.
Video Metadata
- Album: Frontiers
- Release: 1983
- Length: 4:19
- Director: David Hogan
Song Rating
Other Notable Journey Music Videos
Journey’s catalog has a handful of lesser-known videos, alternate cuts, and modern-era releases. Some are rough around the edges, others are experimental – but all have something worth noting.
"Be Good to Yourself"
Journey goes full glam with fast edits, neon lights, and big energy. It’s pure mid-80s rock video chaos in the best way.
"Any Way You Want It"
Taken from their Live in Houston concert film, this performance shows the band locked in and having fun on stage. A fan-favorite with real-time charisma.
"Message of Love"
From the Trial by Fire era, this sleek and modern video marks a short-lived Perry return. Polished visuals and soaring vocals make it a late-era standout.
Advertisment
Album Movies & Documentaries
Journey may not have traditional soundtrack-style films, but they do have some excellent concert films and docs that add context to the music.
Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour
Arguably their most famous live release, this concert captures the band at their absolute peak.
Frontiers and Beyond
A behind-the-scenes look at the band’s tour and life off-stage. Gritty, unfiltered, and essential for fans.
Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey
The story of Arnel Pineda joining the band is inspirational, emotional, and surprisingly grounded. A modern chapter in the Journey story.
Album Concerts & Television Appearances
Midnight Special (05/18/1979)
Journey plays “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” and “City of the Angels” on The Midnight Special, aired May 18, 1979. Steve Perry is lip-syncing, but considering the Evolution tour schedule had them playing nearly every night for months, they earned the break.
Where Were You - Live in Osaka (10/10/1980)
Recorded on October 10, 1980, this performance of “Where Were You” shows the band in peak form during their Departure tour. With raw camera work and unfiltered stage energy, it’s a rare and powerful glimpse of early 80s Journey in a live international setting.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction (2017)
Steve Perry’s brief return to the stage, even without performing, was an emotional moment for fans and bandmates alike. It marked a rare public reunion and acknowledgment of the band’s enduring impact on rock history.
More Journey Songs
Some Journey tracks never got the video treatment, but we still ranked them. Dig into the deep cuts, B-sides, and ballads you might’ve missed.
You Might Also Like these Related Music Videos
These aren’t Journey tracks – but they definitely share the vibe.
“Heat of the Moment”
This performance-driven video is packed with high drama and vintage 80s transitions. Like Journey, Asia blends soaring melodies with arena-sized intensity, making this an ideal companion video.
“Waiting for a Girl Like You”
Foreigner leans into soft lighting, slow pans, and longing gazes to create an emotional slow-burn. It’s a visual match for Journey’s ballads like “Faithfully” and “Send Her My Love.”
“Sister Christian”
A narrative-driven video that captures the emotional confusion of growing up, set to a powerhouse ballad. It shares Journey’s signature balance of sentiment and spectacle.