Steve Perry "Missing You"

The end of the year signifies a look back -- typically of those we lost during the year. That aside, let's recognize who we gained in 2018. In this case, we re-gained Steve Perry. Following a decade-plus as a successful solo artist, Perry re-joined Journey in the mid-1990s. Just as Journey was ready to set sail and tour again, Perry withdrew from the band for health reasons. After putting their comeback tour on hold for nearly two years, the band replaced him. It wasn't until 2014 when he took the stage with the Eels for his first time performing since 1995. He sat out performing during Journey's 2017 Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame induction out of respect to the band's new singer. In October 2018, Perry released Traces -- a solo album that Adult Contemporary radio stations embraced. For that, we welcome back Steve Perry.

Steve Perry "Oh Sherrie"

Music is responsible for the naming of children all across the world: many girls got the name Mandy thanks to Barry Manilow or Brandy thanks to the song from Looking Glass.  But we mustn't forget all the ladies whose parents loved Steve Perry and gave their daughters the name Sherrie..

Steve Perry - "Foolish Heart"

My mom belonged to a Cassette Tape club in the mid-1980s where you would get 12 cassette tapes for a penny (but get nailed with a shipping & handling fee of $700) and then every month you'd get another cassette until you fulfilled your contract.  One such cassette was the album Street Talk from Steve Perry.  It was Perry's first solo effort and much like Peter Cetera, Phil Collins, and others who stepped away from their respective rock bands to launch a solo album, it showed Perry's softer side.  One of the two notable songs from the album was "Foolish Heart" which peaked at #2 on the Adult Contemporary Chart.

Steve Perry - "You Better Wait"

If Journey had recorded "You Better Wait" in 1982, it probably would have been a huge hit.  Instead, Steve Perry released it in 1994 on his solo album following his split from Journey.  In this case, Steve, you shouldn't have waited.  Even though "You Better Wait" was a Top 30 hit, you're a million times more likely to hear "Wheel in the Sky" than you are "You Better Wait".

Journey - "When You Love A Woman"

Can you name Journey's highest charting Adult Contemporary song?  "Open Arms"?  Nope.  "Fathfully"?  Try again.  "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'"?  (Insert buzzer sound effect here.)  The highest charting AC song for Journey was the 1996 ballad "When You Love A Woman".  It featured a return to vintage Journey form: plenty of percussion, guitar, and the unmistakable vocals of Steve Perry.