Who’s Crying Now

When one sets out to deconstruct Who's Crying Now, they encounter a piece that, while sounding direct and catchy, has interesting layers. It's one of those songs that, without being a slow ballad, manages to convey a deep, almost melancholic emotion through its structure and melody. The way the lead vocals soar over the instrumentation, especially in the choruses, invites you to feel that mix of sadness and resignation that the lyrics tell. It's not an explosion of energy, but rather a constant current that pulls you along, and that's part of its magic.

This track is part of the album Escape, released in July 1981. It was a key moment for Journey, as it marked the first time keyboardist Jonathan Cain participated in the recording of an album with the band. The entire album had a huge impact, becoming the best-selling rock album of 1981 and achieving Diamond certification in the United States for selling over ten million copies. Who's Crying Now, along with other hits like Don't Stop Believin' and Open Arms, solidified Escape as Journey's most successful studio album up to that point.