Sienna Rhodes
Don't Stop Believin' is a song by the American rock band Journey. It was released in 1981 and became a top-10 worldwide hit, later becoming the group's signature song. The song has been widely successful, with over seven million downloads by 2017 and Rolling Stone ranking it among its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. However, some people find the song overplayed and generic. One unique aspect of the song is that its chorus, Don't Stop Believin', is not heard until the very end, unlike most pop songs where the chorus is repeated throughout. This unusual structure may contribute to the song's enduring popularity, but it also makes it stand out as somewhat odd.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chorus Placement | The chorus doesn't come until the very end of the song |
| Unusual Structure | The song has an unusual structure, with the pre-chorus occurring several times before moving to the next verse |
| Overplayed | The song has been described as overplayed, particularly in public spaces and on the radio |
| Catchy | The song is catchy and appealing, which may have contributed to its commercial success |
| Cultural Significance | The song has endured over the years and has been preserved in the US National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance |
| Cover Versions | The song has been covered by the cast of Glee and has also been featured in The Sopranos, contributing to its resurgence in popularity |
| Tempo | The song has a tempo of 118 beats per minute |
| Vocal Range | The vocal range of the song is E4–C#5 |
| Chord Progression | The chord progression is eight chords long, following a I–V–vi–IV–I–V–iii–IV progression |
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What You'll Learn
'Don't Stop Believin''s: A unique song structure
"Don't Stop Believin'", a song by Journey, has a unique structure that sets it apart from many other pop songs. While most songs have a chorus that is repeated several times throughout, the chorus of "Don't Stop Believin'" doesn't arrive until the very end of the song, with only 50 seconds left. This unusual structure has been described as a "fake-out" to listeners, as the pre-chorus occurs multiple times, leading listeners to expect the chorus, only to move to the next verse.
The song's structure is the result of a collaborative effort by the members of Journey. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain came up with the song's title and hook, inspired by something his father used to tell him when he was struggling as a musician. Guitarist Neal Schon created the distinctive bass line, and Cain wrote a driving synthesizer piece to complement it. Drummer Steve Smith added a standard rock backbeat, and the unique structure came together.
The song's structure has been praised for its anthemic qualities, with Rolling Stone ranking it among its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2022, the single was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Despite its initial criticism, "Don't Stop Believin'" has endured, becoming Journey's signature song and a staple of popular culture, featuring in shows like Glee and The Sopranos, and even sports events.
The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to its catchy and appealing nature, with an infectious chorus that sticks with listeners. While some may find it overplayed, "Don't Stop Believin'" remains a beloved classic rock anthem that has stood the test of time, with a unique structure that sets it apart from other songs. Its impact on popular culture and music has been significant, and it continues to be discovered and enjoyed by new generations.
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Glee's cover version
The cast of the American television series Glee covered "Don't Stop Believin'" in 2009. It was performed in six different episodes of the series, ranging from the first episode to the second-last episode. The song was performed by principal cast members Cory Monteith (Finn Hudson), Lea Michele (Rachel Berry), Chris Colfer (Kurt Hummel), Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones), Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams), and Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang). This arrangement became the first single released from the soundtrack of the series, Glee: The Music, Volume 1.
Glee's cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" sold over 1 million downloads on iTunes, making it the most successful song of the series. It was also the first and last song revealed to be on the show. The song has sold over 1,422,000 digital downloads in the US, making it the largest-selling Glee song of all time.
The song is featured in the first episode of Season One, "Pilot", as the final performance of the first part of the series finale in Season Six. It is sung by the New Directions with solos by Finn and Rachel. The New Directions sing this song in the McKinley auditorium to show their unity as a group. It is one of the show's most prominent songs during Season One and has become the show's anthem.
Glee's cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" has received mixed reactions from fans. Some fans have expressed that they feel the song was overplayed in the series, with it being performed in six different episodes. However, others have praised the cover, with one fan stating that the Regionals performance is the best version, followed by the Pilot version.
Glee's cover of "Don't Stop Believin'" is a fun and upbeat take on the classic song by Journey. The cast's energetic performance and the show's context give the song a new life and make it enjoyable for viewers and fans of the show.
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The song's inspiration
"Don't Stop Believin'" is a song by the American rock band Journey. It was written by band members Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain, who also came up with the song's title and hook. The song was recorded in a warehouse in Oakland, California, where the band worked daily to complete arrangements and develop new ideas.
The inspiration for the song came from Cain's father, who used to encourage him with the words, "Don't stop believing or you're done, dude," whenever a struggling Cain called home in despair. The song's distinctive bass line was created by guitarist Neal Schon, and Perry suggested Cain write a driving synthesizer piece to complement it. Drummer Steve Smith added a standard rock backbeat, and the song was complete.
The song became a top-10 worldwide hit in 1981 and Journey's signature song. It has endured over the years, with Rolling Stone ranking it among its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2012, it became the best-selling digital track from the 20th century, and by 2017, it had been downloaded over seven million times. The song received further exposure when it was covered by the cast of the TV series Glee in 2009, outperforming the original internationally.
The song's structure has been noted as unusual, with the true chorus not appearing until the very end of the song. This has not stopped its popularity, however, and it has become a staple of stadium sing-alongs and commercial breaks. Despite some critics calling it overplayed, "Don't Stop Believin'" has endured as an enduring classic rock anthem.
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Overplayed classic rock anthem
"Don't Stop Believin'", the 1981 hit by Journey, has become one of the most overplayed classic rock anthems of all time. The song has endured and continues to be a staple in popular culture, with cover versions by the cast of Glee in 2009 and appearances in shows like The Sopranos. Despite its widespread recognition and acclaim, some listeners have grown weary of its ubiquity, especially on US radio and in commercial breaks at stadiums.
The song's structure has been noted as a unique aspect, with the true chorus, "Don't Stop Believin', not appearing until the very end of the song. This departure from the typical pop song structure, where the chorus is repeated throughout, may have contributed to its enduring appeal. However, some listeners find this unusual structure jarring and have expressed their dislike for the song.
The song's writers, Cain and Neal Schon, crafted it with a distinctive bass line and a driving synthesizer piece. The song is played in the key of E major with a tempo of 118 beats per minute and a vocal range of E4–C#5. While the lyrics mention being "born and raised in south Detroit", there is no specific place in the Detroit, Michigan area known as "South Detroit".
"Don't Stop Believin'" has become a cultural phenomenon, with sales of over seven million downloads by 2017. Its anthemic qualities have been praised, and it was ranked among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. In 2022, the song was selected for preservation in the US National Recording Registry for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance.
Despite its accolades, some listeners feel that the song is overplayed and has lost its appeal. This sentiment is not uncommon with popular songs, as listeners may tire of hearing the same song repeatedly. However, "Don't Stop Believin'" has endured for decades and continues to be a beloved anthem for many, even if some feel it is time for a break from its ubiquitous presence on the airwaves.
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The song's enduring popularity
"Don't Stop Believin'" has endured as a popular song for several decades, withstanding the test of time since its release in 1981. It has become the signature song of the band Journey and continues to be a beloved and recognisable classic. The song's enduring popularity can be attributed to several factors, including its unique structure, anthemic qualities, cultural significance, and exposure in television and film.
One notable aspect of "Don't Stop Believin'" that sets it apart from other songs is its unusual structure. Unlike most pop songs, the true chorus, "Don't Stop Believin," is not heard until the very end of the song, creating a unique listening experience that catches the audience off guard. This unconventional structure, with its delayed chorus and repetitive pre-chorus sections, makes the song stand out and leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
The song has been praised for its anthemic qualities, with music magazine Rolling Stone ranking it among its 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Its uplifting message of perseverance and optimism resonates with people from all walks of life, providing a sense of hope and encouragement. The song's lyrics and melody have a universal appeal that transcends generations and cultural boundaries.
"Don't Stop Believin'" has also benefited from exposure in popular culture, particularly in television and film. The song was prominently featured in the American television series Glee, with the cast's cover version outperforming the original internationally. Glee introduced the song to younger generations, sparking a resurgence in its popularity and reaching a new audience. Additionally, its inclusion in the finale of The Sopranos further solidified its place in popular culture, associating it with a pivotal moment in television history.
The song's cultural significance has been recognised officially, with the single being selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Recording Registry in 2022. This honour underscores the song's impact on American culture and its enduring legacy. "Don't Stop Believin'" has become a staple in stadiums, commercials, and karaoke bars, with its catchy melody and uplifting message resonating with people from all walks of life.
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Frequently asked questions
The song has an unusual structure. The chorus doesn't come until the very end of the song, unlike many other pop songs where the chorus is repeated throughout.
Yes, the song's writers designated the musically similar sections before the chorus as the "pre-chorus". The song also has an unusual synth line and bass line.
The song was recorded by the cast of the popular American television series, Glee, and was performed in six different episodes. It was also featured in The Sopranos. The song became popular again with younger Millenials and Gen Z.
Some other famous songs where the chorus comes at the end include "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand, "Tiny Dancer", and "Wet Sand" by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
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