Musical Notes – Journey

Voiceover by Lawrence Standifer Stevens

Written by Joseph E. Casanova

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Journey’s 1982 hits “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms” found new life decades later thanks to the cast of Glee and pop diva Mariah Carey.

In 2009, the cast of Glee performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the pilot show, landing the song in the Billboard top ten again. Their version nearly became a regular part of every single episode.

Superstar diva Mariah Carey hit the top ten with her rendition of “Open Arms” off her 1995 Daybreak CD. She even sang a Spanish version called “El Amor Que Soñé.” 

The San Francisco-based band ruled rock radio for years with “Wheel in the Sky” and “Lights.”

The group continued its reign well into 1981 with the release of its seventh studio album. . .   Escape.

Tracks such as the buoyant ballad “Who’s Crying Now” and the anthemic “Stone in Love” elevated Escape to multi-platinum status, eventually selling 12 million copies worldwide. Only the band’s Greatest Hits package has sold more. 

But the LP’s biggest hits, “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms” have had the most longevity, featured in numerous TV shows and covered by a myriad of performers.

It doesn’t matter who records these songs because nothing compares to the original. Neal Schon’s opening riffs, Steve Perry’s soaring vocals and Jonathan Cain’s signature keyboards make you want to flick your lighter and wave it in the air.

Nowadays, we light up our cell phones. I don’t care what my nephew Cole says. It’s just not the same.

Hanging out with Cole one weekend, “Don’t Stop Believin’” came on the truck radio.

“Uncle Joseph, change the station! I don’t like how those Glee kids ruined that song.”    

“Mijo, that’s Journey. I thought you liked them!”

“Oh, yeah. I do. Well, turn it up then."

New school definitely prefers old school.