Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” is one of the most iconic and enduring rock anthems of all time. Released in 1981 on the album “Escape,” the song has become a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite around the world. But what’s behind the song’s enduring popularity? And how did Journey, a band that was on the verge of breaking up just a few years earlier, manage to create such a timeless masterpiece?
A Brief History of Journey
Journey was formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California, by former Santana member Neal Schon, drummer Prairie Prince, and bassist Ross Valory. The band went through several lineup changes before settling on a core group of musicians that included Steve Perry, Greg Rolie, and Jonathan Cain. The band’s early sound was characterized by its blend of blues-rock and arena rock, with a strong focus on vocal harmonies and catchy hooks.
The Rise of Steve Perry
In the late 1970s, Journey was on the verge of breaking up due to internal conflicts and creative differences. However, in 1977, the band welcomed Steve Perry, a young singer from the band Alien Project, to join the lineup. Perry’s powerful vocals and songwriting skills quickly made him a key component of the band’s sound.
The Creation of “Don’t Stop Believin'”
In the summer of 1980, Journey began working on their fifth studio album, “Escape.” The band was under pressure to produce a hit single, and the label was pushing them to create something that would appeal to a wider audience. Jonathan Cain, the band’s keyboardist, was tasked with writing a new song that would showcase Perry’s vocals and fit the band’s established sound.
Cain, who had recently converted to Christianity, drew inspiration from his newfound faith when writing the song. He wanted to create a message of hope and perseverance that would resonate with listeners. The song’s iconic opening lines, “Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world,” were inspired by Cain’s own childhood experiences growing up in a small town in Indiana.
The Birth of the Song
Cain wrote the song’s melody and chord progression on his piano, with Perry providing the lyrics and vocal arrangement. The band worked on the song in a series of sessions, with Steve Smith providing the drumbeat and Valory adding the bass line. The song’s guitar solo was performed by Neal Schon, who was inspired by his love of blues and rock ‘n’ roll music.
The song was originally titled “Don’t Stop Believin’ in Me,” but the band ultimately decided to shorten the title to “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The song was released as the lead single from “Escape” in February 1981, and it quickly began to gain traction on the charts.
The Rise to Fame
“Don’t Stop Believin'” peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in May 1981, making it Journey’s first top 10 single. The song’s success was fueled by its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and inspiring lyrics. The song became a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite, with its anthemic chorus and sing-along lyrics making it a crowd-pleaser at Journey’s live shows.
In the years that followed, “Don’t Stop Believin'” continued to grow in popularity, becoming one of the band’s most beloved and enduring songs. The song has been certified diamond by the RIAA, with over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone. It has also been named one of the greatest songs of all time by various publications, including Rolling Stone and VH1.
Legacy and Impact
“Don’t Stop Believin'” has had a lasting impact on rock music and popular culture. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including American Idol contestants and the Glee cast. The song has also been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, including the classic rock movie “Rock of Ages” and the NFL’s Monday Night Football theme song.
In 2011, the song’s 30th anniversary was celebrated with a special edition re-release of the album “Escape,” which included rare demos and live recordings. The song’s enduring popularity has also led to the creation of numerous fan-made music videos and tributes, with fans from around the world sharing their own versions of the song on social media platforms.
Conclusion
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is more than just a song – it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of music fans. Journey’s timeless anthem is a testament to the power of music to inspire and uplift, with its uplifting lyrics and soaring melody making it a true classic of rock ‘n’ roll.
FAQs
Q: Who wrote the song “Don’t Stop Believin'”?
A: The song was written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon.
Q: What inspired the song’s lyrics?
A: The song’s lyrics were inspired by Jonathan Cain’s conversion to Christianity and his desire to create a message of hope and perseverance.
Q: How did the song become so popular?
A: The song’s catchy melody, powerful vocals, and inspiring lyrics helped it become a staple of classic rock radio and a fan favorite.
Q: Has the song been covered by other artists?
A: Yes, “Don’t Stop Believin'” has been covered by numerous artists, including American Idol contestants and the Glee cast.
Q: How many copies has the song sold?
A: “Don’t Stop Believin'” has been certified diamond by the RIAA, with over 10 million copies sold in the United States alone.
Q: What is the song’s current ranking on the Billboard Hot 100 chart?
A: “Don’t Stop Believin'” is currently ranked #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making it one of the top 20 songs of all time.
