Who's Crying Now

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove to some sweet trivia about Journey's "Who's Crying Now" from their iconic 1981 album, Escape. This track, a million-selling, RIAA Gold-certified single, was penned by frontman Steve Perry and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. Perry shared in an interview with American Songwriter that the song’s chorus came to him while driving from Los Angeles, capturing it on his mini cassette player—a true moment of inspiration on the road. The song’s bittersweet lyrics, like “One love, feeds the fire / One heart, burns desire,” explore the complexities of love, blending soulful vibes with Journey’s signature rock sound. It climbed to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts, though it only hit #46 in the UK, outshone later by “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Another cool tidbit comes from a 2023 X post by guitarist Neal Schon, who asked fans if his melodic solo in “Who’s Crying Now” helped make it a global hit. Many fans agreed, noting how the solo’s singable quality amplified the song’s emotional punch. The track also showcases Ross Valory’s tasteful bass lines and Cain’s unvarnished piano intro, which Perry built upon with his rich, soul-inspired vocals. Fans on Journey Force Fan Club often rave about how this song captures the band’s ability to stand out among other AOR giants, cementing Escape as a classic.

Now, let’s rewind to how Journey got their start. Formed in San Francisco in 1973, the band emerged from a fusion of former members of Santana, the Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch. Neal Schon, a guitar prodigy who joined Santana at just 15, teamed up with keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory, rhythm guitarist George Tickner, and drummer Prairie Prince. Initially called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, they rebranded as Journey and debuted live on New Year’s Eve 1973. After some lineup tweaks, including Aynsley Dunbar replacing Prince on drums, they released their self-titled debut in 1975. The addition of Steve Perry in 1977, with his powerful vocals, marked a turning point, leading to their breakthrough with the 1978 album Infinity and the hit “Wheel in the Sky.”

Journey’s biggest success came between 1978 and 1987, especially with Perry as lead vocalist and Cain joining in 1980, replacing Rolie. Their 1981 album Escape, featuring “Who’s Crying Now,” hit #1 on the Billboard 200 and went Diamond, selling over 10 million units. Despite lineup changes over the years, including Perry’s departure in 1998 and the arrival of current vocalist Arnel Pineda in 2007 (discovered by Schon on YouTube), Journey remains a rock powerhouse. As of 2024, Schon is the last original member, joined by Cain, Pineda, Deen Castronovo, Jason Derlatka, and Todd Jensen. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, a testament to their enduring legacy.

Stay connected with Journey through their official Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for the latest updates on tours and releases. Fans can also dive into the community at the Journey Force Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over trivia and share their love for the band. For more fan-driven content, check out sites like Journey Tribute, which celebrates the band’s legacy with news and tributes. Keep spinning those records, Zoo Crew!