songs on journey captured album

• Listening on…
• Switch Spotify device
• Open in Spotify Web Player
• Change playback source
• Open on YouTube website

Loading player…

Scrobble from Spotify?

Connect your Spotify account to your Last.fm account and scrobble everything you listen to, from any Spotify app on any device or platform.

Connect to Spotify

• Go to artist profile

Join others and track this album

Scrobble, find and rediscover music with a Last.fm account

Related Tags

• classic rock

Don't want to see ads? Upgrade Now

• Running order
• Most popular

Similar Albums

The chicago story.

356,256 listeners

Def Leppard

773,292 listeners

Sammy Hagar

53,661 listeners

Greatest Hits

252,364 listeners

Pieces Of Eight

220,010 listeners

299,151 listeners

Little Queen

525,397 listeners

Special Forces

.38 Special

21,378 listeners

REO Speedwagon

400,210 listeners

Street Talk

Steve perry.

136,285 listeners

Dawn Patrol

Night ranger.

38,441 listeners

Don't Say No

Billy Squier

268,211 listeners

Scrobble Stats ?

What is scrobbling.

Scrobbling is when Last.fm tracks the music you listen to and automatically adds it to your music profile.

Recent Listening Trend

External links.

• Apple Music

Javascript is required to view shouts on this page. Go directly to shout page

About This Artist

Artist images.

2,515,593 listeners

View full artist profile

Similar Artists

274,818 listeners

1,824,630 listeners

1,739,603 listeners

1,021,717 listeners

1,174,098 listeners

1,578,512 listeners

393,224 listeners

1,508,485 listeners

2,307,639 listeners

View all similar artists

Trending Tracks

View all trending tracks

Listen to the album Captured by Journey

Album tracks, similar albums.

Discover similar albums on Deezer

Third Stage

by Eddie Money

The Grand Illusion

Thick As Thieves

by Loverboy

The Essential Billy Squier

by Billy Squier

Tour De Force

by 38 Special

Special Forces

Nature Of The Beast

by April Wine

Don't Look Back

Signs Of Life

Don't Say No (Remastered 2010)

by Cheap Trick

Similar Artists

Find artists similar to Journey

Steve Perry

20 490 fans

1 623 655 fans

801 117 fans

4 805 459 fans

Def Leppard

776 359 fans

543 125 fans

223 623 fans

Bryan Adams

1 539 179 fans

2 624 561 fans

Ozzy Osbourne

2 318 983 fans

3 260 548 fans

The Outfield

75 080 fans

4 917 720 fans

Iron Maiden

3 387 175 fans

338 667 fans

Discography

Find all of Journey's titles

Live in Concert at Lollapalooza

Greatest Hits 2

Live In Houston 1981: The Escape Tour (2022 Remaster)

The Essential Journey

Greatest Hits Live

Trial By Fire

Greatest Hits (2024 Remaster)

Raised On Radio

Frontiers (2023 Remaster)

Escape (2022 Remaster)

For every mood

Deezer Originals

Sign up to listen to the full track

No payment required

Spotify is currently not available in your country.

Follow us online to find out when we launch., spotify gives you instant access to millions of songs – from old favorites to the latest hits. just hit play to stream anything you like..

Listen everywhere

Spotify works on your computer, mobile, tablet and TV.

Unlimited, ad-free music

No ads. No interruptions. Just music.

Download music & listen offline

Keep playing, even when you don't have a connection.

Premium sounds better

Get ready for incredible sound quality.

Artists - A-H

• & Young
• .38 Special
• Aaron Lewis
• Aaron Neville

Artists - I-P

• Iron Butterfly
• Iron Maiden
• Izzy Stradlin

Artists - Q-Z

• Queens of the Stone Age
• Queensrÿche
• Classic Rock

• Keyboardist Jim Beard, Known for His...
• 12 Rock Legends Who Openly Dislike...
• 10 Rock Stars Who Can’t Stand...

• Legendary Motorhead Frontman, Lemmy, To Be...
• Happy 76th Birthday Tony Iommi: How...
• Metallica Secures Best Metal Performance at...

• Unveiling Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Top 10...
• Album Review: “Two Steps From The...
• The Facts In The Early Life...

Album Review: “Captured” by Journey

via ForeverStevePerry/YouTube

Not Their Best

Live albums can be tricky. If done right, it could capture the magic and energy of the live performances but if done poorly, it could easily be one of the more forgettable LPs that even the most ardent fans wouldn’t bother to listen to a second time. And Journey’s “Captured” falls somewhere in between. Even Steve Perry himself isn’t too fond of the LP.

It would still be a few months away before they will release “Escape” which spawned the classic hits “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believin'”, and “Who’s Cryin’ Now.” “Separate Ways” and “Faithfully” were not yet conceived. Even so, at this point, Journey already had a string of hits. And that’s what they used for “Captured” – a live double-disc which was recorded during their 1980 “Departure” Tour. It’s the last LP that featured keyboard player and founder Gregg Rolie.

It peaked at #9 on the US Billboard 200 and was eventually certified 2x platinum by the RIAA. But both fans and critics can agree – it wasn’t their finest musical moment.

“Captured” is interesting and entertaining enough – it perfectly showed where Journey was at that point in their career. Their biggest hits would come later and as far as live albums go, this isn’t all that bad. But it’s far from being unforgettable either. The delivery and execution of the songs were good, as to be expected with a tight group like Journey. Steve Perry also shined with his vocals.

But there’s something lacking that’s hard to pinpoint. The energy is there but it’s too perfect – almost like you’re listening to a studio recording instead of a live performance. And perhaps it’s that perfectionism that takes away the magic that should be present here. Again, their solid playing is impressive but not exactly something that left us in awe.

Overall, “Captured” is dispensable.

Don’t Miss Out! Sign up for the Latest Updates

I love classic rock.

10 Slang Expressions from the ’70s That Really Got on…

10 of the Most Controversial RRHOF Inductees of All Time

1970’s Dance Moves – That Will Make You Cringe…

Watch Dolly Parton Cover ‘Me And Bobby McGee’…

George Harrison Once Pulled A Prank On Phil Collins

Obscure Facts About John Lennon’s Death

The Final Time John Lennon Saw The Rest Of His Bandmates

Premium partners.

Interested in becoming a partner?

Contact us for more info.

© 2024 Society Of Rock

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy

Captured: Live

STREAM OR BUY:

Release Date

Discography timeline, user reviews, track listing, similar albums.

Complete List Of Journey Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com

This Complete List Of Journey Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Journey studio albums. The band Journey was first formed in 1973.  The group Journey hails from the area of San Francisco, California. This complete Journey discography also includes every single Journey live album. All these spectacular Journey albums have been presented below in chronological order. We have also included all original release dates with each Journey album as well as all original Journey album covers. Every Journey album listed below showcases the entire album tracklisting.

JOURNEY STUDIO ALBUMS

Released: April 1, 1975

Journey’s self-titled debut album was released in April 1975 and was the band’s first outing into the musical world. At the time, Journey was yet to adopt the arena rock sound that they would later become famous for. Instead, the album exhibited strong influences of jazz fusion and progressive rock, with extensive instrumental solos and complex musical arrangements.

Notable tracks include “Of a Lifetime” and “Mystery Mountain,” which offered a glimpse into the technical proficiency and artistic aspirations of the band. Though the album didn’t achieve significant commercial success, it laid the groundwork for what the band could accomplish. The album featured Neal Schon on guitars, Ross Valory on bass, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, Aynsley Dunbar on drums, and George Tickner on rhythm guitar. It was produced by Roy Halee and recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco in late 1974. .

CD Track Listings:

• “Of a Lifetime” – 6:48
• “In the Morning Day” – 4:23
• “Kohoutek” – 6:40
• “To Play Some Music” – 3:16
• “Topaz” – 6:09
• “In My Lonely Feeling / Conversations” – 4:56
• “Mystery Mountain” – 4:25

Look into the Future

Released: January 1976

Released just a year after their debut, “Look into the Future” was Journey’s second studio album. The band continued in a similar vein, leaning heavily towards progressive rock with intricate instrumental arrangements. The title track and “On a Saturday Nite” are often cited as highlights. However, the album failed to bring substantial commercial success, although it was a step forward in terms of songwriting and complexity. Neal Schon on guitars, Ross Valory on bass, and Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals returned for this album, with Aynsley Dunbar continuing to provide the drum work. The album was produced by Glen Kolotkin and was recorded at CBS Studios in San Francisco during late 1975.

• “Look into the Future” – 8:08
• “On a Saturday Nite” – 4:02
• “It’s All Too Much” – 4:03
• “Anyway” – 4:12
• “She Makes Me (Feel Alright)” – 2:43
• “You’re on Your Own” – 5:54
• “Look into the Future” – 8:13

Released: February 1977

“Next,” Journey’s third studio album, represents the end of an era for the band in terms of their experimentation with progressive rock and jazz fusion. Songs like “Spaceman” and “Hustler” continue to echo their earlier styles but also hint at the more commercial sound the band would later adopt. While not commercially successful upon its release, it gained some retrospective recognition for marking a transitional phase for the band. As with the previous albums, the lineup featured Neal Schon on guitars, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, Ross Valory on bass, and Aynsley Dunbar on drums. Produced by Glen Kolotkin and recorded at His Master’s Wheels Studio in San Francisco in late 1976, “Next” was the last Journey album to feature solely Gregg Rolie on lead vocals.

• “Spaceman” – 4:01
• “People” – 5:19
• “I Would Find You” – 5:20
• “Here We Are” – 4:16
• “Hustler” – 3:14
• “Next” – 5:26
• “Nickel & Dime” – 4:13
• “Karma” – 5:12

Released: January 20, 1978

“Infinity” marked a major turning point in Journey’s career, introducing vocalist Steve Perry and adopting a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound. Produced by Roy Thomas Baker and recorded at His Master’s Wheels Studio and Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles in late 1977, the album was a commercial success. It featured hits like “Lights” and “Wheel in the Sky,” which have since become staples of classic rock radio. The album peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 3x Platinum in the United States. “Infinity” was the last album to feature Aynsley Dunbar before he was replaced by Steve Smith. Alongside Dunbar, the album featured Neal Schon on guitars, Ross Valory on bass, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, and the newly added Steve Perry on vocals.

• “Lights” – 3:09
• “Feeling That Way” – 3:26
• “Anytime” – 3:28
• “Lă Do Dā” – 2:55
• “Patiently” – 3:09
• “Wheel in the Sky” – 4:12
• “Somethin’ to Hide” – 3:26
• “Winds of March” – 5:04
• “Can Do” – 2:39
• “Opened the Door” – 4:34

Released: April 5, 1979

“Evolution” was Journey’s fifth studio album, and it marked the band’s continued move toward a mainstream rock sound. It was produced by Roy Thomas Baker and recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. Featuring singles like “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” and “Just the Same Way,” the album helped to further cement the band’s commercial viability. “Evolution” peaked at No. 20 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 3x Platinum in the United States. The lineup for this album remained the same as “Infinity,” with Neal Schon on guitars, Ross Valory on bass, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and vocals, Steve Smith on drums, and Steve Perry on vocals.

• “Majestic” – 1:16
• “Too Late” – 2:58
• “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” – 3:54
• “City of the Angels” – 3:12
• “When You’re Alone (It Ain’t Easy)” – 3:10
• “Sweet and Simple” – 4:12
• “Lovin’ You Is Easy” – 3:38
• “Just the Same Way” – 3:18
• “Do You Recall” – 3:13
• “Daydream” – 4:41
• “Lady Luck” – 3:35

Released: March 23, 1980

“Departure,” Journey’s sixth studio album, featured a harder rock sound compared to its predecessors. Recorded at The Automatt Studios in San Francisco and produced by Geoff Workman and Kevin Elson, “Departure” spawned hits like “Any Way You Want It” and “Walks Like a Lady.” The album reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 3x Platinum. This was the last studio album to feature Gregg Rolie, who was replaced by Jonathan Cain.

• “Any Way You Want It” – 3:22
• “Walks Like a Lady” – 3:16
• “Someday Soon” – 3:32
• “People and Places” – 5:04
• “Precious Time” – 4:48
• “Where Were You” – 3:01
• “I’m Cryin'” – 2:53
• “Line of Fire” – 3:18
• “Departure” – 0:38
• “Good Morning Girl” – 1:44
• “Stay Awhile” – 2:48
• “Homemade Love” – 2:56

Dream, After Dream

Released: December 10, 1980

“Dream, After Dream,” an often-overlooked album in the Journey discography, served as a soundtrack for the Japanese film of the same name. The music showcased a more orchestrated and experimental side of the band. It was the last Journey album to involve Gregg Rolie and was not as commercially successful as their previous works. It was recorded in Osaka, Japan and was produced by Kevin Elson.

• “Destiny” – 5:32
• “Snow Theme” – 5:15
• “Sand Castles” – 4:50
• “A Few Coins” – 0:54
• “Moon Theme” – 1:41
• “When the Love Has Gone” – 5:03
• “Festival Dance” – 0:59
• “The Rape” – 1:23
• “Little Girl” – 5:51

Released: July 31, 1981

“Escape” was a landmark album for Journey, featuring some of the band’s most iconic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “Open Arms.” Produced by Mike Stone and Kevin Elson, and recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, “Escape” was a massive commercial success. It was the first Journey album to feature Jonathan Cain, who replaced Gregg Rolie on keyboards. The album peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 9x Platinum in the United States.

• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – 4:11
• “Stone in Love” – 4:25
• “ Who’s Crying Now” – 5:00
• “Keep On Runnin'” – 3:39
• “Still They Ride” – 3:49
• “Escape” – 5:16
• “Lay It Down” – 4:13
• “Dead or Alive” – 3:20
• “Mother, Father” – 5:28
• “Open Arms” – 3:18

Released: February 22, 1983

“Frontiers,” Journey’s eighth studio album, continued the band’s commercial success from “Escape.” This is the most underrated Journey album. The sound of this record is incredible. Produced by Mike Stone and Kevin Elson, this album was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. It featured hits like “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Faithfully,” and “Send Her My Love.” “Frontiers” reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified 6x Platinum in the United States.

• “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – 5:26
• “Send Her My Love” – 3:55
• “Chain Reaction” – 4:20
• “After the Fall” – 5:01
• “Faithfully” – 4:24
• “Edge of the Blade” – 4:30
• “Troubled Child” – 4:29
• “Back Talk” – 3:18
• “Frontiers” – 4:04
• “Rubicon” – 4:19

Raised on Radio

Released: May 27, 1986

Breaking a three-year silence, Journey returned with “Raised on Radio,” an album that reflected the changing musical landscape of the late ’80s. Produced by Steve Perry and recorded at Fantasy Studios, it had a more streamlined, pop-oriented sound. Despite significant line-up changes, the album was commercially successful, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart and going 2x Platinum.

• “Girl Can’t Help It” – 3:50
• “Positive Touch” – 4:17
• “Suzanne” – 3:38
• “Be Good to Yourself” – 3:51
• “Once You Love Somebody” – 4:40
• “Happy to Give” – 3:50
• “Raised on Radio” – 3:49
• “I’ll Be Alright Without You” – 4:50
• “It Could Have Been You” – 3:36
• “The Eyes of a Woman” – 4:33
• “Why Can’t This Night Go on Forever” – 3:41

Trial by Fire

Released: October 22, 1996

Journey’s “Trial by Fire” was a reunion album featuring the band’s classic lineup. Produced by Kevin Shirley and recorded at Wildhorse Studios in Novato, California, the album was well-received by fans. Although it couldn’t replicate the massive success of the band’s ’80s heyday, it still peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and went Platinum.

• “Message of Love” – 5:34
• “One More” – 5:28
• “When You Love a Woman” – 4:07
• “If He Should Break Your Heart” – 4:23
• “Forever in Blue” – 4:34
• “Castles Burning” – 6:00
• “Don’t Be Down on Me Baby” – 4:01
• “Still She Cries” – 5:04
• “Colors of the Spirit” – 5:35
• “When I Think of You” – 4:20
• “Easy to Fall” – 5:16
• “Can’t Tame the Lion” – 4:32
• “It’s Just the Rain” – 5:03
• “Trial by Fire” – 4:27
• “Baby I’m a Leavin’ You” – 2:48

Released: April 3, 2001

Marking a new era for the band, “Arrival” was the first Journey album to feature Steve Augeri on lead vocals, replacing Steve Perry. Produced by Kevin Shirley and recorded at Avatar Studios in New York City, it failed to achieve the commercial success of previous albums but was appreciated by the band’s dedicated fan base. Of course, there were many who were not happy that Steve Perry was no longer a part of the band, and the low album sales was further proof of the fans who were upset over the loss of Perry

• “Higher Place” – 5:11
• “All the Way” – 3:35
• “Signs of Life” – 4:54
• “All the Things” – 4:21
• “Loved by You” – 4:02
• “Livin’ to Do” – 6:19
• “World Gone Wild” – 6:00
• “I Got a Reason” – 4:00
• “With Your Love” – 4:25
• “Lifetime of Dreams” – 5:28
• “Live and Breathe” – 5:17
• “Nothin’ Comes Close” – 5:41
• “To Be Alive Again” – 4:20
• “Kiss Me Softly” – 4:46
• “I Was Made of You” – 4:29

Generations

Released: August 29, 2005

Journey returned in 2005 with “Generations,” which was the first album to feature drummer Deen Castronovo on lead vocals for several tracks, alternating with Steve Augeri. Produced by Kevin Shirley, the album was recorded at The Plant Studios, Sausalito, California. The album includes a variety of styles, blending traditional Journey elements with more modern influences. Musicians featured on “Generations” included Steve Augeri on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitars and vocals, Jonathan Cain on keyboards and vocals, Ross Valory on bass and vocals, and Deen Castronovo on drums, percussion, and vocals.

• “Faith in the Heartland” – 6:02
• “The Place in Your Heart” – 4:24
• “A Better Life” – 5:45
• “Every Generation” – 5:52
• “Butterfly (She Flies Alone)” – 5:55
• “Believe” – 5:45
• “Knowing That You Love Me” – 4:12
• “Out of Harms Way” – 5:16
• “In Self-Defense” – 5:32
• “Better Together” – 5:14
• “Gone Crazy” – 4:25
• “Beyond the Clouds” – 7:52

Released: June 3, 2008

Journey’s “Revelation” marked a pivotal point in the band’s long and storied career, primarily because it was their second album with Arnel Pineda on lead vocals. Produced by Kevin Shirley, “Revelation” was recorded at The Plant Studios in Sausalito, California, and Avatar Studios in New York.

The album is a triple-disc set. The first disc features 11 new songs, while the second contains 11 re-recorded classics featuring Pineda’s vocals, allowing both old and new fans to experience Journey’s classics in a new light. The third disc is a DVD of a live concert.

The album captures Journey’s classic rock sound, while also infusing new energy. Hits like “Never Walk Away” and “After All These Years” became fan favorites and enjoyed radio airplay. The album went on to receive platinum certification and peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Musicians on “Revelation” include Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitars and vocals, Jonathan Cain on keyboards and vocals, Ross Valory on bass and vocals, and Deen Castronovo on drums, percussion, and vocals.

CD 1 Track Listings:

• “Never Walk Away” – 4:19
• “Like a Sunshower” – 4:29
• “Change for the Better” – 5:52
• “Wildest Dream” – 5:02
• “Faith in the Heartland” – 6:18
• “After All These Years” – 4:10
• “Where Did I Lose Your Love” – 5:02
• “What I Needed” – 5:28
• “What It Takes to Win” – 5:23
• “Turn Down the World Tonight” – 4:56
• “The Journey (Revelation)” – 3:17

CD 2 Track Listings (Re-recorded classics):

• “Only the Young” – 4:14
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – 4:55
• “Wheel in the Sky” – 5:01
• “Faithfully” – 4:47
• “Any Way You Want It” – 3:25
• “Who’s Crying Now” – 5:44
• “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – 5:27
• “Lights” – 3:16
• “Open Arms” – 3:22
• “Be Good to Yourself” – 4:29
• “Stone in Love” – 4:26

DVD Track Listing (Live in Concert):

• “Intro Medley: The Journey (Revelation)/Majestic”
• “Never Walk Away”
• “Only the Young”
• “Ask the Lonely”
• “Stone in Love”
• “Keep On Runnin'”
• “After All These Years”
• “Change for the Better”
• “Wheel in the Sky”
• “Lights”
• “Still They Ride”
• “Open Arms”
• “Mother, Father”
• “Wildest Dream”
• “When You Love a Woman”
• “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”
• “What I Needed”
• “Edge of the Blade”
• “Where Did I Lose Your Love”
• “Escape”
• “Faithfully”
• “Don’t Stop Believin’”

Released: May 24, 2011

“Eclipse” is the 14th studio album by Journey. Also featuring Arnel Pineda on vocals, the album aimed for a heavier sound than its predecessor. Produced by Kevin Shirley, it was recorded at Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California. Despite receiving positive reviews for its musical direction, it did not achieve high commercial success.

• “City of Hope” – 6:01
• “Edge of the Moment” – 5:27
• “Chain of Love” – 6:10
• “Tantra” – 6:27
• “Anything Is Possible” – 5:21
• “Resonate” – 5:10
• “She’s a Mystery” – 6:41
• “Human Feel” – 6:43
• “Ritual” – 4:57
• “To Whom It May Concern” – 5:15
• “Someone” – 4:34
• “Venus” – 3:30

Released: July 8, 2022

Freedom features the return of bassist Randy Jackson.

1. Together We Run 2. Don’t Give Up On Us 3. Still Believe In Love 4. You Got The Best Of Me 5. Live To Love Again 6. The Way We Used To Be 7. Come Away With Me 8. After Glow 9. Let It Rain 10. Holdin On 11. All Day And All Night 12. Don’t Go 13. United We Stand 14. Life Rolls On 15. Beautiful As You Are

JOURNEY LIVE ALBUMS

Released 1981

Captured is Journey’s first live album, released on January 30, 1981. This album marked the end of the band’s successful run in the late ’70s into the ’80s with Steve Perry. The album charted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified platinum, which attests to its commercial success.

The album features Steve Perry on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, and Steve Smith on drums. The record was produced by Kevin Elson and Steve Perry. Captured was released on the Columbia Records label. The album was recorded during various shows in 1980 but primarily on the “Departure” tour.

• “Where Were You” – 3:22
• “Just the Same Way” – 3:37
• “Line of Fire” – 3:26
• “Lights” – 3:30
• “Too Late” – 3:44
• “Dixie Highway” – 6:51
• “Feeling That Way” – 3:14
• “Anytime” – 4:27
• “Do You Recall” – 3:26
• “Walks Like a Lady” – 7:05
• “La Do Da” – 7:02
• “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” – 5:16
• “Wheel in the Sky” – 5:03
• “Any Way You Want It” – 3:39
• “The Party’s Over (Hopelessly in Love)” – 3:42

Greatest Hits Live

Released 1998

Greatest Hits Live is not an official studio album by Journey, but a compilation of live performances released on October 13, 1998. It’s a compilation of recordings taken from various concerts, primarily during the period when Steve Perry was the lead vocalist.

This collection features Steve Perry on vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ross Valory on bass, and Steve Smith on drums. It was released on the Columbia Records label.

• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – 4:19
• “Lights” – 3:20
• “Open Arms” – 3:21
• “Mother, Father” – 5:27
• “La Do Da” – 7:03
• “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” – 5:09
• “Who’s Crying Now” – 5:46
• “Ask the Lonely” – 3:23
• “Girl Can’t Help It” – 4:29

Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour

Released 2005

“Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour” is a live DVD/CD package by the American rock band Journey, released on November 15, 2005. The concert was recorded and filmed at The Summit in Houston, Texas on November 6, 1981, during the band’s tour for their then-newly released “Escape” album, which had been released in July of that year. The album peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart for music videos and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

The lineup for this live recording included Steve Perry on lead vocals, Neal Schon on lead guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ross Valory on bass, and Steve Smith on drums. The album was produced by Steve Perry and Neal Schon.

• “Escape” – 5:17
• “Line of Fire” – 3:07
• “Lights” – 3:17
• “Stay Awhile” – 2:26
• “Open Arms” – 3:09
• “Mother, Father” – 5:22
• “Jonathan Cain Solo” – 1:53
• “Who’s Crying Now” – 5:41
• “Where Were You” – 3:18
• “Steve Smith Solo” – 3:54
• “Dead or Alive” – 3:30
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – 4:09
• “Stone in Love” – 5:00
• “Keep On Runnin'” – 4:01
• “Neal Schon Solo” – 2:21
• “Wheel in the Sky” – 5:56
• “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” – 5:14
• “Anyway You Want It” – 3:39

Escape & Frontiers Live in Japan

Released 2019

“Escape & Frontiers Live in Japan” was released on April 3, 2019, and captures Journey’s performance at the Budokan in Tokyo on February 7, 2017. This special live performance was a unique set where Journey played their “Escape” and “Frontiers” albums back-to-back in their entirety.

The lineup for this recording featured Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, Neal Schon on lead guitar, Ross Valory on bass, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, and Steve Smith on drums. The album was produced by Journey and was released through Eagle Vision.

• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – 4:15
• “Who’s Crying Now” – 5:01
• “Troubled Child” – 4:04
• “Frontiers” – 4:10

Complete List Of Journey Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Be the first to know when a new article is published

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Related Posts

Top 10 Songs From The Knack

Top 10 Sarah McLachlan Songs

Top 10 Steve Miller Band Songs

Top 10 Nat King Cole Songs

10 Essential Hatfield And The North Songs

Top 10 Men At Work Songs

About the author.

Brian Kachejian

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

Add Comment Cancel Reply

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Why Steve Perry Didn’t Like Journey’s ‘Captured’ Album

Steve Perry always felt inspired to sing with Journey because the band’s live audiences wanted him to – except when they recorded their first live album, Captured .

The 1980 LP sold more than 2 million copies and reached No. 9 on the chart, but Perry never felt comfortable with the whole concept, as he told Uncle Joe Benson on the Ultimate Classic Rock Nights radio show.

“Honestly, I didn’t like recording music live, and I didn’t like filming the show live,” he explained. “I was young, and it used to put a sort of requirement on me vocally – a concern, let’s call it that. Everything had to be perfect. And when I did that, I wouldn’t have almost as much fun as I could have if there was nobody watching except the audience.”

He said he "was there for the audience, and I sang because they wanted me to. Without them, I can’t sing that way. It’s just that simple. I sing in my car, in the shower, but I don’t sing like I am when I’m in front of people. And no, all those people, you can’t join me in the car, you can’t join me in the shower! The point is, they bring that out of you.”

Asked if he’d been “on edge” during the recording, Perry replied that he "wasn’t on edge as much as I was concerned that it be perfect.”

Be sure to listen to Ultimate Classic Rock Nights on more than 50 stations across the U.S. from 7PM until midnight, Monday through Friday. You can see the list of radio stations where it airs here .

Journey Solo Albums Ranked

More from ultimate classic rock.

More From Forbes

The 50 best songs of the 80s.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Prince performs in concert circa 1985 in Los Angeles.

Throughout 1980s there was a renaissance occurring within music, one which stretched throughout all genres be it pop, rock, electronica or hip-hop. The fact so many world renowned artists and hit songs came out of the decade speaks to the artistic phenomenon that was taking place at the time. Since the 1980s there has arguably not been another decade that has had the same drastic amount of innovation across all music genres.

To put matters simply, nearly every popularized contemporary music genre was considered to be at its peak throughout the decade. Whether it was with Michael Jackson’s pop magnum opus, Thriller, or Metallica’s heavy metal masterpiece Master of Puppets, the list goes on but the sheer number of genre defining works that were released during the decade is a feat that’s still yet to be rivaled.

Top 80s Songs

While many artists across a multitude of genres — including new wave, alt-rock, electronic dance, heavy metal and pop — were all taken into account when comprising this list, the following songs have made a significant impact on the genres they inhabit and pop culture all together. Furthermore, the songs showcased have remained timeless works from decade they were released in, which ultimately makes them considered some of the 80s best songs.

50. “Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1981)

Although Disco and funk were largely the face of the 70s music scene , Earth, Wind & Fire has stood the test of time and “Let’s Groove” is a prime example of how the band has managed to do so. The band’s iconic song is showcased throughout pop-culture today much like their 70s hit “September,” as both songs are routinely used in film, TV, and celebrated throughout media.

WhatsApp Brand New iPhone Feature Just Launched That’s Much Easier To Use

Apple s iphone ai plans confirmed with new software release, packers complete safety overhaul with georgia s javon bullard, 49. “head like a hole” by nine inch nails (1989).

Releasing at the tail end of the 1980s, Trent Reznor’s Nine Inch Nails would make its monumental debut with Pretty Hate Machine and most notably the single “Head Like A Hole.” While much of the group’s critical success and rise to popularity occurred throughout the 90’s and early 2000s, “Head Like A Hole” has remained a massively influential song in the rock genre and an early example of Reznor’s ingenious producing and songwriting capabilities.

48. “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure (1987)

The gothic rock and post-punk scenes flourished throughout the 1980s, largely as a result of The Cure becoming such a sensationalized act during the decade. Many of the band’s hits were spread out across the late 70s, 80s and even early 90s, but “Just Like Heaven” has remained one their most celebrated love songs and a classic in the goth rock and post-punk genres.

47. “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley (1987)

Regardless of its association within “meme culture” with the popularized ‘ Rickroll ’ gag, Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” has remained every bit as delightful and iconic over the years. “Rickrolling” has certainly helped boost the song’s notoriety but from the song’s instrumentation and Astley’s punchy melodic voice, it’s remained a classic of 80s pop music. While it’s Astley’s only massive hit, few artists from the 80s have managed to stay as relevant as he has with one iconic song.

46. “Fight For Your Right” by Beastie Boys (1986)

Taking the world by storm with the their revolutionary take on the hip-hop and rock genres, the Beastie Boys flourished in the late 80s with their genre bending debut LP Licensed To Ill . Their single “Fight For Your Right” has remained an essential hype anthem over the years, and is routinely a formidable gateway into aggressive music genres.

45. “Raining Blood” by Slayer (1986)

Metal would not be the expansive genre that it is without Slayer, specifically their groundbreaking 1986 album Reign In Blood . The similarly named track off the record, “Raining Blood,” has become synonymous with thrash metal and the band altogether, and it’s easily the defining song of the band and the extreme metal genre.

44. “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths (1984)

Much of the Indie and alternative rock sub-genres would simply not exist without The Smiths contributions, and while the group had a number of hits throughout the 80s, nothing quite encapsulates their elegant swagger like “How Soon Is Now?” Right from the tremolo guitar riff to Morrissey’s haunting vocal melodies, “How Soon Is Now?” is the band in their most brilliant sonic form.

43. “Where Is My Mind?” by Pixies (1988)

The quirky twisted melancholy of The Pixies was way ahead of its time for 1988, and the band’s hit single “Where Is My Mind?” perfectly showcases these aspects. For its oversimplified instrumentation “Where Is My Mind?” achieves so much and more which is why it’s managed to stay relevant with a multitude of generations and it’s continued success proves that band’s sonic brilliance is one of kind.

42. “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel (1983)

This multi-platinum single from Billy Joel is still his most recognizable and successful hit over 40 years later. More than any of his massive hits and high-charting records, “Uptown Girl” has won over audiences for its uncanny joyful anthemic qualities which are a signature part of Joel’s unique approach to songwriting.

41. “Hysteria” by Def Leppard (1987)

This power ballad from hard rock’s Def Leppard is no less mesmerizing than when it first hit the scene in 1987. Wielding a riff that has since been copied and revamped by countless other rock groups, Def Leppard proved they’re far more than just a formidable hard rock band with “Hysteria.”

40. “Down Under” by Men At Work (1981)

Australian new wave rock outfit Men At Work unleashed their global sensation “Down Under” in the early 80s and it’s since become one of the most notable gems of the decade. While it’s the groups most renown and popularized hit by a large margin, Men At Work still contributed heavily to the sonic influences that came out of the 80s which has since seeped into much of modern music today.

39. “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell (1981)

Soft Cell had a few noteworthy hits throughout the 80s but nothing comes close to their spiced up rendition of Ed Cobb’s “Tainted Love.” By comparison to their other successes “Tainted Love” is very much a one-hit wonder for Soft Cell, but nonetheless its popularity throughout the decade and beyond has earned the group one of the most iconic songs of the decade.

38. “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (1986)

Riding off the success for his theme for the 1984 film Footloose, Kenny Loggins upped the intensity with his next cinematic hit with “Danger Zone” from the Top Gun soundtrack. Following the recent success of Top Gun Maverick, “Danger Zone” has marked itself as Loggins’ all time greatest work and another timeless classic from the decade.

37. “Back In Black” by AC/DC (1980)

There’s a litany of reasons for why AC/DC’s Back In Black is hailed as one of the greatest rock albums of all time, and the album’s title track is certainly one of them. At the time singer Brian Johnson was the new face of the band, but given how seamlessly he fit into the band’s sound and aesthetic makes this song a legendary rock anthem, along with guitarist Angus Young’s irrefutably catchy riffs.

36. “Blue Monday” by New Order (1983)

Standing as one of the most seminal electronic-pop songs to ever be recorded, New Order’s “Blue Monday” not only established new precedents for electronic music in the 80s, but the song has since managed to traverse through the following decades cementing it as an all-time classic. While the group has a handful of other noteworthy hits, nothing has quite had the same impact on contemporary music like “Blue Monday.”

35. “Walk This Way (feat. Aerosmith)” by RUN D.M.C. (1986)

Breaking musical boundaries by amalgamating both hip-hop and rock genres, Run D.M.C.’s take on Aerosmith’s already iconic song “Walk This Way” gave the composition an unprecedented glow up and opened doors to new sonic possibilities in music. Largely from the group’s success throughout the 80s, particularly with this song, RUN D.M.C are routinely cited as one of the most important groups in hip-hop .

34. “Ace of Spades” by Motörhead

The Heavy Metal outfit lead by frontman Lemmy Kilmister have remained one of the single most influential rock bands from the late 70s and early 80s. “Ace Of Spades,” the title track off Motörhead’s 1980 record, is still their most highly regarded and popularized track, as it fully captures the essence and allure of what made the band and frontman Lemmy so remarkably fascinating.

33. “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran (1982)

The British New Wave group wouldn’t have been such a viral sensation throughout 80s without their hit, “Hungry Like The Wolf.” Many of the quirky pop antics and grooves made famous by Duran Duran contributed heavily to the sounds of the decade, and even much of modern pop music. With the popularity of “Hungry Like The Wolf” the band has seemingly been able to traverse through the 80s as one of Britain’s most admonished acts.

32. “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics (1983)

Few songs instantly perk the ears right from their start like Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams.” The pouncing synths and the haunting vocals have made it the duos most recognizable piece and it’s become one of the most formidable pop songs ever written.

31. “The Number of the Beast” by Iron Maiden (1982)

No other metal band has epic dueling guitar leads and sing-along choruses quite like Iron Maiden does, and their influence on the genre is as far reaching as their lengthy discography suggests. However, “The Number Of The Beast,” is the fuse that set the band off in the trajectory that they’ve since reached as one of the metal genre’s most revered and legendary bands.

30. “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler (1983)

The rollercoaster that is Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is unmistakable from its somber beginning to climactic and uplifting chorus. Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler would go on to have a few of hits throughout the decade, but nothing has outmatched the success she’s seen from “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

29. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest (1980)

The souring lead guitars and screeching vocals of heavy metal pioneers Judas Priest have remained a formidable influence amongst many of the metal genre’s most successful bands. However, Judas Priest’s classic “Breaking the Law” continues to be one of the few cases where they managed to break through the mainstream with their spiked heavy metal swagger.

28. “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash (1981)

As part of the first wave of British punk The Clash’s imprint on contemporary punk rock stretches far and wide especially compared to other like-minded outfits from the same era. The bands undeniable hooks are clearly what have made them stand out even after all of these years, with their multiplatinum single “Should I Stay or Should I Go” being a prime example of their knack for catchy punk songwriting.

27. “Straight Outta Compton” by N.W.A. (1988)

The seminal rap group changed the face of music production and paved the way for the gangsta rap genre with their debut, Straight Outta Compton . The title track still reverberates the same visceral attitude and intensity which the group laid down decades ago, which is why it’s routinely celebrated and influential to this day.

26. “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner (1984)

The “Queen of Rock,” Tina Turner, was undoubtedly at her peak in the 80s having a plethora of pop-rock hits and ground breaking live performances. However, her single “What’s Love Got to Do with It” is still the her most exemplary work and the song that’s made her a household name within pop-culture.

25. “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds (1985)

After finding success from its appearance in the hit coming of age film The Breakfast Club , Simple Minds’ “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” would establish itself as the group’s most popular and beloved song of their career. The instrumentation and infectious performances on “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” only showcase why Simple Minds would go on to have one of the most successful careers of any U.K. band from the decade, thus making the song a definitive piece from the 80s.

24. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” - Kate Bush (1985)

Put simply, with the success of Netflix’s Stranger Things , Kate Bush’s already successful career was emboldened thanks to the TV show’s use of her hit single “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God).” The song has introduced an entire generation of new fans to the British pop star, and it has since made her a significant part of the 80s’ sonic appeal to whole new generation.

23. “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne (1980)

The Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, made one of the most impressionable debuts from any solo rock artist thanks to the international sensation “Crazy Train.” While Osbourne’s rabid personality and melodies lifted the song, the true hero of this hard rock anthem is guitarist Randy Rhoads whose musicianship and performance is still so highly regarded to this day.

22. “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (1981)

Boasting what is quite possibly the most famous drum fill of all time, Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” has time and again instilled itself as one of pop-rock’s most popularized singles. The song marked the debut of Collins’ solo career after leaving Genesis, and took off to even greater heights in the following years, though “In The Air Tonight” has remained the singer’s most successful track to date.

21. “Panama” by Van Halen (1984)

While “Jump” is the band’s most commercially successful hit to date, it was less representative of Van Halen’s true rock prowess at the time, which arguably is what “Panama” showcased. As one of the band’s most catchy and popularized tracks, “Panama” is still routinely played and hailed as one of greatest rock anthems ever written and it’s an exemplary song from the revered rock titans.

20. “Dancing In the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen (1984)

“The Boss” Bruce Springsteen saw huge international success with the releases of his 1984 opus, Born In the USA. The number of hits curated from this record is an achievement in its own right, but “Dancing In the Dark” has to be Springsteen’s single greatest work as a songwriter during the decade, and its continued popularity speaks to the timeless quality Springsteen was able to capture.

19. “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty (1989)

Tom Petty’s solo album debuted to much critical praise at the time of its release in the late 80s, and given the number of incredible songs on the record it’s easy to understand why it was such a smashing success. However, “Free Fallin’” has remained his most popular song from his solo album, and it’s arguably his best song from the decade and possibly entire career.

18. “Just Can’t Get Enough” by Depeche Mode (1981)

Despite Depeche Mode’s opus being their 1990 LP Violator , the band was no less significant throughout the 1980s, having a number massive hits including “Just Can’t Get Enough.” The song glimmers with 80s nostalgia from with its iconic synth leads and gleeful chorus melodies. There’s a plethora of amazing Depeche Mode songs throughout the decade, but “Just Can’t Get Enough” remains one of the groups most popularized to date, and furthermore one of the most defining songs of the 1980s.

17. “Rebel Yell” by Billy Idol (1983)

Billy Idol sonically encompasses a lot of what was amazing about the 80s from hard hitting rock, frenetic pop choruses and an innovative use of synthesizers, all of which are present on his anthemic hit “Rebel Yell.” This song among several of Idol’s hits are routinely spun by a number of generations, and he’s still largely seen as one of the most prominent faces of 80s rock.

16. “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (1983)

Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” has remained an absolute classic since its inception. Given its continued widespread popularity there’s no denying the impact the song has had on a multitude of generations and a plethora of other likeminded artists, especially throughout the 1980s.

15. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston (1987)

Few solo artists have seen the same multi-decade success that Whitney Houston achieved in her career. While her career would peak in the 90s for her work on The Bodyguard soundtrack, her 1987 single “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” cemented her as one of the 80s’ most revered vocalists and rising pop stars.

14. “Every Breath You Take” by The Police (1983)

Right from the beginning snap of the snare drum listeners instantly recognize the Police’s legendary single, “Every Breath You Take.” Few songs have that unique ability to be so quickly recognizable which further speaks to the songs achievements and mesmerizing qualities, not to mention The Police’s astounding musicianship showcased on the track.

13. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses (1987)

The sonic brilliance of the 1980s wouldn’t be what it was without the masterpiece that was Guns N’ Roses debut, Appetite For Destruction. As one of the highest selling and acclaimed rock records, it’s difficult to pick the best GNR song but “Sweet Child O’ Mine” has remained unanimously loved since it’s inception, deeming it the right choice. Furthermore, nearly every element of the band shines bright on this track, highlighting why Guns N’ Roses have remained so iconic after all of these years.

12. “With Or Without You” by U2 (1987)

The Irish alternative rock pioneers U2 paved the way for many of modern rock and pop music’s most famed artists, and their 1987 album The Joshua Tree is what greatly contributed to them having such a far reaching popularity. “With Or Without You” is still the most popular single from the record, and the band’s most recognizable hit to date. At the time of its release it earned the band their first No.1 charting hit on the U.S. billboard charts.

11. “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey (1983)

Few contemporary songs infect listeners with the urge to the sing along and rejoice like Journey’s global hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Even with dozens of hits and multi-platinum records, “Don’t Stop Believein’” has remained the band’s most renown and viral song to date and by a large margin.

10. “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi (1986)

Bon Jovi’s hits never fall short on their anthemic appeal, in fact of all 80s rock bands Bon Jovi might have the most crowd pleasing rock anthems with “Livin’ On A Prayer” being their most iconic. The sheer number of hits to come out of their 1986 LP Slippery When Wet is overwhelming, but the continued recognition of “Livin’ On A Prayer” makes it the group’s best.

9. “Like A Virgin” by Madonna (1984)

The provocative and alluring qualities of Madonna’s music and persona were groundbreaking at the time and it certainly played a huge part to her success in the 80s. “Like A Virgin” just so happens to be the song that best showcases these aspects, and when it was released the song wasn’t without its controversies, but it’s remained one of her defining pieces and a true gem from the decade.

8. “Take On Me” by a-ha (1985)

The synthesizer is without a doubt one of the defining features of 80s music — that and the exceptional vocal melodies that are often paired with it, which a-ha expertly capture on their global sensation, “Take On Me.” With a soaring chorus that insists the listener hum along and give their best attempt at singing in falsetto, “Take On Me” is a one hit wonder that few artists have come even close to achieving.

7. “Under Pressure” by Queen And David Bowie (1982)

While both Queen and David Bowie had a variety of acclaimed records and hit singles throughout the 80s, their collaboration together on “Under Pressure” is up there with their greatest works ever recorded. Both Bowie and Queen captured lightning in a bottle on “Under Pressure,” and the poignant and heartfelt themes the on song are what have carried it throughout the following decades and cemented it as an all time classic.

6. “Careless Whisper” by Wham! (1984)

Wielding the single greatest saxophone line of all time, George Michael and Andrew Wrigley’s “Careless Whisper” is the pinnacle of sexy and suave in musical form. Although the single appeared on Wham!’s second studio album (as Andrew Wrigley helped compose the song) George Michael is largely seen as the song’s creator, with the single being under his name in the U.K. and Europe. George Michael’s solo career hasn’t seen as a big hit as “Careless Whisper” and the fact it’s been covered by several other noteworthy artists throughout the following decades helps establish it as a timeless song.

5. “Master of Puppets” by Metallica (1986)

As the most popularized metal group in the world, Metallica’s rise within pop-culture has been a steady exponential journey ever since their formation in 1981. However, in recent years their already iconic heavy hit “Master Of Puppets” would surpass itself as a metal opus and become one of the most popularized songs from 1980s, in part due to a new generation discovering the classic from the popularized Netflix series Stranger Things .

4. “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears (1985)

Tears For Fears contributed to a handful of the 80s most universally acclaimed and beloved songs, but “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” is the song that’s defined their entire career and legacy as a group. The song’s Cold War themes have not only remained relevant throughout the following decades but its general messaging and the way in which Tears For Fears so uniquely arranged this masterpiece is timeless.

3. “Africa” by TOTO (1982)

The sheer number of phenomenal hits TOTO penned and individually helped contribute towards as session musicians is beyond overwhelming. As a band however, “Africa” remains their most accessible and significant piece to date, provided its wholesome and mesmerizing qualities, not to mention its irrefutably catchy groove.

2. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson (1982)

The 80s wouldn’t have been the musical renaissance that it was without the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Given the sheer number of hits Jackson had throughout the decade, it’s difficult to pick his best, but “Thriller” showcases the pop star in all his best elements from the legendary dance moves seen in the music video to Jackson’s mesmerizing and frenetic vocal performance.

1. “Purple Rain” by Prince (1984)

Prince’s masterpiece Purple Rain solidified him as one of the greatest songwriters and producers in contemporary music, and the album’s title track encapsulates much of his oneness that’s heard throughout the record. “Purple Rain” is still one of the strongest ballads ever written from a rock and pop standpoint, and to this day Prince still manages to captivate listeners with this near nine-minute opus, which is a feat on its own.

Bottom Line

All of the 50 songs showcased above have made a deep and significant impact not only on the millions of listeners they’ve garnered over the years, but the contemporary music genres they inhabit. More importantly these songs are still continuously played and hailed for their virtuosic qualities ultimately making them timeless works of art from each of these popular 80s bands and artists .

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Saddle up for Beyonce's new "Call Me Country" documentary exploring country music journey

The documentary will be available for fans on Max starting April 26.

Beyoncé , the reigning queen of pop, is taking her fans on a journey through country music with the unveiling of her upcoming documentary, "Call Me Country: Beyoncé & Nashville's Renaissance."

Beyonce's incursion into country music

As anticipation builds, the trailer of the CNN FlashDocs production offers a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be a revealing exploration of her recent foray into the genre.

The documentary delves into Beyoncé's latest album "Cowboy Carter," exploring the profound impact it's had on both the music industry and the ongoing conversation surrounding black musicians in country music .

Featuring interviews with prominent black voices in the country scene, including banjo player Rhiannon Giddens and acclaimed artists like John and T.J. Osborne of Brothers Osborne , the film sheds light on the evolving landscape of country music.

Warner Bros. Discovery describes the documentary as an examination of the cultural shift within country music, particularly in light of artists like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X challenging the status quo.

With insights from cultural critics and country music experts, "Call Me Country" aims to capture the essence of this transformation.

"Call Me Country" set to premiere on April 26

Beyoncé's journey into country music began with her groundbreaking single "Texas Hold 'Em," which made history by reaching No. 1 on both Hot Country Songs and the Billboard Hot 100, marking a milestone for black women in the genre.

Her album "Cowboy Carter," r eleased on March 29 , further solidified her impact, featuring collaborations with rising black country stars and legends like Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton .

In a statement preceding her album's release, Beyoncé reflected on the album's genesis, citing a deep dive into the history of country music as her inspiration.

Her candid exploration of the genre has sparked conversations and challenged perceptions, paving the way for a more inclusive future.

"Call Me Country: Beyoncé & Nashville's Renaissance" is set to premiere on April 26 on Max , offering viewers a firsthand look at Beyoncé's remarkable journey into the heart of country music.

Don't miss out on all sports information at www.marca.com/en .

Bess Atwell Is Learning To Be at Peace With Herself

“Got a lot to be forgiven for, gave a lot of hell,” Bess Atwell sings on “Release Myself,” the second track of her upcoming album Light Sleeper . Her whimsical vocals float poised and steady atop a wall of rousing guitar riffs, as the Brighton, U.K.-based singer-songwriter reflects on the idea of total absolution — for her past mistakes, for the ways in which she’s abandoned herself before, for the anxieties she’s now learning to dissolve. 

Light Sleeper is Atwell’s first full-length record since 2021’s stunning Already, Always , where her cutting and careful songwriting captured the attention of many, including the National ’s Aaron Dessner , who then posted about her song “Time Comes in Roses” on his Instagram story. 

“It’s rare that you find new music that really touches you and that you keep coming back to,” says Dessner in a conversation with Atwell and Rolling Stone . “And I kept coming back to Bess’s songs.”

“He was always my pipe-dream producer,” she says. “He started working with really huge stars and I was like, ‘Well, I’m happy for him, but really not happy for me, because that was already an unrealistic goal and now it’s just gone. Never going to happen.’”

Still, she sent a DM asking if he’d like to hear some demos, and assumed he was just being nice when he accepted. “And then he was like, ‘Well, let me know if you need help making this.’ And I was like, ‘Really? OK,’” she says. “Aaron, I think you say you do one for the big guys so you can do one for the small guys. I think that’s just really admirable.”

Editor’s picks

The 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history, every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term.

Dessner and Atwell talk about their dynamic with an air of mutual reverence. Atwell mentions her stubbornness and loyalty to certain demos on songs like “Spinning Sun” and “Crowds,” and Dessner’s willingness to honor parts of those demos in the final production. The inclusion of “I Am Awake,” a stomach-turning track about the terror that can surround love and disappointment, was a Dessner decision: “I thanked him for this song in particular when I was leaving Long Pond,” Atwell says.

Taylor Swift Producers Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner Celebrate 'Tortured Poets' Release

Taylor swift busts out the quill pen and delivers an epic double album with 'ttpd: the anthology', the national and the war on drugs to co-headline 2024 zen diagram tour.

The day of my conversation with Atwell and Dessner is also the day of North America’s first total solar eclipse in seven years – an event that leads many to look for signs of metamorphosis in themselves and others. It feels aligned with the content of Light Sleeper , which explores a novel phase of life for Atwell. She says she’s been relying less on anti-depressants, working with a new diagnosis, and resolving to extend grace to herself, no matter how hard that seems.

On the title track and album closer, Atwell sings, “I’m ready to be a light sleeper again/To wake up and feel everything/I can carry the weight of it.” It’s an act of quiet bravery for Atwell, who spends the tracklist mulling over her process of exorcising fear. “Lyrically, a lot of the album focuses on feelings of dissociation and wanting to feel alive and feel that warmth again, feel that rawness of life,” Atwell says. That openness can only be accomplished by remaining mindful and brutally honest, and Atwell masters it ambitiously on Light Sleeper .

Take “The Weeping,” a powerful plunge into her experience growing up alongside her younger sister Lola, who lives with high-support-needs autism. “I’m a walking open wound,” Atwell sings on the ballad, and it feels like a long-awaited exhale. She continues to explore domestic themes on “Sylvester,” a song she wrote about a childhood alter ego she conjured up to entertain her family, confronting the ways in which we often feel the need to perform even in front of those we “should” be most comfortable around. 

In the time since she wrote the record, Atwell gained even more insight into her own psyche when she herself received an autism diagnosis, which she says felt like a relief. “It did a lot of good to help me just release myself of the guilt of always asking myself, ‘Why can’t I do this? Why is this so difficult for me?’” 

Kristi Noem Describes Executing Puppy She 'Hated' in New Book

Billie eilish would like to reintroduce herself, kanye west announces 'yeezy porn' amid reports of adult film company, meet the mvp of 'shōgun' — ex-punk rocker and japanese movie star tadanobu asano.

While Atwell wrote Light Sleeper as she was tapering off antidepressants, she admits that the journey hasn’t been linear, and that her attempt wasn’t as clean-cut as she’d hoped. “To keep it very real, it just didn’t succeed in terms of tapering off them,” she says. “I think the important thing with that was that I was willing.” 

Still, the album stands strong as an illustration of self-belief, compassion – for ourselves and others – and embracing everything that’s left unknown to us. “I was dipping my toe in like, ‘What would it be like to feel fully and not be afraid of my feelings?’” Atwell says. “So although the album is autobiographical, it’s slight fiction in the sense that it’s exploring an idea, and a possibility, and a hope for the future, rather than, ‘I’ve done it. I have the answers now.’”

Anitta Embraces Her Roots, But Could’ve Taken More Risks, On ‘Funk Generation'

• ALBUM REVIEW
• By Felipe Maia

Outkast Pay Tribute to Organized Noize's Rico Wade: He 'Saw Something in Us'

• 'big brothers'
• By Daniel Kreps

See Charley Crockett Showcase His '$10 Cowboy' on 'Saturday Sessions'

• 'good country music'

Sean Combs Seeks to Dismiss 'Revenge Porn' Claims in Sexual Assault Lawsuit

• crimes and court

How St. Vincent Unlocked Her Realest Album Yet

• By Brian Hiatt

Most Popular

Anne hathaway says 'gross' chemistry test in the 2000s required her to make out with 10 guys: that's the 'worst way to do it' and 'now we know better', louvre considers moving mona lisa to underground chamber to end 'public disappointment', 'the lord of the rings' trilogy returning to theaters, remastered and extended, saweetie exposes dm from quavo following latest chris brown diss that shades her, you might also like, harvey weinstein hospitalized after rape conviction overturned in new york, molly ringwald in custom cong tri gown, rachel brosnahan in jonathan cohen and more white house correspondents’ dinner 2024 red carpet arrivals, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, bob bakish expected to resign as paramount ceo amid skydance merger talks, vince mcmahon lists final tko shares for sale.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

Inspirational Journey

April 8, 2024 8 Songs, 13 minutes ℗ 2024 Aimée Linville

More By Aimée Linville

Select a country or region, africa, middle east, and india.

• Côte d’Ivoire
• Congo, The Democratic Republic Of The
• Guinea-Bissau
• Niger (English)
• Congo, Republic of
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• South Africa
• Tanzania, United Republic Of
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates

Asia Pacific

• Indonesia (English)
• Lao People's Democratic Republic
• Malaysia (English)
• Micronesia, Federated States of
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Solomon Islands
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• France (Français)
• Deutschland
• Luxembourg (English)
• Moldova, Republic Of
• North Macedonia
• Portugal (Português)
• Türkiye (English)
• United Kingdom

Latin America and the Caribbean

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Argentina (Español)
• Bolivia (Español)
• Virgin Islands, British
• Cayman Islands
• Chile (Español)
• Colombia (Español)
• Costa Rica (Español)
• República Dominicana
• Ecuador (Español)
• El Salvador (Español)
• Guatemala (Español)
• Honduras (Español)
• Nicaragua (Español)
• Paraguay (Español)
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• Uruguay (English)
• Venezuela (Español)

The United States and Canada

• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• United States
• Estados Unidos (Español México)
• الولايات المتحدة
• États-Unis (Français France)
• Estados Unidos (Português Brasil)
• 美國 (繁體中文台灣)

Taylor Swift’s ‘LOML’ Lyrics Offer a Devastating Look at Her Joe Alwyn Breakup

It turns out Taylor Swift’s fifth track of The Tortured Poets Department , “So Long, London,” isn’t the album’s most devastating breakup song. That slot is arguably reserved for track 12, “loml.”

In the lyrics, Swift alludes to feeling like her relationship was “counterfeit.” Her partner “shit-talked me under the table, talking rings and talking cradles. I wish I could un-recall how we almost had it all.” She ends the song sharing her disappointment over the person her partner ultimately was: “a coward [who] claimed he was a lion.”

There are a lot of brutal revelations in the 4-minute-and-37-second track. Here are the lyrics of “loml” broken down, with possible Alwyn references annotated.

Verse 1: Who’s gonna stop us from waltzing back into rekindled flames If we know the steps anyway?

News of Alwyn and Swift’s breakup broke on April 8, 2023. They had split a few weeks before.

On April 10, 2023, a source told People that Swift and Alwyn’s relationship was more on-off than people knew. “They’ve had rough patches before and always worked things out, so friends thought they would take some time apart [now] but eventually come back together. Ultimately [they] weren’t the right fit for one another.” Swift’s word choice of “rekindled flames” in her first lyric may allude to this.

We embroidered the memories of the times I was away Stitching, “We were just kids, babe” I said, “I don’t mind, it takes time” I thought I was better safe than starry-eyed

Swift and Alwyn started dating on Sept. 28, 2016 . At that point, Swift was only 26 years old, while Alwyn was 25.

Chorus: I felt a glow like this, never before and never since If you know it in one glimpse it’s legendary You and I go from one kiss to getting married Still alive, killing time at the cemetery Never quite buried

Swift and Alwyn didn’t actually get married, as Swift’s publicist Tree Paine made clear on X, formerly known as Twitter, in November. “There was NEVER a marriage or ceremony of ANY kind,” she wrote.

Multiple sources told People on April 10, 2023, that before their breakup, Swift and Alwyn had been “talking about marriage as recently as a few months ago” though.

It is possible that Swift could be referencing the media’s portrayal of them in the verse, too. Swift and Alwyn were constant targets of secret engagement and marriage rumors because they kept their relationship so private.

Swift spoke about that when discussing her relationship and how it inspired Midnights song , “Lavender Haze.” She said, “ I happened upon the phrase ‘lavender haze’ when I was watching Mad Men . I looked it up because I thought it sounded cool. And it turns out that it’s a common phrase used in the ’50s where they would describe being in love. If you’re in the ‘lavender haze,’ then that meant you were in that all-encompassing love glow. And I thought that was really beautiful.”

“I guess, theoretically, when you’re in the ‘lavender haze,’ you’ll do anything to stay there,” she continued. “And not let people bring you down off of that cloud. I think that a lot of people have to deal with this now, not just like ‘public figures,’ because we live in the era of social media, and if the world finds out if you’re in love with somebody they’re going to weigh in on it. Like my relationship for six years we’ve had to dodge weird rumors, tabloid stuff, and we just ignore it. So this song is about the act of ignoring that stuff to protect the real stuff.”

Swift, notably, uses the word “glow” to describe the love between her and her partner in the “loml” verse: “I felt a glow like this, never before and never since.”

Post-Chorus: In your suit and tie, in the nick of time You low-down boy, you stand-up guy Holy ghost, you told me I’m the love of your life You said I’m the love of your life About a million times Verse 2: Who’s gonna tell me the truth when you blew in with the winds of fate And told me I reformed you? When your impressionist paintings of heaven turned out to be fakes Well, you took me to hell too And all at once, the ink bleeds A con man sells a fool a “get love quick” scheme But I felt a hole like this, never before and never since Chorus: If you know it in one glimpse it’s legendary What we thought was for all time was momentary

While dating Alwyn, Swift wrote several love songs that suggested he was the one, from Lover ’s “Paper Rings” and folklore ’s “invisible string” to Midnights ’ “Mastermind.” Swift, in “invisible string,” sang about Alwyn being her destined endgame: “And isn’t it just so pretty to think / All along there was some / Invisible string / Tying you to me?”

She used words like “heaven” to describe the way she saw his love too in that same song: “Hell was the journey but it brought me heaven.”

Alwyn was Swift’s longest and most serious relationship. The couple never spoke about their relationship to the press, but look no further than their longevity and Swift’s past lyrics as evidence of the deep love they shared.

Still alive killing time at the cemetery Never quite buried Post-Chorus: You sent a file in black and white All those plot twists and dynamite Mr. Steal-Your-Girl, then make her cry Said I’m the love of your life

The “never quite buried” lyric could refer again to how on-off their relationship was before their final breakup.

Bridge: You shit-talked me under the table Talking rings and talking cradles I wish I could un-recall How we almost had it all

This bridge contains some of the most brutal lyrics on the album. Swift and Alwyn never got engaged, a sore point Swift sang about in the bridge of Midnights bonus track, “You’re Losing Me” : “And I wouldn’t marry me either / A pathological people pleaser / Who only wanted you to see her.” She also sang in “So Long, London,” that “I’m pissed off you let me give you all that youth for free.”

While Alwyn and Swift spoke in private about getting engaged, Alwyn played coy about it publicly. He told WSJ in April 2022 , “If I had a pound for every time I think I’ve been told I’ve been engaged, then I’d have a lot of pound coins. I mean, the truth is, if the answer was yes, I wouldn’t say, and if the answer was no, I wouldn’t say.”

Dancing phantoms on the terrace Are they second-hand embarrassed That I can’t get out of bed ’Cause something counterfeit’s dead It was legendary It was momentary It was unnecessary Should’ve let it stay buried Chorus: Oh what a valiant roar, what a bland goodbye A coward claimed he was a lion I’m combing through the braids of lies I’ll never leave, never mind Our field of dreams engulfed in fire Your arson’s match, your somber eyes And I’ll still see it until I die You’re the loss of my life

Neither Swift nor Alwyn ever spoke about their breakup publicly.

Swifts suggests here she gave their relationship one last chance that she regretted. This last verse offers an intimate look at how disappointed she was at Alwyn, a sentiment all those sources close to Swift and Alwyn never shared with tabloids .

A Guide to Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department

Why Joe Alwyn Didn’t Talk About Dating Taylor

Read Taylor Swift’s ‘Fortnight’ Lyrics

The Unexpected Reference in Taylor's ‘Florida!!!’

Who’s Taylor Swift’s ‘Down Bad’ About?

Are Taylor’s ‘The Albatross’ Lyrics About Travis?

All the Easter Eggs in the ‘Fortnight’ Music Video

What Taylor’s ‘Cassandra’ Lyrics Mean

‘I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can),’ Explained

Taylor Explores Breakup in ‘How Did It End?’

Taylor Asks: ‘Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?’

What Taylor Swift’s ‘The Black Dog’ Is About

CCM shares 2024 alumni and distinguished service awards

The college recognizes alumni and community members for their achievements and support.

UC's College-Conservatory of Music is proud to present alumni and distinguished service awards to outstanding members of our community at the end of each academic year. The 2024 awards are presented to four accomplished alumni and one dedicated patron in a private virtual event on April 23. 

• Young Alumni Awards:  Connor Chee  (MM Piano, ’11),  J.T. Rooney  (BFA Media Production, ’11),  Brian Raphael Nabors’  (MM Composition, ’15; DMA Composition, ’19)
• Distinguished Alumni Award:  Melody Moore  (MM Voice, ’05)
• Distinguished Service Award: Jeffrey W. Thomas

“It is one of the greatest honors of my career thus far to receive recognition from the people and institution that have molded me into the artist, composer and professor I stand as today," Nabors says. " I feel prepared to do anything and I’m forever grateful to CCM for cultivating in me an artistic tenacity that will last a lifetime. One of my greatest joys is to share these lessons with the next generation of composers whose voices are wide ranging and deserving of every opportunity to create work that affirms and inspires us all.”

Young Alumni Awards

Connor Chee  (MM Piano, ’11) is known for combining his classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Chee made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition. Chee’s 2020 album “Scenes from Dinétah” features piano pieces written about elements of Navajo life and culture, accompanied by several music videos filmed on the reservation, directed by Navajo filmmaker Michael Etcitty Jr. Chee’s most recent release, ”Across the Desert: The Long Walk Home,” stands as a musical tribute to the Navajo people’s journey through adversity and the triumphant return to their cherished ancestral lands.

Connor Chee. Photo/Provided

Navajo pianist and composer Connor Chee (b. 1987) is known for combining his classical piano training with his Native American heritage. Chee made his Carnegie Hall debut at the age of 12 after winning a gold medal in the World Piano Competition. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music, Chee’s solo piano music is inspired by traditional Navajo chants and songs.

Chee has released 5 studio albums of original pieces and piano transcriptions of Navajo music. The Navajo Piano won Best Instrumental Recording at the 16th Annual Native American Music Awards, and his piece “Beginnings” won Best New Age Song. The Navajo Piano (Revisited), features new recordings of his original 15 compositions from 2014, as well as recordings of the traditional songs they were based on. Chee’s 2020 release, Scenes from Dinétah, features piano pieces written about elements of Navajo life and culture. It was accompanied by the release of several music videos filmed on the reservation, directed by Navajo filmmaker Michael Etcitty Jr. Chee’s most recent release, Across the Desert: The Long Walk Home, stands as a musical tribute to the Navajo people’s journey through adversity and the triumphant return to their cherished ancestral lands.

J.T. Rooney  (BFA Media Production, ’11) is a screen producer at Silent Partners Studio in Los Angeles, California. He served as Projection Designer for the Superbowl LII halftime show in 2018, has toured with Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Billy Joel, Kanye West and more. He was named to Live Design Online’s “30 under 30” list in 2018. 

Across his work on some of the largest music, corporate, broadcast, and sport projects in the world, J.T. Rooney pushes the limits of creative design and execution for live entertainment. With more than a decade of experience in the industry, J.T. leads the XR Studios team, overseeing trailblazing broadcast projects with world-renowned clients such as Twitch, Katy Perry, Snapchat, Riot Games, Billie Eilish, Viacom, Black Eyed Peas, Amazon, Tik Tok, and more.

J.T. began his career creating immersive visuals and controlled advanced systems for the New World Symphony, later joining creative agencies Lightborne and then Silent Partners Studios where he screen-produced for international artists and brands including Katy Perry’s Super Bowl Halftime Show, Kanye West’s Yeezus and Saint Pablo Tours, the Muse Simulation Theory Tour, Audi, Flume, and Taylor Swift’s reputation Stadium Tour. Utilizing his resources and valuable experience, J.T. came together with his collaborators to create, produce, and execute productions in an entirely new way, resulting in the creation of XR Studios. Specializing in live entertainment, corporate and brand events, commercial, music video, and product work, he and his team at XR Studios continue to elevate immersive experiences utilizing modern technology in extended, augmented, and virtual reality. J.T. currently splits his time across Montreal, London, and Los Angeles, where XR Studios is building the XR Studios Hollywood Campus dedicated to immersive technologies.

Brian Raphael Nabors’  (MM Composition, ’15; DMA Composition, ’19) music has been throughout the United States and at many international events, including the Lucerne and Helsinki music festivals, National Orchestral Institute (NOI), Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals. Upcoming projects in ‘24-25 include the world premiere of a chamber ballet (Black Iris Project), a choir and chamber orchestra arrangement for Carnegie Hall (Mid-America Productions), a co-commissioned premiere with Seattle Symphony, and a concerto for orchestra with Chineke! for premiere at Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany.

Brian Raphael Nabors. Photo/Provided

Brian Raphael Nabors (b. April 10, 1991, Birmingham, AL) is a composer of emotionally enriching music that tells exciting narratives with its vibrant themes and colorful harmonic language.

Nabors' music has been performed by the Boston, Atlanta, Nashville, Cincinnati, Detroit, Fort Worth, and Munich Symphonies among others. His music has been performed at many events internationally, including the Lucerne and Helsinki music festivals, National Orchestral Institute (NOI), Aspen and Tanglewood Music Festivals.

Upcoming projects and premieres in ‘24-25 include the world premiere of a chamber ballet (Black Iris Project), Choir and chamber orchestra arrangement for Carnegie Hall (Mid-America Productions), Co-Commissioned premiere with Seattle Symphony, and a concerto for orchestra with Chineke! for premiere at Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany. 

Nabors earned a Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degree in Composition at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and a Bachelor of Music Theory & Composition degree from the School of the Arts at Samford University.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Melody Moore  (MM Voice, ’05) is enjoying a thriving career on the world’s leading stages, prompting Opera News to label her “a revelation,” and of her sold-out appearance at Carnegie Hall to rave, “As I left the auditorium, I could only think: more of Moore, please.” She has performed with La Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, San Francisco Opera, Houston Grand Opera, Washington National Opera, Opéra de Montréal, Glimmerglass Festival, Lincoln Center Festival and more.

Melody Moore. Photo/Provided

Soprano Melody Moore is enjoying a thriving career on the world’s leading stages, prompting  Opera News to label her “a revelation,” and of her sold-out appearance at Carnegie Hall to rave, “As I left the auditorium, I could only think: more of Moore, please.”

Ms. Moore enjoyed a triumphant return to LA Opera during the 2021-2022 season, repeating her tremendous success in the role of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida opposite Latonia Moore in the title role and tenor Russell Thomas as Radames. Concert highlights of the season included Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Minnesota Orchestra under the baton of Juraj Valčuha and the Mother in Hansel and Gretel with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, with Sir Donald Runnicles at the helm. The season also saw the release of Moore’s interpretation of the title role in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly (available on Pentatone), and the recording of a critically acclaimed concert of Puccini’s Tosca, captured live in Berlin, Germany. Ms. Moore continues to remain active in the recording studio throughout the season, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of legendary soprano Renata Tebaldi with an album featuring selections from the Italian repertoire for which she was most famous (to be released in 2023), and singing Kathie/Linford in the world premiere recording of Gordon Getty’s opera, Goodbye, Mr. Chips. In the fall of 2022, Moore will make a much-anticipated return to San Francisco Opera as Mère Marie in the Olivier Py production of Dialogues des Carmélites.

Despite a number of postponements and cancelled productions due to COVID closures, the 2020-2021 season offered Ms. Moore an opportunity to focus on recording projects, and that season’s resulting releases of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West (both released on the Pentatone label) have been widely praised by reviewers and consumers alike.

Highlights of the 2019-2020 season included her debut as Amneris in a new production of Aida at the Houston Grand Opera. Concert highlights included her debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra in Mahler’s Das klagende Lied under the baton of Music Director Andrés Orozco-Estrada.

In the 2018-2019 season, Ms. Moore returned to Houston Grand Opera to reprise the roles of Senta in the season opening production of Die fliegende Holländer led by Music Director Patrick Summers, and Donna Elvira in Mozart’s Don Giovanni in a new production by Kasper Holten, and returned to LA Opera for a role debut as Gertrude in Hänsel and Gretel under the baton of Music Director James Conlon. On the concert stage, she debuted with the Dresdner Philharmonie in the roles of Giorgetta in Puccini’s Il Tabarro and Santuzza in Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana, both of which were recorded for commercial release by Pentatone. Ms. Moore also sang Senta with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Edo de Waart, enjoyed a debut with the Grant Park Music Festival for Delius’ A Mass of Life, and sang the title role in Salome in Daegu, South Korea. In the 2017-2018 season, Moore made three major role debuts: Elisabetta in Don Carlo at Washington National Opera; the title role in Salome at Florida Grand Opera; and Tatyana in Eugene Onegin at Hawaii Opera Theatre, as well as singing her signature roles of Tosca in a return to Opéra de Montréal and Senta in Wagner’s Der fliegende Holländer in a new production by Tomer Zvulun at The Atlanta Opera.  Her portrayal of Desdemona in a full recording of Verdi’s Otello was also released by Pentatone.

Other recent career highlights include a house and role debut at Seattle Opera in the title role of Janáček’s Kátya Kabanová; appearances with San Francisco Opera in the title role of Tosca, Susan Rescorla in Heart of a Soldier, Mimì in La bohème, and the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro; Houston Grand Opera as Julie in Show Boat, Marta in the American premiere of Weinberg’s The Passenger, the title role in Carmen, Dorabella in Così fan tutte; Washington National Opera as the title role of Catán’s Florencia en el Amazonas, Phillip Glass’ Appomatox, and in Francesca Zambello’s highly acclaimed production of Wagner’s full Ring cycle; LA Opera as Tosca, the Countess in Le nozze di Figaro and in productions of Der Zwerg and Der Zerbrochene Krug; Opéra de Montréal as Cio-Cio San in Madama Butterfly; Glimmerglass Festival as Lady Macbeth in Verdi’s Macbeth and Senta in Der fliegende Holländer; Lincoln Center Festival in The Passenger; English National Opera as Mimi and as Marguerite in Faust; New York City Opera as Rita Clayton in the New York premiere of Stephen Schwartz’s Séance on a Wet Afternoon and as Regine St. Laurent in Rufus Wainwright’s Prima Donna; and Austin Lyric Opera as Senta in Der fliegende Holländer. Additional performances include the title roles of Manon Lescaut at New Orleans Opera, Tosca with the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, Pamina in Die Zauberflöte at Opéra de Bordeaux; and Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni with The Atlanta Opera and Opera Colorado.

On the concert stage, Ms. Moore has appeared with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for Bruckner’s Te Deum led by Music Director Donald Runnicles; Bard SummerScape Festival as the title role in Turandot; Bavarian Radio Symphony in performances and a recording of excerpts of Gordon Getty’s opera, Plump Jack, conducted by Ulf Shirmer and with the New Century Chamber Orchestra conducted by Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg.  She has joined Rufus Wainwright for gala concerts at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia and at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto.

A Masters of Music graduate of the UC College-Conservatory of Music, Melody Moore is a former Adler Fellow of San Francisco Opera and an alumni of the prestigious Merola program.

Distinguished Service Award

Jeff Thomas. Photo/Provided.

Jeffrey W. Thomas  (BBA UC, '79; MBA NKU '83) founded Jeff Thomas Catering July 1985, which has supported many special events at CCM with delicious food. After 39 years, he plans to retire in December 2024. Throughout his career, he has been deeply involved in community organizations including the CCMpower Board, the Carnegie of Covington, Kentucky Board, Caracole Board, Children’s Home of Northern Kentucky and he was a past recipient of Lighthouse Youth Services Beacon of Light Award.

"If I was making a list of most loyal supporters of CCM, Jeff Thomas would be near the top," says Elaine Cox, Senior Director of Development at CCM. "Through his own personal support of the college and his eponymous catering company, Jeff (and Kent’s) donations are closing in on $300,000."

His generous contributions to CCM and UC include 29 different funds across 8 colleges and UC areas, including: annual fund for CCM, CCMpower, CCM Dean's Innovation Fund, Innocence Project at the College of Law, Brain Tumor Center Fund at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute, Veteran’s Discretionary Fund , CCM’s trip to Carnegie Hall in January of this year, CCM TAPAA Production Fund, CCM Senior Showcases, CCM Moveable Feasts dating back to 2003 — and many more. 

CCM Alumni: Stay Connected

We want to connect with you! Update your contact info and let us know what’s new.  Update your information with UC's Alumni Association. 

• College-Conservatory of Music
• Alumni Association
• Opera and Voice
• Electronic Media Production
• Composition, Musicology and Theory
• Composition

Related Stories

See a concert or show at ccm: fall schedule of major events now available.

August 15, 2023

Experience world-class performances by the next generation of performing and media artists at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM)! The college’s fall 2023 schedule of ticketed events is now available; tickets are on sale beginning 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 through the CCM Box Office website.

CCM shares spring 2023 schedule of major performances and events

November 22, 2022

Audiences are invited to return to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) concert halls and theaters to experience world-class performances and presentations by the next generation of performing and media artists! The college’s spring 2023 schedule of free and ticketed events is now available. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning on Monday, Nov. 28, through the CCM Box Office.

CCM shares fall 2022 schedule of performances and public events

August 12, 2022

Audiences are invited to return to the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music’s (CCM) concert halls and theaters to experience world-class performances and presentations by the next generation of performing and media artists! The college’s fall 2022 schedule of free and ticketed events is now available. Tickets go on sale beginning on Monday, Aug. 22, through the CCM Box Office website.

Taylor Swift releases ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ double album ahead of Record Store Day: Highlights

Catch up on all things 'The Tortured Poets Department':

• Fans celebrated Swift's midnight release of "The Tortured Poets Department" with listening parties and themed gatherings . Many critics praised Swift in their reviews.
• Swift surprised fans at 2 a.m. ET with news of 15 extra songs.
• The album features collaborations with Post Malone and Florence + the Machine. Swift described writing the album as deeply personal. "Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it," she said.
• NBC News' resident Swifties stayed up to blog the biggest takeaways after the album's release.

Vinyl industry rep says pandemic-era manufacturing bottlenecks have eased

"The Tortured Poets Department" is set to be released in special-edition "ghost"-colored vinyl, available both directly through Swift's website and exclusively at Target.

During the pandemic, that might have alarmed vinyl record buyers. As vinyl plants shuttered and employees were sidelined, vinyl production ground to a halt, causing reports of weekslong backlogs and orders going unfulfilled outright.

But in an interview with NBC News on Friday, Dustin Blocker, president of the Vinyl Records Manufacturing Association, said those issues have been resolved and that suppliers now have more than enough capacity to handle any orders coming their way, including massive ones like Swift's.

"In Q3 2023, we saw the [production] timeline start to go back to normal," Blocker said. "And in Q4 it really got back to normal. Now, everyone, including the huge plants, takes only 8-12 weeks [to produce] ... so it's very good news for everyone."

Blocker said any price increases on the supply side sparked by the bottlenecks have essentially reversed.

So, the $40 price tag on the Target edition of "TTPD" is most likely the result of choices made by Swift, her label and the retailer, he said.

Jack Antonoff is sharing BTS pics

Saba Hamedy

Jack Antonoff is giving Swifties what they want: more content.

The Bleachers frontman, who is also Swift’s longtime collaborator and friend, shared pictures of Swift and collaborators on the album, including Florence Welch .

The acting U.S. secretary of labor has a question for Taylor

Acting U.S. Labor Department Secretary Julie Su has a key question for Taylor Swift and her "Tortured Poets Department":

"Is this department unionized?" she wrote in a post on X .

Su, 55, has served as acting secretary since March 2023; she has faced stumbling blocks to being confirmed full time for the role over her perceived pro-union bias .

Destin celebrates Swift shoutout

Nicole Duarte

The city of Destin, Florida, is here for the Swiftie boost.

Google searches for the beach town shot up minutes after Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” was released. The album mentions Destin in the song “Florida!!!” featuring Florence + The Machine.

The city is celebrating the shoutout:

As is Destin's mayor:

Trump gets a question on Taylor

Vaughn Hillyard

A reporter who is part of the pool following Donald Trump on Friday at his hush money trial was able to get in a question to the former president about the new albums.

Trump didn't engage.

Taylor Swift reveals ‘Dateline’ as an inspiration for ‘Florida!!!’

Maddie Ellis, TODAY

Taylor Swift has taken over radio stations, from Channel 13 on SiriusXM to iHeartRadio briefly renaming itself to iHeartTaylor and sharing messages from the songwriter.

Swift revealed in a soundbite played on iHeartRadio that “Florida!!!” — the eighth track of the album and featuring Florence + the Machine — was inspired by “Dateline.”

“I’m always watching, like ‘Dateline,’” Swift said with a laugh. “People, you know, have these crimes that they commit where they immediately skip town and go to Florida. They try to reinvent themselves, have a new identity, blend in.”

It’s the same with heartbreak, she said.

“I think when you go through a heartbreak, there’s a part of you that thinks, ‘I want a new name. I want a new life,’” she said.

Or perhaps in Swift’s case — a new era?

Read more at TODAY.com.

The double album appeared to avoid leaks

Kaetlyn Liddy

The standard edition of "The Tortured Poets Department" is said to have been leaked ahead the album's release. The origin of the apparent leaks is unclear, but none of the songs on the extended "anthology" version of the album seem to have been compromised.

Leaks of major artists' work sometimes occur when physical copies of the album arrive prematurely at record stores or department stores, before the tracks are released on streaming platforms. Fans suspect the surprise drop of the double album was a factor in the 15 extra tracks avoiding leaks.

The extra content was so unexpected that the lyrics of the anthology version have yet to be uploaded to Spotify .

‘The Tortured Poets Department’ broke a Spotify record in 12 hours

"The Tortured Poets Department" is already Spotify’s most-streamed album in a single day this year, edging out Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" in less than 12 hours, Spotify confirmed to NBC News.

Swift currently holds the all-time record for most streams in a day by album and by artist for 2022's "Midnights."

Who are The Blue Nile? About the Scottish band named by Swift

In the album's ninth track — "Guilty as Sin?" — Swift name-drops a beloved '80s Scottish band, The Blue Nile.

"Drowning in The Blue Nile. He sent me 'Downtown Lights.' I hadn’t heard it in a while," Swift says in the song.

"Downtown Lights," released in 1989, was the peak of The Blue Nile's commercial success in the U.S., with the song reaching No. 10 on the Billboard American Modern Rock Tracks chart. 1989 is also Swift's birth year and the title of her fifth studio album.

Known for their avoidance of publicity, The Blue Nile has released just four albums since forming in 1981.

Fans share their theories and joy on social media

It wouldn't be a new Taylor Swift album without fans wondering who it's about or decoding the names mentioned in each song. (Who is Cassandra , Taylor?)

That speculation will surely continue, but now that the album is out, fans can't believe their luck. Reactions on social media praised the sonic and lyrical range of the album, saying that "everybody gets everything," whether you listen to Swift for her synth-pop hits or her intimate folk songs.

Author and creator John Green couldn't wait to wake up his daughter to tell her she gets 31 new Taylor Swift songs today.

By the numbers: Will Taylor Swift break her own album sales marks?

Dania Kalaji

“The Tortured Poets Department” blasted to No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes album sales chart following its release. But will it live up to the success of her previous discography?

Here are all of Swift’s bestselling albums in the U.S. ranked to date, according to data from the Recording Industry Association of America.

“Fearless” (2008): 10 million units

“1989” (2014): 9 million units

“Red” (2012): 7 million units

“Taylor Swift” (2006): 7 million units

“Speak Now” (2010): 6 million units

“Reputation” (2017): 3 million units

“Lover” (2019): 3 million units

“Midnights” (2022): 2 million units

“Folklore” (2020): 2 million units

“The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection” (2008): 1 million units

“Evermore” (2020): 1 million units

TikTok rolls out new features to celebrate new album

Daysia Tolentino

As Swifties show their love for "The Tortured Poets Department" on TikTok, they have the chance to be featured in a "Fan Spotlight" carousel that highlights videos with the #TORTUREDPOETSDEPARTMENT hashtag.

TikTok released a "Taylor Swift In-App Experience" that serves as a landing page for all things "TTPD." Fans can complete challenges in exchange for limited-edition "TTPD" profile frames and some Taylor-related searches unlock animations inspired by the album. Searches for "Taylor Swift," "Taylor Nation," and "The Tortured Poets Department" lead fans to the landing page.

The features are particularly notable because Swift's music was pulled off the platform earlier this year as part of a disput between TikTok and Universal Music Group, though many of her tracks returned earlier this month .

Fans on TikTok have already been loving "TTPD," sharing numerous theories , tears and rankings .

Swift's song 'Fortnight' with Post Malone hits No. 1 on Apple

Jason Abbruzzese

That didn't take long.

The song "Fornight" off Swift's new album quickly hit No. 1 on Apple's top song chart. It features rapper and singer Post Malone.

Swift also took the next four spots with "The Tortured Poets Department," "So Long, London," "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toy," and "Down Bad."

The National's Aaron Dessner on working with Swift: 'some of the most lyrically acute, intricate, vulnerable and cathartic' songs

Aaron Dessner, a musician who is part of the rock band The National, posted to Instagram about working with Swift on the album along with a pic of her in a studio.

He said that he has now worked with swift on more than 60 songs, including 17 across her newest release.

"I am forever grateful to Taylor for sharing her insane talents with and trusting me with her music. I believe these songs are some of the most lyrically acute, intricate, vulnerable and cathartic Taylor has ever written and I am continually astonished by her skills as a songwriter and performer," he wrote, adding in thanks to a long list of other artists and producers.

Will Swift break her own streaming records?

The October 2022 release of Swift's 10th studio album, "Midnights" shattered records on Spotify and Apple Music.

"Midnights" became Spotify's most-streamed album in a single day with 184.6 million streams when it debuted. Swift also broke the record for most-streamed artist in a single day on Spotify with 228 million streams.

The album also become the biggest album of all time by a female artist in Apple Music history by first-day and first-week streams worldwide.

Can Swift outdo herself?

Will Swift's album inspire a new college course?

As Swift became increasingly synonymous with American pop culture, universities around the country started creating entire courses dedicated to studying her lyricism and impact.

Some courses focus on Swift as a business and marketing mastermind, while others analyze her storytelling techniques with all the detail and skill of poetry analysis.

Time will tell whether this new album will inspire yet another college course. Our guess is with all the literary references, it's sure to be on some professors minds.

Read more in NBC News' article here .

Saturday is Record Store Day

The release of "The Tortured Poets Department" will come just in time for a notable day in the music industry calendar: Record Store Day on April 20. The annual event has been observed since 2007 to celebrate independent record stores and is often accompanied by exclusive drops by major artists.

Swift has yet to announce a special event, but the date is marked in the TTPD Timetable on her Instagram, suggesting she might have something up her sleeve.

Swift describes new album: 'Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it.'

Patrick Smith

Taylor Swift has offered fans a glimpse into the creative process behind "The Tortured Poets Society" and the emotions that inspired it.

In a press release Friday morning to accompany the new release, the artist said:

"The Tortured Poets Department. An anthology of new works that reflect events, opinions and sentiments from a fleeting and fatalistic moment in time — one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure.

"This period of the author’s life is now over, the chapter closed and boarded up. There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed. And upon further reflection, a good number of them turned out to be self-inflicted.

"This writer is of the firm belief that our tears become holy in the form of ink on a page. Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it.

"And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry."

To sleep or stream? Swifties question staying up even later

Can you wait until the morning to listen to the 15 extra songs on Swift's anthology?

If you answered no, you're not alone. Online, fans joked that they didn't expect to get this little shut eye.

Among the fans: Gen Z Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla.

"I got votes in the morning. Do I sleep or listen" he wrote .

Others had similar thoughts.

"TAYLOR I HAVE A JOB OH MY GOD" wrote one fan, tagging the artist on X .

"lol Taylor I have to get up early to run errands before work please" wrote another X user.

Leave it to Swift to give us adrenaline to keep us all up a little longer.

'The Tortured Poets Department' becomes Swift's longest album

With the surprise release of 15 additional songs, "The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology" has 31 tracks.

That now makes it Swift's longest album, edging ahead of "Red (Taylor's Version)" by just one track.

A list of all 15 of the extra 'Anthology' songs

• “The Black Dog”
• “imgonnagetyouback”
• “The Albatross”
• “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus”
• “How Did It End?”
• “So High School”
• “I Hate It Here”
• “thanK you aiMee”
• “I Look in People’s Windows”
• “The Prophecy”
• “Cassandra”
• “The Bolter”
• “The Manuscript”

Surprise: a double album!

"The Tortured Poets Department" is a secret DOUBLE album.

In a 2 a.m. ET surprise, Swift announced an extra 15 songs.

"I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here’s the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology," she wrote on X . "15 extra songs. And now the story isn’t mine anymore… it’s all yours."

It's 2 a.m.

Now what, Taylor?

ICYMI: Swift's powerhouse publicist Tree Paine gets profiled by WSJ

Swift's longtime publicist, Tree Paine, whom many fans know by name, was the subject of a lengthy Wall Street Journal article published Thursday ahead of the new album's release.

While she declined to be interviewed for the story, it delves into how she became one of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry since she joined Swift's camp in 2014.

“There isn’t a publicist in NY, LA or Nashville that wouldn’t jump at an opportunity to work with someone as talented as Taylor Swift and her management team,” Paine said at the time, according to the New York Post .

Read the full story here.

Couples are now wary of Swift's 'Lover' as a love song

Elena Nicolaou, TODAY

“Lover” — at least until recently — was widely received as one of Swift’s classic love songs. When the album of the same name came out in 2019, its title single was declared  first dance song material , or even a “ wedding waltz .”

In the song, Swift paints a portrait of quiet intimacy. Her wild “Red” days, of thrilling romances with highs and lows and uncertainties in between, had settled into something steadier with one person, captured by a simple chorus: “You’re my, my, my, my lover.”

But that interpretation is now in question, as Swift recasts some of her songs in a different light. Ahead of the release of “The Tortured Poets Department,”  she released five playlists on Apple Music , sorting old songs into groups inspired by the five stages of grief, or “heartbreak.”

Aaron Dessner is credited as a songwriter on five of 16 tracks

Dessner, who is a member of the bands The National and Big Red Machine, is one of two producers who worked on "The Tortured Poets Department."

He's credited as a songwriter on five of the 16 tracks on the standard album.

Dessner first collaborated with Swift on her eighth studio album, “Folklore,” for which he shared in the Grammy win for album of the year. He made several guest appearances with Swift on the U.S. leg of the Eras Tour, joining her onstage during the acoustic set for performances of songs they wrote together.

Here's what some critics are saying in their reviews

Angela Yang

The critics have spoken. Here's a roundup of some of their takeaways on "The Tortured Poets Department."

Billboard ’s Jason Lipshutz praised Swift’s boldness for releasing a “knowingly messy, wildly unguarded breakup album” at what’s arguably the peak of her career. It's more mature than her past heartbreak albums, he writes, and “not everyone will love it, but the ones who get it will adore it fiercely.”

Variety ’s Chris Willman wrote that the album can serve as an “unapologetically dramatic” soundtrack to listeners’ own heartbreaks.

Labeling it Swift’s most personal album yet, Rolling Stone ’s Rob Sheffield described it as “the cathartic confession of a woman who thought she had adulthood — and adult romance — all figured out, only to find herself realizing she knows nothing.”

And unlike on past albums, Swift doesn’t portray herself as a victim in this one, wrote the Los Angeles Times ’ Mikael Wood. Instead, the album emanates “a proudly villainous energy as Swift embraces her messiest and most chaotic tendencies.”

Jack Antonoff, Swift's longtime collaborator, posts love for album

Antonoff, Swift’s longtime collaborator and friend, shared his love for the new album on X .

"Love this album more than I can say," wrote Antonoff, who worked on “The Tortured Poets Department” as a producer.

Antonoff also co-wrote eight of the album's tracks.

Swifties are starting to post reax on X

In typical fashion after a Swift album drops, reactions from fans are pouring in online, and they TEND TO COME IN ALL CAPS.

As any Swiftie will tell you, listening to new music from the artist always proves to be a collective emotional experience.

Spotify appears to be holding it together (so far)

The last time Swift debuted a brand-new album, Spotify crashed. No major issues so far this time around.

Shoutout to the engineers and people behind the scenes who are probably working overtime to make sure Swifties don't panic.

We have a new countdown

Don’t go to bed yet! Taylor Swift’s Instagram page is displaying a new countdown to 2 a.m. ET. This wasn't on the timetable ...

Swift releases statement after album drop

In her first social media post after “The Tortured Poets Department” was released, Swift shared a statement about the album online.

These songs reflect her experiences from a moment in time that was equally “sensational and sorrowful,” she wrote, adding that it is a chapter now closed.

“Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it,” Swift wrote. “And then all that’s left behind is the tortured poetry.”

Who is Clara Bow?

Daniel Arkin

The 16th and final track on the album is named for Clara Bow, one of the leading lights of Hollywood’s silent era.

Bow, unlike a lot of stars from the 1920s, managed to successfully pivot to roles in talkies by the end of the decade. She co-starred in “Wings” (1927), which today is probably best known as the first movie to win the Oscar for best picture.

I’m not a Swiftie, so I don’t have much insight into how Taylor’s music connects to Bow’s acting career — but I’m curious how this track will be interpreted by the die-hards.

The album is here

BRB, we’re busy listening with the rest of y’all.

You can now choose a Swift-themed chat for your Instagram DMs

Instagram users can now set their direct message conversations to a new chat theme inspired by “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Bars, venues hold special Swift parties

On the eve of Swift’s album drop, event venues across the country (and around the world) hosted release parties so Swifties could get their first listen of the “The Tortured Poets Department” on the dance floor.

At Pianos in New York, music from across Swift’s discography will play until the new album drops at midnight. Attendees are encouraged to come in themed outfits and friendship bracelets, and the bar will be serving Swift-inspired cocktails.

In Los Angeles, El Cid is hosting a listening party complete with fan-made merch, giveaways and a themed wall for photos. Attendees can also expect performances from drag queen Jade Jolie, who appeared in Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” music video.

Several Swiftie-themed events are also being held across the Washington, D.C., area, according to The Washington Post, which compiled a list .

A Swiftie mom and daughter are hosting their own album party

Kristie Gilmore, 36, is ready to celebrate with her daughter, who was born shortly after Swift's “1989” album and has been a Swiftie ever since.

Gilmore decorated her Boston-area apartment with balloons, signs and stickers in the color palette of “The Tortured Poets Department.” She sprinkled the table with handmade confetti of the album’s logo and made TTPD-themed “membership cards” for themselves and each of her daughter’s friends.

“They’ve been counting down since Taylor announced this album,” Gilmore said, adding, “They’re just hanging out, having a dance party. They’re gonna try to stay up till midnight and listen to it.”

What are the track lengths?

The average track length on “The Tortured Poets Department” is 4 minutes and 4 seconds, making it the third longest album across Swift’s discography.

The longest song is “But Daddy I Love Him,” which clocks in at 5 minutes and 40 seconds.

“I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” is the shortest song, at 2 minutes and 36 seconds.

Travis Kelce shared his early thoughts about the album

Ahead of the Super Bowl, Swift's boyfriend, Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, weighed in on the new album.

“I have heard some of it, yes. It is unbelievable,”  Kelce said . “I can’t wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops.”

The couple , who have become the internet's favorite love story , were most recently spotted at Coachella 's first weekend.

Taylor Swift beat reporter speaks to NBC's Hallie Jackson

USA Today’s Taylor Swift reporter , Bryan West, spoke with NBC News about the album drop and all the Easter eggs being spotted by fans.

Swift's music is back on TikTok despite UMG dispute

Kalhan Rosenblatt

Some songs that Swift fans know “All Too Well” returned to TikTok this month, months after they were removed.

The songs were among the many tracks Universal Music Group pulled off TikTok after the label and the platform  failed to reach an agreement  this year. (UMG has no relationship to NBCUniversal, the parent company of NBC News.)

UMG, known as one of the “Big Three” global music companies, cleared its music from TikTok in late January, saying it was doing so because of a lack of compensation for artists and songwriters. TikTok previously fired back at UMG, accusing the company of putting “their own greed above the interests of artists and songwriters.”

The economics of 'The Tortured Poets Department'

Doha Madani

Die-hard Taylor Swift fans will be spending a pretty penny on her latest album release as she releases four variants of the album with one exclusive track each.

Each variant of “The Tortured Poets Department” is named after the bonus song found at the end of the album: “The Manuscript,” “The Bolter,” “The Albatross” and “The Black Dog.” If a fan wanted to collect them all, the minimum for $13.99 CDs at a store would cost at least $55.96 before taxes.

Longtime Swifties are already familiar with her tendency to provide deluxe editions, as anyone who was around for her original “1989” release can recall the Target exclusive that included three bonus tracks and three voice memos recorded by Swift. 

Her “Midnights” release included a Target exclusive track that was added to streaming only months later, and in May she released a new song on “Midnights (The Late Night Edition).” But this is the first time Swift has put an exclusive song on each individual variant, with no clear timeline for when they might be added to streaming. 

2024: The year of Post Malone and the pop girlies

Rebecca Cohen

Fresh off of a collab with Beyoncé on "LEVII'S JEANS" from her now-famed "Cowboy Carter," Post Malone finds himself on another major release of 2024: Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department."

He joins Swift on the album's first song, "Fortnight." Swift announced that "Fortnight" would be the album's lead single and the song for which she is releasing a music video 8 o'clock tomorrow night.

"I’ve been such a huge fan of Post because of the writer he is, his musical experimentation and those melodies he creates that just stick in your head forever," Swift wrote on social media. "I got to witness that magic come to life firsthand when we worked together on Fortnight."

While best known for more rap-focused songs, Post Malone is clearly making the rounds in the pop music scene, having also recently collaborated with Noah Kahan on "Dial Drunk." But his back-to-back appearances on arguably two of the biggest albums from pop artists this year raise the questions: Is Post Malone becoming a pop girlie? Is he just having a moment? Or is it all of the above?

There's a book about Swift's impact headed to bookshelves

Rolling Stone writer and music historian Rob Sheffield's book "Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music" will debut Nov. 12.

He's expected to dive further into Swift’s music and fan connection.

Swifties are celebrating with their own listening parties

Many Swifties are sharing their elaborate party setups online as they prepare to celebrate the album release at home.

Karen Rothdeutsch, 25, has decked out her bedroom in upstate New York with “The Tortured Poets Department”-themed decorations, complete with a platter of homemade cupcakes decorated to match Swift’s various vinyl variants.

“I just made my space a little more immersive for my first listen,” Rothdeutsch told NBC News. “I’ll be sitting in my bed with a box of tissues and a notebook, writing down my thoughts and probably checking into Twitter every so often to see what everybody’s thinking about it.”

She said she procured the decorations over the course of several weeks, but the whole setup cost her less than $100. While she decorates on a budget, she said she did splash out on the vinyl variants and collector’s edition CDs.

Swift's new album is already breaking a Spotify record

Spotify said on X that the “The Tortured Poets Department” became the most pre-saved album countdown page in the streaming service’s history.

Since its launch on March 28, TTPD's countdown page has ticked down to the album’s drop, now just hours away.

Was Swift's Grammys dress a 'Fortnight' Easter egg?

The white gown Swift wore to the 2024 Grammys, where she announced "The Tortured Poets Department," appears to have been an Easter egg.

Swift appears to be wearing a very similar dress in the teaser for the "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)" music video, which will debut 8 p.m. ET tomorrow.

Swift was also pictured hugging Post Malone at the ceremony. Some fans online pointed out a similar shot of the two singers that appears in the teaser for the music video.

Swift drops 'Fortnight' music video teaser

Swift blessed fans with a teaser for “Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)," the album's first single.

"At this hearing, I stand before my fellow members of The Tortured Poets Department with a summary of my findings. Album tonight. Fortnight music video tomorrow at 8pm et," Swift wrote in a post on X , which was accompanied by a short video clip.

The black-and-white teaser gave a sneak peak of the visuals for the music video. It's a combination of dramatic period gowns and a bleak medical setting in this supercut that is reminiscent of "Poor Things," which Swift's longtime friend Emma Stone recently won the best actress Oscar for.

Swift had announced she'd be dropping a music video at 8 p.m. ET tomorrow by sharing a “TTPD Timetable” on her Instagram page this week.

Merch is here — and already selling out

Hours before the album’s release, themed merchandise for “The Tortured Poets Department” is now available to order online.

The merch drop includes hoodies, crewnecks and gold jewelry branded with the album’s logo. A display case for the album vinyls seemingly sold out within minutes.

ICYMI: The Eras Tour concert film is on Disney+

In case you need something to do as you count down to the new album, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is on Disney+. Swift announced the film would be available for streaming in February.

The film features all songs from the three Los Angeles tour dates during which it was filmed at SoFi Stadium. They include “cardigan,” as well as four additional acoustic surprise songs from the tour: “I Can See You,” “Maroon,” “You Are in Love” and “Death by a Thousand Cuts.”

Swifties online are freaking out over purported ‘leaks’

The internet was at it again this week, with some online circulating what they said were leaks of Swift's new album. It is unclear from where and when the apparent leaks originated, but one Reddit thread is already filled with commentary.

As early as Tuesday, "taylor swift leak" appeared to be blocked from searches on X. Instead, when a user tried to search the phrase, a blank page popped up with the message, "Something went wrong. Try reloading."

The secret message has been decoded

The sixth and final word of the secret message, “mortem,” was revealed today, hidden in the lyrics of the song “Begin Again.”

The complete secret message is: “We hereby conduct this post mortem.”

In a collaboration with Apple Music, Swift sorted some of her existing songs into thematic playlists , along with audio messages from her.

The messages seemed to confirm some fans’ theories that the playlists mirrored the five stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance — indicating that the new album may grapple with grief or loss. Swift later used a song from each playlist to reveal a hidden word on Apple Music every day leading up to the release of “The Tortured Poets Department.”

Swift sets fans loose on an international puzzle

Swifties had a big day yesterday after murals with QR codes were unveiled in cities around the world, including Mexico City, Paris and Chicago.

Fans stumbled upon the murals, which Swift had not announced, and scanned them to find a link to a YouTube Shorts video. Every mural had a unique code that led to a different video, each revealing a new letter as part of a word puzzle.

Fans came together online to help decode the puzzle, which seemed to hint at the new album's first track, because it spelled out "for a fortnight."

Swifties in Los Angeles flock to Spotify pop-up library

Many Los Angeles Swifties celebrated the new album with a pop-up library installation in partnership with Spotify.

The three-day event, which runs through today at The Grove, featured a sneak peek at some of the album's lyrics.

Fans posted videos of themselves lined up for hours to get a glimpse at the installation.

A manuscript was front and center at the installation, revealing new lyrics periodically as the pages were turned over the course of three days.

Many fans online tried to identify other potential Easter eggs in the pop-up library, such as a bust of a peace sign, quill and fountain pens and a globe that appeared to be pointing to Florida, the name of a track on the album.

Why is the album called 'The Tortured Poets Department'?

Fans were quick to note that “The Tortured Poets Department” is the longest title for a Taylor Swift album by a large margin, a distinction previously held by her third album, "Speak Now." Before "TTPD," "Speak Now" was her only album title consisting of more than one word.

Speculation surrounding the new album and its uncharacteristic title has primarily revolved around Swift’s  2023 breakup  with British actor Joe Alwyn after their six-year relationship.

After the album announcement, a  2022 Variety interview  between Alwyn and Paul Mescal resurfaced on X. The pair revealed in the interview that they were both members of a WhatsApp group chat titled the Tortured Man Club, prompting some fans to  draw parallels  between Alwyn and Swift’s upcoming album.

The true meaning of “The Tortured Poets Department” remains to be seen, but the album's rollout has featured references to famous poems like Charles Baudelaire’s “The Albatross,” among other literary references.

Clues keep coming

Speculation continues to grow over clues for lyrics, song titles and the album’s first music video.

Not much from Miss Swift so far

It's been a notably quiet rollout for "The Tortured Poets Department."

No themed Instagram grid overhaul, no lead singles, not even a cryptic calendar leading Swifties on wild goose chases for potential Easter eggs.

A week before the release, Taylor Swift was rocking out at Coachella instead of feeding her fans who are desperate for a hint of what's to come.

Aside from a hand-painted QR code on the side of a building in Chicago, a planned exhibit at The Grove in Los Angeles in partnership with Spotify and a quick video released Tuesday that appears to leave the "Midnights" era in the dust as viewers tour The Tortured Poets Department, Swift has been silent on what we can expect.

In the video , posted to her Instagram account, we did get a glimpse of a schedule that only showed release day, and on it, the promise of a music video on Friday at 8 p.m. ET. Fourteen tick marks beneath led some to think the music video could be for the 14th track on the album, or for the leading song, "Fortnight," since a fortnight is 14 days.

Swifties believing in the latter theory proved to be correct. Swift announced that the music video would be for "Fortnight" in a Thursday afternoon social media post.

Swifties online continue to grasp for any details to try to figure out what this mastermind might have in store for her beloved fan base.

What songs are on the new album?

Here's what songs are on the track list.

• "Fortnight (feat. Post Malone)"
• "The Tortured Poets Department"
• "My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys"
• "So Long, London"
• "But Daddy I Love Him"
• "Fresh Out the Slammer"
• "Florida!!! (Florence + the Machine)"
• "Guilty as Sin?"
• "Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?"
• "I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)"
• "I Can Do It With a Broken Heart"
• "The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived"
• "The Alchemy"
• "Clara Bow"

Swift has also announced four bonus tracks: "The Manuscript," “The Bolter,” “The Albatross” and “The Black Dog.” Each bonus track will be available on a separate vinyl variant and won't be on the streaming version of the album.

When does 'The Tortured Poets Department' drop?

Swift's 11th studio album, "The Tortured Poets Department," will be released Friday at 12 a.m. ET, or 9 p.m. PT.

It will be available for purchase on vinyl, on cassette, as a digital album and in CD form. It will also be on several streaming services, including Spotify and Apple Music.

But if you plan to stream “The Tortured Poets Department” right after its release, be prepared for potential delays. When Swift’s most recent brand-new album, “Midnights,” was released, Spotify  briefly crashed  because of intense demand.

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.

Doha Madani is a senior breaking news reporter for NBC News. Pronouns: she/her.

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

is culture and trends editor for NBC News Digital.