Journey is good. This is a fact.

Journey is an easy target when people make fun of popular bands. They had a fuckload of hits, and they rose from the ashes of Santana...(even though Santana wasn't nearly done).  They basically owned the late 70s/early 80s...and for GOOD REASON!

Let's get the pre-popular stuff out of the way. The first three LPs

1. Journey
2. Look Into the Future
3. Next

These are all before Steve Perry. Their sound is not at all like you know them. It's really Prog-Rock (no problem with that!) and there are some selected cuts that please. (Of a Lifetime from Journey is quite good and the title cut from Look Into The Future is a straight up TABLE BUSTING JAM)  They also do an interesting version of the Beatles' "It's All Too Much".  You certainly can't go wrong if you like some good old fashioned, guitar/organ based rock.

I am hear to point out the big Lps and perhaps some tracks you may not hear on the radio.

Infinity-1978
It's got big ass hits:  Lights, Feeling That Way/Anytime, Wheel in the Sky
You may be someone who does not like "Lights".
You would be wrong.  Put headphones on, sit back, and think of a summer night about 75 degrees, with a slight breeze, and listen closely to the perfectly layered vocals. Understand the brilliance of Neal Schon's solo. It's okay...I'm right all the time.
What I really love about "Feeling That Way" is that it lulls you into a false sense of serene security with Greg Rollie's soothing voice...then THE KNIFE'S EDGE OF STEVE PERRY'S BRIDGE KICKS YOU IN THE BALLS!
Some other lesser known cuts: " La Do Da" (No, this is not the theme song of my friend Sara Sevigny) and
"Can Do" This album is great. You should own it.

Evolution-1979
This has a special place for me as it reminds me of graduating grade school.
Big Hits: Just the Same Way, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
"Just the Same Way" is a jam, the outro proves it, but I don't need proof...OTHER THAN MY SAY-SO!!!!
If you do not like "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'", I am afraid that you are diagnosed with "Not Liking Any Music" There is a cure, but that's for another post.
Some great lesser known cuts: "Too Late" "City of the Angels" (this is basically the "Anytime" to "Lovin...."
"When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy)", "Lovin' You is Easy" "Lady Luck" Just get the Lp already!

Departure- 1980
Jams...pure and simple.
Big Hits: Any Way You Want It, Where Were You
This Lp is stem to stern SOLID. "Walks Like a Lady" is a complete bluesy/groovy jam! "I'm Cryin'" has screaming leads! "Someday Soon", "People and Places" Classic ballads!!!! This LP DOES NOT STOP.
Now these last three are enough to make my case...BUT THERE IS MORE!!!!

Single "The Party's Over-1981
This is off the Captured Live LP. It is in their top 5 songs, easy.

Escape-1981
Big, BIG hits!-Don't Stop Believing, Stone In Love, Who's Crying Now, Still They Ride, Open Arms
Yep, this is where the naysayers get going. Who hasn't heard Open Arms at their prom? I don't care. Stone in love is a jam! Still They Ride is their best song, and perhaps Neal Schon's best solo!
Other cuts: "Mother, Father" (ESSENTIAL JOURNEY TRACK), "Keep on Runnin'"(they don't like "G's" at the ends of words) "Escape"
You cannot go wrong with this lp.

Frontiers-1983
Big fucking hits!: Separate Ways (World's Apart), Send Her My Love, After the Fall, Faithfully
Don't even attempt to tell me that you don't bang on shit when Separate Ways kicks in. DON'T LIE TO ME!!! (Starts to turn into the Hulk, but stops)
Other jams: "Chain Reaction" "Troubled Child"
SOMEDAY, LOVE WILL FIND YOU....

Single "Only the Young"-1985
Great song, from the Visionquest soundtrack. I have news for you. Visionquest is one of the greatest films of the 80s. Do not argue. You will lose. There's a story about a teenage Journey fan dying of cancer who wrote to them and they brought this song to him fresh from mastering the tape so he could be the first person ever to hear it. Journey cares.

Raised on Radio-1986
This is where we will end. I don't consider this Essential Journey, but the hits are pleasant enough
Big Hits: Girl Can't Help It, I'll Be Alright Without You, and Be Good To Yourself

I believe that I have given MORE than enough proof, that Journey is good.  You may disagree, that is OK, Charles Manson disagreed...What?!?!!?!