Journey

The epitome of all that is big, bold, and exhilarating about arena rock of the ‘70s and ‘80s, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” feels both iconic and indestructible. A Top 10 single from the band’s 1981 juggernaut Escape, it has yet to lose its power despite its countless TV and film appearances, never mind all the attempts by karaoke singers. That’s a testament to the craftsmanship that was always at the core of Journey’s formula of pop hooks, heart-tugging sentiments, and go-for-broke bravado. Journey had even more flash when they formed in 1973 as a jazz-rock showcase for ex-Santana guitarist Neal Schon and other musicians from Bay Area bands. By the time they added vocalist Steve Perry in 1977, Journey had honed their sound into something more immediate while retaining their displays of prowess. Between “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” in 1977 and their commercial peak with Escape and 1983’s Frontiers, Journey seemed unbeatable thanks to Perry’s precise vocals and Schon’s guitar heroics. They remained a major live draw until health issues prompted Perry’s departure and a nine-year band hiatus in 1998. Then in 2007, with “Don’t Stop Believin’” resurging thanks to the finale of The Sopranos, the band found a fresh frontman in Arnel Pineda, a Filipino singer Schon discovered on YouTube. Pineda’s Cinderella story and Journey’s revitalization on albums like 2011’s Eclipse showed a new generation what can happen when you keep believin’.