About the song
“Any Way You Want It” – Journey
“Any Way You Want It” is one of Journey’s most energetic, uplifting, and enduring rock anthems, released in February 1980 as the lead single from their sixth studio album, Departure. Written by lead vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon, the song encapsulates the band’s trademark blend of soaring vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and infectious rhythms, becoming an instant crowd-pleaser and a concert staple.
By the late 1970s, Journey had already transitioned from their progressive rock roots toward a more radio-friendly arena rock sound, a shift solidified by the addition of Steve Perry in 1977. His arrival not only gave Journey one of the most distinctive voices in rock but also set the stage for a string of hits that would define the band’s legacy. “Any Way You Want It” came at a pivotal moment—just before Journey reached their peak commercial success in the early 1980s.
Musical Style and Composition
From the very first seconds, “Any Way You Want It” bursts to life with Neal Schon’s crisp, upbeat guitar riff and Jonathan Cain’s rhythmic keyboard accents. The song’s driving tempo and major key give it an unshakably optimistic energy. Anchored by Ross Valory’s steady bassline and Steve Smith’s dynamic drumming, the arrangement has a straightforward yet irresistible structure that perfectly complements its celebratory theme.
One of the song’s distinctive qualities is its call-and-response vocal phrasing. Steve Perry sings a line, followed by an emphatic instrumental or vocal echo that reinforces the upbeat, interactive feel. This style makes the song particularly effective in a live setting, encouraging audience participation. Perry’s vocals here are bright, agile, and brimming with enthusiasm, embodying the carefree joy the song is all about.
Lyrics and Themes
Lyrically, “Any Way You Want It” is a lighthearted ode to flexibility, freedom, and mutual enjoyment in a romantic relationship. The narrator expresses complete willingness to go along with whatever makes the other person happy, captured perfectly in the repeated refrain: “Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it.”
The words aren’t meant to be deeply introspective; instead, they serve as a simple, joyful expression of openness and shared adventure. This simplicity, paired with the song’s upbeat tempo, makes it a perfect anthem for road trips, parties, and concert sing-alongs. It’s about living in the moment and embracing spontaneity—an attitude that resonated strongly with audiences in the 1980s and still does today.
Origins and Inspiration
The idea for the song reportedly came about during a tour when Steve Perry and Neal Schon were experimenting with rhythmic patterns inspired by the Irish folk band Thin Lizzy. They incorporated a back-and-forth, almost conversational delivery into the music, giving it a unique rhythmic hook. This approach not only shaped “Any Way You Want It” but also influenced Journey’s broader songwriting during the Departure era.
Commercial Performance
Upon release, the song became a moderate chart success, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100. While it wasn’t Journey’s highest-charting single, its enduring popularity far exceeded its initial chart position. Over time, it became one of the band’s signature songs, thanks in large part to its prominent placement in live shows and popular culture.
Cultural Impact
“Any Way You Want It” has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, helping it remain in the public consciousness for decades. Notably, it was used memorably in the final scene of the 1980s teen comedy Caddyshack, which introduced it to a wider non-rock audience. Its infectious energy has made it a go-to track for sports events, dance parties, and any occasion calling for high-octane fun.
Live Performances and Legacy
In concert, “Any Way You Want It” is almost always played as a high-energy opener or closer, setting the tone for an electrifying performance. Perry’s ability to hit the high notes with precision, coupled with the band’s tight instrumentation, made it a highlight of Journey’s tours throughout the 1980s. Even after Perry’s departure, the song has remained a cornerstone of Journey’s live repertoire, with later vocalists like Arnel Pineda delivering it to enthusiastic audiences worldwide.
The song also holds a place in Journey’s own creative history as a representation of their evolving style. It bridges the gap between the slightly more experimental rock of their earlier albums and the fully polished arena rock sound that would dominate Escape (1981) and Frontiers (1983).
Conclusion
“Any Way You Want It” is more than just a feel-good rock tune—it’s a perfect example of Journey’s gift for crafting songs that connect instantly with listeners. With its infectious melody, lively instrumentation, and universal message of joy and openness, the track has stood the test of time as one of the most recognizable songs from the band’s catalog.
Decades after its release, it continues to inspire sing-alongs in concert halls, on road trips, and in pop culture references, proving that sometimes the simplest message—“any way you want it, that’s the way you need it”—is the one that resonates the most.