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The Best Journey Albums of All Time

One of the biggest bands of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Journey is considered one of the best rock  bands of all time. List of the best Journey albums, including pictures of the album covers when available. This Journey discography is ranked from best to worst, so the top Journey albums can be found at the top of the list. To make it easy for you, we haven't included Journey singles, EPs, or compilations, so everything you see here should only be studio albums.

If you think the greatest Journey album isn't high enough on the list, then be sure to vote for it so it receives the credit it deserves. Make sure you don't just vote for critically acclaimed albums; if you have a favorite Journey album, then vote it up, even if it's not necessarily the most popular.

If you want to know, "What is the Best Journey album of all time?" or "What are the top Journey albums?" then this list will answer your questions. List ranges from Escape to Frontiers and more.This list of popular Journey CDs has been voted on by music fans around the world, so the order of this list isn't just one person's opinion. Use this list to build your own just like it that fits your opinions of where everything should be ranked.

1. Don't Stop Believin' 2. Stone in Love 3. Who's Crying Now 4. Keep On Runnin' 5. Still They Ride 6. Escape 7. Lay It Down 8. Dead or Alive 9. Mother, Father 10. Open Arms

1. Lights 2. Feeling That Way 3. Anytime 4. Lă Do Dā 5. Patiently 6. Wheel in the Sky 7. Somethin' to Hide 8. Winds of March 9. Can Do 10. Opened the Door

• # 1185 of 1,700 on The Greatest Albums of All-Time
• # 144 of 333 on The Greatest Album Covers Of All Time
• # 49 of 77 on Albums You're Guaranteed To Find In Every Parent's CD Collection

1. Majestic 2. Too Late 3. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' 4. City of the Angels 5. When You're Alone (It Ain't Easy) 6. Sweet and Simple 7. Lovin' You Is Easy 8. Just the Same Way 9. Do You Recall 10. Daydream 11. Lady Luck

1. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) 2. Send Her My Love 3. Chain Reaction 4. After the Fall 5. Faithfully 6. Edge of the Blade 7. Troubled Child 8. Back Talk 9. Frontiers 10. Rubicon

1. Any Way You Want It 2. Walks Like a Lady 3. Someday Soon 4. People and Places 5. Precious Time 6. Where Were You 7. I'm Cryin' 8. Line of Fire 9. Departure 10. Good Morning Girl 11. Stay Awhile 12. Homemade Love

Raised on Radio

1. Girl Can't Help It 2. Positive Touch 3. Suzanne 4. Be Good to Yourself 5. Once You Love Somebody 6. Happy to Give 7. Raised on Radio 8. I'll Be Alright Without You 9. It Could Have Been You 10. The Eyes of a Woman 11. Why Can't This Night Go On Forever

Trial by Fire

1. Message of Love 2. One More 3. When You Love a Woman 4. If He Should Break Your Heart 5. Forever in Blue 6. Castles Burning 7. Don't Be Down on Me Baby 8. Still She Cries 9. Colors of the Spirit 10. When I Think of You 11. Easy to Fall 12. Can't Tame the Lion 13. It's Just the Rain 14. Trial by Fire 15. Baby I'm a Leavin' You 16. I Can See It in Your Eyes

1. Of a Lifetime 2. In the Morning Day 3. Kohoutek 4. To Play Some Music 5. Topaz 6. In My Lonely Feeling/Conversations 7. Mystery Mountain

1. Never Walk Away 2. Like a Sunshower 3. Change for the Better 4. Wildest Dream 5. Faith in the Heartland 6. After All These Years 7. Where Did I Lose Your Love 8. What I Needed 9. What It Takes to Win 10. Turn Down the World Tonight 11. The Journey (Revelation) 12. Let It Take You Back 13. The Place in Your Heart

Look Into the Future

1. On a Saturday Nite 2. It's All Too Much 3. Anyway 4. She Makes Me (Feel Alright) 5. You're on Your Own 6. Look into the Future 7. Midnight Dreamer 8. I'm Gonna Leave You

1. City of Hope 2. Edge of the Moment 3. Chain of Love 4. Tantra 5. Anything Is Possible 6. Resonate 7. She's a Mystery 8. Human Feel 9. Ritual 10. To Whom It May Concern 11. Someone 12. Venus

1. Higher Place 2. All the Way 3. Signs of Life 4. All the Things 5. Loved by You 6. Livin' to Do 7. World Gone Wild 8.  I Got a Reason 9. With Your Love 10. Lifetime of Dreams 11. Live and Breathe 12. Nothin' Comes Close 13. To Be Alive Again 14. Kiss Me Softly 15. We Will Meet Again

1. Spaceman 2. People 3. I Would Find You 4. Here We Are 5. Hustler 6. Next 7. Nickel and Dime 8. Karma

Generations

1. Faith in the Heartland 2. The Place in Your Heart 3. A Better Life (lead vocal: Castronovo) 4. Every Generation (lead vocal: Cain) 5. Butterfly (She Flies Alone) 6. Believe 7. Knowing That You Love Me 8. Out of Harms Way 9. In Self-Defense (lead vocal: Schon) 10. Better Together 11. Gone Crazy (lead vocal: Valory) 12. Beyond the Clouds 13. Never Too Late (lead vocal: Castronovo) 14. Pride of the Family (lead vocal: Cain)

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Journey Songs Ranked

Journey  is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1973, composed of former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band has gone through several phases; its strongest commercial success occurred between 1978 and 1987 when Steve Perry was the lead vocalist. During that period, the band released a series of hit songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’” (1981), which in 2009 became the top-selling track in iTunes history among songs not released in the 21st century.  Its parent studio album, Escape, the band’s seventh and most successful, reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and yielded another of their most popular singles, “Open Arms”. Its 1983 follow-up album, Frontiers, was almost as successful in the United States, reaching No. 2 and spawning several successful singles; it broadened the band’s appeal in the United Kingdom, where it reached No. 6 on the UK Albums Chart. Journey enjoyed a successful reunion in the mid-1990s and later regrouped with a series of lead singers including Arnel Pineda as a lead since December 2007. According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Journey has sold 48 million albums in the U.S., making them the 25th best-selling band. Their worldwide sales have reached nearly 100 million records globally, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time. A 2005 USA Today opinion poll named Journey the fifth-best U.S. rock band in history.  Their songs have become arena rock staples and are still played on rock radio stations across the world. Journey ranks No. 96 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Here are all Journey’s songs ranked.

Don’t miss out on one of the world’s best-selling bands, Journey. Click below and listen to the timeless songs from one of the world’s best rock bands.

20. Escape (Escape, 1981)

“It’s one of the more creative and powerful, musically complex in a great way, rock songs ever, filled with a youthful, optimistic energy and joy at taking on life, head-on. The song has everything, and it’s not another stupid rock song about sex.”

19. Still They Ride (Escape, 1981)

“Outstanding song. It just always puts me in a good mood. I don’t know what it is about it, but it should be much much higher on the list.”

18. After All These Years (Revelation, 2008)

“A song of yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amazing new song that touch everyone’s heart and soul. What a beautiful song with passion on long lasting love.”

17. Chain Reaction (Frontiers, 1983)

“Really like Chain Reaction, also, and think it’s too far down on the list. It’s hard driving and unusual, in the “love gone south” vein of songs, that lyric, “Love’s a viper, steals your soul” a deep expression of negative aspects of what a relationship not going right can do to a person, which the emptiness of the “What now? ” sort of theme expresses. It’s a sophisticated view, for a thinking, adult person, and the music a perfect match. Whatever people say, complaining of Journey being, as if, a corporate rock band, you can argue against their musical sophistication and tight quality of presentation, polish lacking in many, many other bands. Whatever Journey did, they did it well, like the song or not.”

See more: Journey Albums Ranked

16. Ask the Lonely (Frontiers, 1983)

“This song exhibit the best guitar solo and of the best choirs melody of Journey repertory with Steve Perry as lead vocal.”

15. I’ll Be Alright Without You (Raised on Radio, 1986)

“The bass line in this song is so classy and orgasmic. Props to Ross on this one, the bass really sets the mood. Amazing song.. One of my favorites.. If not the best journey song ever

14. Stone in Love (Escape, 1981)

“Awesome lead vocals by Perry, backed up by wonderful harmonies. But this song is all Neal Schon. Classic throaty guitar riff throughout with a soaring guitar solo outro. This song is very nearly the hallmark of Journey.”

13. Girl Can’t Help It (Raised on Radio, 1986)

“This song is underrated! The music, lyrics, and vocals are all so perfect. Steve Perry truly has a “golden voice” and this song showcases his immense talent. And, as an interesting sidebar, Randy Jackson (from American Idol fame) played bass and sang back-up vocals for this song – laugh out loud.”

12. Be Good to Yourself (Raised on Radio, 1986)

“Totally 80s rock journey has changed throughout the years (the style) I love it all. Excellent intro, amazing guitar solo, awesome lyrics, gets you hyper. Great song to listen to on a sunny day”

11. Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ (Evolution, 1979)

“Powerful drum/bass to begin, major lead guitar/vocals in the middle, and pure awesome taunting at the the end. The na-nas in this song actually aren’t just there for fun.”

10. Who’s Crying Now (Escape, 1981)

“I’m a true music conoseur and a metal listener but this song has got to be one of, or if not the greatest song of all time, right up there with my most beloved metal songs.”

9. Only the Young (Frontiers, 1983)

“There are many songs from journey that don’t get the recognition they should, not just the music, but the lyrics The group stand alone in expertise in their field. How I wish I could play half as well as any of them, especially Neil Schon,”

8. Send Her My Love (Frontiers, 1983)

“Truthfully, I haven’t heard this song in a long time (if at all), but the title is conveying “this is a song like Faithfully”. I’m making a mental note to pull these up on YouTube.”

7. Lights (Infinity, 1978)

“This is by far their best song, no question about it. It is way better than Don’t Stop Believing and honestly just a perfect song overall. The part at 1:07 is just amazing.”

See more: Jethro Tull Albums Ranked

6. Open Arms (Escape, 1981)

“Open Arms captures Journey at it’s best. Cain stays just enough in the background, Perry shows his power without pushing and if you saw it live, it shows why Perry and Schon were so good together. Beautiful!”

5. Wheel in the Sky (Infinity, 1978)

“Steve’s voice in this songs is crystal! This is right when he joined the band and when his voice was virgin perfect! Great lyrics too! I like his voice best when he sang faithfully when it was seasoned a bit more and more manly, but either way this guy truly has a voice that is a gift from god for all of us to hear. I think he is the best singer in the world, no kidding!”

4. Any Way You Want It (Departure, 1980)

“This was the first Journey song I listened to, I loved the kind of immediate start, the guitar riffs and solo, and Steve Perry is just great in this song.

3. Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Frontiers, 1983)

“This is one of those songs I love turning way up and rolling down my windows and I will have young and old singing with me. Seriously, it has happened so many times. Journey is my all time favorite band and I listen to their cd’s ever single day and never get sick of any of their music. If Steve didn’t sing I don’t think I would listen to it because his voice truly made that band! I miss you Steve!”

2. Faithfully (Frontiers, 1983)

“The most heartfelt song ever written. This is definitely my favorite song on earth. This song is one of those songs that starts out slow and then has that amazing climax at the end, which not many songs have. It literally tears my heart out and I want to cry every time I hear it, but in a good way. Perry is the best singer in the world and the way he holds a tune for as long as he does and hits the notes at the perfect pitch is definitely god given! I wish he was still singing. Nobody can match him ever!”

1. Don’t Stop Believin’ (Escape, 1981)

“Absolutely! This is not only the best Journey song but one of the top 10 rock songs ever! Every time this song comes on people of all walks and music tastes stop and start blaring this song out! Any song that can do that has elevated itself to music supremacy.”

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Ranking All of The Journey Albums

The musical legacy of Journey has been a story of rags to riches. Recently, their 1981 hit song, “Don’t Stop Believin,” made pop culture history after being used as the soundtrack for the final episode of the popular TV series , “The Sopranos.” The band, whose original members hail from San Fransisco, was formed in 1973 and has entertained music fans with great music for more than forty years. The band has released a total of fourteen studio albums throughout their career and are one of the most celebrated American bands in history. In this article, we will rank all the fourteen Journey Albums from the worst to the very best.

14. Revelation

This album marked the arrival of Arnel Pineda as the band’s new vocalist. In this album, the band delivers some of their classic songs and new favorite songs. The album has two discs, with disc one featuring 12 new songs written by Schon and Cain. On the other hand, disc two contains new studio recordings of the band’s best songs with Arnel Pineda at their heart. Some of the great songs on disc two include well-known songs such as; “Any Way You Want It” and “Don’t Stop Believin.” What impressed me most about this album was that the band used new technology to hire their new vocalist, Arnel Pineda. Arnold Pineda, a Philippine discovered through YouTube , has some incredible vocals, similar to Steve Perry. The music in the album is easy to digest.

13. Generations

Generations was an experimental rock ‘n’ roll album that featured vocal contributions from all band members. This resulted in the ultimate departure of Steve Augeri and their worst charting album ever. The album, released in August 2005, was issued for free in most of their concerts during their Generations Tour of 2005. Although Augeri’s vocals performance stood out, most fans could not understand why the band had decided to share the lead vocal duties. According to Steve Augeri, the band’s idea to pass the mic was borrowed from Styx, following a tour with them. The album’s best track was “Faith in the Heartland,” where Steve Augeri’s vocal prowess shone through the track as he sang his heart out in every line. Unfortunately, Generations didn’t amount to much, and Steve Augeri’s departure after just two albums with the band didn’t go down well with the fans.

12. Arrival (2000)

Many early fans of the band never believed that Journey would be the same band after the departure of Steve Perry. Arrival was the first album with Steve Augeri as the lead vocalist. The album exhibits hard rock influences similar to the band’s earlier records of the 1970s and 1980s was released in 2001 in the US. The album also features a couple of ballads that were done in the style of Steve Perry. The album is quite lengthy and goes for over seventy-five minutes. Although the album was not a total disaster, it had some weak songs saved by fantastic guitar work from Neal Schon . One of the album’s decent songs is the rock ballad “Livin’ to Do,” which features above-average vocals and which are complemented by a great intro to a glorious guitar. Although the album wasn’t much of a success, it was significant since it showed that there was life after Steve Perry.

11. Eclipse

Eclipse is the band’s fourteenth studio album and the second album to feature Arnel Pineda as the lead vocalist. The album was written by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, who remained the band’s de facto leaders, although Arnel Pineda also participated in the songwriting process. The album features some up-tempo rock ballads, but it lacked what we would term as genuine Journey ballads that we had come to associate with them for so long. The album sold 21,400 copies on its first week and peaked at position 13 on the US billboard 200 charts. Despite its high charting performance in the first weeks, it quickly descended down the charts within a couple of weeks. The album generally received mixed reviews, and its lack of success proved to be a major setback for the band. As a result, the band decided to focus on live performances rather than recording new albums.

When Journey released this album, they were already destined for superstardom based on their previous two albums. However, Next suffered a major setback after only rising to position 85 on the US Billboard 200 Chart. Next was also the last album with Gregg Rolie as the lead vocalist. The album was more of rock with some blues and jazz elements. Although it was a good album, it didn’t stand out like the previous two albums. The album had a few great hits such as, “Here We Are,” which is probably Journey’s heaviest song.

9. Trial by Fire

This 1996 album was supposed to signal the return of previous successful releases such as Escape and Infinity. However, even the return of Steve Perry did little to improve the band’s creativity. The album also showed how the band members had matured with lyrics that expressed their spirituality. Trial by Fire is the only Journey album, not to be accompanied by a tour largely due to the band’s internal disputes. The album had several great songs, such as “Forever in Blue,” although it also had a couple of weak tracks, and the album’s running time was too long.

8. Look Into the Future

Journey’s second album was more of a commercial release than their debut album. Nevertheless, it still retained some sounds similar to the debut album and an experimental approach. Although the band was not at its peak musically, the album showed that creatively, they were at a very high level. The album features some impressive guitar riffs and incredibly smooth keyboard solos from Gregg Rolie. The standout song in the album is “You’re on Your Own,” which sees Gregg Rolie’s heartfelt singing take center stage.

7. Raised on Radio

In the seventh position in our countdown of the Journey albums is the band’s ninth studio album, which was released in April 1986. To date, it is the only album that does not feature Ross Valory, the founding bassist. The album had four Top 20 singles and a top ten song. Some of the tracks which performed well in the US Billboard Charts include; “Girl Can’t Help It,” which peaked at number 17, “Suzzanne,” and “Be Good to Yourself,” which peaked at position four on the Billboard 200 chart. The album was produced by Steve Perry, who gave the other band members as much creative control as they needed. Raised on Radio has been certified double platinum by the RIAA and is a decent and fun AOR album.

6. Departure

Many Journey fans will probably argue that this album should have featured much higher than the sixth position in our ranking of the greatest Journey albums. The album was released in February 1980 at a crucial time for a more mainstream sound that was arena-friendly. Just as the album’s title suggested, the band was taking a new direction and leaving some of the basic ingredients they were associated with in previous releases. It was also the last full studio album with Gregg Rolie after growing weary of life on the road. He had done the lead vocals for only one song in the album, the third track, “Somebody Soon.”

5. Evolution (1979)

By the time Journey released this Roy Thomas Baker-produced smash in 1979, it was their most successful album. In this album, the band replaced Aynsley Dunbar, the band’s drummer, with Smith. As it turned out, Aynsley Dunbar’s departure didn’t affect the band. Evolution was the most commercially successful album of the band during the ’70s. Evolution was basically a hard rock album with AOR elements. All in all, it was a good album, although it lacked good ideas. The album had some great tracks, such as the hit song “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” and “Just the Same Way,” which layered the band’s harmony vocals. The album peaked at position 20 on the US Billboard 200 with the track “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” peaking at position 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Journey is the band’s self-titled debut album which was released in 1975. By the time this album was released, the band had not yet found their signature sound. The album featured some progressive rock elements and jazz elements that mainly relied on the band members’ talents on the instruments. Not only was this debut album highly progressive, but it was also quite enjoyable and featured some great tracks, such as the album’s opening track, “Of a Lifetime.” The track features quiet and mystical Greg Rolie vocals and an electrifying guitar solo by Neal Schon towards the end. The album’s final track, “Mystery Mountain,” remains a fan favorite to this day and a great way to end their debut album.

3. Frontiers (1983)

Although Frontiers was a great album, it quite didn’t attain the level of success that Escape and Infinity reached. The album was released in 1982 and was the last album to feature Ross Valory as the band’s bassist before the 1996 album Trial by Fire. The album offered some great tracks such as “Rubicon, “Separate Ways,” and “Troubled Child.” The album is quite similar in style to Asia’s third studio album, Astra, although this one is a little darker. Frontiers has been certified platinum six times by the RIAA and had two songs that were utilized as soundtracks for movies. The track “Ask the Lonely” was used as a soundtrack for the 1983 movie, Two of a Kind, while “Only the Young,” which hit the top ten two years after its release, was used as a soundtrack for the 1985 film, Vision Quest. The album remains the band’s highest-charting album in the UK, where it peaked at position six on the UK Albums Chart in 1983.

2. Infinity

Journey’s 1978 album, Infinity, was the first album to feature Steve Perry as the lead vocalist. The album is quite significant in the band’s catalog since it showed a real transformation in how they operated. The new sophistication which Roy Thomas Baker was at the heart of was a clear indication of how the band had sharpened its craft, launching it to multiplatinum status. The first song that Steve Perry and Neal Schon did together was “Patiently,” whose lyrics expressed the duo’s frustration at being on the road constantly while also expressing admiration for the band’s fans. Steve Perry’s addition to the band made the album more mainstream and, in the process helping the band achieve their most impressive chart success.

When this album was released 40 years ago, nobody, including the band, would believe how the album took off after its release. Escape remains the only Journey album to top the US Billboard Top 200 to this day. The album was recently certified platinum after selling more than 10 million copies across the US . The album contained some of Journey’s most timeless classics, such as the track “Don’t Stop Believin,” which has had over one billion streams on Spotify alone. Escape was the first album recorded with Jonathan Cain on the keyboards, backing vocals, rhythm guitar, and one of the critical composers of the band alongside Neal Schon and Steve Perry. The album was quite significant in the ’80s as it inspired the glam rock movement. Most of the album songs are catchy and easy to listen to, and the album is widely considered to be Journey’s greatest album.

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No, do not confuse this Thomas Newman with the composer. But I'm still a music lover nonetheless. You'll catch me mostly writing articles about the artists and bands I love. Maybe some theory. Maybe some analysis. Whatever lands in the world of music is something I'm likely interested in. In particular I'm a huge fan of classic rock and the oldies. Zeppelin are among my favorites and Foghat's "Slowride" is one of my favorite tracks.

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Top 10 Journey Albums

Photo: Matt Becker, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our Top 10 Journey albums list looks at one of the most popular rock and roll bands of all time. Journey arrived on the scene in 1975 with their Columbia Records debut entitled Journey. At the time, the band consisted of founding member Gregg Rolie on lead vocals and keyboards, Neal Schon on lead guitar, George Tickner on rhythm guitar, Ross Valory on bass and Ansley Dunbar on drums. The band would go through many changes over the years with Neal Schon being the only consistent member from day one. The band’s early Progressive roots changed instantly the moment lead singer Steve Perry join the band on their fourth album entitled Infinity in 1978. Journey would have an amazing run of huge big selling commercial albums albums from 1978 to 1986. At the time they were one of the biggest bands in the world. Their song “ Don’t Stop Believing,” which was released on the Escape album remains one of the biggest classic rock songs of all time, a feat helped by the inclusion of the song in the final scene of The Sopranos final episode.

A big change in Journey came when Steve Perry left the band to retire and was replaced by Steve Augeri. The new lead singer’s first album with The Journey was released in 2000 entitled Arrival . Since then, every Journey album has featured Steve Augeri on lead vocals. Our top ten Journey albums list takes a look at our favorite Journey albums and their biggest sellers.

# 10 – Trial By Fire

We open up our top 10 Journey albums with the band’s 1996 LP Trial By Fire . This was somewhere between a comeback and a reunion album for the classic Journey lineup of the early 80s that consisted of Steve Perry , Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain and the great Steve Smith. It also became the final Journey album to feature Steve Perry and Steve Smith. While it’s not their best album featuring our favorite Journey lineup, we will take any Journey record that featured Steve Perry on vocals

# 9 – Look into the Future

At number nine on our top 10 Journey albums list is the Journey album Look In The Future . The album was released in 1976. It was the band’s second studio release. The album began the transformation from Journey’s progressive sound that was found on their debut album as they settled into a more pop rock oriented sound. Yet, it was still an incredible musical adventure via a lineup of all star rock and roll musicians including  Gregg Rolie on vocals and keyboards, Neal Schon on guitar, Ross Valory on bass and Aynsley Dunbar on drums.

# 8 – Eclipse

We skip many years ahead on our Journey albums list to the group’s most recent album released in 2011 entitled Eclipse . This is a hard rocking album that features the guitar work of Neal Schon in a more dominant fashion than ever before on a Journey record – and we love it. The album’s opening track “City Of Hope,” almost sounds like a U2 cut in the beginning. It’s a shame this album faded from existence pretty quickly. This is a really good Journey album that we highly recommend that you probably don’t have in your collection. The album featured Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitars, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ross Valory on bass and Deen Castronovo on drums. The Eclipse album was released in 2011.

# 7 – Next

Next on our top 10 Journey albums list is the album Next . Sorry we couldn’t resist. The album was released in 1977. It stands as Journeys third studio album. At the time Gregg Rolie was the band’s lead singer. The Next album would be Greg Rolie’s last Journey album and the band’s sound would change dramatically on a next record with the addition of Steve Perry as lead vocalist. Before Steve Perry joined Journey vocalist Roberts Fleischman joined the band and performed with them in concert and also served as a songwriter for the band. Despite Greg Rolie’s limited vocal abilities the album had some great tunes on it including the single “Spaceman.” The musicianship between the four is what made us place this one at seven. The band was on fire at time on this recording. Check out the great progressive rock sounding instrumental “Nickel and Dime.”

# 6 – Raised on Radio

Journeys Raised on Radio album was a much better album than most people gave it credit for. The album served as the to follow up to there incredible record titled Frontiers in 1983. It took Journey three years to release the Raised on Radio album. The album was released in the spring of 1986. At the time Journey had just become a  trio of Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain as bassist Ross Valory and the great drummer Steve Smith were actually fired from Journey. Session musicians were used instead on the record to replace Smith and Valory. Still, there were many great songs released on the album including the lead single “Be Good To Yourself.” Other standout tracks included the songs “Girl Can’t Help It, I’ll be alright Without You, The Eyes Of a Woman, and Suzanne.”

# 5 – Evolution

The second half of our top 10 Journey albums list starts presents the Big 5. These next five albums were Journey’s most successful records from both a commercial and artistic standpoint. At number five on our list is Journey’s actual fifth studio album entitled Evolution . This was Steve Smith’s first album. The album featured the huge hit “Loving, Touching, Squeezing.” The song became a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 16. The song was written by Steve Perry . Journey’s lead singer Steve Perry actually received writing credit on every song on the album.  Evolution was the second album to feature Steve Perry on vocals. The Evolution album was released in 1979.

# 4 – Departure

Journey’s Departure album was released in 1980. The album still featured the core five of Steve Perry on lead vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, Greg Rolie on keys, Ross Valory on bass and Steve Smith on drums. The album was released in the winter of 1980. It was the band’s sixth studio album and third with Steve Perry . Departure would become the band highest charting album of their career at the time. It was the first Journey album to break into the Billboard Top 200 album’s Top 10 as it peaked at number eight. The album produced two big time singles in the songs “Any Way You Want It,” and “Walks Like A Lady.”

# 3 – Infinity

The Infinity album was the first journey record to feature Steve Perry as the new lead vocalist. Columbia Records heavily promoted the album Aand the fact that Journey had this incredibly gifted new vocalist. This was Journey’s fourth studio album. It was released at the start of 1978. Infinity is an amazing record. The first single “Wheel In the Sky,” was one of those great driving a rock and roll songs that crossed the genres of pop music and rock and roll music so perfectly. The album’s opening track entitled “Lights,” had this incredibly deep genuine feel to the music that made us all instantly fall in love with the voice of Steve Perry. For many of us, this was our first Journey album.

# 2 – Frontiers

I love this album. When it was first released I could not stop playing it on cassette tape in my car every single day. I could not believe how good this album sounded. The synthesizers on “Separate Ways,” just engulfed you while Steve Perry’s voice just blew right through the speakers right into your face, into your heart, sending chills through your body. What an amazing song. Everyone in the band was on fire on this song. Steve Smith’s drums thundering viciously throughout the whole entire song. Jonathan Cain’s keyboard work was out of this world, Neal Schon’s guitar was smoking, and Ross Valory just keep it all together. The album’s next track “Send Her My Love,” was the perfect answer to the album’s scorching opener. The songs “Chain Reaction,” “After the Fall Play,” and the beautiful Jonathan Cain penned ballad “Faithfully,” closed out an amazing side one. If side two had been just a little bit stronger, this would have been our number one album.

# 1 – Escape

We close out our top 10 Journey albums list with Journey’s phenomenal album Escape . The album was released in 1981. The Escape album featured the arrival of keyboardist Jonathan Cain who co-wrote every song on the album. Not enough has been written about the importance of the arrival of Jonathan Cain. The addition of Jonathan Cain to Journey fueled the Escape album to become their biggest selling studio album of all time. There’s no doubt about it when you just look at the sales.

Five big singles were released from the album including the legendary song “Don’t Stop Believing.” The album’s lead-off single “Who’s Crying Now,” was released in July of 1981. “Don’t Stop Believing,” was released in October of 1981. “Open Arms,” was released in January of 1982, “Still They Ride,” was released in May of 1982, and the final single the rocking “Stone In Love,” was released in October 1982. Just about every song on the album was written by Jonathan Cain Steve Perry and Neal Schon.  Three of the five singles became top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Everyone in the world knew who Journey was in 1981.

Top 10 Journey Albums article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2021

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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.

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Journey best albums.

The following albums by Journey are ranked highest in the greatest album charts:

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This may not be a complete discography for Journey.This listing only shows those albums by this artist that appear in at least one chart on this site. If an album is 'missing' that you think deserves to be here, you can include it in your own chart from the My Charts page!

Journey bestography composition

Journey best tracks.

Include tracks from compilations & live albums | Exclude tracks from compilations & live albums The same track can appear on multiple albums, so excluding tracks from compilations and live albums helps to remove duplicates from this list.

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Journey ratings

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Rating metrics: Outliers can be removed when calculating a mean average to dampen the effects of ratings outside the normal distribution. This figure is provided as the trimmed mean. A high standard deviation can be legitimate, but can sometimes indicate 'gaming' is occurring. Consider a simplified example* of an item receiving ratings of 100, 50, & 0. The mean average rating would be 50. However, ratings of 55, 50 & 45 could also result in the same average. The second average might be more trusted because there is more consensus around a particular rating (a lower deviation). (*In practice, some artists can have several thousand ratings) This artist has a Bayesian average rating of 66.4/100, a mean average of 64.7/100, and a trimmed mean (excluding outliers) of 64.7/100. The standard deviation for this artist is 23.5.

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Shockingly underrated on this site. Few bands come to mind before these guys when I think of classic, good time rock 'n' roll. Obviously they're a hits band, and Don't Stop Believin' is incredibly overplayed, but, man do they have some good hits: Any Way You Want It, Separate Ways, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin', Open Arms, Faithfully, Who's Crying Now, Wheel in the Sky, Stone in Love, Lights... the list goes on. This site is doing these guys pretty dirty.

I hate Glee for causing Don't Stop Believing to be the sing-along of choice for high school girls everywhere.

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Hard to believe that this band was unnoticed without Perry. Great voice, and plenty of great songs. On a strange side note, Journey's beetle is the only beetle I will ever like looking at. I once saw this hug inch long beetle with a loud buzz. I couldn't kill it. I wanted to, but I didn't want to hear the crunch. For years, I hated even looking at beetle pictures. Journey got me out of that with there awesomeness.

A good "hits" band

ESCAPE was definitely the best album. I actually preferred the second side (remember when albums had sides?). "Escape," "Lay it Down," "Dead or Alive," and "Mother, Father" were some of their strongest tunes and I definitely preferred them over the "Open Arms" sap. For a real treat, definitely check out Journey's first three albums. Incredible stuff that receives, virtually, no airplay these days.

My favorite band of all time

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Car advice put simply.

Best and worst Dodge Journey years — which to avoid

We explored the best and worst dodge journey years, pinpointing the models with the most issues and collecting honest opinions from owners, all to offer you an insightful overview of its historical reliability..

Before the discontinuation, the Dodge Journey was one of the best mid-size SUVs produced for a dozen generations, and Dodge didn’t give up on it due to reliability issues. However, that doesn’t mean you can just go ahead and buy any model as some model years have received quite a few complaints.

Don’t go searching through the market just yet, since our team decided to give you all the important details in one guide. We’ve scanned the NHTSA records on common complaints and recalls to give you a complete picture of best years to buy and worst Dodge Journey years to avoid . On top of that, we’ve gone an extra step as we reached out to real Journey owners for their accounts and experiences, so stay tuned for the details.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology .

How we rated the best and worst Dodge Journey years

During our evaluation of the Dodge Journey as a model, we’ve gone through the reports on various model years based on several sources. First, we relied on trustworthy organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and we went through their records including details on recalls and common driver complaints.

After that, we’ve done some more digging on Dodge Journey recalls through reliable platforms like Cars.com, as well as sources of authority like Edmunds and Kelly Blue Book. As mentioned, we wanted to give you honest Dodge Journey reviews and we could only do that by citing some forums with real experiences of previous drivers and Journey owners.

Most common Dodge Journey problems

The Dodge Journey might be a safe and reliable vehicle. However, it is not exempt from faults and flaws. Among the Dodge Journey most common problems you could run upon are brake problems, defective remote keyless entry systems, interior water leaks, or even damaged head gaskets, so we’ll discuss each of those in more detail.

1. Overheating engine

Engine issues are a common issue in faulty Dodge Journey model years. For the Dodge Journey, these problems happened in the 2009-2016 model years, causing overheating once they hit the 78,000-mile mark. This problem is likely caused by coolant flow challenges due to debris locking the cylinder head coolant port at its primary thermostat housing.

At first, the vehicle’s temperature light may turn on, but this worsens over time. Some Journey owners complained that their vehicles experienced engine power loss , leading to overheating. The vehicle may also develop coolant leaks, which become excessive for its overflow reservoir, causing coolant fluid to spill over.

These engine problems are usually expensive and dangerous, depending on where they happen. For a driver, you don’t want to encounter engine issues every day.

2. Brake problems

Brake issues were the most common troubles that plagued the Dodge Journey, especially its 2009-2010 model years. The brakes on these models wear out prematurely , which happens to relatively new Journey vehicles at about 30,000 miles. Some drivers mentioned that this issue has become severe, requiring them to replace their brakes every three months.

The abovementioned issues are among the few brake-related problems you could face if you purchase a problematic Dodge Journey model year. These issues are inconvenient and dangerous, especially for driving at high speeds. You want to avoid a vehicle that struggles with maintaining proper brakes. 

3. Defective remote keyless entry system

The Dodge Journey has many cool features, and the remote keyless system is supposed to be one of them. Instead, the keyless system is another Dodge Journey feature that has become problematic for drivers.

Many frustrated owners complain that the system doesn’t work correctly as it gives off either wrong key readings or the annoying “key not detected” message. The system sometimes interferes with the key fob, preventing drivers from locking or unlocking the doors. To fix this issue, owners may need to do a software update.

4. Interior water leaks

Some owners of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journey models have expressed discomfort caused by dampness inside the cabin. The cabin appears vulnerable to water leaks , typically at a low mileage of about 50,000 to 60,000 miles. According to complaints from owners, the driver’s seat floor of the Dodge Journey may become wet when they travel in the rain.

Other drivers complained that they noticed leaks near the side of the Journey, causing wet floors and carpets. Additionally, some drivers reported leaks near windows, headliners, and vents, and you may need a professional to fix the leaks and resolve the issue.

5. Damaged head gasket

This is another notorious Dodge Journey issue among vehicle owners. Drivers note that this problem commonly happens at about 100,000 miles. It might begin with performance issues and graduate to engine failure over time. This may be due to cracked or damaged head gaskets.

Some drivers have reported having leaky or blown head gaskets , causing severe damage to the engine. Experts recommend a compression test to verify if your Journey has faulty head gaskets. If they are defective, you may replace them yourself if you are a DIYer or have a professional do the job.

Worst Dodge Journey years to avoid

The Dodge Journey has had several great models; however, there are also some model years you should avoid if you intend to purchase a Dodge Journey. Below is a list of Journey model years to avoid:

Naturally, our team will get you through all these model years and their issues so you can have an easier time picking the most reliable Journey model.

First-generation Journey (2009-2012 model years)

The 2009 Dodge Journey was the first model of this generation, and it was associated with numerous problems and complaints from drivers. Its prevalent issue was with the brakes, and many drivers complained of frequent brake replacements within a short timeframe. These drivers point out that the vehicle is too heavy for the brake pads and rotors.

Other drivers reported that regardless of how gentle you are with the vehicle, it doesn’t stop the brakes from wearing out at 30,000 miles or earlier. Additionally, the braking power isn’t sufficient for the size of the vehicle and can lead to disastrous accidents in the worst cases.

Another issue of the 2009 model year was with its transmission, which caused rough gear shifting . Some drivers complained that shifting the vehicle out of the first gear was difficult, especially during cold weather. Also, several drivers report that their transmission fails at around 60,000 miles, causing them to abandon the vehicle.

The 2009 and 2010 models were also plagued by electrical faults that prevented the engine from turning over, which may be caused by the neutral safety switch losing communication with the shifter. Most drivers had to put their vehicles in neutral to get the engine to start up. Some drivers also complained that they experience these issues on other components like the horn, windows, radios, etc.

2011 Dodge model year also had issues with the brakes, but unlike the 2009-2010 models, which had brakes that required premature replacements , the 2011 model had brakes that made grinding and squealing sounds. In addition to the noises, drivers complain that their 2011 Journey shakes the steering wheel while braking.

Best Dodge Journey years

The Dodge Journey has several years, which drivers have confirmed to be reliable while offering remarkable performance. So, are you still wondering what are the best Dodge Journey years to buy? The best Dodge Journey years are 2005, 2017, and 2020. Still, there’s a full list of best-rated models:

These Dodge Journey models are some of the best years to date and provide excellent performance. If you are searching for the best Journey years to buy, these years are great choices, and they would give little to no problems without any cause for expensive repairs.

2005 Dodge Journey

Based on all the available NHTSA records and reliability reports, the 2005 Dodge Journey is the best model to date. It only received a few complaints including some engine cooling difficulties, but none of those reports were sufficient to place the model on a list of problematic years.

With a clean reliability record , the model scored a decent overall rating of 4 out of 5 based on reliable automotive agencies.

2017 Dodge Journey

As for the later model years, the 2017 Dodge Journey made it to the list as one of the most reliable options. It received model-specific concerns with some of the main complaints being related to A/C heater faults and electrical malfunctions.

2020 Dodge Journey

Finally, we can’t leave out the 2020 Journey model which also proved to be pretty reliable with just under 10 reliability concerns. Among those, drivers have mostly reported problems with seat belts and brakes, while the model received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Cars.com and similar sources.

Is the Dodge Journey worth buying?

The Dodge Journey is an excellent SUV with remarkable performance. However, it doesn’t have a reasonable edge over its rivals, as consumers complain that the vehicle is made from cheap interior materials and lacks a host of safety features that can be found in most competitors.

If you’re eyeing versatile SUVs check out Ford Explorer Sport Trac years to avoid , Nissan Xterra years to avoid , or Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid . While these vehicles are known for their ruggedness and capability, it’s vital to consider that not all model years have lived up to expectations.

What is the most common problem with the Dodge Journey?

The remote keyless entry system is Dodge Journey’s most reported issue. According to drivers, the system gives off the wrong readings or the u0022key not detectedu0022 message.

Is a Dodge Journey a reliable car?

The Dodge Journey is reliable as long as you keep away from its worst model years.

How many miles can you expect from a Dodge Journey?

The Dodge Journey can last up to 200,00 miles under ideal maintenance conditions.

Should I buy a Dodge Journey?

Yes, you can buy a Dodge Journey; however, you want to avoid buying its worst years. Also, it would be best if you considered its interior before making a purchase. 

Filip is a lifelong car enthusiast with over 3 years of experience writing about cars and had worked as a mechanic apprentice for over 5 years, gaining hands-on expertise in automotive mechanics. At REREV, he combines his passion for cars with his comprehensive knowledge to provide readers with a unique blend of technical insight and engaging storytelling that sets the bar high for automotive content.

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Here Are The Dodge Journey Years To Avoid

Dodge Journey  by Vauxford —  CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured from 2009 to 2020. Although it’s not in production anymore, there are many excellent used models for purchase. If you’re interested in this vehicle, you might wonder - what are the Dodge Journey years to avoid?

There’s a lot to consider when investing in a new vehicle for your life. If you’re going to spend money on a car, it should be a great one that will last. Read on to learn more about which Dodge Journey years to avoid and which one to look at as a potential future investment.

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Dodge Journey Years to Avoid

The Dodge Journey has had some great models, but there are also some Dodge Journey years to avoid if you are thinking about investing in a used model. There are many reasons why you should stay away from these versions.

The Dodge Journey years to stay away from include:

These are some of the worst years in existence for the Dodge Journey.

Many factors have made these years of the Dodge Journey challenging for the average driver. We’ll dive further into these next so you can better understand the reasoning behind selecting these as the Dodge Journey years to avoid. We can help you with the decision aspect of your next vehicle investment. 

What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?

As we mentioned, several things make these Dodge Journey years worth avoiding. There are more than three issues with these years, but we’ll go over three of the most prominent to give you a solid idea of the most common problems you’ll encounter. According to carcomplaints.com , some of the top reasons that make these years worth avoiding include:

• Brake problems 
• Engine issues
• Interior accessory troubles 
• Interior water leaks
• Malfunctioning remote keyless entry

These were not the only problems with the Dodge Journey years listed above, but they were the most apparent.

Read on to learn about each of these issues in more detail. The more you know about the potential problems you can face with the faulty models, the better a decision you can make about your next car choice. There are lots to consider when preparing to make an investment this large.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE DODGE JOURNEY

Although there’s a ton of information, we’ve narrowed down the critical portions for your car-hunting needs. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Dodge Journey , the least reliable selection, and anything else you should know.

Brake Problems

Brake problems were the most prominent issue that emerged with the Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model. This is an inconvenience and wildly dangerous for those who drive at high speeds. You don’t want a vehicle that struggles to maintain proper brakes.

Some brake problems include:

• Premature brake and rotor wear
• Noisy brakes
• Calipers that lock up

These are just a few brake problems that can emerge if you select one of the problematic Dodge Journey years.

Brakes are a critical aspect of any vehicle. If you select one of the above models and don’t maintain your brakes, you could face danger and wild expenses in the future. This issue stands out as the worst of the Dodge Journey’s faulty years.

Engine Issues

Engine issues are the second problem in the faulty Dodge Journey years. Engine problems can be expensive and even dangerous depending on where they occur. If you’re a driver, engine problems are not something you want to deal with daily.

Some of the engine problems include:

• Dying engine while driving
• Ticking sound from the engine
• Check engine light always on

It’s safe to say that none of these engine issues appeal to drivers, no matter how small they seem.

You’re paying lots of money for a used Dodge Journey, so why pick one with severe engine faults ingrained in its system? Go with a more reliable model to ensure that you stay safe on the road and save money.

Interior Accessory Troubles

Finally, interior accessory troubles are one of the final issues that plague some models of the Dodge Journey. These problems can deal with anything from the vehicle’s door to the car’s window and everything in between. 

These issues are both a nuisance to the typical car owner and an unnecessary expense. The more things break, the more it will cost to fix them. It’s vital to invest in a version of the Dodge Journey that has a stable interior so you can avoid the pain of fixing interior accessory breakages regularly.

Interior Water Leaks

Owners of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journeys have compromised their comfort of dampness inside the cabin. Apparently, the cabin is susceptible to water leaks which may occur at the low mileage of 58,000 miles.

According to the reports, the driver seat floor of the Dodge Journey may become moist whenever you’re driving in the rain. In some complaints, there are also leaks found near the rear side of the Journey, which may get your floor and carpet wet. Leaks were also reported near vents, windows, and headliners. You may need a professional to seal the leaky areas and solve this issue.

Defective Remote Keyless Entry System

There’s no shortage of neat features offered by the 2009-2017 Dodge Journeys – unfortunately, the remote keyless entry function isn’t one of them. The remote keyless entry system is one of the most reported issues with the Dodge Journey.

According to frustrated owners, the system refuses to work properly as you’ll either get wrong key readings or the dreaded “key not detected” message. In some cases, the system also interfered with the key fob that prevented drivers from locking or unlocking the doors. A software update is required to fix the issue.

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Which Years Are Safe to Buy Used?

We talked about some of the worst years of the Dodge Journey, but what about the best? It’s vital to understand your options before you go all in and put your money down on a used vehicle. We’ll go over some of the best choices for Dodge Journey years below.

According to carcomplaints.com , some of the best years for the Dodge Journey include:

• 2015 Dodge Journey - If you want a used SUV that seats up to seven passengers, the 2015 Dodge Journey is a great option. However, make no mistake, the 2015 Journey is simply an OK SUV and you’re probably better off with its competitors. However, it offers good long-term reliability along with reasonable pricing.
• 2016 Dodge Journey - The 2016 Journey is better than the previous year, and it’s more affordable than its segment competitors. It offers an intuitive infotainment system, versatile seating and cargo features, and fair reliability ratings.
• 2017 Dodge Journey - The 2017 Dodge Journey comes with a low average list price, which is great if you’re buying used. Furthermore, it provides a comfortable ride and a sleek infotainment system. In terms of reliability, it received some fair scores but nothing too impressive.
• 2018 Dodge Journey - Although the 2018 Journey may be more reliable than the models to avoid, it doesn’t have strong predicted reliability scores. Its main selling points are affordable pricing and low ownership costs.
• 2019 Dodge Journey - The 2019 Journey offers good dependability and fuel economy. Other than that, it can be a hit or miss, especially in build quality. If you can find a good price for it, then by all means. Otherwise, this model is certainly a skip.

These years have been some of the best to date with the Dodge Journey.

If you are looking for the best Dodge Journey year to buy, these make for excellent options to choose from for your future. Look into each of them a little more to determine if they’re right for you. Whichever one you select, it’s sure to be better than the faulty years listed above.

Understanding which Dodge Journey years to avoid can save you lots of trouble in the long run. Many problems come with some models, such as engine failures and transmission breakages. If you can find a version of the car that won’t leave you with expensive repairs, you should purchase it as your next vehicle.

The Dodge Journey is an excellent car, but some years have faults. We hope that this information was helpful so you can select your next car without issue. There’s a lot to consider when dealing with a used car investment, and we hope to make it a little easier for you. There are lots to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dodge Journey Years To Avoid

Q: which dodge journeys should potential buyers be wary of when considering a used vehicle.

A:  If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years. These particular years have been identified as the most problematic.

Q: What are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Dodge Journey model years to avoid?

A:  Owners of the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys have reported a variety of problems, including brake issues such as premature wear, noisy operation, and locking calipers; engine troubles like dying while driving, ticking sounds, and persistent check engine lights; and interior accessory malfunctions.

Q: What engine problems have been reported for the problematic years of the Dodge Journey?

A:  Engine issues are another significant concern for the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys. Owners have experienced problems such as the engine dying while driving, ticking sounds coming from the engine, and the check engine light remaining constantly illuminated.

Q: Which model years are considered safer options?

A:  If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, consider the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years. These years have generally received better reviews and had fewer reported problems than the earlier model years mentioned above. 

Are Dodge Journeys typically reliable?

First appearing for the 2009 model year and being discontinued after 2020, the Dodge Journey has a mixed reliability record. In particular, buyers will want to stay away from the initial model years for a more dependable ownership experience. 

How much does a used Dodge Journey typically cost?

The high demand for affordable family vehicles and tight supplies have significantly increased the cost for used Dodge Journeys. According to CoPilot Price Pulse , a 2013 Journey has a typical asking price of $10,020, which is 37% higher than what it would be in normal market conditions. A 2019 Journey costs $20,601 (including a 29% market premium). 

Is the Dodge Journey a good car to purchase?

Not every Dodge Journey model year is known for reliability. That’s something to consider before making a purchase. Research the most reliable years of the Dodge Journey before looking for what to buy. 

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Dodge Journey Years To Avoid | 12 Best & Worst Years

Dodge is well-known for producing rugged, American-style automobiles . Dodge’s initial entry into the rapidly growing crossover segment is the Journey. Upon its debut in 2009, the vehicle faced stiff competition from  Hyundai Santa Fe , Ford Edge , and Honda CR-V .

So, what do you think which model years of the Dodge Journey are considered the best, and which years should be avoided?

Dodge Journey years to avoid include 2009, 2010, 2012-2015, and 2018; they are considered the worst. The best years for Dodge Journey include 2011, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. This result was concluded from trustworthy sources such as NHTSA, Edmund, JD Power, and Kelley Blue Book.

Here Are The Dodge Journey Years To Avoid

There have been some fantastic models of the Dodge Journey, but if you’re looking to save money by purchasing a used car, you should avoid specific model years.

7. Worst Year: 2013 Dodge Journey (3.52 Rating)

The 2013 Dodge Journey has been upgraded, but buyers should still avoid this model year. A few of the complaints did identify engine and brake issues . However, it’s clumsy to maneuver, gets poor gas mileage from the available 3.6-litre V6, has a slow transmission, and has a cramped third row.

Reviews, Ratings, Recalls & Complaints:

• NHTSA:   4 recalls and 318 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.3/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   75/100  consumer ratings.
• Kelley Blue Book:   3.7/5.0  consumer and 3.2 expert ratings.

6. Worst Year: 2018 Dodge Journey (3.48 Rating)

J.D. Power gives a low-reliability score of just two out of five for the 2018 Journey. An automobile can’t get a lower score than a 2.

According to NHTSA data, a common complaint about the 2018 Dodge Journey is a loss of power or an unexpected stall. From 112 complaints, there have been 34 complaints regarding only faulty electrical problems.

• NHTSA:   6 recalls and 112 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.9/5.0  consumer and 5.4/10 expert ratings.
• J.D. Power:   73/100  consumer ratings.
• Kelley Blue Book:   3.7/5.0  consumer and 2.9 expert ratings.

5. Worst Year: 2012 Dodge Journey (3.35 Rating)

The 2012 model year maintained the trend of previous years by having engine, brake, and reliability issues. Although Dodge fixed a few problems with the 2012 model year, it’s still not a good idea to buy a 2012 Dodge Journey.

The failure of electrical components and interior accessories, such as instrument clusters, was still an issue for some drivers. The other most prevalent complaints involved premature head failure and frozen engines.

• NHTSA:   6 recalls and 344 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.6/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   74/100  consumer ratings.
• Kelley Blue Book:   3.7/5.0  consumer and 3.0 expert ratings.

4. Worst Year: 2015 Dodge Journey (3.30 Rating)

With over 400 complaints filed on this model, the 2015 Dodge Journey is another worst model. With 116 issues, the vehicle’s engine and engine cooling are the leading causes of breakdowns. Electrical issues are the second most common cause of car failures.

This model also has keyless ignition system failure. The only way to fix this problem is to replace the keyless entry module and battery which can cost you around $930. The other common problems include rotor warping and transmission failure.

Related: 16 Best & Worst Dodge Challenger Years | 2023 Data

• NHTSA:   6 recalls and 462 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.4/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   76/100  consumer ratings.
• Kelley Blue Book:   3.7/5.0  consumer and 3.1 expert ratings.

3. Worst Year: 2014 Dodge Journey (3.25 Rating)

This model has the second-highest number of recalls. The 2014 Dodge Journey has widespread transmission issues, which occur at a range of 15,000 miles. According to some owners, the transmission can get stiff and unpredictable, making weird clunking noises when shifting.

Check engine lights, broken rotors, and the engine dying when turning left are also often reported issues, though most complaints concern the car’s electronics.

• NHTSA:   7 recalls and 361 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.2/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   77/100  consumer ratings.

2. Worst Year: 2010 Dodge Journey (3.16 Rating)

The 2010 Journey suffered from the same problems as the 2009 model, but to a lesser degree. But because they are so common, they are ranked as the second-worst model.

The Dodge Journey’s 2010 model year also has braking and engine problems, the same as the 2009 model year. The 2010 model is another model to stay away from because of issues with the transmission and electronic components of the cabin.

• NHTSA:   4 recalls and 1053 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.5/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   69/100  consumer ratings.
• Kelley Blue Book:   3.7/5.0  consumer ratings.

1. Worst Year: 2009 Dodge Journey (2.60 Rating)

The 2009 Dodge Journey was the first model year available and the one with the most issues. According to CarComplaints.com , the 2009 Dodge Journey is the worst model year ever regarding “total complaints,” “repair cost,” and “average mileage when problems occur.”

Many 2009 Journey owners have reported that their vehicles’ engines refused to start after 60,000 miles of use. At the same time, numerous consumer complaints have pointed to early deterioration of the brakes and rotors beginning at roughly the 30,000-mile mark.

• NHTSA:   8 recalls and 1581 complaints .
• J.D. Power:   68/100  consumer ratings.

Related: 17 Best & Worst Years For Dodge Chargers [2023 Updated]

Best Dodge Journey Years To Buy As Used

We’ve covered some of the Dodge Journey’s worst model years, but what about its best? Before putting money on a used car, weighing your options is important. We’ve compiled a list of the most reliable Dodge Journey years for you to peruse.

5. Best Year: 2016 Dodge Journey (3.57 Rating)

The 2016 Journey is an improvement over its predecessor and is priced competitively with other vehicles in its class. It has a user-friendly infotainment system, flexible seating and storage options, and decent reliability scores.

The 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that powers the Journey is coupled to a four-speed automated transmission. On the R/T and all-wheel drive models, a 3.6-liter V-6 producing 283 horsepower is paired with a six-speed automated transmission.

• NHTSA:   4 recalls and 300 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.9/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   72/100  consumer ratings.

4. Best Year: 2011 Dodge Journey (3.60 Rating)

2011 Dodge Journey is one of the best years to buy, with five trim options. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, power door locks, windows, mirrors, a power driver’s seat, a power passenger seat, a cooled glove box, a telescopic steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 compatibility.

The 2011 Dodge Journey gets a number of important updates, including a new, more potent 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a redesigned interior with better materials and a new touchscreen interface.

• NHTSA:   4 recalls and 163 complaints .

3. Best Year: 2017 Dodge Journey (3.77 Rating)

The low average price is ideal if you’re buying a used 2017 Dodge Journey. In addition, it has a sophisticated entertainment system and a plush interior. Some good, but not great, ratings were given for its reliability.

The 2017 Journey remains similar mainly. However, a new GT trim level replaces the R/T as the top-tier option, and the V6 engine is now only available with all-wheel drive if you go for the GT.

• NHTSA:   2 recalls and 138 complaints .
• Edmunds:   3.8/5.0  consumer ratings.
• J.D. Power:   70/100  consumer ratings.

2. Best Year: 2019 Dodge Journey (4.04 Rating)

The 2019 Journey is a reliable and economical car. Besides that, the quality varies widely, especially in terms of construction.

It has seven airbags, including one for the driver’s knees, active head restraints that move forward in a rear-end accident to protect the driver’s head and neck, and electronic stability control to keep you from skidding out on wet or icy roads.

• NHTSA:   0 recalls and 26 complaints .
• Edmunds:   4.1/5.0  consumer and 5.4/10 expert ratings.

Related: Best Years for the Dodge Cummins Engines | What To Avoid?

1. Best Year: 2020 Dodge Journey (4.05 Rating)

The 2020 Dodge Journey was the last and by far the best model of Journey available today in the used market. It is the most reasonably priced three-row SUV. The design is getting old, and the features are becoming less useful, but the price is thousands less than the competition.

The 2020 Journey may not impress with its driving dynamics, powertrain, or availability of driver-assistance systems. Still, its adaptable cabin and straightforward infotainment system will surely win over budget-conscious shoppers.

• NHTSA:   0 recalls and 7 complaints .
• Edmunds:   4.0/5.0  consumer and 5.6/10 expert ratings.

Common Dodge Journey Problems

The main reasons why some years are best avoided are mentioned below:

1. Weak Brakes

The Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model year, was plagued by brake issues. These are just some of the brake issues that may arise if you choose a Dodge Journey from a troublesome year:

• Damage to the rotors and brakes
• Brake noise
• Confining calipers

2. Engine Failure

Dodge Journey years with engine problems are the second most common issue. Depending on the circumstances, fixing an engine malfunction can be very costly.

The following are examples of engine issues:

• Driving with a dying engine
• The engine was making a ticking noise.
• The engine light stays on at all times.

3. Problems with Internal Components

Some Dodge Journey cars may have problems with their interior accessories. Issues might arise with any part of the vehicle, from the door to the windows.

4. Broken Keyless Entry Remote System:

Unfortunately, the remote keyless entry functionality is very bad on Dodge Journeys manufactured between 2009 and 2017. The Dodge Journey’s keyless entry mechanism is a common complaint.

5. Water leakage

Dampness in the cabin is an issue for drivers of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journey. Even with the relatively low distance of 58,000 km, water leaks into the cabin are possible.

1. Is Dodge Journey A Good Car?

Used Dodge Journeys is not a good car option. The interior is covered in low-quality plastics, the third row is quite tight, and the cargo area is poor for a vehicle in this class. The Dodge Journey ranks last among midsize SUVs.

2. How Long Will Dodge Journey Last?

A well-maintained Dodge Journey may go between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers with proper care. Some drivers have traveled over two hundred thousand miles in their Journeys. If you average 15,000 annual miles on your Dodge Journey, you may get 10–15 years out of it.

3. Is Dodge Journey Expensive To Maintain?

Dodge’s reliability is approximately average. Dodges have a significantly higher maintenance cost than other popular car brands.

Knowing which model years of the Dodge Journey to avoid will help you save time and energy. Some models, like 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018 are the Dodge Journey to avoid because they have a lot of issues, including engine or transmission failure.

Although generally reliable, the Dodge Journey has had some issues, but a few years stand tall regarding reliability. We hope this Dodge Journey review helped assist you in choosing your vehicle.

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The ‘rundown dump’ named the worst city to visit in the UK

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From vibrant Liverpool , to bustling London and beautiful York , the UK is packed full towns and cities well worth a visit.

But while there are some places we Brits love returning to time and again – other destinations aren’t quite so beloved.

And now, a ranking has revealed the best and worst spots in the UK to visit and one city in the East Midlands has been placed right at the bottom of the list.

Described as ‘rundown’ and a ‘dump’,  Derby  can now claim the ‘prize’ as the worst big UK city for a short break.

It only narrowly beat fellow Midland city, Leicester, and Wales’ second city, Swansea, to claim the not-so-coveted title.

Which? worked out their ranking by surveying 3,967 members who rated UK cities and towns they’d visited for leisure purposes and stayed in for at least one night since April 2022. The results were broken down into small, medium and large cities – listing 62 destinations in total.

So what is it that makes Derby a bit well, rubbish? According to Which?, it ‘scored poorly for food and drink, accommodation, cultural sights and tourist attractions, shopping and ease of getting around – all just two stars’. Ouch.

And to the uninitiated, Derby might not seem like a thrilling getaway.

Often seen as somewhere you simply travel through, visitors on Reddit described it as a place that made them feel ‘lonely and depressed’.

Locals added that ‘it never feels like there’s much to do’, and a third said that it ‘lacks identity.’ Others called the place ‘a dump.’

But don’t go writing if off just yet – dig a little deeper, and Derby might surprise you.

Firstly, there’s the stunning Derby Cathedral, which houses the oldest ring of ten bells not just in the UK, but the world over. Most of them have been there since 1678. And, the original church is thought to have been built in about 943.

Meanwhile, Derby based sculptor, April Jones, told the Independent that her city was ‘an artistic sleeping giant’. Thanks to Derby’s Vibrancy Fund, a pot of £250,000 that gets handed out to local artists, the place is quietly creative. The cash has funded street art, wall murals and installations.

Best large UK cities for a short break, according to Which?

• Newcastle-upon-Tyne
• Brighton & Hove
• Milton Keynes
• Southampton

There’s also the newly refurbed Derby’s Museum of Making, the Derby Art Gallery, and the stylish Sadler Gate, a trendy street full of independent shops and boutiques.

It’s even got its sights set on becoming the UK’s City of Culture in 2029.

Derby also has a rich motoring heritage. The city began manufacturing Rolls Royce cars in 1908, and also briefly made Bentleys in the 1930s. A new museum,  Great Northern Classics  – based at the former Rolls-Royce Heritage Centre – is a great place to admire classic cars.

And, you can’t ignore that Derbyshire is home to the Peak District National Park – which welcomes 13.25 million visitors every year. Stroll through the quaint streets of Castleton, or grab yourself a famous pastry in Bakewell.

And, while the Which? survey may have scored the city poorly for food and drink, any resident will cite Birds Bakery as being a beloved Derby stalwart. Started by three brothers back in 1919, their famous cobs still attract queues out the door.

And, if you’re lucky, you might even see a few famous faces if you visit. Niall Horan, and even George Clooney are said to be fans of Derby County Football Club.

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So, while it may not have quite the draw of some of the best ranked UK cities – which include Liverpool, Edinburgh and York – maybe it’s time to give the UK’s ‘worst’ city another chance.

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Get in touch by emailing [email protected] .

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Every Ridley Scott Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

From 'Alien' to 'Blade Runner' to 'Gladiator,' this is Collider's ranking of every movie directed by Ridley Scott.

There are many things that can be said about Ridley Scott as a filmmaker, and his immense body of work. He's been making feature films for close to 50 years now, and is well-known for his ability to put out a new movie every one to two years, and for his willingness to make movies across very different genres. Not even foray into every genre has been a success, of course, but the variety makes Scott's filmography a very interesting one to explore and dissect .

Since 1977 (when Scott himself was already 40 years old), he's worked at a steady enough rate to direct a total of 28 feature films, with 2023's Napoleon being his most recent film. His filmography is filled with entries both good and bad, and everything in between. Below are his finest films, ranked from great to greatest.

28 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' (2014)

Starring christian bale, joel edgerton, and ben kingsley.

Ridley Scott has proved himself capable of making plenty of action-heavy historical dramas and epics, meaning Exodus: Gods and Kings was an unfortunate and dramatic stumble for the director. It's a two-and-a-half-hour-long retelling of the biblical story of Moses , and fails to do anything that other movies with the same premise already did (both 1956's The Ten Commandments and 1998's The Prince of Egypt are much better).

Exodus: Gods and Kings had an epic scale and some talented actors attached to it , but certain casting choices by Scott were criticized . It's probably a film that a good many people have forgotten about, perhaps not for the worse, as it came and went from theaters way back in 2014, with Ridley Scott's career thankfully picking up steam again in the years that followed, demonstrating it was a relatively brief hiccup.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

The defiant leader Moses rises up against Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II, setting six hundred thousand slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt and its terrifying cycle of deadly plagues.

Watch on Max

27 'Robin Hood' (2010)

Starring russell crowe and cate blanchett.

Just as there was a case that a new Moses movie in 2014 wasn't necessary, so too is there an argument that another Robin Hood movie in 2010 wasn't needed. The legend of the titular character is one most people are already very familiar with, and as a result, this 2010 movie failed to excite either critics or general audiences.

Still, at least it's another team-up between Scott and frequent leading man Russell Crowe , as the two have collaborated on some very good projects in the past. Then again, that can have the unintended effect of making anyone watching Robin Hood wish they were watching a better Scott + Crowe movie instead. Those who are continually looking for a good Robin Hood movie beyond the Disney animated version and 1938's The Adventures of Robin Hood ought to keep searching.

Robin Hood (2010)

In twelfth-century England, Robin Longstride and his band of marauders confront corruption in a local village and lead an uprising against the crown that will forever alter the balance of world power.

Watch on Netflix

26 'G.I. Jane' (1997)

Starring demi moore and viggo mortensen.

G.I. Jane was a movie that had essentially been relegated to the dustbin of history, even if it's probably not bad enough to call genuine trash. It rocketed back into public consciousness briefly some 25 years after release, after Chris Rock used it to make a joke during the 2022 Oscars that Will Smith didn't exactly appreciate.

The film itself has an interesting premise, revolving around a military program set up to allow women to join the U.S. Navy, only for the film's execution to be less-than-amazing. Like many other Ridley Scott movies that weren't critically well-received, it was quickly forgotten about , perhaps overshadowed in hindsight by the better movies the director has put out.

Rent on Apple TV

25 'A Good Year' (2006)

Starring russell crowe, albert finney, and marion cotillard.

When Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe work together on a movie, the end result is usually something that can be definable as an action movie. That's not the case at all for their 2006 film, A Good Year , which stands out - particularly within Scott's filmography - as being the filmmaker's attempt at making a romantic dramedy.

It's primarily set in a picturesque vineyard, and revolves around two people who believe they've inherited said vineyard from a family member. Is A Good Year a good movie, though? It's alright, but not super impressive or anything. A Good Year gets the job done as far as romantic comedies go , and its existence means that it's possible to say, "Yes, Ridley Scott has, in fact, made a rom-com."

a good year

Rent on Apple TV+

24 'The Counselor' (2013)

Starring michael fassbender, penélope cruz, and brad pitt.

The Counselor is a grim and somewhat disappointing film, but it's only classifiable as the latter because it really should've been better than it was. It had a great deal going for it, what with it being Ridley Scott directing a screenplay by Cormac McCarthy , and having a cast that includes Michael Fassbender , Penélope Cruz , Cameron Diaz , Javier Bardem , and Brad Pitt .

It's about a lawyer getting tangled up with drug traffickers, and the consequences that ensue from being involved with such a business. The Counselor is a messy and inconsistent crime/thriller , and though some parts of it work - and it is an interesting, far-from-boring watch - there's a sense that it overall should've been much better than it was, though its extreme elements and oddball sensibilities have enabled it to be a film with a collection of defenders.

The Counselor

Watch on Showtime

23 'Hannibal' (2001)

Starring anthony hopkins and julianne moore.

Like The Counselor , made 12 years later, Hannibal is a dark crime/thriller movie that should be better than it is. It may well have always been doomed, given it's a sequel to the beloved The Silence of the Lambs , and though it gives Anthony Hopkins the chance to reprise the role of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, Clarice Starling is distractingly played by Julianne Moore this time around, instead of Jodie Foster .

The plot is built around the two reuniting years after the events of The Silence of the Lambs , though things are noticeably less exciting than they were before. Seeing Hopkins as Lecter once again ensures Hannibal isn't a total waste of time , and it's a competent enough film if it's not compared too directly to the 1991 film it follows, but as a sequel, it is more than a little disappointing.

22 'Someone to Watch Over Me' (1987)

Starring tom berenger, mimi rogers, and lorraine bracco.

Someone to Watch Over Me certainly isn't the worst movie Ridley Scott's ever directed, but it's a contender for the most obscure. It's one that's hard to come across without specifically digging into his filmography, and is a romantic thriller about a woman who witnesses a high-profile murder, and gets assigned a detective who's to protect her.

Maybe the zeitgeist just wasn't right for a romantic thriller surrounding women who needed protecting, and men hired to do it, given that five years later, the creatively titled The Bodyguard became a huge hit. Or maybe Someone to Watch Over Me just needed more Whitney Houston songs in the soundtrack . In any event, it's not bad, and certainly proves more watchable than some other Scott-directed movies .

Watch on Tubi

21 'Body of Lies' (2008)

Starring leonardo dicaprio and russell crowe.

Body of Lies reunited Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe once again , but in this instance, they were also joined by Leonardo DiCaprio . DiCaprio is the film's lead overall, with him playing a CIA agent who's placed in constant danger when he's sent by the organization to pursue and take down the mastermind behind a series of deadly terrorist attacks.

Crowe's character has a far more comfortable time, providing intel to DiCaprio's character largely from the comfort of his own home, thanks to satellite technology. Crowe also probably had the cushier job as an actor here, at least compared to what DiCaprio had to do. Maybe that's one of the perks of working with Ridley Scott for longer than your co-star. Anyway, the movie itself is fine.

Body of Lies (2008)

20 'white squall' (1996), starring jeff bridges and caroline goodall.

White Squall is many things at once, being a survival film, an adventure/drama film, and even a coming-of-age movie . It follows what happens when a group of young sailors and their instructor have a training voyage spiral out of control, after their old-fashioned sailing ship sails directly into a storm.

White Squall is a solid film, and executed in a typically workmanlike fashion (few Ridley Scott movies are sloppy enough to feel fundamentally broken, after all), and like any movie with Jeff Bridges in it, it benefits from having Jeff Bridges in it. But the fact it's now fairly obscure means that it's somewhat underrated at best, and a little forgettable at worst. White Squall also had a particularly poor run at the box office, only making about a quarter of its budget back domestically.

Watch on Hoopla

19 'House of Gucci' (2021)

Starring lady gaga, adam driver, and al pacino.

For a good chunk of its ridiculously long runtime (158 minutes!), House of Gucci is a pretty good crime movie. It has some explosively over-the-top performances from the likes of Lady Gaga , Adam Driver , and Jared Leto , and is a fictionalized retelling of a true story involving fame, money, and murder among the ultrarich in Italy.

At a point, though, it just wears out its welcome, and there's a case to be made that House of Gucci is almost an hour too long , which really isn't something that can be said about many movies. There's enough campy silliness (the jury's still out on how intentional House of Gucci 's comedy is ) to still make this a fun watch for more than half its runtime, but that lengthy runtime does ultimately hold the movie as a whole back considerably. It can be given a cautious recommendation, but tread lightly.

House of Gucci

Watch on Amazon Prime

18 'Legend' (1985)

Starring tom cruise and mia sara.

Ridley Scott's name is more associated with the sci-fi genre than the fantasy one (as many of his very best films attest to), but Legend represents the filmmaker having a shot at the latter genre. It's got the kind of fantasy premise you've seen many times before: there's a princess that needs saving and a great evil that needs defeating, with a young hero and his fairly useless comedic sidekicks being the only ones who can save the day.

The title itself is even a little generic - just " Legend ." But what does make the film novel is its casting, because it features a young Tom Cruise in a rare fantasy role as the film's hero, and Tim Curry hamming it up as the lead villain. As far as 1980s fantasy movies go , Legend is pretty straightforward and gets the job done. It might lack a wow factor, but it similarly lacks too many things to complain about, too.

A dark lord, intent on casting the world into darkness, captures a princess and threatens the extinction of the unicorns to stop the dawn. A forest dweller, joined by magical creatures and an elven ally, must navigate treacherous landscapes and confront the dark lord to save the princess and preserve light in the world.

Rent on Amazon

17 'Black Rain' (1989)

Starring michael douglas, andy garcía, and ken takakura.

While it might not stack up to the films in the Battles Without Honor and Humanity series , Black Rain is still a rock-solid action/thriller movie about the Yakuza. Its premise sees a member of the Yakuza getting arrested in New York City, and two cops then being tasked with transporting him to Japan and turning him over to authorities there.

Given their success would mean the movie would end after 15 minutes, the Yakuza member breaks free once they arrive in Japan, leading the two cops on a desperate mission to recapture him. It's a simple premise that allows for Scott to capture plenty of stylish visuals, and film a few very entertaining action scenes. It's overall a bit simplistic and maybe a tad overlong, but Black Rain's still a movie that works a good deal more than it doesn't .

16 'All the Money in the World' (2017)

Starring michelle williams, christopher plummer, and mark wahlberg.

Similarly to 2021's House of Gucci , All the Money in the World looks back on a real-life crime-related event from the 20th century. In this instance, the movie is about the kidnapping of billionaire J. Paul Getty's grandson, and what happens when Getty refuses to pay the ransom money demanded by the kidnappers.

It's the sort of movie that became more well-known for its production over anything else, as Christopher Plummer replaced Kevin Spacey as Getty shortly before the film was scheduled to release, leading to numerous reshoots. All the Money in the World was a testament to Scott's work ethic that it all got successfully reshot, and a testament to Plummer as an actor, too, as he received his third and final Oscar nomination for the performance.

All the Money in the World

Watch on Fubo

15 'Alien: Covenant' (2017)

Starring michael fassbender, katherine waterston, and billy crudup.

Alien: Covenant is a divisive movie, serving as a sequel to a 2012 movie that was an Alien prequel, but not too heavily tied to said series outside some key moments. It can't be denied that Covenant feels like an Alien movie, though, unlike its predecessor, with an emphasis once again on outmatched human characters being forced to survive against a relentless xenomorph.

For those wanting a very direct burst of Alien , it's honestly not nearly as bad as some people will have you believe. It may pale in comparison to the best movies in the Alien series, but the effects, performances, and pulse-pounding thriller/horror sequences here all largely work, making this one of Ridley Scott's most over-hated movies.

alien covenant

14 'matchstick men' (2003), starring nicolas cage and sam rockwell.

Looking over many Ridley Scott movies may give the impression that he's a pretty serious guy, what with all the action, crime, drama, sci-fi, and thriller movies. But that doesn't mean he's incapable of helming a successful comedy, as he ended up releasing a pretty good (albeit dark) one with 2003's Matchstick Men .

It's a movie about an experienced con artist and his protégé starting to find success in their unethical field, only for the sudden emergence of the con artist's daughter into his life to start throwing things off balance. Matchstick Men is quite good throughout, and decently balances comedy, crime, and drama elements while also benefiting greatly from the fact that it stars both Nicolas Cage and Sam Rockwell .

Matchstick Men

13 'napoleon' (2023), starring joaquin phoenix and vanessa kirby.

2023's Napoleon is one of many movies to be based around the historical figure Napoleon Bonaparte . It sees Ridley Scott taking on an immense life story, ambitiously condensed into just over 2.5 hours (with a four-hour-long director's cut set to be released eventually). There were so many dramatic events in Napoleon's life and various battles he took place in, however, to make even this relatively long runtime still feel too short.

Still, for the committed performances by Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby , as well as for some spectacular battle sequences and general impressive technical elements, Napoleon remains worth watching . It's not one of Scott's best epics, but neither could it be considered one of his worst, and its reputation may well grow in time after the director's cut becomes available, and perhaps even the preferred way to inevitably watch this 2023 film.

Watch in Cinemas

12 '1492: Conquest of Paradise' (1992)

Starring gérard depardieu and sigourney weaver.

Released to commemorate 500 years since Christopher Columbus discovered the New World, 1492: Conquest of Paradise is a sweeping epic, and a complex film to break down. Columbus himself is a divisive historical figure, to say the least, and some viewers may come away from 1492: Conquest of Paradise feeling like certain things were either ignored or sugarcoated.

Thematically and narratively, there are issues that will be glaring to some viewers, but from a technical perspective, 1492: Conquest of Paradise is often spectacular. It takes a potentially troubling approach to mythologizing this time in history, rather than being properly accurate, but the power of its images - and its awe-inspiring score by Vangelis - prove impactful and sometimes even rousing.

Watch on Kanopy

11 'Prometheus' (2012)

Starring noomi rapace, michael fassbender, and charlize theron.

Prometheus depicts certain events that are pivotal for future movies in the Alien series , but it doesn't feel constrained in a way where it "has" to be an Alien movie. Things get violent and survival-heavy towards the end, sure, but much of the rest of the film is a decidedly more meditative affair about exploration of a strange new place, and discovering the origins of humanity.

So, going back to the more Alien -esque final act... could Prometheus be accused of having its cake and eating it too? No, it shouldn't be. The cake is tasty. The final act is exciting. No one's saying you can't enjoy an uneaten cake for a while and then, at a later point, consume it. Prometheus is good cake. Shut up and eat your cake!

Following clues to the origin of mankind, a team finds a structure on a distant moon, but they soon realize they are not alone.

10 'The Duellists' (1977)

Starring keith carradine and harvey keitel.

Ridley Scott's very first film had a period setting and a decent amount of action, though its personal story and relatively low budget means it can't be called a full-on epic. The film in question is The Duellists , and it centers on two French Army lieutenants who have a years-long rivalry, challenging each other to numerous duels throughout the early 1800s.

It's the kind of introspective historical war/drama movie that should appeal to fans of Stanley Kubrick 's Barry Lyndon (though that one does have an epic runtime). The Duellists is a small film, but it's very satisfying and well-made for a debut feature , and is also noteworthy for being partially set at the same point in history that Scott's Napoleon ended up covering, making it feel as though both films sort of bookend each other; one early Ridley Scott work contrasting with a late-career one.

9 'Kingdom of Heaven' (2005)

Starring orlando bloom, eva green, and liam neeson.

As long as you watch the director's cut, Kingdom of Heaven is up there as one of Ridley Scott's best movies, and easily one of his very best historical epics . It follows a blacksmith getting wrapped up in the holy wars during the Crusades, which were a series of huge battles fought in medieval times over various religions.

The director's cut increases the theatrical cut's runtime by 50 minutes, taking it over the three-hour-mark, and transforming Kingdom of Heaven into a true epic. As it turns out, this extra time was needed to ensure the story made sense, and that the characters could be sufficiently fleshed out. Without the director's cut, Kingdom of Heaven is a series of well-photographed big battle scenes interspersed with confusing character interactions, but with the director's cut, it becomes a genuinely great film.

Kingdom of Heaven

Still in grief over his wife's sudden death, village blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) joins his long-estranged father, Baron Godfrey (Liam Neeson), as a crusader on the road to Jerusalem. After a perilous journey to the holy city, the valiant young man enters the retinue of the leprous King Baldwin IV (Edward Norton), which is rife with dissent led by the treacherous Guy de Lusignan (Marton Csokas), who wishes to wage war against the Muslims for his own political and personal gain.

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All the 2024 ACM Awards Performances Ranked

From Post Malone to Dua Lipa's surprise duet with Chris Stapleton, we look at all the performances featured during the May 16 show.

By Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson

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The 59th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held Thursday night (May 16) and streamed live on Amazon’s Prime Video, handed out awards to many artists whose music has had an undeniable impact over the past year, but they also deftly crammed more than a dozen performances into the space of two hours — including breaks in the streaming broadcast. Still, the evening — produced by Dick Clark Productions — felt tightly run, but never rushed. And of course, one of country music’s most professional, entertaining artists, Country Music Hall of Famer Reba McEntire, was leading the festivities.

Here Are the 2024 ACM Awards Winners: Complete List

In that two-hour span, the ACMs performances highlighted a range of performers, featured showcase after showcase of new music, and included a smattering of high-profile pop performers as well.

Dua Lipa made a surprise appearance, joining Chris Stapleton. Post Malone turned in one of the most solidly traditional country songs of the night. Nate Smith’s performance got an added edge thanks to rocker Avril Lavigne, while Kelsea Ballerini teamed with Noah Kahan to mesh their songs “Mountain With a View” and “Stick Season.”

Meanwhile, artists including Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson and McEntire all turned in performances of fresh material, while Kane Brown opted to honor the late Ray Charles by tackling one of the icon’s classics.

2024 ACM Awards: Best Photos From the Show

While every performance was solid during the evening, some stood out more than others. Here, we countdown to the top performance of the evening during the ACM Awards.

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Thomas Rhett, "Beautiful As You"

Thomas Rhett offered up his new song “Beautiful as You.” Sauntering across the stage, TR continued in the same musical terrain as many of his romantic, uptempo, pop-aimed hits. His voice was top notch, but given the breadth of musical styles represented throughout the evening, his polished performance still seemed a little tame.

Parker McCollum, "Burn It Down"

McCollum offered up his third Country Airplay chart-topper “Burn It Down” while seated on a stool on a smaller stage. The Texan’s voice was in fine form, though with his performance following sets from Chris Stapleton and Post Malone, the song lacked energy and verve by comparison.

Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, "Purple Irises"

Taking a cue from the song’s title, the stage was bathed in shades of violet, as a purple-clad Stefani traded verses and harmonies with her husband and duet partner on their new song, “Purple Irises.” Purple flowers surrounded the couple while the screen was emblazoned with a stained-glass effect of purple irises. Their voices blended well, and their energetic chemistry was undeniable, bringing heft to a fairly standard-sounding song.

Nate Smith featuring Avril Lavigne, "Bulletproof"

Nate Smith, who was recently named Rookie of the Year at Billboard ‘s Country Power Players ceremony earlier in the week, took the ACM Awards stage to perform “Bulletproof.” He was then joined by 2000s pop-punk queen Avril Lavigne, whose searing, razor-sharp vocals brought out the song’s punk edges. They shared an easygoing camaraderie, with each artist elevating the other. A solid collaboration from these two.

Kelsea Ballerini & Noah Kahan, "Mountain With a View" x "Stick Season"

Kelsea Ballerini teamed with “Stick Season” hitmaker Noah Kahan to mesh two of their songs. The performance had a theatrical bent, beginning with Ballerini lying on a blue couch and singing “Mountain With a View” from her album Rolling Up the Welcome Mat , before the cameras shifted to Kahan, standing on a grassy stage set, performing his Hot 100 top 10 hit “Stick Season.” Ballerini joined in on harmonies as they traded off lyrics from each of the two songs. The pair of tracks meshed nicely, as did the performers’ voices, making this low-key performance a pleasure.

Jason Aldean, "Should've Been a Cowboy"

Over the course of his career, Toby Keith earned 14 ACM Awards, including back-to-back wins for entertainer of the year in 2003-04. The late singer-songwriter was honored during this year’s ceremony as Jason Aldean performed Keith’s No. 1 “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.”

Instead of the straight-forward rendering many may have expected, Aldean offered up a slowed-down version of the song, highlighted by fiddle. Aldean doesn’t quite have the burly, muscular voice to carry off the song’s swagger, but the performance came across as authentic and sincere, and he had no trouble with the lyrics — it was clear he knew the words by heart.

“We love you, Toby,” he said, as the cameras centered on Keith’s wife, Tricia, and his children as well as others in the audience who were wiping away tears.

Tigirlily Gold, "I Tried a Ring On"

This sister duo offered up superb, familial harmonies on their new song “I Tried a Ring On,” performing on the satellite stage, surrounded by the audience. The emotional heartbreak ballad translated well, highlighting their confidence and tight-knit performance ability on one of country music’s biggest nights.

Miranda Lambert, "Wranglers"

Lambert dripped confidence from the first notes of her performance, sauntering to center stage to perform her new single, “Wranglers,” her first new music since signing with Republic Records, in partnership with Big Loud. Wearing a sparkly hat and a fringed and bedazzled jacket-pants set, Lambert was in top-shelf, classic form. She prowled the stage, performing as her twangy voice was imbued with a sultry drawl. The blues-dipped country/rock track gave her ample space to showcase the edge in her voice, and proved that her headstrong swagger is here to stay.

Kane Brown, "Georgia on My Mind"

Brown has a solid voice, but with his slate of largely uptempo and often pop-oriented fare, rarely does he get a chance to fully showcase his vocal talents. On the ACMs stage this year, he reminded viewers that he’s as much a supple-voiced crooner as an energetic performer when he offered a version of Ray Charles’ 1960 classic “Georgia on My Mind.” Clad in a suit and surrounded by vocalists, piano, guitars and string players, Brown offered a stately, soulful and respectful rendering of a classic, briefly bringing a bit of Georgia mindset to the Lone Star State.

Jelly Roll, "Liar"

Jelly Roll has been steadily lobbing hits at Billboard ‘s charts over the past year, notching three No. 1 Country Airplay hits, including “Need a Favor,” and six tracks on the Hot 100 since 2022. On the ACMs stage, he introduced new music, performing his new soul-tinged, gospel-inflected country-rock track “Liar,” which offers reasoning and defiance against moments of temptation — whether that’s in the form of pills or other addictions.

He sang of the inner voices encouraging his addictions, voices that are “saying drink another whiskey/ pop another pill.” But in the chorus, he calls out those vices for what they are, on lyrics including, “You burned me one too many times/ Like a devil in disguise.”

Jelly Roll has made his mark with songs that speak to struggles, hopes and healing. On the ACMs stage, he kept that mission alive with a strong-hearted performance.

Chris Stapleton and Dua Lipa, "Think I'm in Love With You"

Though much buzz had been made in the weeks leading up to the ACM Awards, speculating whether Cowboy Carter purveyor Beyoncé would make an appearance at the ACM Awards, the audience got a surprise when another pop star — Dua Lipa — appeared, performing with Chris Stapleton, who is a perennial favorite collaborator for scores of artists from Pink to Taylor Swift.

Dua Lipa joined Chris Stapleton on “Think I’m in Love With You,” from Stapleton’s Higher album. The sultry performance paired his grizzled vocal with her soaring, polished tones, making for what was surely one of the most talked about performances.

Reba McEntire, "I Can't"

Country Music Hall of Famer and host for this year’s ACM Awards ceremony McEntire closed out the evening with a performance of her new song, “I Can’t.” For decades, she has made commanding a stage seem effortless, with her octave-jumping, multi-syllabic vocal style and powerful stage presence — and this year’s ACM Awards performance was no exception.

A vocal choir, smoke and fire heightened the potency of the song’s empowering message. As the performance came to a close, sparks filled the stage as the melody soared, confetti rained down and Reba stared down the camera as only she can, delivering the song’s essence directly to the heart.

Lainey Wilson, "Hang Tight Honey"

Lainey Wilson kicked off the night with an appropriate nod to the Lone Star State, offering up a performance of Little Texas’ “God Blessed Texas” — a song that made perfect use of her signature twang. Performing the song on a satellite stage, she ventured into the audience, walking through the crowd to the main stage to perform another barn-burner, her new song, “Hang Tight Honey.”

Wilson was all Louisiana swagger on the high-octane song, wielding her acoustic guitar while a bevy of backing vocalists, and later two guitarists, flanked Wilson on each side of the stage. The song ended with her holding her guitar aloft and welcoming host McEntire to usher in the awards evening. Wilson ended the evening as the night’s biggest winner, taking home the ACM’s entertainer of the year trophy.

Post Malone, "Never Love You Again" & "I Had Some Help"

Post Malone offered one of the most traditional country performances on the show, with the steel guitar-swathed, fiddle-laced heartbreak song “Never Love You Again,” with the rapper-singer wielding his acoustic guitar and offering a gritty, whiskey-soaked vocal on lines such as “I’ll love you ’til tomorrow/ Then I’ll never love you again.”

From there, Posty segued into his new hit, the Morgan Wallen collaboration “I Had Some Help,” though the “Last Night” singer was not there to join him for the song. Not to worry: Post Malone did end up with a duet partner after all: He later joined host McEntire to honor the late Allman Brothers Band singer-guitarist Dickey Betts with an a cappella performance of “Ramblin’ Man.”

Cody Johnson, "Dirt Cheap"

Seated on a stool, Texan Johnson offered up a sincere performance of his new single “Dirt Cheap.” His performance was pared back, setting the focus squarely on this classic country construction and tale of of a man whose land is so filled with value and memories — the place where children grew up in the backyard, where lovers proposed and where loyal dogs were buried — that no amount of money would be enough to make him sell. As always, Johnson knows how to deliver a song, whether onstage or on record, and his straightforward performance was a highlight.

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Top 10 Journey Songs

The top Journey songs demonstrate quite clearly how the band, one of the early progenitors of what rock critics like to dismiss as "arena rock," achieved such popularity in the '70s and '80s.

Journey were undoubtedly ahead of their time in terms of PR, and especially in terms of professionalizing their live shows, pioneering elements of live production that are standard procedure today. But while the group took a great deal of flack for the skill with which they were marketed, it is the music they created – an interesting blend of guitar-driven hard rock and vocal-oriented pop – that has endured across the decades, connecting with several subsequent generations.

The group's earliest musical origins featured an elaborate mix of rock and progressive fusion, but it wasn't until they later shifted in a more commercial direction that they began their long, slow climb to superstardom. Though they were often critically derided, Journey's best work boasted a level of instrumental and vocal ability far beyond that of most of their peers and covered a wide array of styles – as you'll see in our list of the Top 10 Journey Songs.

"Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin'"

Steve Perry reportedly drew inspiration from one of his biggest influences, Sam Cooke, for this track from Journey's fifth album. The singer borrowed from " Nothing Can Change This Love " for the song, which struck a perfect balance between his soulful pop vocals and Neal Schon 's heavy rock guitars to become the group's first Top 20 hit, reaching No. 16 and helping Evolution to become a triple-platinum hit.

"Stone In Love"

This hard rock track from Journey's seventh studio album helped introduce the writing talents of newcomer keyboardist Jonathan Cain , who wrote the song with Perry and Schon. The song's infectious marriage of heavy riffing, blazing guitar solos and an alluring melody – all topped off by an undeniable Steve Perry vocal performance – helped it became a rock radio staple, easily earning its spot in our Top 10 Journey Songs.

Perry wasted no time making himself at home as a writer after he joined for Journey's fourth album. This soulful rock track pairs a Schon riff with a lyric Perry had originally written about Los Angeles, which he changed to fit after joining the San Francisco-based Journey. "Lights" originally charted at just No. 68, but went on to become a rock radio staple and an important part of Journey's live shows.

"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"

Another in a long string of Journey classics penned by the duo of Cain and Perry, this song came together in a backstage writing session in which the singer was playing bass and the keyboardist was playing guitar. It marries Perry's Motown influence with hard rock for a track that hit No. 8 in the Mainstream Rock chart and has become an all-time classic rock track. The single release was accompanied by a much-lampooned video in which the band members mime to the track without their actual instruments.

"Feeling That Way"

"Feeling That Way" was initially an instrumental titled "Velvet Curtain," written by keyboardist Gregg Rolie with drummer Aynsley Dunbar before he added words and re-titled it "Please Let Me Stay." It wasn't until Perry joined Journey and wrote some additional material that the band recorded the track. He and Rolie shared the lead vocal duties on this song, which is almost always paired with " Anytime " both on the radio and in concert.

"Wheel in the Sky"

One of the earliest Journey songs to find traction at rock radio, "Wheel in the Sky" began as a poem titled "Wheels in My Mind" by Diane Valory, the wife of Journey bassist Ross Valory. When singer Robert Fleischman heard it, he appropriated it for a lyric that was juxtaposed against a hard rock riff from Schon. When Journey brought in Steve Perry to replace Fleischman, he put his signature vocal stamp on the track, undeniably making it one of the Top 10 Journey Songs

"Open Arms"

Cain had originally pitched the melody idea for "Open Arms" when he was a member of the Babys , but singer John Waite reportedly shot it down as too sentimental. Once he and Perry completed the song, their Journey bandmates didn't feel too differently – particularly Schon, who felt the song too light for the group. Despite the opposition, the group recorded and released the track, which held the No. 2 spot in the Billboard chart for six consecutive weeks and has become a cultural touchstone.

"Any Way You Want It"

Co-written by Perry and Schon, this track was heavily influenced by Thin Lizzy front man Phil Lynott , who was sharing in a rhyme scheme exercise with the two backstage while the bands were touring together. Recorded closer to a "live in the studio" environment, Departure featured an edgier sound than previous Journey records, and the track is a perfect example of that, propelled by Schon's fleet-fingered solos and Perry's high-octane vocal performance.

"Faithfully"

Cain wrote the wistful piano-based ballad "Faithfully" about the challenges of being on the road while trying to maintain a life with his wife at home. The song's universal sentiment and melodic structure struck such a chord with fans that it landed at No. 12 in the Billboard chart, and it has since gone on to become one of Journey's most recognizable and enduring songs. Ironically, the song has far outlasted the marriage it was written to commemorate, which ended in divorce in 1987.

"Don't Stop Believin'"

"Don't Stop Believin'" not only tops our list of the Top 10 Journey Songs, it came in at No. 13 in our overall poll of the Top 100 Classic Rock Songs, and it is the best-selling catalog track of the digital music era, having sold more than 5 million digital tracks. Written by Cain, Perry and Schon, the song's multi-generational attraction lies partly in its inspirational message and partly in its arrangement, which appeals equally to fans of hard rock and vocal-oriented pop.

The Best Song From Every Journey Album

See Neal Schon Among Rock’s Forgotten Supergroups

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Memorial Day weekend 2024 travel will be busiest at these times: How to avoid traffic jams

If you’re traveling for Memorial Day weekend , be prepared to run into some crowds. The next holiday weekend – taking place May 25 to 27 – is slated to see a record-breaking number of travelers, according to AAA. 

A projected 43.8 million Americans are expected to pack their bags for trips over 50 miles or more over the holiday weekend – a 4% increase from last year and close to 2005’s previous record of 44 million. 

“We haven’t seen Memorial Day weekend travel numbers like these in almost 20 years,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel, in a press release. “We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead.”

Both roads and airports will be extremely busy, with a historic number of roadtrippers since AAA began tracking data in 2000. That’s 38.4 million drivers, up 4% from last year. 

A predicted 3.51 million airline passengers are expected to hit the skies over the holiday weekend, a 4.8% increase from 2023. This will make for the most crowded Memorial Day weekend at airports since 2005, AAA said. 

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Here’s everything you need to know about traffic if you’re hoping for a Memorial Day weekend getaway.

Summer is just around the corner. Here's everything you need to know for your summertime trip.

What are the most popular destinations for Memorial Day weekend travel?

Most popular domestic destinations:

• Las Vegas, 
• Anaheim/Los Angeles

Most popular international destinations:

• Vancouver, Canada

What are the best times to drive for Memorial Day weekend? 

To avoid the worst traffic, drivers leaving for their long weekend trip on Thursday, May 23, and Friday, May 24, should hit the road before 11 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday. 

Travelers driving on Saturday, May 25, who leave before 1 p.m. and after 6 p.m., will be able to avoid the worst traffic jams. On Sunday, drivers should head out before 1 p.m. to avoid the worst congestion. 

Travelers returning home on Monday, May 27, should embark after 7 p.m. if they want to dodge peak traffic. 

What are the worst times to drive by car for Memorial Day weekend?

Travelers should expect the worst traffic on Thursday between noon and 6 p.m. 

Friday between noon and 7 p.m. since they’ll encounter commuter congestion as well. 

Over the weekend, peak traffic is anticipated to be between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. 

On Memorial Day, drivers heading back home can expect peak traffic between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., aka peak rush hour time.

Peak congestion times in major US cities

Travelers who are going through major metropolitan areas should unfortunately expect travel times to be up to 90% longer than usual, according to Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at INRIX. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary,” Pishue said in a statement. 

• Worst route: Atlanta to Savannah via I-16 E
• Worst day: Saturday, May 25
• Worst time: 4:45 p.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 5 hours, 31 minutes
• 54% increased travel time
• Worst route: Manchester to Boston via I-93 S
• Worst day: Sunday, May 26
• Worst time: 8:45 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 48 minutes
• 50% increased travel time 
• Worst route: Milwaukee to Chicago via I-94 E 
• Worst time: 4:30 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 25 minutes
• 27% increased travel time
• Worst route: Fort Collins to Denver via I-25 
• Worst time: 4:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
• 56% increased travel time

Los Angeles

• Worst route: LA to Bakersfield via I-5 N 
• Worst day: Thursday, May 23
• Worst time: 6:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 45 minutes
• 84% increased travel time
• Worst route: New York to Albany via I-87N 
• Worst time: 11:45 a.m. 
• Estimated travel time: 2 hours, 37 minutes

Philadelphia

• Worst route: Philadelphia to Baltimore/DC 
• Worst day: Friday, May 24
• Worst time: 7:30 a.m.
• 64% increased travel time

San Francisco

• Worst route:  San Francisco to Napa via I-80 E
• Worst time: 11 a.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 34 minutes

Washington, D.C.

• Worst route: Washington, DC to Baltimore via Balt/Wash Pkwy N 
• Worst time: 2:15 p.m.
• Estimated travel time: 1 hour, 21 minutes
• 72% increased travel time

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .