Journey Guitarist Was Told to ‘Play Something Dumb,’ Leading to Pop Culture Favorite ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ ‘ 45 Years Ago

**Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin”: From Underwhelming Release to Pop Culture Phenomenon**

In 1981, rock band Journey introduced the world to “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a catchy tune that has since become an enduring anthem. Initially, the song’s reception was lukewarm, failing to generate significant chart success. Yet, it has undergone a remarkable transformation, largely spurred on by its inclusion in various pop cultural milestones such as the television series *The Sopranos* and *Glee*.

Guitarist Neal Schon reflected on the creative process behind the song in an interview recently, revealing intriguing insights into its inception. He recounted how producers Kevin Elson and Mike “Clay” Stone encouraged him to create something simple while recording the rhythm guitar. At the time, Schon had an inkling of the song’s potential greatness. “When we were messing around with it in the studio, I felt there was something special about it,” he stated. However, the initial release was met with indifference, as it did not achieve high rankings on the charts compared to other singles from the same album.

The song’s trajectory took a significant turn in the mid-2000s, as it featured prominently at the end of the final episode of *The Sopranos* in 2007. David Chase, the creator of the iconic series, shared his thought process behind the choice of “Don’t Stop Believin'” during an interview for the *WTF with Marc Maron Podcast*. He revealed that the song was among several contenders for the show’s closing scene, adding that his team’s initial reaction was far from enthusiastic. “Oh, Jesus Christ, no. Don’t do that! Ugh, f—,” was the response he received. Nevertheless, Chase remained convinced of the song’s potential to resonate with audiences, stating that it had a certain “lovable” quality.

Two years later, the song re-emerged, this time as a recurring theme on the musical television series *Glee*. The show, which ran from 2009 to 2015, revived the song, featuring it in six different episodes. While the initial reaction from Journey was one of trepidation, particularly from Schon who regarded *Glee* as a “teenybopper show,” it ultimately broadened the audience for their music. He admitted, “Little did I know that it would open up a younger generation to our music.”

The experience of reviving this classic composition impacted not only Schon but also Jonathan Cain, another member of the band. In an interview with *The Guardian*, Cain reflected on the enduring nature of the song. “Every song has a destiny,” he noted, highlighting how “Don’t Stop Believin'” did not gain much mainstream attention upon its original release, peaking at only number nine on the charts. Despite this, its appeal has persisted over the decades.

Cain further commented on the song’s message, emphasising its ability to inspire hope. “It gives you permission to dream. There are still a lot of small-town girls and city boys wanting to get on a midnight train going anywhere,” he articulated, suggesting that the universal quest for opportunity and hope remains ever-relevant. This sentiment strikes a chord with listeners, reinforcing the song’s essence as an anthem for aspiration and perseverance.

Journey’s combination of rock melodies and evocative lyrics has enabled “Don’t Stop Believin'” to endure through the years, capturing the imagination of new generations. From its humble beginnings to becoming recognised as one of the most iconic songs in pop culture, the song illustrates how a creative work can achieve lasting significance, sometimes long after its initial release.

As the years go by, “Don’t Stop Believin'” shows no signs of waning in popularity, having firmly established its place in the musical canon. Journey’s journey — from the studio to the screens of millions — demonstrates the unpredictable nature of artistic resonance in the landscape of popular culture. Today, it serves not only as a beloved piece in the band’s discography but also as a quintessential anthem for anyone holding onto their dreams and aspirations.