Unveiling teh Magic: The Surprising Origins of Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin”
When musicians are called to create somthing exceptional, they often delve into their innermost feelings for inspiration. However, during the recording of their iconic track “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon recalls that the producers had a rather unconventional request.
“They told me, ‘Play something simple,’” Schon shared in a recent conversation with Rick Beato.This unexpected direction might seem counterintuitive for a song centered on perseverance and hope, yet it’s often these unique approaches that lead to chart-topping hits.
A Cultural Milestone
Released in 1981 as part of Journey’s seventh studio album,Escape,”Don’t Stop Believin’” quickly climbed into the top 10 and has as evolved into a cultural touchstone. It’s influence extends beyond music; the song gained renewed fame after being featured in the series finale of the Sopranos in 2007 and is now a staple during the eighth inning at San Francisco Giants games.Notably, former lead singer Steve Perry led a singalong with fans during the Giants’ 2014 World Series game, showcasing the song’s enduring legacy.
Today, “Don’t Stop Believin’” holds a prestigious place in the Library of Congress National Recording Registry, a testament to its remarkable sales of over 18 million copies and its significant cultural impact.
Recognizing the Spark
Reflecting on the song’s creation, Schon remarked, “I sensed there was something special about it while we were experimenting in the studio.” He vividly remembers the moment he realized the song had the potential to transcend the album itself.”I told the guys, ‘I think we’ve created something that’s going to outshine this entire record.’” And indeed,decades later,that prediction came true.
The Power of Simplicity
Perhaps the key to its success lies in that initial request from producers Kevin Elson and Mike Stone: to play something simple. Schon responded with a “chunky rhythm part,” a straightforward chord progression that drives the song forward, especially noticeable in the third verse.
“It’s reminiscent of Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s ‘Taking Care of Business,’” Schon explained. ”It works so well that you might not even notice it, but if you remove it, the song feels incomplete.” He credits the producers for pushing him to explore this creative avenue, stating, “That’s what great producers do-they encourage you to dig deeper.”
Collaborative Genius
The creation of “Don’t Stop Believin’” was a collaborative effort among Schon, Perry, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, who had recently joined the band. In a 2023 interview with Guitar Player, Schon revealed that Cain introduced the chord progression, to wich he suggested a Motown-inspired bass groove to enhance the rhythm.
“Jon had the ‘Don’t stop believin” chorus ready, and we built the rest of the song around it,” Schon recounted. “I contributed the B section-‘Strangers, waiting’-and Perry loved it, so we pieced it all together.”
Breaking the Norm
Interestingly,the iconic chorus doesn’t appear until the end of the song. “It’s unusual for a hit song to follow that structure,” schon noted. “Typically, the first rule of songwriting is to get to the chorus quickly. We broke that rule and still created a hit, thanks to the engaging melody that carries the song.”
During the recording, Schon utilized his beloved 1977 gibson Les Paul, an instrument that fetched an remarkable $250,000 at auction in 2021. He recalls his significant contributions to the track, including a rapidly arpeggiated guitar part that introduces the second verse, likening it to something you might hear in a symphony, enhancing the song’s momentum.
Ultimately, this approach was a far cry from the initial directive to keep it simple.Yet,as evidenced by its accolades,including being named the Biggest Song of All Time by Forbes in March 2024,sometiems simplicity is the key to greatness.
