Were Journey the stealth geniuses of eighties music? It seems like everybody likes them, or at least nobody hates them, which is saying a lot.
There’s just something about Steve Perry’s voice that defies mockery, you know? You can joke about his tight-tight jeans and his mullet, but his voice? Don’t do it, homeslice. That shit is gold.
Journey has worked miracles in my own life. In 2002, despite being deathly ill, I went to my friend Katy’s wedding, swung her around the dance floor to “Open Arms,” and didn’t pass out. And I mean, I was swinging Katy around, launching her off the floor like a bridal airplane.
Granted, I was also busting moves during “Tubthumping” just a few minutes later, so it’s possible I just had a lot of will power that day. But I believe Journey made me especially impervious to sickness.
However, I’d say “Don’t Stop Believin’” is the band’s masterpiece.
Consider this evidence:
(1) That video has been viewed over 11.5 million times. And that’s just one of many versions available on YouTube.
(2) The final episode of The Sopranos, which featured this song in its final scene, aired 18 months ago. At the time, that sent the 17-year-old track into the iTunes top ten. It has been in the top 100 every week since. As I write this, it’s nestled at number 86, meaning it will probably be a top seller for weeks to come. No other song in iTunes history has managed such consistency. In fact, it’s the only “classic track” to sell over 2 million copies online. Eat that, “Thriller.”
(3) The Off Broadway musical Rock of Ages closes with “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which got the crowd going crazy both times I saw the show.
Clearly, the song owns a room in our hearts. But why? Let’s discuss… after the jump.
First of all, Steve Perry kills his vocals. His high notes could be made of ice cream cones and rainbows.
But Perry always sounds good. What makes “DSB” so special?
Partly, it’s the epic sweep. The song just grows and grows and grows, until it finally explodes with drums, electric guitars, and harmonies.
That’s great the first time, but if you already know the song, you get the joy of waiting for the explosion: Your skin tingles as you prepare for the ”on and on and on and on,” and you can taste the arrival of the fist-pumping chorus.
But again, lots of songs are built on anticipation. Remember those drums on “In the Air Tonight?” There’s got to be another ace up Journey’s sleeve, right?.
There is: “DSB” is an anthem about kids chasing their dreams. Even better, it’s about a “small town girl living in a lonely world” and “a city boy born and raised in south Detroit.”
In other words, men and women alike can hear themselves in the lyrics. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping your life, you can live your fantasy through Journey.
So to summarize, “Don’t Stop Believin’” (or “Don’t Stop Believing” as it’s sometimes written) sports a magical confluence of vocals, magnitude, and cross-gender appeal. That equals a masterpiece.
At least, that’s why it’s a masterpiece to me. Why does this song work for you?
8 responses so far ↓
1 Kingoftunes // Nov 11, 2008 at 3:51 am
Ah Journey! Living in the Bay Area, I always feel a kinship with “Lights.” Also, I massively adored “Faithfully” when I was a teen. That song is just gorgeous – sappy, but gorgeous! But, unfortunately, not everyone likes Journey. My partner runs out of the room screaming whenever I play something by them, especially if it’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”. Ah well, Steve – you can’t win ‘em all!
2 Mark Blankenship // Nov 11, 2008 at 10:58 am
Alas! Well, I guess even Journey can’t win everyone’s heart. But they’ve still got mine.
And I know it’s not a Journey song per se, but I should mention how much I love Steve Perry’s solo song, “Oh Sherrie.” Genius.
3 Collin H // Nov 11, 2008 at 9:39 pm
I can’t deny that Don’t Stop Believin’ is an awesome song, but I have to confess it’s not my favorite Journey song. That honor belongs to Separate Ways.
I love that despite how angry Perry sounds in it, he is still wishing his cheating girl the best. I love how the song has a sense of immediacy about it, like Perry is going to her house right now to tell her off before he moves on. I love the awesome guitar solo. And of course I love the video for it where they play keyboards on the wall.
4 LB // Nov 11, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I would also add that this period in pop/rock history was still well before Irony told hold of everything sincere and turned it into a smug, winking joke.
Arguably, Irony has loosened its grip in recent years, but the 80s power ballad is one genre that really feels like a pure zone of exuberance.
5 Dixie1947 // Nov 17, 2008 at 3:06 am
I believe that “Don’t Stop Believin” is a masterpiece. I have to admit though that “When You Love A Woman” is my fav. I just love that song. The background instruments are fantastic.
6 Rhonda // Nov 17, 2008 at 10:53 pm
DSB is a great song. Being a diehard Journey/Perry fan for as long as I can remember. I just love to read positive things regarding Journey/Perry. Steve Perry just has the IT factor on his side for us Perry fans. DSB is not my favorite, but I like it. His voice is amazing in “Still They Ride”…Very Sexy!!
7 SPFan4Eva // May 29, 2009 at 9:36 pm
“DSB” is friggin’ awesome. Last weekend I was singing with other students in the Maine All State Chorus. So there we are one morning just hangin’ out when suddenly I hear someone playing “Separate Ways” on the piano. I went over to the piano and jumped in playing and singing. Some of the students got up and went over near the piano to sing along with me, and one of them did beat-boxing. Then after that I led those few students in “Faithfully,” and then last but certainly not least, I got the whole choir singing and clapping as I did “DSB.” It was the coolest thing. I will never, ever forget that day!
BTW, who thinks that one of the latest covers of this song is great? By that, I mean the one from “Glle.” I cannot wait until September when the actual show starts!
8 Mark Blankenship // May 30, 2009 at 1:23 am
This comment rocks my world. I wish I had been there! If you type “Glee” into the search function on the site, you’ll find my write-up of “Glee.” I loved it!
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