I’m sure you’ve been asked at one point in your life, if you ever had to escape to an island and take one album with you for the rest of your life, what would it be? Mine? Journey’s 1981 blockbuster, Escape.

Escape was released July 17, 1981 with karaoke classic “Don’t Stop Believin’,” rock ballad “Open Arms,” and other radio rotations like, “Who’s Crying Now” and “Stone in Love.”

Produced by Mike Stone, this was one of the best-sounding albums I have ever put my ears to. Steve Perry’s vocals are pure magic, mixed with Neal Schon’s best guitar work he’s ever had and Jonathan Cain’s memorable keyboard riffs– this album is perfection.

Let’s also not forget about bassist Ross Valory. This album captures rock bass in a nutshell. He plays so up-front on the record yet doesn’t get in the way with his iconic basslines locked in with the rhythm section backbone: Steve Smith. Inherently a jazz drummer, Smith carried the dynamics in seemingly basic beats and subtleties in his fills.

This album soared all the way to the top of the album charts on September 12, 1981 for its more deserved one-week. The record also landed at #6 for the year-end charts in 1981. In recent years, Escape was officially certified by the RIAA as a Diamond record (10x Platinum) on July 15, 2021.

Shockingly, despite Escape reaching number-one and producing three Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits, the Grammys did not recognize the album or its songs with any nominations.

Escape really defined and encapsulated pop-rock perfection. It’s always a fresh listen, even 45 years later, or maybe another 45 stranded on an island.

Keep listening to Rock 94.5 this week for your chance to win a pair of tickets to go see Voyage, a Journey tribute band.