You Better Wait

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s your groovy pals at THE ZOO radio station, spinning the soulful sounds of Steve Perry’s “You Better Wait” from his 1994 album For the Love of Strange Medicine. This track, the album’s lead single, hit the airwaves with a bang, climbing to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 1 in Canada on September 19, 1994. Co-written with Lincoln Brewster, Paul Taylor, Moyes Lucas, J. Pierce, and G. Hawkins, the song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young dreamer chasing love and ambition, with lines like “She was only a child, someone to hold on” and “Beauty queen, I met her in a magazine.” Its arena-rock vibe, paired with Perry’s iconic voice, makes it a standout, described by one review as “solid, made-to-order soundtrack rock” that feels like it could score a classic ‘90s film montage.

Digging into the trivia, “You Better Wait” marked Steve Perry’s big return after nearly a decade away from the spotlight following his departure from Journey in 1987. In a rare Japanese TV interview around the album’s release, Perry described the “strange medicine” of the album’s title as a metaphor for life’s driving forces—“love, a desire for fame, a lack of money; anything, really.” This introspective tone carries into the song, which some fans interpret as a cautionary tale about rushing into life’s temptations. The music video, released in 1994, captures Perry’s emotive performance, though specific behind-the-scenes details remain scarce. Despite the album’s mixed critical reception, with some calling it stuck in an “early ‘80s smokescreen,” “You Better Wait” resonated with fans, helping the album achieve gold certification by the RIAA in September 1994.

Now, let’s rewind to how Steve Perry, born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, became the legendary voice we know today. Growing up in a Portuguese-American family, Perry was drawn to music early, inspired by his father, Raymond Pereira, a vocalist, and icons like Sam Cooke and Al Jolson. A pivotal moment came when he heard Cooke’s “Cupid” on the radio, sparking his dream to sing. Perry’s early years saw him fronting local bands, but his big break came in 1977 when he joined Journey, replacing their original lead singer Robert Fleischman. Initially introduced as a “roadie’s Portuguese cousin” during a soundcheck in Long Beach, Perry’s powerful vocals won over the band, debuting publicly on October 28, 1977, in San Francisco. His pop-infused style transformed Journey’s progressive rock sound, leading to their 1978 album Infinity, which sold 3 million copies and launched hits like “Lights.”

Perry’s tenure with Journey from 1977 to 1987, and briefly from 1995 to 1998, produced anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Any Way You Want It,” earning him the nickname “The Voice” from Jon Bon Jovi. His solo career kicked off with 1984’s Street Talk, featuring the hit “Oh Sherrie,” followed by For the Love of Strange Medicine in 1994. After a long hiatus, Perry returned in 2018 with Traces, proving his voice still captivates. Ranked No. 76 on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time,” Perry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Journey in 2017.

Zoo Freaks, you can keep up with Steve Perry through his official channels: visit his website at steveperry.com, like his page on Facebook, follow him on Instagram, and check his posts on X. For fan communities, dive into the tribute site fortheloveofsteveperry.com, which celebrates Perry’s career with Journey and solo work. You can also join fan discussions at The Perry Plaza and Hotel, a vibrant forum for devotees. So, crank up “You Better Wait,” let Perry’s voice soar, and keep the hippie vibes flowing!

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