Journeying Through Time: A Dive Into “Only the Young” by Journey

Rediscovering the Spirit of Youth with Journey

Journey, the iconic American rock band formed in 1973, has made an indelible mark in the hearts of music enthusiasts everywhere. With their unique blend of progressive rock and arena anthems, the band produced hit after hit, earning them their rightful place among rock’s legends. One such classic is “Only the Young,” a song that captures the spirit of youth and the fire that drives them.

Originally intended for release on Journey’s 1983 “Frontiers” album, “Only the Young” ended up being cut from the record. However, it later gained widespread attention when it was included on the 1985 soundtrack for the movie “Vision Quest.” The song quickly climbed the charts, ultimately reaching number nine on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of their most beloved anthems.

The story behind “Only the Young” is a testament to the band’s resilience and determination. The track was written by Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, and Steve Perry, who at the time were facing personal and professional challenges. The uplifting and soaring melody, combined with Perry’s distinct vocals, evokes a sense of hope and a yearning for adventure that transcends generations.

Throughout their career, Journey has seen their fair share of line-up changes, with the current incarnation consisting of Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Steve Smith, Jonathan Cain, and lead vocalist Arnel Pineda. However, the band’s members have always stayed true to their roots and their signature sound, which has earned them numerous accolades. Journey received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005, and in 2017, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

While Journey has garnered immense success over the years, it’s important to acknowledge that their journey was not without obstacles. Some critics argue that the band’s commercial appeal led to a dilution of their sound and that they lost some of the progressive elements that initially set them apart. Despite these criticisms, it’s undeniable that Journey has remained a staple in the rock music scene, with their anthemic tunes continuing to inspire listeners around the world.

In conclusion, “Only the Young” stands as a shining example of Journey’s ability to tap into the spirit of youth and adventure. The song’s timeless message of hope and resilience continues to captivate listeners today, proving that it’s never too late to rediscover our inner fire and embark on our own journeys.

Charting the Journey of a Timeless Classic

“Only the Young,” a powerful and captivating anthem by Journey, made its mark upon its release on February 2, 1985. Despite not being included in any of the band’s studio albums, the song found its way into the hearts of fans and climbed the charts due to its presence in the soundtrack of the movie “Vision Quest.”

The song made a strong debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, entering at an impressive #60 position. It continued to ascend the chart, and on April 6, 1985, “Only the Young” reached its peak position at #9. This top 10 placement highlights the enduring appeal of the song, which has resonated with generations of listeners.

As for other chart achievements, “Only the Young” managed to secure the #3 spot on the Billboard Top Tracks chart, further solidifying its status as a rock classic. In addition, the song garnered significant airplay on radio stations across the nation, ensuring its place in the hearts and minds of Journey fans and music lovers alike.

Notably, “Only the Young” became one of Journey’s last top 10 hits in the 1980s, as lineup changes and a shift in the music landscape led to a temporary dip in the band’s chart success. However, the song’s performance on the charts remains a testament to the timeless nature of Journey’s music and the enduring appeal of their anthems.

Dissecting the Spirit of the Lyrics

Another night in any town
You can hear the thunder of their cry
Ahead of their time
They wonder why

Only the young can say
Only the young can say
Only the young can say
Only the young can say

The lyrics of “Only the Young” by Journey resonate with the spirit of the time and the events of the era it was written in. Released in 1985, the song captures a generation craving change and seeking solidarity. The decade was marked by significant social, economic, and cultural developments, with increased consumerism, technological advancements, and the growth of the entertainment industry.

The lyrics paint a picture of the youth’s boldness and courage, proclaiming, “Brave carry on, bold and the strong.” This serves as an anthem for a generation ready to push boundaries and question the status quo. The lines, “They’re seein’ through the promises, and all the lies they dare to tell” highlight the skepticism of the youth towards the political and societal systems of the time.

In the chorus, the repeated lines “Only the young can say, they’re free to fly away, sharing the same desires, burnin’ like wildfire” reflect the unifying spirit of this younger generation, undeterred by the challenges they face. These lyrics evoke a sense of freedom, shared dreams, and passion that is characteristic of the youth, who remain hopeful despite the adversities they encounter.

By diving into the lyrics of “Only the Young,” it becomes evident that the song captures the essence of the era, mirroring the hopes, dreams, and defiance of a generation ready to take on the world. The song remains a timeless testament to the power of youth and their unwavering spirit.

A Visual Journey: Only the Young’s Music Video

Though the song “Only the Young” by Journey was released in 1985, it wasn’t until 2005 that a music video was finally produced for the beloved track. Directed by the talented video artist team of Paul Brown and Jerry Slick, this music video captures the essence of the song, and brings the band’s iconic sound to life in a visually appealing way.

The production of the “Only the Young” music video was kept fairly simplistic, maintaining the focus on the band’s performance. Shot entirely in black and white, the video features Journey’s members performing the song on a dimly lit stage surrounded by fog, giving off an atmospheric and nostalgic vibe. The choice of black and white adds an artistic touch, accentuating the timelessness of the song and the band itself. The band members’ on-screen chemistry is palpable, as they energetically perform the song with passion and intensity.

In addition to the main performance shots, the video is interspersed with close-ups of the musicians playing their instruments, particularly highlighting the talents of guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. These close-ups allow fans to get an up-close view of the skilled musicianship that makes Journey such a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music.

Though the budget for the “Only the Young” music video has not been publicly disclosed, it is evident that the focus was on band performance, and not on elaborate special effects or set pieces. The result is a video that feels intimate and genuine, allowing the music to take center stage and resonate with viewers.

Over the years, fans have also created their own tributes and videos for “Only the Young.” These fan-made creations range from simple lyric videos to elaborate fan-fiction storylines set to the song, showcasing the lasting impact and inspiration that Journey’s music continues to have on listeners. These fan tributes have amassed thousands of views on YouTube, further proving the song’s enduring popularity.

Overall, the official music video for “Only the Young” provides a simple yet visually striking complement to the song, while fan tributes celebrate and expand upon the themes and emotions present in the music.

The Mastermind Behind ‘Only the Young’

Continuing our deep dive into Journey’s 1985 hit song, “Only the Young,” let’s take a moment to appreciate the creative genius behind the composition. Jonathan Cain, the band’s keyboardist and primary songwriter, was the mastermind behind this beloved tune. But Cain’s work with Journey is not limited to this one song; he has been an integral part of the band’s success for many years.

In fact, Jonathan Cain is responsible for writing or co-writing several other notable Journey hits, including the timeless classic “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which continues to resonate with listeners today. Another of his well-known compositions is “Faithfully,” a beautiful ballad that showcases the band’s penchant for heartfelt lyrics and powerful melodies. With a knack for crafting memorable songs that resonate with a wide audience, it’s no wonder that Cain has been an essential part of Journey’s enduring success.

A Journey Through Accolades, Appearances, and Covers

“Only the Young,” released in 1985 by Journey, has enjoyed a significant amount of recognition and success over the years, both in terms of awards and appearances in various media. The song, originally recorded for the band’s 1983 album “Frontiers,” was left off the album, but it didn’t remain hidden for long. The track gained popularity after being featured on the soundtrack of the 1985 movie “Vision Quest,” starring Matthew Modine and Linda Fiorentino.

Although “Only the Young” did not receive any specific awards, it reached an impressive peak position of #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1985. Its parent album “Frontiers” was certified platinum multiple times, with the band receiving accolades for their overall contribution to the music industry, which includes a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The song has become a fan favorite, and its popularity resulted in its inclusion in various television shows and video games. For instance, “Only the Young” made an appearance in the hit TV series “Glee,” in which it was performed by the show’s main cast during the fourth season’s episode “Sweet Dreams.” The song has also been featured in the popular rhythm video game “Rock Band 3,” allowing fans to interact with Journey’s music in a new and exciting way.

Throughout the years, “Only the Young” has inspired various artists to create their own renditions of the song. Notable covers include a version by American Idol contestant and singer-songwriter David Archuleta, who performed the song during the show’s seventh season in 2008. Additionally, the track has been covered by progressive metal band Queensrÿche for their 2019 album “The Verdict.”

With its powerful lyrics and iconic melody, “Only the Young” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Whether it is through awards, appearances in movies and TV shows, or inspiring other artists to recreate its magic through covers, the song’s legacy will, without a doubt, live on in the annals of rock music history.

Diving into the Musical Landscape

Journey’s “Only the Young” is an exemplary piece of music that showcases the band’s mastery and prowess in songwriting, arrangement, and production. It is a well-crafted anthem that resonates with their listeners, and its musical aspects contribute to its timeless charm.

“Only the Young” is written in the key of D Major, which is known for its bright tonality and expressive quality. The song starts with a catchy and uplifting guitar riff, quickly grabbing the listener’s attention. The main chord progression throughout the verses follows a I-IV-V pattern (D-G-A), creating a sense of familiarity and comfort. This progression is an essential element of classic rock, and Journey employs it effectively to convey the youthful spirit and optimism the song represents.

The tempo of the song is a moderate 128 beats per minute (BPM), which is perfect for evoking the anthemic feel of the track. The steady rhythm and driving drums propel the song forward, while the bass guitar holds down the foundation, providing the necessary groove to keep the listener engaged. The song structure follows a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format, making it easy for listeners to follow along and sing their hearts out.

One of the most striking features of “Only the Young” is the use of vocal harmonies. Journey’s lead vocalist, Steve Perry, delivers a powerful and soaring performance throughout the song, with his signature melismatic style and impressive range. The backing vocals, however, add depth and texture to the mix, accentuating the anthemic quality of the song. The harmonies are primarily constructed in thirds, which is a common technique in pop and rock music for creating a sense of fullness and richness in the vocal arrangements.

Another interesting aspect of “Only the Young” is its use of various guitar techniques. In addition to the aforementioned introductory riff, the song features palm-muted power chords, melodic lead lines, and a climactic guitar solo that showcases the lead guitarist’s technical prowess. The solo, specifically, employs a mix of pentatonic and diatonic scales, making excellent use of bends, slides, and hammer-ons to create an emotionally charged and memorable moment in the song.

In conclusion, the intricate and thoughtful musical elements in Journey’s “Only the Young” contribute to its enduring appeal as a classic rock anthem. The song’s key, chord progressions, tempo, structure, and arrangement all work together to create a captivating and inspiring listening experience that has stood the test of time.