JOURNEY - WHO’S CRYING NOW

Released: July 9, 1981

Charts: US: #4   UK: #46 

“Who’s Crying Now” was the lead single from Journey’s iconic 1981 album “Escape” and marked the beginning of a new era for the band. Written by Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry, it showcased a softer, more melodic side of Journey’s sound, blending rock with pop and emotional depth. The song climbed to #4 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Rock Tracks charts, becoming one of the standout hits of their career. It was also Journey’s highest-charting single in the UK for decades, peaking at #46, until the resurgence of “Don’t Stop Believin’” in 2009, which finally eclipsed it thanks to renewed popularity from shows like “The Sopranos” and “Glee”.

“Who’s Crying Now” is not only one of Journey’s signature ballads, but it also marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution — being one of the first tracks to feature Jonathan Cain after he replaced original keyboardist Gregg Rolie. Cain brought a fresh energy and a more pop-influenced songwriting sensibility that helped push “Escape” to the top of the charts.

The song itself was born during a moment of creative inspiration: Steve Perry, driving from Bakersfield to San Francisco, started humming the melody and chorus into a cassette recorder. The very next day, during a stormy afternoon, he visited Cain and together they fleshed out the song — with Cain contributing the now-iconic title line: “Who’s crying now?”

Musically, the track is a masterclass in emotional build-up. It starts subtle and smooth, with Cain’s warm piano tones and Perry’s soulful delivery, and slowly crescendos into Neal Schon’s unforgettable, fiery guitar solo that closes the song. It balances tenderness and intensity in a way that feels effortless — the kind of ballad that became a blueprint for Journey’s future hits.

“Escape”, the album, went on to be Journey’s only #1 LP, housing not just this classic, but also “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Stone in Love,” and “Open Arms.” It’s the sound of a band at their creative peak — and “Who’s Crying Now” is one of its emotional centerpieces.