journey 1978 song

Flashback: Journey Introduce Steve Perry to America in 1978

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Steve Perry emerged from two decades of seclusion in August with new single “No Erasin'” off his upcoming album Traces . It was a rather stunning development for Journey fans that had largely given up on ever hearing him sing again, especially after he refused to perform with his old group when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last year. But in new interviews, Perry revealed that after losing his girlfriend Kellie Nash to cancer in 2012, he decided it was time to face the world again.

Perry said he’s considering promoting Traces with a solo tour, but don’t expect to see him back onstage with Journey. They’ve been doing just fine without him ever since Arnel Pineda became their new singer 10 years ago and have even played stadiums this summer on their co-headlining tour with Def Leppard. They exclusively play songs from the Perry era of the group, and Pineda sounds almost exactly like his predecessor did in 1983. Most audiences are quite happy to sing along with their favorite hits and don’t really care if the original guy isn’t actually on the stage.

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Forty years ago, however, Perry was a crucial part of Journey’s success. The group began in 1973 as an offshoot of Santana with guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist/singer Gregg Rolie, but their first three albums failed to find a mass audience and they faced getting dropped from their record label. Steve Perry was brought into the group to help them develop a more commercial sound, beginning with 1978’s Infinity. The gambit worked immediately as lead single “Wheel in the Sky” reached Number 57 on the Hot 100. Here’s video of them playing their first hit song on The Midnight Special in February 1978, which was the first time many in America saw the group play with Perry.

If Perry decides to tour in support of Traces , Journey will face some competition on the road. Fans have had plenty of chances to see Journey minus Perry play the hits, but Perry minus Journey hasn’t done any sort of tour since a brief one in 1995 to support his solo album  For the Love of Strange Medicine . The tour generated very little interest since Journey were aggressively uncool in the Lollapalooza era, but things have changed quite a bit since then. He hasn’t sang “Wheel in the Sky” in over 23 years, but should he decide to go out and do it again he’ll probably be shocked by how many people are willing to pay big bucks to hear it.

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Top 10 Journey Songs

The top Journey songs demonstrate quite clearly how the band, one of the early progenitors of what rock critics like to dismiss as "arena rock," achieved such popularity in the '70s and '80s.

Journey were undoubtedly ahead of their time in terms of PR, and especially in terms of professionalizing their live shows, pioneering elements of live production that are standard procedure today. But while the group took a great deal of flack for the skill with which they were marketed, it is the music they created – an interesting blend of guitar-driven hard rock and vocal-oriented pop – that has endured across the decades, connecting with several subsequent generations.

The group's earliest musical origins featured an elaborate mix of rock and progressive fusion, but it wasn't until they later shifted in a more commercial direction that they began their long, slow climb to superstardom. Though they were often critically derided, Journey's best work boasted a level of instrumental and vocal ability far beyond that of most of their peers and covered a wide array of styles – as you'll see in our list of the Top 10 Journey Songs.

"Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin'"

Steve Perry reportedly drew inspiration from one of his biggest influences, Sam Cooke, for this track from Journey's fifth album. The singer borrowed from " Nothing Can Change This Love " for the song, which struck a perfect balance between his soulful pop vocals and Neal Schon 's heavy rock guitars to become the group's first Top 20 hit, reaching No. 16 and helping Evolution to become a triple-platinum hit.

"Stone In Love"

This hard rock track from Journey's seventh studio album helped introduce the writing talents of newcomer keyboardist Jonathan Cain , who wrote the song with Perry and Schon. The song's infectious marriage of heavy riffing, blazing guitar solos and an alluring melody – all topped off by an undeniable Steve Perry vocal performance – helped it became a rock radio staple, easily earning its spot in our Top 10 Journey Songs.

Perry wasted no time making himself at home as a writer after he joined for Journey's fourth album. This soulful rock track pairs a Schon riff with a lyric Perry had originally written about Los Angeles, which he changed to fit after joining the San Francisco-based Journey. "Lights" originally charted at just No. 68, but went on to become a rock radio staple and an important part of Journey's live shows.

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"

Another in a long string of Journey classics penned by the duo of Cain and Perry, this song came together in a backstage writing session in which the singer was playing bass and the keyboardist was playing guitar. It marries Perry's Motown influence with hard rock for a track that hit No. 8 in the Mainstream Rock chart and has become an all-time classic rock track. The single release was accompanied by a much-lampooned video in which the band members mime to the track without their actual instruments.

"Feeling That Way"

"Feeling That Way" was initially an instrumental titled "Velvet Curtain," written by keyboardist Gregg Rolie with drummer Aynsley Dunbar before he added words and re-titled it "Please Let Me Stay." It wasn't until Perry joined Journey and wrote some additional material that the band recorded the track. He and Rolie shared the lead vocal duties on this song, which is almost always paired with " Anytime " both on the radio and in concert.

"Wheel in the Sky"

One of the earliest Journey songs to find traction at rock radio, "Wheel in the Sky" began as a poem titled "Wheels in My Mind" by Diane Valory, the wife of Journey bassist Ross Valory. When singer Robert Fleischman heard it, he appropriated it for a lyric that was juxtaposed against a hard rock riff from Schon. When Journey brought in Steve Perry to replace Fleischman, he put his signature vocal stamp on the track, undeniably making it one of the Top 10 Journey Songs

"Open Arms"

Cain had originally pitched the melody idea for "Open Arms" when he was a member of the Babys , but singer John Waite reportedly shot it down as too sentimental. Once he and Perry completed the song, their Journey bandmates didn't feel too differently – particularly Schon, who felt the song too light for the group. Despite the opposition, the group recorded and released the track, which held the No. 2 spot in the Billboard chart for six consecutive weeks and has become a cultural touchstone.

"Any Way You Want It"

Co-written by Perry and Schon, this track was heavily influenced by Thin Lizzy front man Phil Lynott , who was sharing in a rhyme scheme exercise with the two backstage while the bands were touring together. Recorded closer to a "live in the studio" environment, Departure featured an edgier sound than previous Journey records, and the track is a perfect example of that, propelled by Schon's fleet-fingered solos and Perry's high-octane vocal performance.

"Faithfully"

Cain wrote the wistful piano-based ballad "Faithfully" about the challenges of being on the road while trying to maintain a life with his wife at home. The song's universal sentiment and melodic structure struck such a chord with fans that it landed at No. 12 in the Billboard chart, and it has since gone on to become one of Journey's most recognizable and enduring songs. Ironically, the song has far outlasted the marriage it was written to commemorate, which ended in divorce in 1987.

"Don't Stop Believin'"

"Don't Stop Believin'" not only tops our list of the Top 10 Journey Songs, it came in at No. 13 in our overall poll of the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs, and it is the best-selling catalog track of the digital music era, having sold more than 5 million digital tracks. Written by Cain, Perry and Schon, the song's multi-generational attraction lies partly in its inspirational message and partly in its arrangement, which appeals equally to fans of hard rock and vocal-oriented pop.

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Revisiting 10 Journey Songs From The ’70s

via journey/YouTube

Best Moments

Although some of their most enduring tracks were released in the early ’80s, Journey also had several classic hits from the ’70s. They formed in 1973 but it wasn’t until they got singer Steve Perry onboard when they finally achieved massive commercial success. He made his debut with them in 1977 and it was clear from the get-go that they were a match made in music heaven.

Let’s take a look at their unforgettable hits in the 1970s.

10. Do You Recall (1979)

Talk about pure power! Steve Perry’s vocals is fire.

9. Too Late (1979)

Perry wrote it about a friend who has become a drug addict. He said, “The drugs were setting up housekeeping.”

8. Daydream (1979)

It has that dreamy feel and while the musicianship is stellar, it’s Perry’s voice that steals the spotlight.

7. When You’re Alone (It Ain’t Easy)

Neal Schon lets loose with his brilliant guitarwork.

6. Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin’ (1979)

It’s the band’s first top 40 hit in the US. Written by Perry, it was inspired by an actual event – when he saw his girlfriend get out of a car and kiss the driver.

5. Just The Same Way (1979)

The layered harmony vocals is simply exquisite. It added more depth to the song.

4. Lights (1978)

The song is about San Francisco and it’s one of the first songs Perry sang for Journey. Perry explained, “I had the song written in Los Angeles almost completely except for the bridge and it was written about Los Angeles. It was ‘when the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on LA.’ I didn’t like the way it sounded at the time. And so I just had it sitting back in the corner. Then life changed my plans once again, and I was now facing joining Journey. I love San Francisco, the bay, and the whole thing. ‘The bay’ fit so nice, ‘When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay.’ It was one of those early-morning-going-across-the-bridge things, when the sun was coming up and the lights were going down. It was perfect.”

3. Anytime (1978)

Written before Perry joined Journey, Schon recalled: “Gregg Rolie was doing Bing Crosby – you know, ‘ooh, ooh.’ And I’d listened to lots of Beatles records when I was a kid, so I just went ‘Anytime that you want me.’ It came out real easy in rehearsal.”

2. Feeling That Way (1978)

This was initially an instrumental titled “Velvet Curtain” which they later abandoned. Eventually, Rolie got back to it and added words then renamed it to “Please Let Me Stay.” It was shelved at the last minute. After Perry joined, Rolie rewrote it again and shared the lead vocal duties with Perry.

1. Wheel in the Sky (1978)

One of their finest moments, it began as a poem titled “Wheels In My Mind”. It was their first single with Perry that eventually became a staple in their live repertoire.

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Journey’s 10 Best Songs

Sure, "Don't Stop Believin'" -- but there's a whole lot more.

By Gary Graff

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Though it arrives amidst lawsuits , social media sniping and infighting, Journey is turning 50 this year.

During that half century, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, logging 11 platinum-or-better albums (including Diamond certifications for 1981’s Escape and 1988’s Greatest Hits) , earning eight top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s also been a reliable ticket-selling act for most of its career, and in 2017, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Journey’s is the story of eras. When the group originally formed in San Francisco in 1973, original manager Herbie Herbert helped bring together guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player/vocalist Gregg Rolie from Santana, bassist Ross Valory and rhythm guitarist George Tickner from Frumious Bandersnatch and drummer Prairie Prince from The Tubes. Prince would be replaced by David Bowie/Frank Zappa skins man Aynsley Dunbar, while Tickner would leave after Journey’s self-titled first album in 1975. The remaining quartet recorded two more albums before Steve Perry came on board for 1978’s Infinity, which began the band’s run of multi-platinum smashes — also marking the first appearance of Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse’s iconic scarab logo for the band. Dunbar was replaced by Steve Smith for 1979’s Evolution , and Rolie would leave in 1980 with Jonathan Cain of The Babys joining to help elevate the band to even greater fortunes on Escape and Frontiers .

The palette has been diverse, but there are common elements among Journey’s best songs — sturdy melodies and sing-along choruses, usually leading into one of Schon’s majestic guitar solos. But within that mold there’s also been plenty of invention and clever arrangements that have never been as formulaic as some of the band’s detractors (particularly during their early ‘80s heyday) would have you believe.

Journey has gone through its fair share of lineups, with singer Arnel Pineda on board since 2007 — the longest continuous tenure of any Journey frontman. The group released Freedom , it’s first new studio album in 11 years, in 2022, and despite the current legal fractures (which you can read about in detail here ), still they ride, as the Escape track says — and may they keep on runnin’ for a long time.

With all that in mind, here are our picks for Journey’s 10 best songs — not all of which come from the biggest hits.

"Someday Soon" ( Departure , 1980)

This album track from Rolie’s finally studio effort with the band is a hypnotic tone poem, with a ringing, cushy ambience and a hippie kind of optimism – not to mention the best give-and-take Perry and Rolie achieved during their time together in the band. It’s of course been eclipsed by Journey’s myriad hits (“Any Way You Want It” is the enduring top 40 Hot 100 hit from Departure ), but it’s a gem worthy of discovery.  Listen here.

"Escape" ( Escape , 1981)

The title track from Journey’s Billboard 200-topping studio album straddled the hard rock/pomp attack of the group’s mid-‘70s output with the melodic sensibility of the Perry-Cain axis. Its five-minute length provides room for the arrangement to stretch out and flow from one song part to the next, with a crunch that was part of Journey’s palette at the time. Listen here.

"Of a Lifetime" ( Journey , 1975)

The Journey of 1973-77 was certainly a different creature than the hitmaking colossus so many know and love. The group’s initial lineups flexed instrumental muscles, smoothly knitting together a number of styles more interested in the journey (ba- dum ) than any commercial destination. The first track from its first album is a prototype, leaning into blues, psychedelic rock and a touch of Latin, with the first of what would become many standout Schon solos, and a tuneful sturdiness delivered by Rolie’s soulful vocal. Listen here.

"Faithfully" (Frontiers , 1983)

The melody of this top 20 Hot 100 hit came to Cain in a dream on a tour bus, and his paean to the struggle between home and the road was written in a half-hour. The result was a swoon-inducing ballad tailor-made for a sea of lighters (back then) and cellphone flashlights (now), capturing one of Perry’s best recorded performances and one of Schon’s most inspired solos. One of its great side stories is that Prince contacted Cain after he wrote “Purple Rain,” concerned that it might be too similar to “Faithfully.” Cain determined it wasn’t, but joked to Billboard that, “After seeing what it became, I should have asked for a couple of points….”

"Ask the Lonely" (single, 1983)

Recorded for Frontiers , this one wound up in the romcom Two of a Kind (starring the Grease duo of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John) and rocked its way to No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Like “Only the Young,” which wound up in Vision Quest two years later, it showed that Journey was on roll – and well-suited for big soundtrack moments. Listen here.

"Who's Crying Now" ( Escape, 1981)

The best of Journey’s swoon songs — started by Perry while driving into Los Angeles and finished with Cain — has a subtlety and dynamic build that sets it apart from the many others of its ilk they’d create. The verse slips into the chorus with a soulful ease, and Schon’s guitar accents deftly build up to his searing solo at the end. The Escape single reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. Listen here.

"Feeling That Way" ( Infinity , 1978)

If fans at the time wondered how Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie would co-exist, this was the answer — an ebb-and-flow tradeoff that proved they could complement each other as lead singers as well as harmonize smoothly together (first evidenced by Infinity ‘s lead track “Lights”). Its medley-like pairing with the next track, “Anytime,” was gravy that would become a motif on the next few Journey albums. Listen here.

"Just the Same Way" ( Evolution , 1979)

Journey’s fifth album had a punchier sound than Infinity — though they shared producer Roy Thomas Baker — which worked to the benefit of the album’s first single. Led by Rolie’s piano and muscular lead vocal, with Perry responding on the choruses and bridge, it reached No. 58 on the Hot 100 in 1979. In a perfect world this would have been as big as anything from Escape or Frontiers, but it’s still a convincing introduction to the Rolie era of the band. Listen here.

"Don't Stop Believin'" ( Escape , 1981)

More than a billion Spotify streams, a Library of Congress National Recording Registry placement and plays at virtually every sporting event around the world don’t lie — this one is Journey’s pinnacle of success. Created during a rehearsal at the group’s warehouse HQ in Oakland, Calif., it gave us the “streetlight people” of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and put the non-existent South Detroit on the map. And it saves the chorus for the song’s end, after the guitar solo. A cross-generational hit? Believe it, gleefully.

"Stone in Love" ( Escape , 1981)

Schon reportedly called this “Stoned in Love” when he wrote the riff, and it’s certainly an addictive track that’s the best roll-down-the-windows-and-crank-it-up Journey fix you could ask for — not to mention a frequent show opener. A No. 13 Mainstream Rock Airplay hit in 1981, the song is practically a deep cut today. But its anthemic chorus is a spirit-lifter and the dynamic breakdown that segues into the song-closing guitar solo harks back to the ambitious musicality of the first few albums. “Stone” is a gem that still shines bright. Listen here.

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The 10 best Journey songs

Let's face it, AOR just wouldn't have been the same without them – here are Journey's ten best tracks

For many, Journey are the band who define AOR better than anyone else. Their catalogue glitters with unforgettable anthems, which not only contain massive choruses, but also the sort of musicianship you might expect from a band who began life as jazz rock instrumentalists before embracing the melodic rock style for which they’re renowned. We've gone through the band's back catalogue and hand-picked their 10 finest moments.

10. Girl Can’t Help It (1986)

After taking a break from the band to work on his solo album Street Talk , vocalist Steve Perry was persuaded to return to the fold for 1986's Raised On Radio album. While the production shows a clear-cut influence of the times, Perry’s vocals shine as brightly as ever, while Jonathan Cain’s smooth keyboards complement Neal Schon ’s edgy guitar stride.

9. Faithfully (1983)

This is the way Journey explained the problems of trying to carry on a relationship while out on the road touring. One of the stand-out tracks from 1983's Frontiers , Faithfully has a soft lilt that exposes an emptiness. However, this is augmented by the lush rhythm and the way that Steve Perry croons his way through without ever wallowing in over emotional hyperbole. A power ballad in the best Journey tradition.

8. Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (1979)

Anyone who thinks that Journey aren’t capable of anything other than slushy ballads really should check out Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’ from 1979's Evolution album. It has a funk groove, and while the tempo is very much of the balladic kind, Neal Schon stabs through with some electrifying moments. What’s more, Steve Perry’s vocals soar impressively to ensure maximum dramatic impact. One of the highlights on Evolution .

7. Lights (1978)

The opening song from 1978's Infinity record – the album that introduced Steve Perry to the world, and also put the band’s new-found melodic style on display for the very first time. It’s easy to tell why American radio fell in love with Journey at this point in time. The music is filled with commercial astuteness, the harmonies are sublime and the whole timbre of Lights is evocative and stylish. This oozes the sort of class that would become the norm for Journey in the coming years.

6. Who’s Cryin’ Now (1981)

Who’s Cryin’ Now begins with an unvarnished piano piece from Jonathan Cain, on which Steve Perry builds his rich tone. And Ross Vallory provides some tasteful bass lines, to underline the whole feel of the song. This is the type of track that accentuates Perry’s love for great soul singers, while it also showcases the way in which Journey stood apart from all the huge selling AOR masters, and why Escape is regarded as the classic Journey album.

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5. Stone In Love (1981)

The fact this song opens up with shards of Neal Schon's guitar riffing proves that Journey were always prepared to give full weight to the heavier side of their talent. And Steve Perry also comes across with a lot more power than you might expect. This is a song where Journey never forget about the melody, but also give free rein to a rocky vibe. It also accentuates that Escape was always far more than just a collection of power ballads.

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4. Any Way You Want It (1980)

It may seem odd, but this song was actually inspired by Thin Lizzy , with whom Journey had toured a couple of years before recording the Departure album in 1980. But when you dig down and analyse the way in which the vocals are constructed, and the interchange between the instruments, then the influence becomes a lot clearer. There’s a gliding feel to the guitar parts that does feel like it is Thin Lizzy influenced, and Steve Perry adopts a storytelling style that is close to the Phil Lynott approach – and the whole feel suits Journey superbly.

3. Wheel In The Sky (1978)

Wheel In The Sky was co-written by Robert Fleischman, the band’s original choice of vocalist when they moved into a more commercial direction. However, when Fleischman didn’t work out and was replaced by Steve Perry, the song was thankfully retained. It starts with a flashing guitar groove, through which Perry cuts with a vibrant performance. In some ways, this is a basic live performance from the band, bringing a heavier dynamic to bear, but this fitted right into the whole feel of Infinity , and showed Journey could pound with the best.

2. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (1983)

After the enormous success of the Escape album, how did the band choose to open up their next album Frontiers ? With a powerhouse rocker than fitted right into an era where AOR was beginning to become a little less reliant on studio technology and celebrated talent. Of course, the rich production is evident here, but what makes the song work superbly is that way Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry and Neal Schon intertwine. There’s a buoyancy in Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) that tells of a band who are really playing off of each other’s strengths. The result is undeniably passionate.

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (1981)

Is there anyone on the planet who does not know this song? It has got to be one of the most exposed tracks over the past two decades or so. And, because it’s so well known, it’s very easy to lose sight of just why this is so popular. Because Don’t Stop Believin’ is a peerless example of musical genius. Everything about it is simply perfect – the musicality, the vocals, the simple structure, the insistent melody… hell, this is not just Journey’s best song, it’s one of the truly landmark moments of the 80s.

Malcolm Dome had an illustrious and celebrated career which stretched back to working for  Record Mirror  magazine in the late 70s and  Metal Fury  in the early 80s before joining  Kerrang!  at its launch in 1981. His first book,  Encyclopedia Metallica , published in 1981, may have been the inspiration for the name of a certain band formed that same year. Dome is also credited with inventing the term "thrash metal" while writing about the  Anthrax  song  Metal Thrashing Mad  in 1984. With the launch of Classic Rock magazine in 1998 he became involved with that title, sister magazine Metal Hammer, and was a contributor to Prog magazine since its inception in 2009. He died in 2021 . 

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Ten Songs That Celebrate Motherhood

(Photos from left: Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage , Photo by Steve Granitz Archive/WireImage, Photo by: Charles Sykes/ Getty Images)

One of the most important dates on the calendar is Mother’s Day. Created by Anna Jarvis in 1908 , Mother's Day became an official U.S. holiday in 1914.

Since the holiday's inception, mothers have been honored for their immense contributions to their families, communities, and society.

In the world of music, many timeless songs have been created to pay tribute to motherhood. Some of the most memorable songs in Black culture have been dedicated to mothers for their sacrifice and care for their children and children they claimed by love.

To update your playlist in time for Mother's Day, here are 10 Songs That Celebrate Motherhood.

I’ll Always Love My Momma- The Intruders, 1973

The gold standard for songs of motherhood is unquestionably The Intruder’s classic “I’ll Always Love My Momma.” Written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, along with co-writers Gene McFadden and John Whitehead , it was released in 1973 as an ode to the mothers who sacrificed so much for their children. Inspired by Gamble’s mother, Ruby, The Intruder’s vocal performance made it a staple in the Black Community on Mother’s Day and beyond. Although it was a moderate hit on the pop charts, peaking at 36, the song remains the blueprint for other songs that honor motherhood.

Sadie- The Spinners, 1974

Another tribute to motherhood, The Spinner’s “Sadie” is an all-time classic. Written and produced by Joseph B. Jefferson, Bruce Hawes, and Charles Simmons, it was released in 1974 on their New and Improved "Sadie" would chart at number #7 on the U.S. R&B Singles Chart and reach number #54 position on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart. Anchored by Phillipe Wynne’s heartfelt lead vocal, “Sadie” is still one of the finest musical tributes to motherhood almost 50 years later.

You Are My Friend- Patti LaBelle, 1978

On her first solo album, Patti LaBelle gave the world a classic with “You Are My Friend” in 1978. Written by Labelle and her then-husband Armstead Edwards to a composition by James "Budd" Ellison , the song was a tribute to Zuri Edwards, the couple's only child. The song was one of the last to be recorded for LaBelle's debut self-titled solo album. While not a big hit, “You Are My Friend”  would go on to be one of LaBelle’s signature songs with her electrifying performances about her love as a mother.

Mama Used To Say- Junior, 1982

In 1982,  British R&B singer Junior released a classic about his mother's advice titled “Mama Used To Say.” The song by Junior and arranger Bob Carter is about a mother telling her child to take things slow instead of trying “to rush to get old.” The song became a top 30 hit on the Billboard Pop Charts and continues to remind us of the wisdom that comes from motherhood.

Thanks For My Child- Cheryl Pepsii Riley, 1988

Written and produced by Full Force, “Thanks For My Child” is a poignant story about single mothers. The theme of the song was also sparked by Full Force member Bowlegged Lou’s wife’s miscarriage and dealing with the reality of the devastating loss. "Thanks for My Child" became Riley’s biggest hit, landed on the Top 40 pop charts, peaking at number thirty-two, and reached the number one spot on the Hot Black Singles chart for one week.

Dear Mama- Tupac Shakur, 1995

Tupac Shakur’s “Dear Mama” is a touchtone track in rap music that celebrates motherhood. Released as the lead single from his third studio album, Me Against the World, the song paid homage to his mother, Afeni Shakur, while the late rapper was incarcerated. A powerful, vulnerable tribute, “Dear Mama” became his first top ten on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine. 

A Song For Mama- Boyz II Men, 1997

Released from the Soul Food soundtrack in 1997, Boyz II Men’s celebration of motherhood, “A Song For Mama,” is an incredible song that conveys the essence of the film and motherhood. Written by Babyface, “A Song For Mama” would be the group’s  11th top-10 hit, peaking at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. The four-part harmony was silky smooth in this tribute to motherhood.

To Zion- Lauryn Hill, 1998

Lauryn Hill’s “To Zion” is a beautiful tribute to her oldest son, Zion David Marley, whom she shared with Rohan Marley. Released from her seminal debut album, The Mis-Education of Lauryn Hill, and featuring the impeccable acoustic Spanish guitar playing of Carlos Santana, the song captures the unspeakable joy she had during her pregnancy and after giving birth. Showcasing her artistic prowess, “To Zion” is one of Hill’s essential songs and one of the finest about motherhood.

Hey Mama- Kanye West, 2005

Released from his sophomore album, Late Registration (2005), “Hey Mama" was Kanye West’s tribute to his mother, Donda West. Produced by West and Jon Brion, the song includes additional vocal contributions from an up-and-coming John Legend. Kanye performed the song throughout his Glow in the Dark Tour in 2008 to honor Donda's memory and at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards the same year.

Speechless- Alicia Keys featuring Eve, 2016

After giving birth to her first child, Egypt, In 2010, Alicia Keys was inspired to write "Speechless.’ Featuring Eve, the track was released from Swizz Beatz’s mixtape Monster Mondays Vol. 1. Although it was composed as freestyle, Keys could not contain her joy and excitement about becoming a mother. Amazingly, Eve would express the same joy that Keys felt when she gave birth to her first child in 2022.

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Steve Perry Sings on The Effect’s Cover of Journey’s ‘It Could Have Been You’

Steve Perry appears on an update of “It Could Have Been You” from Journey ‘s Raised on Radio by a new band called The Effect. Listen below.

The Effect features a pair of sons of famous rock stars: producer/guitarist Trev Lukather’s father is Steve Lukather of Toto , and drummer Nic Collins’ dad is Phil Collins of Genesis . (The younger Lukather is also Perry’s former bandmate Jonathan Cain ‘s son-in-law.)

“Steve and I go way back,” Lukather said on Instagram . “Other than my Pop, Steve Perry has been a mentor to me. When he heard the Effect, he called me and expressed how much he really loved what we were doing. It meant the world.”

Then Lukather began raving about a favorite Journey deep cut from the late ’80s. “He surprisingly mentioned ‘It Could Have Been You’ is one of his favorite tracks,” Perry wrote on Instagram , and “I told him I felt the same. I then said, ‘Why don’t you record it?’ He asked if I would sing on it if they did, I said, ‘Of course, my most precious!'”

The Effect had already completed their album, but decided this opportunity “was just too good of an idea to pass up,” Lukather added. Lukather and Collins began developing a completed track with singer Emmett Stang and keyboardist Steve Maggiora, the latter of whom had been pulling double duty with Toto until recently leaving the Effect.

READ MORE: Pro Golf Champ’s Journey Karaoke Video Goes Viral – See Reactions

Perry dropped by the studio while they were tracking drums, and was soon adding vocals of his own. “I’ll forever bottle up his first reaction after the playback,” Lukather added. His excitement that we could resurrect an overlooked Journey song with new life obviously connected to the pipes, because Steve came in the next day and shook the house with his vocal performance.”

Describing “It Could Have Been You” as a “diamond in the rough,” Perry said his emotive new performance came as a surprise. “I must say, singing on their powerful track brought out a vocal experience in me from years ago!” he said.

Lukather recalled the session in seismic terms: “I think our neighbors thought it was the Northridge earthquake all over again,” he said. “The power of Steve’s vocals is on another level.”

Listen to Journey’s Original Version

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Update Also Had to Pass Muster With the Father-in-Law

“It Could Have Been You” was co-written by Perry, Neal Schon and Lukather’s father-in-law. So, he anxiously awaited Cain’s response, as well.

“To add to the pressure of doing it justice, not only did I want to knock it out of the park for my friend and mentor but for Jonathan Cain, who is the co-writer on this epic tune,” Lukather admitted. “I sent him the master when we finalized. He called me stunned and blown away. He praised the arrangement and performances and he said how [Steve Perry] sounded like a million bucks. To get the approval from them both was everything, but we have a feeling the world will connect to our version the way we all did making it.”

“It Could Have Been You” is available for purchase now. The Effect debuted in October with the quite different sounding “Unwanted.” Both songs will be part of a forthcoming album of several stylistic journeys that Collins says are held together by the group’s collaborative spirit.

“We never sat down and were like, ‘Okay, what kind of band do we want to sound like? What do we want to be?'” Collins tells UCR . “That just happens to be what the [sound is] with the four of us as individuals when you put us [together]. It was weird, I didn’t realize that until a couple of months in.”

The Effect, “It Could Have Been You” (Journey cover ft. Steve Perry)

Source: Steve Perry Sings on The Effect’s Cover of Journey’s ‘It Could Have Been You’

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Should you pull for Alsa in AFK Journey?

Alsa is the first Rate-Up banner character from the Song of Strife season in AFK Journey . Despite being a mage, this Mauler character excels in close-range combat and focuses on crowd-controlling single targets. That said, should you spend rolls and pull for her today?

Should you summon Alsa in the Rate-Up banner in  AFK Journey?

You should pull for at least one copy of Alsa . Her basic kit is well-suited for crowd control compositions alongside teams like Eironn, Arden, and Carolina, and her ability to create walls that block enemies on the battlefield can be highly disruptive, especially against melee characters. While there’s no team composition where she is the definitive star, you can build a crowd control team around her to make her work effectively and potentially be the top DPS.

If you have enough resources like Diamonds, Tidal, and Temporal Essences, it’s worth considering rolling for six copies of her to upgrade her EX Weapon to +10. Her EX Skill, Don of Terra, significantly reduces the cooldown and Energy requirements of her Vigorous Slam and Swift Evasion skills, allowing you to nearly stun-lock enemies and unleash her true potential. But since this requires a substantial resource commitment, I don’t recommend pursuing it unless you already have the necessary resources and have other characters at the same level to support her in a robust crowd control team.

Best Alsa character synergies in  AFK Journey

Alsa’s exceptional crowd control abilities make her an ideal fit for the control-heavy nuke team of Eironn, Arden, and Carolina. But they all need to be on Mythic+ to maximize effectiveness. In this setup, Eironn initiates the battle by casting his ultimate, which gathers all enemies together, enhancing the damage output of Arden and Carolina. Alsa ensures that the control effects continue throughout the fight, boosting her team’s damage even if Eironn is taken down. Since Alsa also deals area damage, she can potentially become the top DPS of this team. This is because all characters will be stacked together, allowing her to hit all five opposing heroes multiple times with her abilities.

All Alsa skills in AFK Journey

Billy Joel turns 75: His 75 best songs, definitively ranked

In his 75th year, Billy Joel is flourishing .

A decade of monthly sold-out concerts at his favorite venue, Madison Square Garden; an equally packed run of stadium shows with pals including Stevie Nicks and Sting; a long-tenured supporting cast who comprise his onstage musical family; a recent CBS concert special ; and, after 27 years, a return to the Billboard charts.

This doesn’t happen to most artists in what would be considered the twilight of their career.

But Joel, the plain-spoken New Yorker whose hands turn magical on a piano keyboard, has long defied norms.

Since his tinny 1971 debut, “Cold Spring Harbor,” Joel’s 82 singles have bounced from perceptive pop-rock (“You May Be Right,” “My Life,” “Pressure”) to giddy harmonizing (“Tell Her About It,” “Uptown Girl”) to introspective balladry (“She’s Always a Woman,” “And So It Goes”).

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His 122 recorded songs are met with scorn by some, adoration by many. He likely shrugs off both the ridicule and the praise.

Like his equally prolific peers – Elton John, Paul McCartney, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen – Joel has crafted a stylistically diverse catalog that demands appreciation for its melodic heft and lyrical finesse.

So, on the occasion of his 75th birthday being celebrated May 9, we’ve undertaken what might be considered a task – to rank Joel’s 75 best songs. But really, it’s a privilege.

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75. ‘Half a Mile Away’ (1978)

A track from “52 nd Street” that offers pleasant horn-infused jazz-pop but became overshadowed by album hits “Big Shot,” “Honesty” and “My Life.”

74. ‘The Great Wall of China’ (1993)

Taking aim at his former manager brother-in-law Frank Weber, whom Joel sued for mishandling millions of dollars, the song is understandably brimming with vitriol, which surely served its purpose at the time.

73. ‘Sleeping with the Television On’ (1980)

Unapologetic, straightforward pop that finds Joel channeling his inner Joe Jackson on this song from "Glass Houses."

72. ‘No Man’s Land’ (1993)

Thematically similar to “Allentown” with its illustration of economic woes, the lead song on the “River of Dreams” album digs into gentrification and suburban redevelopment – prime topics for Joel in middle age.

71. ‘Leningrad’ (1989)

Joel’s trip to the Soviet Union in 1987 was a trove of life experiences that he later worked into song, like this depiction of a Russian clown, Viktor Razinov, whom he met during his tour.

70. ‘Blonde Over Blue’ (1993)

While the title points to then-wife Christie Brinkley as the protagonist, the lyrics are more nuanced and imply that Joel is merely seeking inspiration.  

69. ‘Los Angelenos’ (1974)

Joel wrote the vigorous rocker during his time in L.A. and his observations about lost souls hoping to find the promised land on the West Coast also revealed just how much this New York native missed home.

68. ‘This Night’ (1983)

The B-side to “Leave a Tender Moment Alone” recalls Joel’s brief relationship with model Elle Macpherson (also the muse for “And So it Goes”) as he dives vigorously into front-stoop doo-wop.  

67. ‘Shades of Grey’ (1993)

On his “River of Dreams” album, Joel grappled with faith and growing complexities of life. This album track isn’t the most memorable, but continues his voyage through a shifting worldview.

66. ‘Scandinavian Skies’ (1982)

The anxiety is palpable in the jittery snare drum and wonky strings reminiscent of The Beatles’ psychedelic explorations as Joel recounts a nightmare drug experience.  

65. ‘Modern Woman’ (1986)

Found both on “The Bridge” and the soundtrack to “Ruthless People,” the chugging midtempo toe-tapper hit the Top 10 despite being thoroughly meh.

64. ‘That’s Not Her Style’ (1989)

Though penned for then-wife Brinkley (and featuring backing vocals from Richard Marx), it was a chart misfire that has dissolved in the enormous cauldron that is Joel’s catalog.  

63. ‘Lullabye (Goodnight, My Angel)’ (1993)

The simple piano ballad written for daughter Alexa Ray – who was about 8-years-old at the time – has a built-in audience with parents, but is a bit snoozy for everyone else.

62. ‘All for Leyna’ (1980)

New Wave flourishes from electric piano and synthesizers power the anecdotal odyssey of a man obsessed after a one-night stand.

61. ‘James’ (1976)

Written as a compilation of several people Joel knew at the time, the unassuming song about unrealized dreams comes with a tidy suggestion: “Do what’s good for you, or you’re not good for anybody.”

60. ‘A Matter of Trust’ (1986)

Some fans appreciated Joel’s desire to grind out electric guitar chords over a plodding beat. Others prefer him behind the piano.

59. ‘You’re My Home’ (1973)

If you’ve found a person who is your sanctuary, this tender acoustic guitar ballad should become your theme.

58. ‘Rosalinda’s Eyes’ (1978)

In a song that offers Fender Rhodes piano, a pan flute solo and a nod to his mother, Rosalind, Joel plays the part of a struggling musician who stays motivated because of love.

57. ‘Root Beer Rag’ (1974)

The instrumental is one of three in Joel’s arsenal, and he still breaks out this fleet-fingered ragtime bop in concert on rare occasion.

56. ‘She’s Right on Time’ (1982)

Joel had always refused his record label’s push for him to record a Christmas album, so he threw them this appetizer - an uplifting look at a couple reuniting with the holidays as the merry backdrop.

55. ‘Where’s the Orchestra?’ (1982)

The final song on “The Nylon Curtain” album is almost a precursor to 2024's “Turn the Lights Back On,” with its philosophical metaphors about curtain calls and curtain falls that represent the “is that all there is?” view of life – all embedded in orchestral swirls for added atmosphere.  

54. ‘Downeaster Alexa’ (1989)

Named for Joel’s boat – which was named for daughter Alexa Ray – it’s an account of impoverished fishermen so clearly drawn you can practically smell the salt water.

53. ‘Keeping the Faith’ (1983)

A goofy song from “An Innocent Man” that continues the album’s theme of honoring the sounds of the ‘50s and ‘60s with an easy, shuffling beat and head-bobbing chorus.

52. ‘The Night is Still Young’ (1985)

Shifting priorities compose the lyrical content, which is delivered in a mesmerizing cadence with a double-tracked vocal effect. The song – like “You’re Only Human (Second Wind)” – was a new addition to the “Greatest Hits – Volume I and Volume II” compilation.

51. ‘Streetlife Serenader’ (1974)

The opening track to the “Streetlife Serenade” album tiptoes in and then swings from contented melody to pointed crescendo under Joel’s measured playing.

50. ‘You’re Only Human (Second Wind)’ (1985)

Joel has made no secret of his lifetime struggle with depression, and he uses bouncy, syncopated synths as the cover for a song about fallibility and self-acceptance.

49. ‘Just the Way You Are’ (1977)

At one point, this syrupy piano ballad was inescapable at weddings. Fortunately, future generations moved on from the saccharine song.

48. ‘Leave a Tender Moment Alone’ (1983)

A lulling rhythm nudges and a sharp harmonica trills and thrills in the fifth single from “An Innocent Man.”

47. ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’ (1989)

There is no denying the infectiousness that comes with repetition, but Joel’s efficient listing of historical events plays much better live.  

46. ‘An Innocent Man’ (1983)

The title track of one of his most popular albums, a soulful homage to Ben E. King and the Drifters, includes some surprising high notes that Joel is still able to land.

45. ‘Storm Front’ (1989)

The titular song from Joel’s 11th album is a thundering march. It’s also the album that introduced the fabulous Crystal Taliefero, Joel’s percussionist/multi-instrumentalist to this day.

44. ‘The Longest Time’ (1983)

With finger snaps and handclaps, it’s evident that Joel is kneeling at the altar of doo-wop idols of the 1950s, such as Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, whom Joel has cited as an influence.

43. ‘All About Soul’ (1993)

Flings are fine, but Joel is more concerned about long-term devotion here (“Who’s standing now, who’s standing tomorrow?"). And a nibble for trivia buffs: Color Me Badd provides the backing vocals.

42. ‘Tell Her About It’ (1983)

Similar to “The Longest Time,” the first single from “An Innocent Man” is a perfumed R&B-tinged ditty with an uncomplicated message: Tell her you love her before it’s too late.

41. ‘Zanzibar’ (1978)

The snaking song is as jazz-heavy as anything Joel has written, steeped in trumpet solos and shuffling rhythms as he brings to life a sports bar that shares a name with the island.

40. ‘Code of Silence’ (1986)

A searing duet with Cyndi Lauper from Joel’s 10 th album, “The Bridge,” never saw life as a single, but remains one of the most potent exports from an underappreciated album.

39. ‘The Ballad of Billy the Kid’ (1973)

Joel has said he wanted to write an “impressionist” lyric, so there is no historical accuracy to his cinematic attempt, though the clip-clopping horse sounds and amplified chord progressions inject the song with plenty of swashbuckling drama.

38. ‘Only the Good Die Young’ (1977)

With cheerful handclaps and a lively backbeat as his weapons of seduction, Joel is brazen about his intentions: to have sex with the Catholic girl who is rebuffing his advances.

More: Billy Joel pays tribute to Tina Turner, Stevie Nicks enchants at co-headlining concert

37. ‘River of Dreams’ (1993)

Utilizing a loping beat and chanting chorus that sounds like an outtake from “The Jungle Book,” Joel leads listeners on his spiritual journey that questions the afterlife. It’s also the title track from the last studio album he produced.  

36. ‘Uptown Girl’ (1983)

Yes, it is very sweet that the woman Joel wrote the song about – his now-ex-wife Brinkley – still enjoys her theme song . It also happens to be Joel’s most authentic attempt at reimagining the sound of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

35. ‘Stiletto’ (1978)

Jabbing piano notes drive the spry, funky melody as Joel artfully applies a double meaning to stiletto, the woman’s shoe so sharp “you don’t even see the blade.”

34. ‘Honesty’ (1978)

Soft piano couches Joel’s pleas for truthfulness, but also trustworthiness, in a relationship as he renounces another pretty face “to tell me pretty lies,” yearning instead for “someone to believe.”

33. ‘This is the Time’ (1986)

Joel’s pensive reflection was a customary presence at proms and graduations, even though its meaning is as much a melancholy we-may-never-pass-this-way-again as it is a reminder to seize the moment.

32. ‘Sometimes a Fantasy’ (1980)

“Fun” and “romp” don’t often apply to Joel’s repertoire, but this caffeinated rocker about phone sex is both – and supremely catchy.

31. ‘Big Man on Mulberry Street’ (1986)

Joel recently told us in an interview he wrote this swinging jazz marathon with Sting in mind. The ambitious song came full circle when the former Police frontman joined Joel to perform it on his CBS special.

30. ‘Big Shot’ (1978)

A cranking guitar riff, a ton of attitude, a vague nod to Mick Jagger and a lyrical visit to storied New York hotspot Elaine’s was enough to propel this into the Top 15.  

29. ‘Famous Last Words’ (1993)

“These are the last words I have to say,” Joel sings frequently in the final song on “River of Dreams.” And until this year, he mostly stayed true to a sentiment from 30 years ago.

28. ‘Shameless’ (1989)

There is no doubt that Joel achieved his goal of writing a gritty guitar song a la Jimi Hendrix, even if the lyrics revel in openhearted pining. But Joel likely never thought Garth Brooks could make it even more intoxicating a couple of years later.

27. ‘She’s Got a Way’ (1971)

Much like “She’s Always a Woman,” Joel skillfully details the attributes of his object of affection with precise reasons for his adoration: a smile, a laugh, a touch. Who wouldn’t swoon?

26. ‘Baby Grand’ (1986)

It was undoubtedly a thrill for Joel to duet with one of his heroes, Ray Charles, on this touching ballad that spotlights a different kind of love – the one they share for the instrument that inhabits their lives.

25. ‘Turn the Lights Back On’ (2024)

The thoughtful ballad, Joel’s first new music in decades , is a rare co-write (with Freddy Wexler) and also marked Joel’s first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100 since 1997. His lauded reemergence also offered the quintessential Joel lyric: “Maybe you love me, maybe you don’t/maybe you’ll learn to, and maybe you won’t,” delivered with an audible shrug.

24. ‘Don’t Ask Me Why’ (1980)

Billy Joel goes Latin! Well, sort of. The Afro-Cuban rhythm and chugging percussion including maracas and castanets that power the “Glass Houses” track is an obvious detour for Joel, but an enticing one that climaxes with his midsong piano solo.

23. ‘It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me’ (1980)

Tapping into his penchant for snarky commentary, Joel takes delightful aim at a music industry as intent on forcing trends 40 years ago as it is today. Considering his enduring career, Joel’s assertion that regardless of style “it’s still rock ‘n roll,” seems particularly prescient.

22. ‘I’ve Loved These Days’ (1976)

This farewell to an unsustainable lifestyle (“So before we end and then begin/we'll drink a toast to how it's been”) doesn’t necessarily engender sympathy. But projected through Joel’s weary vocals, the ballad lasers in on the realities of “a passing phase.”

21. ‘Goodnight Saigon’ (1982)

The striking imagery of U.S. Marines in combat during the Vietnam War (the eerie whirring of helicopters, listening to The Doors, smoking hash) is visceral enough in audio form. But anyone fortunate enough to witness Joel perform this haunting reverie live knows that the song is intensified by the presence of local veterans he invites to stand onstage. The song, and those moments, are always masterfully patriotic.

20. ‘You May Be Right’ (1980)

The lead track from “Glass Houses” begins, appropriately, with the sound of shattering glass and rips into a stinging rock guitar riff. It’s a leather-jacket-and-motorcycle Joel who is unabashed in his self-assessment. You may be right, he may be crazy. Yes, and?

19. ‘Allentown’ (1982)

Joel has always embraced a blue collar aesthetic and the breezy musicality of the first song on 1982’s “The Nylon Curtain” album belies its lyrics about closing factories and unemployment lines in the steel belt Pennsylvania city with John Mellencamp-esque authenticity.

18. ‘She’s Always a Woman’ (1977)

Unquestionably Joel’s most romantic ballad (sorry, No. 49). He’s sensitive and honest, willing to embrace the icy side of his partner (“She’ll carelessly cut you and laugh while you’re bleeding”), celebrate her independent nature (“She can do as she pleases, she’s nobody’s fool”) and love her, flaws and all.

17. ‘Captain Jack’ (1973)

Joel’s winding study of suburban malaise – a topic explored in many of his best songs – is one of his earliest triumphs. It’s a bleak snapshot of a kid getting high to escape the morbidity of his life (“they just found your father in the swimming pool”) couched in simple piano chords. It’s also the song that caught the attention of Clive Davis and landed Joel his first major recording contract with Columbia Records.  

16. ‘Say Goodbye to Hollywood’ (1976)

As a fan of Ronnie Spector and the “Wall of Sound” production method of Phil Spector, Joel found the ideal blueprint – and introductory drumbeat – for his tale penned after his own move from Los Angeles to his native New York.

15. ‘Piano Man’ (1973)

Of course it is Joel’s signature song. But that hardly means it’s his best. In countless interviews, Joel has mused that the waltzing chord progression is monotonous and the lyrics akin to limericks. He is not wrong. Still, when he straps on his harmonica holder as his concerts edge toward their close (or encore), fans squeal in recognition and prepare to sway and shout along to the barroom fable.

14. ‘My Life’ (1978)

That jaunty piano hook and lyrics about avowing independence still resonate. Trivia note 1: It was used as the theme song to the Tom Hanks-starring sitcom “Bosom Buddies,” but with a different singer. Trivia note 2: Former Chicago singer Peter Cetera sings backup on the bridge and outro.

13. ‘And So it Goes’ (1989)

Joel recently told Howard Stern that the naked piano ballad, originally written in 1983 but not appearing on record until 1989’s “Storm Front,” is one of his favorites. Penned after his brief relationship with Elle Macpherson dissolved, the song shudders with relatable resignation. 

12. ‘Movin’ Out’ (1977)

The fictional Anthony (who works in the grocery store) and his Mama Leone (who left a note on the door) are the protagonists in another of Joel’s paeans to blue collar life. While it will always be remembered for the lyrical quirk about how working too hard can give you a heart attack (ack ack ack ack ack) and trading in a Chevy for a Cadillac (ack ack ack ack ack), the song underscores Joel’s ability to be playful and clever.    

11. ‘Everybody Loves You Now’ (1971)

Originally appearing on a demo tape that would lead to Joel’s 1971 debut album “Cold Spring Harbor,” this cynical look at stardom from afar – “Loneliness will get to you somehow, but everybody loves you now” – is an early indicator of Joel’s sardonic perspective on life.

10. ‘Miami 2017 (Seen The Lights Go Out on Broadway)’ (1976)

Joel was in peak songwriting mode in 1976 and 1977 and this vivid unfolding of an apocalypse hitting New York (the title refers to a favorite retirement city for New Yorkers) fueled by driving piano is among his epics. But Joel never could have imagined how lyrics such as “I watched the mighty skyline fall” and “They sent the carrier out from Norfolk” would eerily correlate to the Sept. 11 terrorist attack decades later.  

9. ‘The Stranger’ (1977)

The title track of Joel’s fifth album opens with casual whistling, which seemingly sets up a different kind of song. But his pulsing rocker with the snarling guitar lick about our hidden selves – the face “that we hide away forever” – and metaphorical masks is much deeper than the cheery stroll of an intro suggests.

8. ‘Pressure’ (1982)

Coiled synthesizers and a creeping backbeat form the nucleus of the first single from “The Nylon Curtain” album. Anxiety mounts in the music as Joel veers from mocking (“all grown up and no place to go”) and sneering about “Peter Pan advice” to laying bare the reality: You’ll have to deal with pressure.

7. ‘New York State of Mind’ (1976)

Much like “Say Goodbye to Hollywood” and “I’ve Loved These Days,” the elegant ode to Joel’s hometown was crafted after his return from Los Angeles. It’s wistful, but not sappy, as Joel pays homage to neighborhoods (Chinatown, Riverside) and newspapers (The New York Times, The Daily News) that reside in his soul. It’s become one of his most covered songs, with artists ranging from Tony Bennett to Barbra Streisand to Shirley Bassey appreciating the song’s poetic beauty.

6. ‘The Entertainer’ (1974)

The only single from his “Streetlife Serenade” album is a gloriously sarcastic examination of fleeting fame and the impossibility of pleasing public appetites longterm. Brimming with self-awareness, Joel takes some unsubtle digs at the music industry over whizzing synths and hard-strummed acoustic guitar, including the mandate to shorten “Piano Man” for radio. “I won’t be here in another year if I don’t stay on the charts,” he sings. Turns out that wasn’t a problem.

5. ‘Vienna’ (1977)

A meditative exploration of the pitfalls of aging too quickly, the stately piano song with curlicue notes was merely the B-side to “Just the Way You Are.” But in recent years, since Joel has played it regularly in concert, “Vienna” has become a fan favorite. It’s currently his third most-streamed song on Spotify, suggesting cross-generational appeal about a topic that never wanes.

4. ‘I Go to Extremes’ (1989)

Released when Joel was a 40-year-old superstar, the rollicking song applies punchy drums and piano to accentuate a midlife crisis. At one moment, Joel feels like he’s in the prime of his life, but then he’s “falling apart at the seams” during the gorgeously constructed bridge. The zippy piano coda adds an element of sunshine, but it can’t camouflage Joel’s underlying turbulence.

3. ‘Scenes From an Italian Restaurant’ (1977)

The longest song in Joel’s catalog (seven minutes and 37 seconds) is a mini-musical in three parts. A sprightly saxophone links the atmospheric opening (“a bottle of red, a bottle of white”) to a period of reminiscence shrouded in New Orleans Dixieland. Joel then delves into a twinkling piano interlude to introduce the ballad of Brenda and Eddie, aka the “king and the queen of the prom” who just couldn’t effectuate suburban happiness. “Scenes” was never released as a single, but most Joel devotees will agree that it’s the true highlight of his live shows.

2. ‘(Prelude) Angry Young Man’ (1976)

A thoroughly gripping intro – rapidly hammered piano keys, modeled on the drums in The Surfaris’ “Wipe Out,” and dynamic shifts in tempo – forms the “Prelude” before Joel slips into his “Angry Young Man” persona. Stuffed with rebellious spirit, this poor young fellow keeps trying to win (“He’s proud of his scars and the battles he’s lost”), but his idealism is continuously road blocked. Later verses from perhaps the same man, no longer young, emphasize a defeated spirit who ultimately realizes, “I had my pointless point of view/And life went on no matter who was wrong or right.” A frequent entry in his live albums (“Live at Shea Stadium: The Concert” is the friskiest), “Angry Young Man” showcases Joel at the pinnacle of Mount Cynicism. 

1. ‘Summer, Highland Falls’ (1976)

Joel’s “Turnstiles” album was hardly a hit. It peaked at No. 122 on the Billboard Top 200 and produced zero chart hits despite the presence of “New York State of Mind,” “Say Goodbye to Hollywood,” “Prelude/Angry Young Man,” “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” and this gem of an album track. It’s short – only 3:15 – but packs a mighty emotional wallop. The piano notes symbolize manic depression, seesawing between low and high, as Joel navigates a crumbling relationship and internalizes his conflictions. The kicker in each verse is unchanging – “It’s either sadness or euphoria.” It’s a sentiment that is pure Joel, but also one that, when examined deeply, prompts a gut check.

Swiss fans get ready to welcome Eurovision winner Nemo back home

Swiss Eurovision fans were getting ready to give a hero’s welcome to singer Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity

BERLIN — Swiss Eurovision fans were getting ready Sunday to give a hero’s welcome to singer Nemo, who won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest with “The Code,” an operatic pop-rap ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing a nongender identity.

The singer, who is Swiss but currently lives in Berlin, was to land in Zurich on Sunday night, national broadcaster SRF said.

Switzerland’s contestant beat Croatian rocker Baby Lasagna to the title by winning the most points from a combination of national juries and viewers around the world.

Nemo, 24, is the first nonbinary winner of the contest that has long been embraced as a safe haven by the LGBTQ community. Nemo is also the first Swiss winner since 1988, when Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion competed under the Swiss flag.

At a post-victory news conference, Nemo expressed pride in accepting the trophy for “people that are daring to be themselves and people that need to be heard and need to be understood. We need more compassion, we need more empathy.”

Nemo’s hometown of Biel congratulated the newly-crowned star online and said the residents were ready to celebrate them.

“Congratulations! The city of Biel is extremely proud and says: Bravo and Merci Nemo for the fantastic song and performance and also for carrying the colors of Biel out into the world!,” the town said on its website. “Your city will celebrate and welcome you.”

Biel, with a population of around 60,000, is located around 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of Basel on Lake Biel. The town is bilingual, German and French, and is considered the watchmaking capital of Switzerland.

“Nemo creates and moves freely between classical, alternative and popular culture,” the town’s culture official, Glenda Gonzalez Bassi, said. “A wonderful example of the dynamic and inclusive culture that we are proud of in Biel.”

Nemo — full name Nemo Mettler — bested finalists from 24 other countries, who all performed in front of a live audience of thousands and an estimated 180 million viewers around the world . Each contestant had three minutes to meld catchy tunes and eye-popping spectacle into performances capable of winning the hearts of viewers. Musical styles ranged across rock, disco, techno and rap — sometimes a mashup of more than one.

Across Switzerland, people were already starting to think ahead to next year, when the country will host the next Eurovision contest. Traditionally the county of the winner hosts the music competition the following year.

The cities of Geneva, Basel and St. Gallen have already positioned themselves to compete as hosts for the next contest, SRF reported.

“It is a great artistic and touristic opportunity to show the world what Switzerland is all about, and it is now up to us to take up this challenge together,” Gilles Marchand, Director General of the SRG media company, an association of many different Swiss media organizations.

As for Berlin — their adopted, second hometown — Nemo told German news agency dpa before the Eurovision contest that “I love Berlin so much because it’s such a creative city that is constantly changing. It’s a fun city.”

In the Croatian capital of Zagreb, thousands gathered at the main square to welcome second-placed Baby Lasagna on his return home. Chanting “We love you,” the crowd cheered as the singer performed his “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” rollicking rock number that tackles the issue of young Croatians leaving the country in search of a better life.

Croats had hoped for a victory and Baby Lasagna burst into tears when he came on stage, saying he didn’t expect such a big reception. “We did our best, I hope you are happy,” he said.

Croatia’s Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic was also in the crowd, saying, “We are proud to have had such a result, which is the best since Croatia became independent” from the former Yugoslavia in 1991.

Associated Press writer Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia contributed to this report.

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AFK Journey's Song of Strife update adds desert area and new characters

Alsa and Soren join AFK Journey's roster in its newest content update.

AFK Journey has received its first major update since its April launch. Farlight and Lilith Games have expanded the auto-battler with Song of Strife, an update that adds a new desert map, story mission, cosmetic items, and two new characters.

The Ashen Wastes is the newest area in AFK Journey. This desert biome features open areas of sand and dunes that dynamically react to the area around them. Here, you’ll find new characters to interact with and quests to tackle. Players who have completed the existing story content will continue it in the Ashen Wastes.

Most notably, the Songs of Strife update adds Alsa and Soren to its roster of characters. Hailing from the Mauler faction, players can use Rate Up Invitation Letters to try to unlock the two new characters. Alsa is a Mage who uses earth-based attacks while Soren is a Warrior with powerful knockback attacks.

Lastly, AFK Journey has added new modes in Dura’s Trials and Supreme Arena. Dura’s Trials is a PvE mode where players can unlock rare charms, while Supreme Arena is a PvP option where players compete in best-of-three matches for leaderboard placement.

Song of Strife is available now as a free update for AFK Journey players on PC and mobile devices. As Farlight and Lilith Games continue to grow and expand AFK Journey , stay right here on Shacknews.

Donovan is a young journalist from Maryland, who likes to game. His oldest gaming memory is playing Pajama Sam on his mom's desktop during weekends. Pokémon Emerald, Halo 2, and the original Star Wars Battlefront 2 were some of the most influential titles in awakening his love for video games. After interning for Shacknews throughout college, Donovan graduated from Bowie State University in 2020 with a major in broadcast journalism and joined the team full-time. He is a huge Scream nerd and film fanatic that will talk with you about movies and games all day. You can follow him on twitter @Donimals_

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Donovan Erskine posted a new article, AFK Journey's Song of Strife update adds desert area and new characters

Music | Review: Meet the most underrated band in Bay…

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Music | jung hoo lee leaves injured in 1st inning as sf giants can’t catch a break, music | review: meet the most underrated band in bay area rock music history, pablo cruise is way more than just the radio hits.

Pablo Cruise is the most underrated band in Bay Area music history.

The Sausalito-born group proved to be the complete package during its approximately 90-minute set at the lovely Menlo Park venue, solidly delivering 14 songs that appealed to listeners in various ways. There were the concise, hook-driven hits as well as other shiny pop-rock nuggets that should have been a.m. radio smashes back in the ’70s. There were also folksy numbers, jammed-out rockers and plenty of mesmerizing instrumental interludes.

And all of it was delivered by a band of first-rate players — founding members Cory Lerios on keyboards and David Jenkins on vocals and guitar as well as bassist Larry Antonino, drummer Sergio Gonzalez and vocalist Robbie Wyckoff.

Yet, the band rarely gets the credit for those kinds of things. Instead, many think of the group as a late ’70s flash in the pan with two, maybe three, songs you might want to hear and a career that was resurrected in large part due to Will Ferrell wearing a Pablo Cruise shirt in the 2008 comedy “Step Brothers.”

And none of that could be further from the truth (well, except for the Ferrell part). The band actually has a strong and deep songbook, built from seven albums that were released from 1975 to 1983.

Following a well-received opening set from Palo Alto bluesman AJ Crawdaddy (who once was a member of Pablo Cruise), the lights dimmed and a fun seven-minute video — covering the career arch of Pablo Cruise — was shown to the audience. (FYI: The video did touch upon the Ferrell factor.)

Then the five-piece outfit took the stage and opened with a charged-up version of “Worlds Away,” the title track to Pablo Cruise’s platinum-plus-selling fourth album from 1978. It was straight-up pop-rock joy — the kind that Journey and Toto fans would certainly appreciate — and performed with both great flare and meticulous care.

It was the first of many times in the evening when Jenkins would cause jaws to drop with his mighty guitar work. His playing, which has always provided the teeth to Pablo Cruise’s soft-rock hits and other recordings, has even more bite in concert than in the studio.

From there, the band peddled some fine yacht rock — the genre that championed smooth a.m. radio hits of the ’70s and early ’80s — as it sailed on with a pair of gorgeous ballads, “Cool Love” (from 1981’s “Reflector”) and “Raging Fire” (from 1977’s platinum-selling smash “A Place in the Sun”).

The latter was highlighted by incredible harmony vocal work and was so beautiful that it could have been a Crosby, Stills & Nash number. And if it had indeed been a CSN tune, it would have made it on their greatest hits album.

Next up was “Atlanta June,” which, believe it or not, was the original A-side to the single that gave the band it’s huge “Whatcha Gonna Do?” hit. And while that song failed to make it on the charts, it was one of the absolute highlights of this concert as it nicely showcased the powerful vocals of Wyckoff (who spent years singing with Roger Waters on tour).

Turning the calendar on “Atlanta June,” four-fifths of the band left the stage and Jenkins performed “Livin’ Inside of Your Love,” a mesmerizing solo acoustic folk-pop offering, filled with crafty and endearing lyrics, which was deeply reminiscent of the late-great John Prine. (And that’s about as big a compliment as we can give any folk-pop tune.)

Then Lerios — who grew up in Palo Alto, a stone’s throw (or so) away from the Guild  — took the stage and offered up a funny counterpoint to Jenkin’s softly romantic number with his own “I Get Tired Just Thinking of You.”

Humor was a huge part of the night, as Lerios and Jenkins playfully bickered and joked throughout the evening. The person sitting next to me compared the duo to the Smothers Brothers, a reference that probably says a lot about the age of both the band and their audience.

Lerios, for example, would draw big laughs when he discussed why he split ways with Jenkins in the ’80s, leading to the band’s breakup.

“We weren’t getting along very well,” he said, before adding with solid deadpan delivery and a sideways glance at Jenkins. “We still don’t.”

There was also a fun self-effacing zinger that came during the band member introductions, after Wyckoff explained how, before he got the call to join Pablo Cruise, he used to fly in private jets around the globe while touring with Roger Waters.

“After that phone call, I had to ask Robby, ‘Have you ever flown Southwest?'” Lerios joked of Pablo Cruise’s apparent means of air travel these days.

Lerios, however, probably isn’t hurting for money one bit. After all, he went on to have a very successful career in composing for TV and film after Pablo Cruise called it quits in the ’80s. His most notable work in that realm came when he landed the gig to do the music for “Baywatch” — and, as a reminder of such to fans, the band performed that TV show’s theme during the Guild concert.

The show reached another high point with the incredible jam through “Zero to Sixty in Five,” a standout from 1976’s “Lifeline” album that thoroughly reminded us of the great instrumental numbers that the group has recorded through the years. (I actually wish the band had played more instrumental songs — especially “El Verano” from “A Place in the Sun” and the 12-minute-plus “Ocean Breeze” from the first album.)

From there, it was hit city as Pablo cruised through the favorites “Don’t Want to Live Without It,” “I Go to Rio” and, of course, the dual smashes “Love Will Find a Way” and “Whatcha Gonna Do?”

It was a superb showing by a group that should be mentioned way more frequently whenever the topic of best Bay Area bands comes up.

Pablo Cruise plays tonight (Friday, May 10) at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma. For more information, visit pablocruise.com/shows .

1. “Worlds Away” 2. “Cool Love” 3. “Raging Fire” 4. “Atlanta June” 5. “Livin’ Inside of Your Love” 6. “I Get Tired Just Thinking of You” 7. “A Place in the Sun” 8. “Will You, Won’t You” 9. “Baywatch” theme 10. “Zero to Sixty in Five” 11. “Don’t Want to Live Without It” 12. “I Go to Rio” 13. “Love Will Find a Way” 14. “Whatcha Gonna Do?”

Pablo Cruise keyboardist Cory Lerios, left, and guitarist and vocalist, David Jenkins, perform in concert at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, Calif., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Pablo Cruise keyboardist Cory Lerios acknowledges fans as the band performs in concert at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, Calif., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Pablo Cruise performs in concert at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, Calif., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Pablo Cruise guitarist and vocalist, David Jenkins, performs in concert at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, Calif., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Pablo Cruise keyboardist Cory Lerios cheers with fans as the band performs in concert at the Guild Theatre in Menlo Park, Calif., on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

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