Journey has become synonymous with the classic rock sound of the 1970s and 1980s, blending powerful vocals, soaring guitar solos, and unforgettable anthems. Known for their hits like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms,” Journey set the standard for melodic rock and power ballads.
For those who love Journey’s signature mix of rock and pop, there are many other bands that offer a similar experience, from the hard-hitting rock of Foreigner to the polished harmonies of Toto.
This article explores some of the best bands like Journey, showcasing their careers and the music that makes them enduring favorites in the rock world.
21 Iconic Rock Bands Similar to Journey for Your Classic Rock Playlist
Contents
- 1 21 Iconic Rock Bands Similar to Journey for Your Classic Rock Playlist
- 2 #1 Foreigner
- 3 #2 REO Speedwagon
- 4 #3 Styx
- 5 #4 Boston
- 6 #5 Kansas
- 7 #6 Toto
- 8 #7 Survivor
- 9 #8 Asia
- 10 #9 Chicago
- 11 #10 Loverboy
- 12 #11 38 Special
- 13 #12 Night Ranger
- 14 #13 Bad Company
- 15 #14 Heart
- 16 #15 Cheap Trick
- 17 #16 Def Leppard
- 18 #17 Aerosmith
- 19 #18 Van Halen
- 20 #19 Bon Jovi
- 21 #20 The Doobie Brothers
- 22 #21 Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
- 23 Frequently Asked Questions
These bands share Journey’s affinity for combining rock with melodic, radio-friendly elements, often featuring powerful vocals and memorable guitar work.
Here’s a list of 21 bands that share similarities with Journey, known for their blend of rock, pop, and powerful ballads:
#1 Foreigner
Foreigner, formed in 1976 by British guitarist Mick Jones and American vocalist Lou Gramm, quickly became one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1977, was a major success, featuring hits like “Feels Like the First Time” and “Cold as Ice.” Foreigner’s music is characterized by its powerful blend of rock and pop, with strong melodies, catchy hooks, and Gramm’s distinctive vocals leading the charge.
The band reached the peak of their popularity in the 1980s with the release of their album 4 (1981), which included the massive hit “Urgent” and the iconic ballad “Waiting for a Girl Like You.” Foreigner’s ability to craft memorable rock anthems and power ballads drew comparisons to Journey, and they became staples of arena rock radio. Despite changes in the lineup over the years, Foreigner has continued to tour and record, maintaining a significant presence in the rock music scene.
#2 REO Speedwagon
REO Speedwagon, formed in 1967 in Champaign, Illinois, started as a hard rock band before evolving into a group known for their powerful ballads and melodic rock anthems. Led by vocalist Kevin Cronin, who joined in 1972, the band found their breakthrough with the 1980 album Hi Infidelity, which became one of the best-selling albums of the decade. The album included hits like “Keep On Loving You” and “Take It on the Run,” showcasing the band’s ability to blend rock with pop sensibilities.
REO Speedwagon’s success continued through the 1980s with albums like Good Trouble (1982) and Wheels Are Turnin’ (1984), the latter featuring the hit ballad “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Like Journey, REO Speedwagon became known for their mix of rock anthems and heartfelt ballads, making them a favorite in the arena rock scene. The band has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining a loyal fanbase and a lasting legacy in rock music.
#3 Styx
Styx, formed in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois, is a band known for their unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and pop, combined with soaring harmonies and theatrical elements. The band achieved mainstream success with their 1977 album The Grand Illusion, which included the hit singles “Come Sail Away” and “Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man).” Styx’s music is characterized by its complex arrangements, catchy melodies, and the vocal interplay between Dennis DeYoung, Tommy Shaw, and James “JY” Young.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Styx continued to produce successful albums, including Pieces of Eight (1978) and Paradise Theatre (1981), featuring hits like “Renegade” and “The Best of Times.” The band’s ability to balance progressive rock influences with radio-friendly hooks drew comparisons to Journey, making them one of the most popular rock bands of the era. Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, Styx has remained active, continuing to tour and record new music.
#4 Boston
Boston, formed in 1976 in Boston, Massachusetts, became one of the most successful debut acts in rock history with their self-titled debut album, which sold over 17 million copies. The album featured the hit singles “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Foreplay/Long Time,” showcasing the band’s polished rock sound, layered guitars, and soaring vocals. Led by guitarist and producer Tom Scholz, Boston’s music is known for its meticulous production, blending hard rock with melodic elements that appealed to a wide audience.
The band’s follow-up albums, Don’t Look Back (1978) and Third Stage (1986), continued their success with hits like “Don’t Look Back” and “Amanda.” Boston’s sound, characterized by its rich harmonies and anthemic choruses, drew comparisons to Journey, making them a staple of classic rock radio. Despite a relatively small discography due to Scholz’s perfectionism and long gaps between releases, Boston’s influence on rock music remains significant, and their songs continue to be celebrated by fans around the world.
#5 Kansas
Kansas, formed in 1973 in Topeka, Kansas, is a band known for their blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and classical influences. The band gained widespread recognition with their 1976 album Leftoverture, which featured the hit single “Carry On Wayward Son.” Kansas’s music is characterized by its complex arrangements, virtuosic musicianship, and the distinctive violin playing of Robby Steinhardt, which set them apart from other rock bands of the time.
Their follow-up album, Point of Know Return (1977), included the iconic ballad “Dust in the Wind,” which became one of their most successful songs. Kansas’s ability to combine progressive rock elements with radio-friendly hooks drew comparisons to Journey, especially in their anthemic and melodic approach to rock music. Despite lineup changes and shifts in musical direction over the years, Kansas has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining their reputation as one of the most enduring bands in the progressive rock genre.
#6 Toto
Toto, formed in 1977 in Los Angeles, California, is a band known for their blend of rock, pop, and jazz influences, combined with exceptional musicianship. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1978, included the hit single “Hold the Line,” which showcased their ability to craft catchy, radio-friendly rock songs with a sophisticated edge. Toto’s music is characterized by its polished production, tight arrangements, and the vocal talents of Bobby Kimball and Joseph Williams.
Toto reached the peak of their commercial success with the 1982 album Toto IV, which featured the smash hits “Africa” and “Rosanna.” The band’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and accessible sound drew comparisons to Journey, making them one of the most successful rock bands of the 1980s. Despite numerous lineup changes and challenges over the years, Toto has continued to tour and record new music, solidifying their legacy as one of the most versatile and accomplished bands in rock history.
#7 Survivor
Survivor, formed in 1978 in Chicago, Illinois, is best known for their anthemic rock sound and their association with the hit movie Rocky III. The band gained international fame with the release of their 1982 single “Eye of the Tiger,” which became an instant classic and topped charts worldwide. Survivor’s music is characterized by its blend of driving rock rhythms, powerful vocals, and catchy melodies, making them one of the quintessential arena rock bands of the 1980s.
Following the success of “Eye of the Tiger,” Survivor continued to release hits such as “Burning Heart,” “High on You,” and “The Search Is Over.” Their ability to craft memorable rock anthems and power ballads drew comparisons to Journey, and they became staples of rock radio. Despite several lineup changes, Survivor has maintained a strong presence in the rock world, continuing to tour and perform their classic hits to enthusiastic audiences.
#8 Asia
Asia, formed in 1981 as a supergroup featuring members of Yes, King Crimson, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, quickly became one of the biggest rock bands of the early 1980s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1982, was a commercial success, featuring hits like “Heat of the Moment” and “Only Time Will Tell.” Asia’s music is characterized by its blend of progressive rock elements with pop sensibilities, resulting in a polished, radio-friendly sound that resonated with a broad audience.
Asia’s ability to balance complex musicianship with catchy, accessible songs drew comparisons to Journey, particularly in their approach to blending rock and pop. The band’s success continued with their follow-up album Alpha (1983), which included the hit “Don’t Cry.” Despite lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Asia has remained a beloved band in the progressive rock and classic rock scenes, known for their powerful melodies and skilled musicianship.
#9 Chicago
Chicago, formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois, is a rock band known for their fusion of rock and roll with brass instruments, creating a distinctive sound that has made them one of the most successful American rock bands of all time. The band’s early albums, such as Chicago Transit Authority (1969) and Chicago II (1970), showcased their ability to blend rock with jazz and classical influences, resulting in a series of innovative and commercially successful albums.
In the 1980s, Chicago shifted towards a more pop-oriented sound, producing a string of hit ballads like “Hard to Say I’m Sorry” and “You’re the Inspiration.” This era of the band’s career drew comparisons to Journey, as both bands were known for their powerful ballads and arena rock anthems. Despite numerous lineup changes over the years, Chicago has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining their reputation as one of the most enduring and versatile bands in rock history.
#10 Loverboy
Loverboy, formed in 1979 in Calgary, Alberta, is a Canadian rock band known for their catchy hooks, energetic performances, and a string of hits throughout the 1980s. The band gained widespread attention with their self-titled debut album in 1980, which included the hit single “Turn Me Loose.” Loverboy’s music is characterized by its blend of hard rock and pop, featuring powerful guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and the distinctive vocals of lead singer Mike Reno.
Loverboy’s popularity soared with the release of their 1981 album Get Lucky, which featured the smash hits “Working for the Weekend” and “When It’s Over.” Their ability to craft infectious rock anthems with broad appeal drew comparisons to Journey, making them one of the most popular rock bands of the 1980s. Loverboy has continued to tour and release new music, remaining a beloved act in the classic rock world and known for their high-energy live performances.
#11 38 Special
38 Special, formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, is a band that blends Southern rock with arena-ready anthems, creating a sound that appeals to fans of both rock and country music. Led by Donnie Van Zant, the younger brother of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Ronnie Van Zant, 38 Special gained national attention with their 1981 album Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, which included the hit single “Hold On Loosely.” The band’s music is characterized by its mix of gritty Southern rock, melodic hooks, and tight harmonies.
Throughout the 1980s, 38 Special continued to release successful albums, such as Special Forces (1982) and Tour de Force (1984), featuring hits like “Caught Up in You” and “If I’d Been the One.” Their ability to combine Southern rock authenticity with mainstream appeal drew comparisons to Journey, especially in their anthemic and radio-friendly approach to rock. 38 Special remains an active touring band, continuing to bring their signature sound to audiences across the country.
#12 Night Ranger
Night Ranger, formed in 1979 in San Francisco, California, is a rock band known for their melodic rock sound and powerful ballads. The band gained widespread recognition with their 1983 album Midnight Madness, which included the hit singles “Sister Christian” and “When You Close Your Eyes.” Night Ranger’s music is characterized by its combination of hard rock energy, catchy melodies, and the harmonized vocals of Jack Blades and Kelly Keagy.
Night Ranger’s ability to craft memorable rock anthems and power ballads drew comparisons to Journey, and they became a fixture on rock radio throughout the 1980s. The band continued to release successful albums, including 7 Wishes (1985) and Big Life (1987), cementing their place in the classic rock canon. Despite lineup changes and shifts in the music industry, Night Ranger has remained active, continuing to tour and release new music, and maintaining a loyal fanbase.
#13 Bad Company
Bad Company, formed in 1973 as a supergroup featuring members of Free, Mott the Hoople, and King Crimson, quickly became one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1974, was a commercial success, featuring hit singles like “Can’t Get Enough” and “Bad Company.” The band’s music is characterized by its bluesy rock sound, powerful vocals by Paul Rodgers, and straightforward, anthemic songwriting.
Bad Company continued their success with albums like Straight Shooter (1975) and Run with the Pack (1976), which included hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Shooting Star.” Their blend of hard rock with blues influences drew comparisons to Journey, especially in their ability to craft memorable, arena-ready rock songs. Despite several lineup changes and periods of inactivity, Bad Company remains an influential band in rock history, known for their timeless songs and powerful live performances.
#14 Heart
Heart, formed in 1973 by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, is a rock band known for their blend of hard rock, folk, and pop, as well as their powerful vocal performances and guitar work. The band gained widespread recognition with their 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie, which included the hit singles “Magic Man” and “Crazy on You.” Heart’s music is characterized by its dynamic range, shifting from hard-hitting rock anthems to delicate acoustic ballads, showcasing the versatility and talent of the Wilson sisters.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Heart continued to release successful albums, including Little Queen (1977) and Heart (1985), the latter featuring the hit singles “What About Love” and “These Dreams.” Heart’s ability to combine rock intensity with pop sensibilities drew comparisons to Journey, making them one of the most popular rock bands of the era. Despite shifts in musical trends, Heart has remained a beloved band, continuing to tour and release new music, and influencing generations of musicians with their powerful, genre-defying sound.
#15 Cheap Trick
Cheap Trick, formed in 1973 in Rockford, Illinois, is a rock band known for their blend of power pop, hard rock, and catchy melodies. The band gained widespread recognition with their breakthrough live album Cheap Trick at Budokan (1978), which included the hit singles “I Want You to Want Me” and “Surrender.” Cheap Trick’s music is characterized by its infectious energy, clever songwriting, and the distinctive vocals of Robin Zander, along with Rick Nielsen’s quirky guitar work.
The band’s ability to craft memorable rock songs with broad appeal drew comparisons to Journey, making them a staple of rock radio throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. Cheap Trick continued to release successful albums, including Dream Police (1979) and All Shook Up (1980), solidifying their place in the rock canon. Despite changes in the music industry, Cheap Trick has maintained a strong presence, continuing to tour and release new music, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.
#16 Def Leppard
Def Leppard, formed in 1977 in Sheffield, England, is one of the most successful bands of the 1980s, known for their blend of hard rock, pop-metal, and arena-ready anthems. The band’s breakthrough album Pyromania (1983) catapulted them to international stardom, featuring hits like “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.” Def Leppard’s music is characterized by its polished production, layered guitars, and the powerful vocals of Joe Elliott, creating a sound that resonated with a wide audience.
Their follow-up album Hysteria (1987) became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with hit singles like “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Love Bites.” Def Leppard’s ability to combine heavy rock with pop sensibilities drew comparisons to Journey, making them a dominant force in the rock world. Despite the challenges of lineup changes and the loss of drummer Rick Allen’s arm in a car accident, the band has continued to tour and release new music, maintaining their status as rock legends.
#17 Aerosmith
Aerosmith, formed in 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the most iconic rock bands in history, known for their blues-infused hard rock sound and electrifying live performances. The band gained widespread fame in the 1970s with albums like Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976), featuring classic hits such as “Sweet Emotion,” “Walk This Way,” and “Dream On.” Aerosmith’s music is characterized by Steven Tyler’s distinctive vocals, Joe Perry’s gritty guitar work, and a blend of rock, blues, and pop elements.
After a period of decline in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Aerosmith made a major comeback with the release of Permanent Vacation (1987) and Pump (1989), which included hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Love in an Elevator.” Aerosmith’s ability to create powerful rock anthems and ballads drew comparisons to Journey, and they remain one of the most successful rock bands of all time. Despite lineup changes and personal struggles, Aerosmith has continued to tour and record new music, solidifying their legacy as the “Bad Boys from Boston.”
#18 Van Halen
Van Halen, formed in 1972 in Pasadena, California, is a rock band known for their high-energy performances, virtuosic guitar work, and catchy, radio-friendly songs. The band gained instant fame with their self-titled debut album in 1978, which included hits like “Runnin’ with the Devil” and “Eruption,” featuring Eddie Van Halen’s groundbreaking guitar techniques. Van Halen’s music is characterized by its blend of hard rock, pop sensibilities, and the charismatic vocals of David Lee Roth.
The band’s success continued through the 1980s with albums like 1984 (1984), which featured the chart-topping single “Jump,” and 5150 (1986), marking the debut of new lead singer Sammy Hagar. Van Halen’s ability to create rock anthems with mass appeal drew comparisons to Journey, making them one of the most influential and successful rock bands of their time. Despite lineup changes and internal conflicts, Van Halen’s music continues to be celebrated, and their impact on rock music remains profound.
#19 Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi, formed in 1983 in Sayreville, New Jersey, is a rock band known for their anthemic sound, catchy hooks, and power ballads. The band gained international fame with their third album, Slippery When Wet (1986), which featured hits like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Bon Jovi’s music is characterized by its blend of rock, pop, and glam elements, along with Jon Bon Jovi’s distinctive vocals and charismatic stage presence.
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Bon Jovi continued to release successful albums, including New Jersey (1988) and Keep the Faith (1992), solidifying their status as one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Bon Jovi’s ability to create rock anthems with universal appeal drew comparisons to Journey, making them a dominant force in the arena rock scene. The band has continued to evolve their sound and maintain a loyal fanbase, remaining active with new music and tours.
#20 The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers, formed in 1970 in San Jose, California, are known for their blend of rock, R&B, country, and pop influences, creating a unique sound that has made them one of the most versatile bands in rock history. The band gained widespread popularity in the 1970s with hits like “Listen to the Music,” “Long Train Runnin’,” and “China Grove.” The Doobie Brothers’ music is characterized by their tight harmonies, groovy rhythms, and the distinctive vocals of Tom Johnston and later, Michael McDonald.
The band’s sound evolved in the mid-1970s with the addition of McDonald, leading to a more polished, soulful direction on albums like Takin’ It to the Streets (1976) and Minute by Minute (1978), which included the hit “What a Fool Believes.” The Doobie Brothers’ ability to blend different genres while maintaining a cohesive sound drew comparisons to Journey, particularly in their melodic approach to rock music. The band has continued to tour and release new music, earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.
#21 Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), formed in 1970 in Birmingham, England, is a band known for their fusion of rock, classical, and electronic music, creating a unique and innovative sound that has influenced countless artists. Led by Jeff Lynne, ELO gained fame in the 1970s with albums like A New World Record (1976) and Out of the Blue (1977), featuring hits like “Livin’ Thing,” “Telephone Line,” and “Mr. Blue Sky.” ELO’s music is characterized by its lush orchestration, layered harmonies, and Lynne’s distinctive production style.
The band’s ability to blend rock with classical elements, creating a sound that was both sophisticated and accessible, drew comparisons to Journey, particularly in their melodic and anthemic approach to songwriting. ELO’s popularity continued into the 1980s with hits like “Hold On Tight” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Is King,” solidifying their place in rock history. Despite periods of inactivity, Jeff Lynne revived the band as Jeff Lynne’s ELO, continuing to tour and release new music, bringing their unique sound to new generations of fans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bands like Journey often feature a blend of rock and pop with powerful vocals, melodic guitar work, and anthemic choruses. They typically produce both high-energy rock songs and memorable power ballads.
Are there other bands from the same era as Journey that have a similar sound?
Yes, bands like Foreigner, REO Speedwagon, and Styx emerged around the same time as Journey, offering a similar mix of rock anthems and ballads that dominated the airwaves in the 1970s and 1980s.
Which bands today are influenced by Journey’s sound?
Modern bands such as The Night Flight Orchestra and Work of Art draw inspiration from Journey’s blend of melodic rock and powerful vocals, keeping the spirit of arena rock alive in contemporary music.
How does the vocal style in bands like Journey compare to other rock bands?
The vocal style in bands like Journey often features powerful, soaring tenor vocals that are central to their sound, similar to other bands like Boston and Foreigner, where the lead vocals are a defining element of their music.
