Journey - Greatest Hits

Along with Styx and REO Speedwagon, Journey ruled the charts and radio airwaves in the early '80s. And like the aforementioned bands, Journey began in the '70s, so obviously the compilers of its 1988 GREATEST HITS release had a lot of material to choose from. Journey's sound was a merger of hardrock, compliments of guitarist Neal Schon, and the melodic pop/ballads of singer Steve Perry. This resulted in such classic rock radio staples as "Any Way You Want It", "Separate Ways", "Open Arms", "Don't Stop Believin'", "Wheel in the Sky", and "Who's Crying Now", all included here.

Like other successful bands of the 1970s and 1980s, Journey's sound was built on the double threat of singer Steve Perry's upper-register vocals and guitarist Neal Schon's melodic solos. The band also used rich harmonies to embellish their hard edge. Greatest Hits shows that Journey knew how to craft a pop song with memorable tunes like "Anyway You Want It" and "Don't Stop Believin'." "Wheel in the Sky" was one of the band's more arty singles, while "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" relied on a straight four-bar blues pattern, with Perry's vocals at their best. The band's power ballads gave them their biggest success, and are rightfully represented here: "Faithfully," "Open Arms," and "Send Her My Love." Another unlikely aspect further secured the band's success--you could actually dance to some of their stuff, especially "Anyway You Want It." --Steve Gdula