By the release of 1981’s Escape, Journey had evolved into the ultimate American arena rock band, complete with clinical production and the finest collection of mullet hairdos in rock.
They effectively minted the ‘power ballad’, inspiring everyone from Bon Jovi to Mariah Carey, who covered Open Arms (from Escape). Needless to say, US rock radio loved them – eight Journey albums went multi-platinum as a result.
Of all the songs recorded in the 20th century, none has been downloaded more than Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’. After being in the final episode of The Sopranos, then in Glee and TV talent shows, the song has become a global rock anthem, reviving the career of a band that was previously a household name only in their native America.
Journey’s 14th studio LP Eclipse (2011) proved that the band are still the masters of that much-mocked idiom, AOR.
Neal Schon Guitar, vocals Steve Perry Vocals Jonathan Cain Keyboards, guitar, vocals Gregg Rolie Vocals, keyboards George Tickner Guitar, vocals Ross Valory Bass Aynsley Dunbar Drums Robert Fleischman Vocals Steve Smith Drums Randy Jackson Bass Larrie Londin Drums Mike Baird Drums Arnel Pineda Vocals
