"Any Way You Want It" is an iconic song by the American rock band Journey. The song was released in 1980 as a single and later appeared on their album, "Departure." It quickly became a fan favorite and has since become one of the most well-known songs by the band. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the song's history, lyrics, and musical composition to understand why it has endured for decades.
"Any Way You Want It" was written by the band's lead vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Neal Schon. The song was initially recorded in 1979 and was meant to be the B-side of their upcoming single "Walks Like a Lady." However, the record label executives were so impressed with it that they decided to make it a standalone single instead.
The song was an instant hit, reaching number 23 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also charted in Canada, the UK, and Australia. The music video for the song featured the band performing the song in a white room, with classic music video elements such as smoke and dramatic lighting.
The lyrics to "Any Way You Want It" are simple but effective. The song is essentially a declaration of love, with the narrator telling his partner that he will love them any way they want him to. The lyrics are uplifting and positive, making it a popular anthem for weddings and other celebrations.
The chorus of the song is perhaps the most famous part, with Perry's powerful vocals declaring, "Any way you want it, that's the way you need it, any way you want it." The repetition of the phrase reinforces the song's central message of unconditional love and acceptance.
"Any Way You Want It" is a classic example of Journey's signature sound. The song is built around Schon's guitar riff, which is both catchy and memorable. Perry's vocals soar over the top of the music, providing the perfect complement to the energetic instrumentation.
The song follows a standard verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure, with a guitar solo in the middle. The instrumentation is relatively simple, with Schon playing power chords during the verses and Perry's vocals taking center stage during the choruses. The guitar solo is the highlight of the song, with Schon's virtuosic playing driving the energy of the song to even higher levels.
"Any Way You Want It" by Journey is a timeless classic that has endured for decades. Its simple, uplifting lyrics and catchy guitar riff have made it a fan favorite and a staple of rock radio. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the band's talent and the enduring power of rock music.