Get ready to rock with one of Journey's most iconic anthems!
The Song
"Any Way You Want It" is a high-energy hard rock anthem by the American rock band Journey, released in February 1980 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Departure. Co-written by lead singer Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, the track immediately grabs listeners with its fast tempo, driving guitar riffs, and Perry's soaring, powerful vocals. The song's structure, featuring a distinctive guitar-vocal interplay and a catchy call-and-response chorus, was inspired by Thin Lizzy, particularly bassist Phil Lynott, whom Journey toured with in 1979.
The band deliberately chose "Any Way You Want It" to open the Departure album, showcasing a more energetic sound that marked a shift from their earlier progressive rock leanings. Keyboardist Gregg Rolie initially intended to use a Mellotron for the studio version, but due to a defect, co-producer Geoff Workman creatively layered it with Rolie's regular organ, resulting in the song's unique, almost "celestial" background sound.
The Artist
Journey formed in San Francisco in 1973, initially exploring a progressive rock sound. Their trajectory changed significantly with the addition of vocalist Steve Perry in 1978, leading to a more commercially oriented, song-driven approach that catapulted them to superstardom. The lineup for Departure, featuring Steve Perry (lead vocals), Neal Schon (guitars, backing vocals), Ross Valory (bass, backing vocals), Gregg Rolie (keyboards, backing vocals), and Steve Smith (drums), cemented the classic sound that defined their early 1980s success.
Journey became synonymous with arena rock, crafting numerous hit singles and multi-platinum albums throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Their blend of powerful instrumentation, intricate melodies, and Perry's distinctive vocal range earned them a place as one of the most iconic American rock bands.
Chart Performance
"Any Way You Want It" made a strong impact on the charts upon its release. It peaked at number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The single's success contributed to the overall performance of the Departure album, which became Journey's highest-charting album at that time, reaching No. 8 on the Billboard 200 album charts. This marked a pivotal moment for the band, solidifying their presence in the top tier of rock acts.
Cultural Impact
"Any Way You Want It" has transcended its initial chart run to become a timeless rock anthem and a significant part of popular culture. It's a staple on classic rock radio and remains a consistent crowd-pleaser at Journey's live shows, often used as a closing song due to its upbeat tempo and sing-along chorus.
The song's enduring appeal is evident in its widespread use across various media. It has been featured in iconic films like Caddyshack (1980) and Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle, and television series such as The Simpsons and Glee. Its infectious energy has also led to its inclusion in commercials, notably for State Farm insurance, which cleverly incorporated the song's lyrics into its ad campaign.
Fun Facts
- The music video for "Any Way You Want It" opens with a man at a jukebox, whose face is initially obscured. He selects the song, and the scene dissolves into Journey performing in the studio. At the video's conclusion, the man at the jukebox is revealed to be Steve Perry himself, who then smiles at the camera.
- Steve Perry and Neal Schon reportedly wrote the song on their tour bus, with Schon on acoustic guitar and Perry on vocals.
- The unique keyboard sound on the track was created because Gregg Rolie's Mellotron was defective in the studio, leading producers to double it with his regular organ.
- The band has continued to feature "Any Way You Want It" on several live albums, including Captured, Greatest Hits Live, Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour, and Revelation on DVD.
- The song's influence extended beyond its original release, with artists like Rise Against delivering a cover that paid homage to the original while adding their own twist.
- Steve Perry has cited Thin Lizzy bassist Phil Lynott as a major influence, stating he "loved his ability and phrasing" and considered him "one of the more under-recognized geniuses of that era."