Journey (1979) When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy)

A bright dose of pop rock balladry from one of the giants of classic rock, Journey. In 1979 they were quickly rising to the top, and here this song with the soulful vocals of Steve Perry, the thick guitar fluidity of Neal Schon's guitar and their ecstatic pop harmonies proved a formidable mix along the arena rock crowd of Van Halen, Foreigner and REO Speedwagon. While they had strong singles, few of their deep cuts had the same original flair or stand out quality, I chose this song for being an accurate reflection of the band as it headed into it's 80s heyday soon to ditch the jazz rock ambitions and keyboard work of Gregg Rolie in favour of a more synthetic glam pop attack. The track manages to turn the dark subject of loneliness into an upbeat song following their aerial acrobatic formula of soaring vocals and guitar licks.