Recently, the rock band Journey celebrated its 50th year in the music industry. That is an extraordinary feat for a band, what with constant lineup changes and even internal conflict. But some bands, like Journey, are fortunate enough to overcome challenges and go with the changing times.
Journey’s success since its formation in 1973 is one for the books. They released one successful song after another, topping the charts and enjoying commercial success. They’ve sold more than 100 million records worldwide, an achievement that made them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.
If you are searching for bands that evoke that same golden-era rock magic as Journey does, look no further! In this post, we’ve compiled 13 amazing bands like Journey that have captured the attention of millions of people over the years. Let’s dive in!
1. Foreigner
The British-American rock band Foreigner has captivated audiences since its formation in 1976. They made a name for themselves by producing a classic rock sound and powerful performances that appealed to many.
Throughout their illustrious career in the music industry, Foreigner produced numerous chart-topping hits. “Cold As Ice,” “Feels Like The First Time,” and “I Want To Know What Love Is” all charted well.
Foreigner shares similarities with Journey in more ways than one. Both have melodic rock sounds, powerful vocals, and the ability to create unforgettable anthems. Both bands have a strong presence in the music industry, delivering timeless classics that resonate with audiences worldwide.
2. REO Speedwagon
Formed in 1966, REO Speedwagon debuted as an American rock band that found success in the 1980s. Like Journey, this band from Illinois boasts impressive record sales and top hits spanning several decades.
The band’s sound can be traced back to sizzling guitar riffs and powerful vocals that defined classic rock music of the late ’70s and early ’80s. Their peers included iconic groups such as Styx, Boston, Kansas, and others who dominated the airwaves during this era.
REO Speedwagon was able to stand out with chart-topping singles such as “Keep on Loving You” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
REO Speedwagon shares the same powerful vocals and ability to craft memorable anthems as the band Journey. Both bands have enjoyed commercial success with their ballads and rock anthems. And they have captivated audiences with powerful performances and songwriting.
Related: Check out our list of bands like REO Speedwagon here.
3. Boston
Boston, Massachusetts, must be mighty proud of producing one of the best-selling bands of all time. Aptly named Boston, this hard rock band was formed in the mid-’70s and enjoyed a prosperous career until the 1980s.
Boston is often cited as one of the bands similar to Journey, and it’s easy to see why. Both bands are known for the distinctive voices of their lead vocalists. Steve Perry of Journey has a soaring voice, and his emotional delivery is beyond compare. Brad Delp of Boston, meanwhile, possesses a voice with incredible range, timber, and power.
Boston’s most iconic hits include “Amanda,” “More Than A Feeling,” and “Peace of Mind.” These songs showcase their musical influence and reflect similarities with Journey’s style. Both bands emphasize anthemic choruses and intricate instrumentation.
4. Styx
The rock band Styx emerged in Chicago in 1972 and gained popularity during the late ’70s and early ’80s. They are known for their unique blend of hard rock guitar riffs and acoustic guitar melodies.
One of the fascinating things about Styx is their ability to weave captivating stories into their music. From “Come Sail Away” to “Renegade,” they’ve created timeless hits by blending compelling lyrics with catchy tunes that stick in your head for days.
One of the hallmarks of Styx’s sound is their use of impressive guitar solos that punctuate many songs throughout their career. Moreover, one might say that Journey’s vocals and lyrics heavily influenced them.
With a knack for crafting catchy anthems and delivering energetic live shows, both Styx and Journey have left a lasting impact on the rock music landscape.
5. Kansas
The legendary rock band Kansas emerged in the 1970s in, as you can guess, Kansas. They quickly became known for their unique fusion of progressive and album-oriented rock. The band has produced many hit singles, such as “Dust in the Wind,” which still resonates with fans today.
Both Journey and Kansas are known for their progressive rock sound and exceptional musicianship. They have created timeless classics that people are still familiar with today.
From epic compositions to dynamic live performances, Kansas and Journey have secured a permanent place in rock music.
6. Survivor
From Chicago, the rock band Survivor came together in 1978. It was in 1982 when their breakthrough arrived after actor Sylvester Stallone asked them to write a theme song for his movie Rocky III.
“Eye of the Tiger” brought Survivor acclaim and commercial success. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated that spot for six weeks. It also won a Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Survivor emerged during the same era as Journey and achieved notable success. With anthems that have become classic rock staples, it’s easy to see why they have captivated audiences.
Both bands shared their love for melodic rock sound, engaging vocals, and captivating songwriting. And even years later, many people still know these bands and their memorable hits.
7. Toto
The California-native rock band Toto was formed in 1977. They combined pop, rock, soul, and funk music elements to create their unique sound.
Throughout their career, Toto released 14 studio albums and sold more than 40 million records worldwide. They received six Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for “Rosanna” and Album of the Year for Toto IV.
Toto and Journey exhibit striking similarities as celebrated rock bands. Both are renowned for their melodic rock compositions, exceptional musicianship, and captivating performances. These two groups have made significant contributions to the music landscape, especially in the rock genre.
8. Night Ranger
Like Journey, the hard rock band Night Ranger was formed in San Francisco. They rose to fame in the 1980s with their hit singles and albums.
But that’s not the only thing the bands have in common. They’re known for songs featuring memorable hooks and captivating melodies. They both produced anthemic songs that lived on.
In addition, Night Ranger has captivated audiences and earned a dedicated fan base throughout the years. With an extensive discography, the band has continued to tour and perform live shows, impressing audiences with their high-energy performances.
9. Bon Jovi
If you’re looking for a band that embodies the arena rock sound of Journey, look no further than Bon Jovi. This rock band, which formed in 1983, brought metal to the mainstream and changed rock and roll forever.
A number of bands have heavily influenced Bon Jovi. You’ve got Journey, Aerosmith, Styx, and Boston, all of who helped shape their signature arena rock sound. They have numerous chart-topping hits in the ’80s and early ’90s, like “Livin’ On A Prayer” and “You Give Love A Bad Name.”
Aside from these successful hits, Bon Jovi became famous for catchy hooks, powerful ballads, and unforgettable live performances. They are a great addition to your playlist.
10. Def Leppard
Another rock band that draws similarities to Journey is Def Leppard. The band formed in Sheffield, England, in 1976. They have achieved success with their chart-topping hits and albums, selling more than 100 million globally.
Two of their studio albums, Pyromania and Hysteria, have sold over 10 million copies in the US alone. Some of their very successful and most famous songs include “Photograph” and “Rock of Ages.”
Like Journey, Def Leppard became known for their frontmen possessing engaging vocals. Steve Perry of Journey and Joe Elliott of Def Leppard have distinct voices and vocal ranges that added to their unique identity.
It’s no wonder that Def Leppard and Journey have amassed a devoted fanbase throughout the years.
11. Whitesnake
The English hard rock band Whitesnake came from London and was formed in 1978. They found success in the 1980s and 1990s, with David Coverdale in the lead.
At the start of their career, Whitesnake’s sound was described as blues rock. Only later did they lean toward a hard rock style that appealed more to their audiences. Some of the songs that they released include “Here I Go Again” and “Is This Love.”
Like Journey, Whitesnake embodies classic rock’s essence. We’re talking about powerful vocals, energetic performances, and memorable melodies. Their dynamic sound and captivating stage presence make them revered icons in the genre.
12. Van Halen
Another hard rock band that closely resembles Journey is Van Halen. The band was formed in Pasadena, California, in 1973. Their talented lead guitarist, Eddie Van Halen, contributed to the popularity of the band.
Of course, hit singles and albums propelled the band to fame. There’s “Jump” from their album, 1984. It topped the Billboard Hot 100. 1984 was equally successful as it sold 10 million copies in the US.
Both Van Halen and Journey are prominent in the rock music landscape. They have achieved legendary status thanks to their unforgettable live performances and skilled musicianship not to mention their songs that resonated with fans worldwide.
13. Cheap Trick
To end this list, we are presenting you Cheap Trick, a well-known American rock band from Rockford, Illinois. The band was formed in 1973 and has entertained fans with their signature sound for decades.
Cheap Trick and Journey share similarities as influential rock bands. Both became known for their pop-rock sound as they incorporated catchy melodies and unforgettable hooks into their songs. You’ll also notice that both incorporate guitar-driven rock into their repertoire.
All these and more make Cheap Trick a perfect band for someone who is looking for a band like Journey. Their timeless hits continue to resonate with listeners, solidifying their status as iconic figures in the rock genre.
Summing Up Our List Of Bands Like Journey
And that’s our topic for today. We hope you like our compilation of bands to add variety to your playlists.
So if you like Kansas’ sound and style of music or appreciate Van Halen’s music that combines hard rock, pop rock, and glam metal, we have everything you need for a sound that resembles Journey.
Did we miss a band that you want to be included in the list above? Do tell us, and we’ll include it for you!
