One of my favorite groups during my college days was the band Journey. Their songs always seemed to fit the moment — powerful enough to lift your spirits, emotional enough to hit you right in the heart.
Recently, I found myself rediscovering their music again. It started when I watched the VH1 “Behind The Music: Director’s Cut” documentary about Journey. I’ve always loved those specials because they don’t just tell a success story — they give you a look behind the curtain. You see how fame, creativity, and the pressures of the industry can pull a group together and sometimes tear it apart. Watching that special reminded me just how much this band meant to me, and how many of their songs were part of my own story.
The Journey Begins
Journey’s story started in San Francisco in 1973, formed by former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The original lineup — Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, George Tickner, and Aynsley Dunbar — leaned heavily toward instrumental and progressive rock. They had incredible musicianship but hadn’t quite found their sound.
Everything changed in 1977, when Steve Perry joined the band. His soaring tenor voice brought emotion and melody that helped turn Journey from a respected rock act into one of the most beloved bands of the late ’70s and ’80s.
My First Taste of Journey
The first Journey song I remember hearing was “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.” It was a catchy tune that immediately hooked me. There was something about the rhythm, the vocals, and the pure feeling behind it that made me want to hear more. That led me back to some of their earlier songs with Steve Perry — “Wheel in the Sky” and “Lights.”
Those songs captured something special — the sound of a band hitting its stride and a singer finding his voice. From there, Journey’s music just kept getting better. Their ballads, especially “Open Arms” and “Faithfully,” became instant classics — emotional, powerful, and timeless.
The Golden Years
With Steve Perry out front and Neal Schon’s signature guitar driving the sound, Journey hit their peak with albums like Infinity (1978), Evolution (1979), and the iconic Escape (1981). That album alone gave us “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “Open Arms.”
They were the soundtrack to countless road trips, parties, and late nights during my college years. Journey had this rare ability to blend rock energy with heartfelt emotion — something that still resonates today.
When the Music Faded… for a While
When the band stopped performing in the late ’80s, I eventually lost touch with them. Life moved on, and so did I. I remember hearing bits and pieces of their later work when they tried to make a comeback with different singers, but it never quite clicked for me the same way.
Then, years later, I stumbled across a new song called “After All These Years.” I couldn’t believe it was Journey — but it was, featuring their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda.
A New Voice, the Same Spirit
Arnel’s story is straight out of a movie. Neal Schon discovered him on YouTube in 2007, performing Journey covers with stunning accuracy and passion. Pineda, a singer from the Philippines, went from singing in small clubs to fronting one of the biggest rock bands in history.
When I heard “After All These Years,” I realized Journey still had that spark — the emotion, the melody, the heart. Arnel didn’t replace Steve Perry; he honored him, bringing his own voice and energy while keeping the band’s spirit alive.
Why Journey Still Matters
Rediscovering Journey reminded me of how good music never really disappears. It just waits for you to find your way back to it. From Steve Perry’s golden voice to Arnel Pineda’s inspiring story, Journey’s music continues to connect generations of fans.
They’ve weathered lineup changes, decades of shifting trends, and everything in between — yet their songs still fill arenas, movies, and playlists everywhere. For me, their music feels like coming home — familiar, emotional, and full of memories.
Journey is one of those groups I truly enjoy, not just for nostalgia, but because their songs still hold up. They remind me that even after all these years, the road — and the music — goes on and on.
Final thought:
If it’s been a while since you’ve listened to Journey, take some time to go back. Play “Faithfully” or “Don’t Stop Believin’,” then listen to “After All These Years.” You’ll hear not just a band’s history — but your own.