Journey has often been considered one of the greatest classic rock bands in history. It was formed in 1973 by Greg Rollie, who eventually left the band, and has been a staple band in the history of classic rock. They were also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class of 2017. Journey was the first concert I went to when I was three years old and has been one of my favorite bands for as long as I can remember. The album I will be reviewing is the 1981 release, Escape.
The infamous “Don’t Stop Believing” is the second single off of Escape and definitely major hit of the album. The song has never reached number one, but became the first pre-digital song to sell over two million downloads on iTunes and keyboardist, Jonathan Cain, even told HuffPost that he does not recall it being “a huge hit.” The song has found its way into our culture and refuses to die, constantly being played at weddings, parties, proms and can guarantee to get people to sing. Interestingly enough, the chorus and most famous part of the 4:11 minute song does not happen until the last 40 seconds of the song.
Even though Cain, after replacing the founder of the group Greg Rollie, was the driving force behind Journey and many of the songs on the Escape album, front man Steve Perry’s unique vocals definitely became a major sound of the band. Many people, including myself, can not see anyone else living up to the standards Steve Perry set while singing “Stone in Love,” as well as ballads like “Open Arms” and “Mother, Father.” He seemed to never miss a note.
One of my personal favorite songs is the emotional rollercoaster that is “Mother, Father.” The classic was arranged by guitarist Neal Schon’s father, Matt Schon, and sets the tone for Perry’s powerful vocals to shine the whole song. One of the most powerful parts of the song is the guitar solo by Schon about four minutes in which is the track that he shines best on. The powerful ballad not only has powerful vocals and an amazing guitar solo, but the lyricism of the song elevates the track to a new level, discussing a broken home and the effects.
The album then closes with a soft ballad “Open Arms,” to ease the listener back down from the “Mother, Father” rollercoaster. Co-written by Cain and Perry, “Open Arms” has claimed to be one of the best rock ballads and among one of Journey’s best written songs. The poeticism and lyricism found it’s way to become one of the songs you just sing your heart out too. The ballad, at the time, was a radio and fan-favorite reaching higher in charts than the famous “Don’t Stop Believing.”
Journey is still touring with Neal Schon, Jonathon Cain, and more, and recently announced their 2020 North American tour. Attendees will definitely hear some classics from the Escape Album.
Music Hall of Fame 