'Open Arms': Journey's 1982 No. 1 Hit Named One of the 'Greatest Love Songs Ever Written'

Picture this: it's midnight, and it's your turn to perform for your friends (and the bar at large) on the karaoke stage. You're indecisive about which tune to select until your eyes fall on Journey's "Open Arms." A karaoke classic, right? It's statistically impossible not to belt out this song at the top of your lungs.

Released on Jan. 8, 1982, as a single from Journey's seventh studio album, Escape (or E5C4P3), the power ballad hits all the right notes. (Fun fact: "Don't Stop Believin'," another karaoke classic, is from the same album.) It's undisputedly one of Journey's most recognizable -- and enduring -- tracks. And it still holds up.

"Open Arms" skyrocketed to the top of the US Cashbox Top 100 chart and peaked at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song is Journey's biggest Billboard Hot 100 hit. "Open Arms" also achieved a Gold certification in two countries and went quadruple Platinum in the US.

In addition to its massive commercial success, "Open Arms" is widely regarded as "one of the greatest love songs ever written." Mike DeGagne, a reviewer for AllMusic, hailed the track as "one of rock's most beautiful ballads" and praised frontman Steve Perry's vocals. VH1 ranked the tune at No. 1 on its list of the "25 Greatest Power Ballads."

Countless artists have covered "Open Arms" over the decades, although Mariah Carey's version might be the most well-known. Released on Dec. 5, 1995, the cover became an international hit by 1996, where it reached No. 4 on the UK Singles chart. Other prominent artists who've covered the track include Dolly Parton, Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, and Boyz II Men.

Members of Journey reportedly disliked "Open Arms" during the recording process. It was almost omitted from the album entirely. Guitarist Neal Schon claimed it "sounds kinda like Mary Poppins."

Keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Jonathan Cain began writing the lyrics while he was still a member of rock group The Babys, but the vocalist/bassist, John Waite, dismissed the tune as "sentimental rubbish." Cain left The Babys in 1980. He eventually finished "Open Arms" with Perry.

Perry noted he was "so proud of the song," and remarked that he wanted one line in particular to be "heartfelt."

It certainly is heartfelt, indeed.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 2:51 PM.