Journey Songs - Music Ranked

Overview

Journey dominated radio waves and arena stages in the late 70s and 80s with their blend of melodic rock, power ballads, and soaring vocals. With Steve Perry’s unmistakable voice and Neal Schon’s guitar-driven sound, Journey crafted some of the most iconic songs in rock history. Their music captured themes of resilience, love, and the quintessential American road trip vibe.

From their progressive rock beginnings to their polished arena rock peak, Journey’s catalog has surprising depth beyond their greatest hits.

Top 10 Journey Songs

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Ranking the Best Journey Song

Journey charted 19 Top 40 singles and produced over a dozen studio albums. Their ability to balance rock grit with heartfelt ballads made them a staple on mixtapes and wedding playlists alike. From deep cuts to stadium anthems, Journey’s catalog begs to be explored.

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Ten of the Best Journey Songs

Journey’s hits have stood the test of time and continue to resonate with audiences decades later. While everyone has their personal favorites, there’s a pretty clear consensus on which tracks have become iconic.

Here’s a selection of ten essential Journey songs—fan favorites and radio staples that define the band’s sound and legacy.

"Don't Stop Believen'"

Released in 1981, this song has become an anthem for perseverance and hope. Thanks to its use in pop culture (like The Sopranos and Glee), it saw a resurgence and became one of the best-selling digital tracks of the 20th century.

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"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"

A hard-driving synth and guitar combo defines this 1983 single. With emotionally raw lyrics and one of the most memorably awkward music videos of the 80s, it remains a fan favorite.

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"Faithfully"

This power ballad became a wedding staple, built around Jonathan Cain’s piano progression and Perry’s emotionally charged vocals. A love letter to life on the road.

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"Wheel in the Sky"

A track that marked Journey’s transition to more radio-friendly rock, featuring vocalist Robert Fleischman (though Perry joined during its release). Lyrically cryptic, musically catchy.

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"Any Way You Want It"

Fast-paced, energetic, and undeniably catchy. This is the definition of feel-good 80s rock.

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"Lights"

A love letter to San Francisco and an early showcase of Perry’s vocal warmth. It’s mellow but memorable.

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"Stone in Love"

A guitar-heavy track with youthful exuberance and a top-tier singalong chorus. A standout from the Escape album.

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"Who's Crying Now"

Mellow and melancholy, this song shows off Perry’s emotional delivery and Cain’s ability to carry a track with keys.

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"Open Arms"

Another massive power ballad. “Open Arms” was a Billboard hit and showcased Perry’s unparalleled range.

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"Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"

Bluesy and bold, this 1979 hit showed Journey could handle groove-heavy tracks just as well as anthems.

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Journey Songs - Honorable Mentions

Even with a list of ten, it’s hard not to leave out other memorable tracks. Journey’s discography spans decades, and there are standout songs on nearly every album. These honorable mentions showcase the band’s consistency and willingness to evolve—while still delivering the powerful vocals and melodies fans expect.

"Higher Place"

From 2001’s Arrival, this track helped reintroduce Journey with new vocalist Steve Augeri. It balances modern production with the band’s signature anthemic energy.

"Feeling That Way/Anytime"

Two seamlessly connected tracks from Infinity that introduced fans to the band’s signature harmony blend.

"When You Love a Woman"

A standout ballad from 1996’s Trial by Fire, this Grammy-nominated track marked Steve Perry’s return and reminded fans Journey still had their emotional magic.

Journey Song Documentaries & Videos

For fans who want to go beyond just listening, these documentaries and videos offer a deeper look into how Journey crafted their biggest hits. From behind-the-scenes studio moments to interviews with band members and producers, these resources highlight the songwriting, recording, and legacy of Journey’s most enduring tracks.

The Creation of “Faithfully”

In this YouTube feature, Jonathan Cain breaks down how he wrote “Faithfully” on a tour bus and the process of turning a quiet piano melody into one of Journey’s greatest ballads.

How Journey made the most recognisable song of all time

Don’t Stop Believin’ is one of Journey’s most beloved songs—and its creation story is just as iconic. Inspired by a phone call Jonathan Cain had with his father (“don’t stop believing”), the track came to life with emotional lyrics and an unconventional structure.

The Iconic Drumming Behind “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”

In this video, Steve Smith breaks down the drum parts he recorded in the early ’80s—fills that helped turn Separate Ways into a legendary arena-rock anthem. He walks through the structure, energy, and execution of each section and performs the full song live behind the kit.

Podcasts About Journey Songs

Whether you’re a casual fan or a classic rock aficionado, these podcasts offer fresh takes and deep dives into Journey’s most enduring songs. From behind-the-scenes stories to detailed song analysis, these episodes help fans understand why Journey’s music continues to inspire generations.

Behind the Song

This episode breaks down the meaning, structure, and cultural staying power of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Host Janda Lane analyzes how the lyrics, unusual song structure, and emotional arc helped make it a timeless anthem. A must-listen for anyone curious about how a song with no true chorus became one of rock’s most enduring tracks.

The Great Song Podcast

In this episode, the hosts bring their signature blend of humor and insight to Journey’s biggest hit. They break down the music theory, trivia, and recording details of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and even sing along to highlight what makes the song so unforgettable.

Good Music Podcast

This episode gives a broader overview of Journey’s career with special attention to the band’s songwriting evolution. From early lineup changes to the Perry-era classics, the hosts explore how Journey built their catalog—and how songs like “Wheel in the Sky” and “Open Arms” became rock staples.

You Might Also Like These Related Songs

If Journey is in your rotation, chances are you’re a fan of soaring vocals, big hooks, and emotionally charged rock ballads. These tracks come from bands that either influenced Journey or traveled similar sonic roads—full of rich melodies, polished production, and timeless appeal.

"Keep on Loving You"

A power ballad classic that rivals “Open Arms” in emotional intensity. Kevin Cronin’s vocal delivery and the clean production make this track a must for any Journey fan.

"Sister Christian"

Much like Journey, Night Ranger brought strong musicianship and anthemic energy to the early ’80s. “Sister Christian” builds slowly to a sing-along chorus in a way that mirrors Journey’s arena-sized dynamics.

"Rosanna"

Smooth, layered, and expertly arranged, “Rosanna” blends rock and R&B influences with top-tier musicianship—perfect for fans of Journey’s slick, studio-polished hits.