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This Complete List Of Albums And Songs presents the full discography of Steve Perry Solo studio albums. Steve Perry was born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, is an American singer and songwriter best known for his work as the lead vocalist of the rock band Journey. His unique vocal qualities and stage presence helped shape Journey into one of the most iconic rock bands in history, creating some of the most memorable ballads and arena rock anthems of the 1970s and 1980s.
Journey Era
Steve Perry joined Journey in 1977, debuting on their fourth studio album, “Infinity,” which included hits like “Lights” and “Wheel in the Sky.” His arrival marked a significant departure from the band’s original progressive rock sound, steering them toward a more melodic rock and pop-oriented style. This change proved successful, as the band released a series of commercially successful albums like “Evolution,” “Departure,” and most notably “Escape,” which featured iconic tracks like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now.”
Solo Career
In 1984, Steve Perry released his first solo album, “Street Talk,” which included the hit single “Oh Sherrie” and the ballad “Foolish Heart.” The album was a commercial success and solidified Perry as not only a band frontman but also a solo artist. Despite this success, he returned to Journey and recorded “Raised on Radio” in 1986.
After leaving Journey in 1987, Perry disappeared from the music scene, largely due to health issues and a desire for a break. It wasn’t until 1994 that he released his second solo album, “For the Love of Strange Medicine.” The album didn’t achieve the same commercial success as “Street Talk,” but it received favorable reviews.
In 1996, Perry briefly rejoined Journey to record the album “Trial by Fire,” which spawned the hit single “When You Love a Woman.” However, he left the band again soon after.
Return to Music
After another prolonged hiatus, Steve Perry made a triumphant return in 2018 with the release of his third solo studio album, “Traces.” The album debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and marked a significant moment in his career, as it was his first studio album in nearly 24 years.
Street Talk
Released 1984
Steve Perry’s debut solo album, “Street Talk,” was released on April 12, 1984, by Columbia Records. This album marked a departure from Perry’s work with Journey, allowing him to explore a more pop-oriented sound. The album was a commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and achieving 4× Platinum status in the United States. It spawned the hit single “Oh Sherrie,” which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album featured Steve Perry on lead vocals, Michael Landau and Waddy Wachtel on guitars, Randy Goodrum on keyboards, Kevin McCormick on bass, Craig Krampf on drums, and Bill Cuomo on synthesizers and programming. “Street Talk” was produced by Steve Perry and Bruce Botnick. The album was recorded at Record One in Sherman Oaks, California, between September 1983 and January 1984.
CD Track Listings:
- “Oh Sherrie” – 3:48
- “I Believe” – 4:12
- “Go Away” – 4:05
- “Foolish Heart” – 3:39
- “It’s Only Love” – 3:47
- “She’s Mine” – 4:26
- “You Should Be Happy” – 3:20
- “Running Alone” – 4:05
- “Captured by the Moment” – 3:47
- “Strung Out” – 3:51
For the Love of Strange Medicine
Released 1994
“For the Love of Strange Medicine” was released on July 19, 1994, by Columbia Records. This was Perry’s second solo album, coming a decade after his debut. The album was not as commercially successful as “Street Talk,” but it did receive favorable reviews and spawned a hit single, “You Better Wait,” which reached No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The album featured Steve Perry on vocals, Lincoln Brewster on guitar, Larry Kimpel on bass, Moyes Lucas on drums, and Paul Taylor and Phil Brown on keyboards. Produced by James “Jimbo” Barton and Steve Perry, the album was recorded at Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood, and Wild Horse Studio between 1993 and 1994.
CD Track Listings:
- “You Better Wait” – 4:51
- “Young Hearts Forever” – 4:43
- “I Am” – 4:54
- “Stand Up (Before It’s Too Late)” – 4:52
- “For the Love of Strange Medicine” – 5:19
- “Donna Please” – 4:30
- “Listen to Your Heart” – 3:30
- “Tuesday Heartache” – 6:00
- “Missing You” – 3:43
- “Somewhere There’s Hope” – 6:00
- “Anyway” – 4:22
Traces
Released 2018
After a long hiatus from the music scene, Steve Perry made his return with “Traces,” released on October 5, 2018. The album was met with critical acclaim and peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.
The album featured Steve Perry on vocals, Vinnie Colaiuta on drums, Josh Freese on drums, Dallas Kruse on keyboards, and produced by Steve Perry and Thom Flowers. The album was recorded at Perry’s home studio in 2018.
CD Track Listings:
- “No Erasin'” – 4:07
- “We’re Still Here” – 4:06
- “Most of All” – 4:23
- “No More Cryin'” – 4:29
- “In the Rain” – 4:06
- “Sun Shines Gray” – 3:56
- “You Belong to Me” – 4:07
- “Easy to Love” – 4:03
- “I Need You” – 2:59
- “We Fly” – 3:56
Traces (Alternate Versions & Sketches)
Released 2020
This album, released on December 4, 2020, is an alternative version of the “Traces” album. It was produced by Steve Perry and Thom Flowers. It was recorded at Perry’s home studio and features Steve Perry performing with a stripped-down setup.
CD Track Listings:
- “Most of All” (Radio Mix) – 3:59
- “No Erasin'” (Acoustic) – 4:09
- “I Need You” (Acoustic) – 3:01
- “No More Cryin'” (Acoustic) – 4:29
- “Most of All” (Stripped) – 4:22
- “We’re Still Here” (Acoustic) – 4:04
- “You Belong to Me” (Stripped) – 4:03
- “Sun Shines Gray” (Acoustic) – 3:54
The Season
Released 2021
Steve Perry’s first-ever holiday album, “The Season,” was released on November 5, 2021. The album features holiday classics and aims to capture the spirit of the season.
The album was produced by Steve Perry and Thom Flowers and recorded at Perry’s home studio in 2021.
CD Track Listings:
- “Winter Wonderland” – 3:51
- “The Christmas Song” – 4:16
- “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” – 3:26
- “White Christmas” – 4:00
- “Silver Bells” – 5:02
- “O Holy Night” – 4:42
- “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” – 4:26
- “Ave Maria” – 4:43
STEVE PERRY COMPILATION ALBUMS
Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased
Released 1998
“Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased” was released in 1998 as a compilation album. It includes many of Steve Perry’s hit singles and five previously unreleased tracks.
The album was produced by Steve Perry and various other producers for the original songs. It was recorded at multiple locations over several years.
CD Track Listings:
- “Oh Sherrie”
- “Foolish Heart”
- “She’s Mine”
- “Strung Out”
- “Go Away”
- “When You’re in Love (For the First Time)”
- “Against the Wall”
- “Forever Right or Wrong (Love’s Like a River)”
- “Summer of Luv”
- “Melody”
- “Once in a Lifetime, Girl”
- “What Was”
- “You Better Wait”
- “Missing You”
- “I Stand Alone”
- “It Won’t Be You”
- “If You Need Me, Call Me”
Playlist: The Very Best of Steve Perry
Released 2009
This album, released in 2009, is another compilation featuring the best of Steve Perry’s solo work. It offers an overview of his career in a single disc, without any unreleased material.
CD Track Listings:
- “Oh Sherrie”
- “Foolish Heart”
- “She’s Mine”
- “Strung Out”
- “Go Away”
- “When You’re in Love (For the First Time)”
- “Against the Wall”
- “Forever Right or Wrong (Love’s Like a River)”
- “Summer of Luv”
- “Melody”
- “Once in a Lifetime, Girl”
- “What Was”
- “You Better Wait”
- “Missing You”
Oh Sherrie: The Best of Steve Perry
Released 2010
“Oh Sherrie: The Best of Steve Perry” was released in 2010 and focuses predominantly on his solo career. The compilation includes his greatest hits and some lesser-known tracks.
CD Track Listings:
- “Oh Sherrie”
- “Foolish Heart”
- “She’s Mine”
- “Strung Out”
- “Go Away”
- “Against the Wall”
- “Don’t Fight It” (with Kenny Loggins)
- “Young Hearts Forever”
- “Summer of Luv”
- “Melody”
- “Once in a Lifetime, Girl”
- “What Was”
- “You Better Wait”
- “Missing You”
Complete List Of Steve Perry Albums And Songs article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023
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