The Essential Journey

This compilation gathers the essential Journey tracks—and not just the obvious radio hits. Sequenced non-chronologically, The Essential Journey focuses on the Steve Perry era, save for “Just the Same Way” from 1979's Evolution, where original singer Gregg Rolie took the mic. The first half of this 32-track collection is top-heavy with chart toppers. Some of the less predictable choices include the breakup ballad “Who’s Crying Now,” the homesick/lovesick serenade “Send Her My Love,” and the sultry “After the Fall,” which punctuated a steamy scene between Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay in the 1983 film Risky Business. The second half boasts a good grip of fan favorites and album cuts, starting with the KISS-sounding hard rocker “Chain Reaction,” followed by the powerful “Message of Love” from the band’s unsuccessful 1996 comeback album Trial by Fire. Other gems include the riff-heavy “Stone in Love,” an endearing rocker with lyrics that poetically muse on coming of age in the '70s. A live version of “The Party’s Over” closes appropriately.