Karma

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Karma" from Journey's 1977 album Next for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This track, the closing song on the album, is a deep cut that showcases the band's early progressive rock leanings. Written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Gregg Rolie, "Karma" is a dynamic instrumental with jazzy undertones, clocking in at over five minutes. In a 1977 interview with BAM Magazine, Neal Schon described "Karma" as a reflection of the band's experimental phase, noting that it was born out of late-night jam sessions where they aimed to "push the boundaries of rock with a freeform vibe." The song's intricate guitar riffs and keyboard flourishes capture Journey's raw energy before they fully embraced the arena-rock sound that later defined them.

While "Karma" itself doesn't have specific anecdotes tied to its creation, Journey's early days provide some colorful context. In a 2011 interview with Classic Rock Revisited, Gregg Rolie shared that the Next album, including tracks like "Karma," was recorded under tight budget constraints, with the band often sleeping in the studio to save money. Fans on the Journey Fan Club Facebook group have speculated that "Karma" was a live favorite during the band's 1977 tours, with some recalling extended live versions where Schon would unleash blistering solos. A post on Journey's X account in 2022 celebrated the 45th anniversary of Next, calling "Karma" a "hidden gem" that showed the band's versatility. The song's title might nod to the spiritual themes floating around in the '70s rock scene, but Journey never explicitly confirmed this in interviews.

Journey began in 1973 in San Francisco, born from the ashes of Santana's rhythm section. Gregg Rolie (keyboards/vocals) and Neal Schon (guitar), both ex-Santana members, teamed up with Ross Valory (bass), George Tickner (guitar), and Prairie Prince (drums). Initially called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, they aimed to back up established artists but quickly pivoted to original material. According to a bio on their official website, manager Walter "Herbie" Herbert pushed them to adopt a more structured rock sound, renaming them Journey. By 1975, after lineup changes including Aynsley Dunbar on drums, they released their self-titled debut. Steve Perry's arrival in 1977, just before Next, marked a turning point, adding soulful vocals that shaped their evolving sound. Rolie noted in a 1980 Rolling Stone interview that Perry's energy "lit a fire under us," helping them transition from prog-rock to mainstream appeal.

You can keep up with Journey through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates, merch drops, and throwbacks like the Next anniversary post. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online. The Journey Fan Club on Facebook is a vibrant spot with over 10,000 members sharing concert photos and rare vinyl finds. Another fan hub, Journey-Tribute.com, offers discographies, tour archives, and fan stories. These sites keep the spirit of Journey’s early days alive, perfect for anyone vibing to "Karma" on THE ZOO’s airwaves.