Behind the Melody: Unraveling Journey’s Timeless Classic, “Feeling That Way”

A Journey Through Time: Rediscovering “Feeling That Way”

Journey, the iconic rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973, has stolen the hearts of fans worldwide for decades with their anthemic hits and powerful performances. Known for chart-topping tracks like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms,” the band consists of Neal Schon on guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Steve Smith on drums, and Arnel Pineda on vocals. Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying their legacy as one of the greatest rock bands in history.

“Feeling That Way,” a track from their 1978 album “Infinity,” showcases the band’s versatility and penchant for crafting memorable tunes. Featuring the vocal talents of then-frontman Steve Perry and keyboardist Gregg Rolie, the song beautifully melds harmonies with a driving beat, highlighting the depth and range of Journey’s musical prowess. While Journey’s lineup has changed over the years, with Perry leaving in 1998 and Rolie departing in 1980, the essence of the band’s sound remains as powerful as ever. However, some critics argue that their newer material doesn’t quite capture the magic of their earlier work, which many fans consider to be the band’s creative peak. Nevertheless, “Feeling That Way” stands as a testament to Journey’s enduring impact on the world of rock music and serves as a nostalgic reminder of the band’s exceptional artistry.

A Visual Journey: The Music Video for “Feeling That Way”

Surprisingly, there isn’t an official music video for Journey’s classic hit “Feeling That Way.” However, the absence of an official video has led fans to create their own visual interpretations of the song over the years. These fan-made videos have given a platform for Journey’s followers to showcase their creativity and love for the band.

One notable fan-made video for “Feeling That Way” is a tribute to Journey’s lead vocalist, Steve Perry. The video masterfully compiles clips of Perry’s performances from various concerts and appearances, highlighting his powerful stage presence and signature vocal range. In addition to showcasing Perry’s talent, the video also includes footage of the band performing together, showcasing their dynamic chemistry and musicianship. The visual journey it provides serves as a worthy homage to the band and its iconic lead singer.

Another popular fan-made video takes a more conceptual approach, pairing the song with footage from classic films and television shows. This video taps into the nostalgic feel of “Feeling That Way” by using visuals from various eras to create a dreamy, time-traveling atmosphere. As the song plays, clips of iconic movie scenes enhance the emotions evoked by the lyrics, making for a compelling visual experience that complements the song perfectly.

Given that “Feeling That Way” was released in 1978, well before the rise of MTV and the golden era of music videos, it’s no surprise that Journey didn’t create an official video for the song. However, the imaginative and inventive fan-made videos have more than made up for this, allowing fans to engage with the song in a visual format and connecting with the timeless appeal of Journey’s music.

Overall, while there may not be an official music video for “Feeling That Way,” the fan-made tributes showcase the creativity and love that Journey’s fans have for the band and their music, delivering a visual experience that remains true to the spirit of the song.

Diving Into the Musical Depths of “Feeling That Way”

“Feeling That Way,” a standout track from Journey’s 1978 album “Infinity,” is an exemplary showcase of the band’s musical prowess and creative versatility. Structurally, the song is written in the key of D major and follows a classic verse-chorus format. The verses predominantly feature a chord progression of Dmaj7 – Gmaj7 – Em7 – A7sus4 – A7, while the choruses shift to a more straightforward D – G – Bm – A progression. This contrast in chord structures between the verse and chorus adds a sense of dynamic tension and release, which is further emphasized by the song’s tempo of approximately 130 beats per minute (BPM), giving it a lively and energetic feel.

Delving deeper into the track’s musical intricacies, one cannot ignore the masterful interplay between the rhythm section and the melodic instruments. In particular, the bass guitar and drums work in tandem to provide a solid foundation for the soaring guitar riffs and catchy keyboard melodies that characterize the song. The use of syncopation and intricate fills by the drummer adds an extra layer of complexity to the track, while the guitarist’s tasteful solos and delicate arpeggios serve to highlight the song’s underlying harmonic structure. Furthermore, the vocal harmonies between lead singer Steve Perry and keyboardist Gregg Rolie add a rich, textured quality to the track, making “Feeling That Way” a prime example of Journey’s exceptional musicianship and collaborative spirit.

Accolades and Timeless Influence

“Feeling That Way,” released in 1978, may not have racked up the awards directly, but it has undoubtedly contributed to Journey’s legacy as a classic rock powerhouse. The song, written by Gregg Rolie, Aynsley Dunbar, and Neal Schon, was part of Journey’s fourth studio album, “Infinity,” which was certified 3x Platinum in the United States. “Feeling That Way” has remained a fan favorite and a staple in the band’s live performances, often paired with “Anytime” in their setlist for that seamless transition between the two tracks. This testament to Journey’s timeless appeal proves that “Feeling That Way” is an integral part of the band’s successful catalog.

Over the years, “Feeling That Way” has been featured in various media, further solidifying its status as a classic rock anthem. This song has appeared in the hit TV show “The Sopranos” in Season 6, Episode 17, titled “Walk Like A Man,” and has had its fair share of cover versions by aspiring musicians and Journey enthusiasts. However, no official covers have been released by notable artists or bands in the industry. The track’s legacy lies in its long-lasting appreciation and resonance with fans and audiences alike, proving that “Feeling That Way” is an essential piece of rock history.

Charting the Journey of “Feeling That Way”

“Feeling That Way” was released as a single by Journey on April 1978, featuring as the second track on the band’s fourth studio album, “Infinity.” While the song itself didn’t achieve significant chart success on its own, it’s important to note that it was often paired with “Anytime” in radio airplay, creating a medley that resonated with listeners.

When “Feeling That Way” and “Anytime” were combined as a double-sided single, it entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 6, 1978. Although it started at position #81, the single gradually climbed the chart, reaching its peak position of #57 on June 10, 1978. It remained on the chart for a total of 10 weeks, showcasing the staying power of these two songs, even if they didn’t break into the top 50.

As one of the first songs to feature Steve Perry on lead vocals, “Feeling That Way” marks an important transition in Journey’s musical style, moving towards their more recognizable sound. While it may not have been a chart-topping hit, it did pave the way for future successes the band would achieve throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.

In terms of chart trivia, despite not reaching the top 50, the medley of “Feeling That Way” and “Anytime” managed to outperform the album’s lead single, “Wheel in the Sky,” which only reached #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This demonstrates the combined strength of these tracks when played together and how they resonated with the audience.

To sum up, while “Feeling That Way” may not have been a standalone chart sensation, its partnership with “Anytime” resulted in a memorable and widely-enjoyed medley that still managed to make its mark on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Moreover, it signaled the beginning of a new era for Journey, setting the stage for the band’s future chart triumphs.

The Mastermind Behind “Feeling That Way”: Gregg Rolie

A crucial architect in Journey’s sonic world, Gregg Rolie is the composer responsible for crafting the unforgettable song “Feeling That Way”. Besides his work with Journey, Rolie is known for his artistic contributions to the legendary rock band Santana. As the co-founder and original lead vocalist, Rolie was the driving force behind some of Santana’s most beloved classics, such as “Black Magic Woman,” “Evil Ways,” and “Oye Como Va.” This multi-talented musician’s passion and skill for blending rock, jazz, blues, and Latin elements into an electrifying fusion, undeniably made a significant impact on the music world, earning him a well-deserved place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of both Santana and Journey.

A Deeper Dive into the Lyrics of “Feeling That Way” by Journey

The lyrics of “Feeling That Way” by Journey delve into the complexities of love and desire, reflective of the late 1970s, when the song was released. In 1978, the year “Feeling That Way” came out, the world was experiencing a significant cultural shift. The sexual revolution was in full swing, and the feminist movement was progressing, leading to the widespread questioning of traditional gender roles and societal expectations around love and relationships.

Listening closely to the lyrics, we can see that Journey’s “Feeling That Way” captures the spirit of the time, with its focus on the pursuit of love and finding a true connection. The verses echo the uncertainty and vulnerability that comes with new relationships, asking questions like, “Is it all on my mind or is this love at first sight?” and “Where does true love begin?” The chorus reinforces the song’s overarching theme of love and desire, with the repeated plea, “All I want to do is make love to you.”

The lyrics also touch on the fleeting nature of love and happiness, with lines like “When the summer’s gone, she’ll be there standing by the light.” This sense of transience aligns with the 1970s’ broader societal shift towards valuing personal fulfillment and self-discovery, as well as the growing awareness that even seemingly perfect relationships can be temporary.

Overall, “Feeling That Way” captures the essence of love and relationships in the late 1970s, shedding light on the emotional landscape of that era. Journey’s lyrics resonate with the listener, transporting them back to a time when searching for love and grappling with desire were paramount concerns, and societal norms were shifting to forge a new path.

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