Journey, Don’t Stop Believin’

Reading Time: 2 min read

In the 7^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we highlight “Don’t Stop Believin’” performed by beloved rock band, Journey.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”B” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]ring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot. Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 7^th edition of Bangerz N Bopz 🔥 (2024), we break down “Don’t Stop Believin’” performed by Journey.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

“Just a small town girl, livin’ in a lonely world / She took the midnight train goin’ anywhere…” Can you say, ICONIC to nth degree. “Don’t Stop Believin’” marked one of six top-10 hits by beloved, Grammy-nominated rock band, Journey. The ubiquitous, high flying rock gem appears on the band’s 1981 album, Escape. Escape eventually peaked at no. 1 on the Billboard 200, and has been certified diamond by the RIAA. Kind of a big deal! As for “Don’t Stop Believin’” itself, it peaked at no. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and has been certified multiplatinum. “Don’t Stop Believin’” was composed by Neal Schon (guitar), Steve Perry (lead singer), and Jonathan Cain (keyboards / rhythm guitar). Kevin Elson and the late Mike Stone produced the band’s ace in the hole.

“A singer in a smoky room / The smell of wine and cheap perfume,” Steve Perry sings, assertively and dynamically in the second verse, adding, “For a smile, they can share the night / It goes on and on and on and on.” Woo! That precedes one of the biggest moments of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the timeless pre-chorus, led by those “Strangers waitin’ / Up and down the boulevard.” After another pair of verses, another iteration of the pre-chorus, and a rousing guitar solo (get it Neal), Perry unleashes the chorus, uttering the titular lyrics thrice: “Don’t stop believin’ / Hold on to that feelin’ / Streetlights, people…” Beyond dynamic vocals by Perry, catchy lyrics, and tuneful melodies, the 80s rock aesthetic, captured by exuberant production, is lit. Besides those guitars, what about those keys 🎹? Woo! Who said the ‘ivories’ can’t rock?! Little analysis is necessary to express the glory and sheer excellence that is the crowd pleasing, rock banger, “Don’t Stop Believin’” – it speaks for itself 🤘.