To Infinity and Beyond

You can’t mention the band Journey without mentioning Steve Perry, their iconic lead singer. But that wasn’t the case when the band first started. Journey was formed as a professional jazz/fusion “backing band” built by former Santana’s manager. In fact, guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist/vocalist Gregg Rolie were members of Santana’s band.

But in late 1977, Journey through Santana’s manager, brought Perry aboard and with a new contract in place with Columbia Records, the band was ready to take it to the next level.

For today’s Throwback Thursday, on this day in 1978, Journey released their fourth album (first with Perry), Infinity.

Leading things off is the bluesy ode to their home “city by the bay”, “Lights” that Perry actually wrote before joining the band (and it’s originally about Los Angeles - but don’t tell San Francisco Giants fans that fact).

The fuller, richer sound continued throughout the album, something that Perry clearly added along with producer Roy Thomas Baker. Baker had previously worked with David Bowie, The Rolling Stones and Queen. It’s the Queen influence Baker brought, with a layered sound approach, complete with harmonized lead guitars. It’s a complete shift from their previous albums, which while gaining chart success, it isolated some of their earlier fans.

Other highlights include when Perry shared lead vocals with Rolie, including the perfect contrast in the song “Feeling That Way” with their different pitched vocals. “Patiently” is the first song ever written by Perry and guitarist Neal Schon. Perry wrote the lyrics, in which he expresses the sadness of being on the road and away from home. Reminds me a little of one of their biggest hits, “Faithfully”.

Journey would only get better from here, releasing their two best albums in Evolution and Escape. But Infinity set the stage for hit after hit after hit. A new journey for all of us.