Journey’s iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’” has been a staple in rock music for decades. Its soaring chorus and anthemic message have resonated with countless listeners. When the popular TV show Glee decided to cover the song, it seemed like a match made in heaven.
However, the band members had reservations about the cover. They worried that the show’s upbeat and often comedic tone would soften the song’s raw edge.
Ultimately, Journey decided to allow “Glee” to cover “Don’t Stop Believin’”, The cover became a huge hit, introducing the song to a new generation of fans. While the band members may have initially had reservations, they ultimately recognized the power of Glee to reach a wider audience.
A Worldwide Anthem
Neal Schon, guitarist for the the legendary rock band, has a unique perspective on the enduring popularity of their iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’”. In a 2024 interview with The Guardian, Schon shared his thoughts on the song’s journey to worldwide fame.
Schon recalled the initial excitement he felt when he first heard the finished song. He knew it was something special, but it took years for the song to truly resonate with audiences. The resurgence of “Don’t Stop Believin’” in the new millennium can be attributed to several key moments.
The guitarist admitted that he was initially apprehensive about the song being featured on Glee, a show aimed at a younger audience. However, he later realized that the show had helped introduce Journey’s music to a new generation of fans.
The Impact of Glee‘s Cover
“Don’t Stop Believin’” has always been a somewhat sentimental song. However, the Glee cover took this sentimentality to a whole new level. The a cappella section, the use of Auto-Tune, and Lea Michele’s overly dramatic performance all contributed to a version of the song that felt more like a theatrical production than a rock anthem.
Schon acknowledged that the Glee cover had a significant impact on the song’s popularity. He noted that the band was selling out arenas and playing to enthusiastic crowds, with “Don’t Stop Believin’” as a highlight of their live shows.
Over time, “Don’t Stop Believin’” has transcended its status as a mere song. It has become a cultural touchstone, recognized by people of all ages. In many ways, it has become a universal anthem, symbolizing hope and perseverance.
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The Chart Success of “Don’t Stop Believin’”
Journey’s original version of “Don’t Stop Believin’” achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remaining on the chart for 16 weeks. The song was featured on the album Escape, which topped the Billboard 200 for a week and spent an impressive 154 weeks on the chart.
However, the Glee cover of “Don’t Stop Believin’” surpassed the original in terms of chart performance. The Glee version reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained on the chart for seven weeks. It became Glee‘s biggest hit, outperforming the vast majority of the show’s other songs, which typically only charted for a single week.
The Glee cover was included on the album Glee: The Music, Volume 1, which also achieved considerable success. The album reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and spent 75 weeks on the chart, making it Glee‘s most successful album.