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.