Escape made Journey into unquestionable mega-stars. The album boasts three singles that vaulted into the top ten. “Don’t Stop Believing” reached number nine, “Who’s Crying Now” reached number four and “Open Arms” got to number two and stayed there for six weeks. While Escape generally has a harder rock feel, Steve Perry’s soft vocal delivery is effectively highlighted and combined with Neal Schon’s guitar on “Who’s Crying Now” and “Open Arms.”
While Journey clearly was aiming to get as much airplay as they could at the time of the albums release, they also succeeded in created timeless music. I can’t count the number of weddings I’ve been to and the first dance has been to “Open Arms” or the number of radio dedications I’ve heard for “Don’t Stop Believing.” Growing up, it was sometimes cool to say, “nah, I don’t like Journey, their too soft."
Strangely, almost everyone I knew had at least one of their records. Many years later, I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a Journey fan. They have a way of taking you back to a more innocent time; perhaps a first act of rebellion or that first romance. Listening to Infinity, Evolution, or Escape allows you to take a trip back in time.
If you weren’t around when these albums were first released, this is the perfect time to discover Journey and hear the musicianship and clever songwriting that made the band a success.
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