Journey's electrifying anthem "Only The Young" perfectly captured the youthful spirit of the mid-eighties.
The Song
Released in 1985, "Only The Young" was a powerful rock ballad by the iconic American band Journey. Initially recorded for the soundtrack of the film Vision Quest, it ultimately found its home as the opening track on Journey's ninth studio album, Raised on Radio. Co-written by lead singer Steve Perry and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, the song encapsulates themes of youthful resilience, hope, and the challenges of growing up. Its soaring vocals and anthemic chorus made it an instant classic, even before its album release.
The Artist
Journey, formed in San Francisco in 1973, rose to prominence with a signature sound blending hard rock with melodic pop. By the mid-1980s, the band — featuring the powerhouse lineup of Steve Perry (vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Randy Jackson (bass), and Larrie Londin (drums) — was at the height of its commercial success. Raised on Radio marked a significant period for the band, being the last album with Perry as the primary lead vocalist for many years, making "Only The Young" a poignant opener for that chapter.
Chart Performance
"Only The Young" performed strongly on the charts, solidifying Journey's continued dominance in the rock landscape. The single reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. It also saw success on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart, peaking at number 3. Its robust chart performance underscored the song's widespread appeal and its resonance with a broad audience.
Cultural Impact
While not explicitly tied to a major film release as initially intended, "Only The Young" nonetheless became an enduring symbol of 80s rock anthems. Its themes of youthful exuberance and perseverance struck a chord with a generation. The song's inclusion on Raised on Radio, a highly anticipated album, further cemented its place in popular culture, contributing to the album's multi-platinum success. It remains a fan favorite and a staple on classic rock radio stations, often evoking nostalgia for a specific era of American rock music.
Fun Facts
- "Only The Young" was originally intended for the soundtrack of the 1985 film Vision Quest, but Journey's label, Columbia Records, pulled the track to include it on Raised on Radio instead.
- The song was the first single released from the Raised on Radio album.
- The music video features the band performing the song live, showcasing their energetic stage presence.
- Though Randy Jackson is pictured in the video and credited on the album, session musicians, including Larrie Londin on drums and Bob Glaub on bass, performed on the recording of "Only The Young" and much of the Raised on Radio album.
- Upon its release, Raised on Radio went triple-platinum in the United States.