Listen To Your Heart

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, groovin’ to the soulful vibes of Listen To Your Heart by Steve Perry from his 1994 album For the Love of Strange Medicine! This track is a deep cut from Perry’s second solo venture, a record that marked his return after nearly a decade away from the spotlight. While not a chart-topping single like You Better Wait, Listen To Your Heart carries that signature Perry emotional punch, with its introspective lyrics and soaring vocals. Fun fact: the album, including this song, was co-produced by Perry himself alongside James “Jimbo” Barton, showcasing his hands-on approach to crafting every note. In a rare 1994 interview with the Journey Force newsletter, Perry talked about the album’s creation, saying he poured his heart into the songs after feeling disconnected from music post-Journey. He described the process as a “cathartic release,” and you can feel that raw emotion in the gentle, pleading tone of Listen To Your Heart.

Digging into the song’s trivia, Listen To Your Heart wasn’t released as a single, so it flew under the radar for many casual listeners. However, die-hard fans on platforms like ForTheLoveOfStevePerry.com praise its understated beauty, often calling it a hidden gem for its heartfelt delivery. The track features contributions from guitarist Lincoln Brewster, whose soulful playing Perry raved about in the same Journey Force interview. Perry discovered Brewster through a demo tape passed along by bassist Randy Jackson, and he was blown away by the “heart” in Brewster’s playing—something you can hear in the song’s melodic guitar lines. On X, fans occasionally share love for the track, with one user in 2023 posting, “Listen To Your Heart is Steve at his most vulnerable—pure magic.” The song’s lyrics, co-written by Perry, seem to reflect a personal plea for connection, possibly tied to the emotional turmoil he faced during his hiatus from music.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Perry got his start. Born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, he grew up in a musical family. His dad was a singer, and young Steve was captivated watching him perform. In a 2018 interview with Classic Rock, Perry recalled a pivotal moment at age four, thinking, “I can do that,” while watching his father on stage. But it was hearing Sam Cooke’s Cupid on the radio that flipped a switch—Perry knew he wanted to sing. He started performing in local bands, but his big break came in 1977 when he joined Journey as their lead singer, replacing Robert Fleischman. Perry’s powerful, soulful voice transformed the band’s sound, bringing a pop-rock edge that skyrocketed them to fame with albums like Infinity and Escape. His first solo album, Street Talk, dropped in 1984, spawning the hit Oh Sherrie, proving he could shine outside Journey.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to stay connected with Steve Perry, check out his official website for updates on his music and rare personal messages. He’s active on Facebook, where he shares throwbacks and new releases, and Instagram, posting nostalgic pics and studio snippets. On X, he engages with fans, often retweeting their love for his work. For fan communities, ForTheLoveOfStevePerry.com is a tribute site packed with discography details and fan stories, run by dedicated supporters not affiliated with Perry’s team. You can also join the Steve Perry Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks like you share memories, rare photos, and love for “The Voice.” Keep spinning those records, and let Listen To Your Heart guide your soul!