Don't Stop Believin': The Man, the Band, and the Song that Inspired Generations

by Jonathan Cain

Keyboardist and songwriter with the band Journey, Jonathan Cain writes this long-awaited memoir about his personal story of overcoming and faith, his career with one of the most successful musical groups in history, and the stories behind his greatest hits including "Don't Stop Believin'." When Jonathan Cain and the iconic band Journey were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cain could say he had finally arrived. But Cain's journey wasn't always easy--and his true arrival in life had more to do with faith than fame. As a child, Cain survived a horrific school fire that killed nearly 100 of his classmates. His experience formed a resilience that would carry him through both tragedy and success. Moving from Chicago to Sunset Boulevard, Cain never let go of his dreams, eventually getting his big break with Journey--and writing the songs that would become the soundtrack of a generation. Don't Stop Believin' is an epic story of one man's dream that takes you from playing old-country songs at an Italian Deli in Chicago and his experiences with a warm, encouraging father who died too soon, to suddenly writing mega-bestselling songs with some of the most talented musicians and performers ever to take the stage of some of the world's largest arenas. He tells of the thrilling moments when the music came together and offers an inside look at why Steve Perry left and the extraordinary story of their gifted new vocalist, Arnel Pineda. Through a wonderful retrospective of music that takes us right to the present, Jonathan Cain reminds us of the melodies and lyrics that serve as milestones for our biggest dreams as they call us to never stop believing.

Genres: Music, Biography, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, Memoir, Autobiography

304 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2018

About the author

Librarians note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Jonathan Cain was the longtime keyboardist and rhythm guitarist in the San Francisco based rock band Journey. Cain aided Journey's rise to the top of the charts by composing and playing the piano on songs such as "Don't Stop Believin” and “Open Arms”. His most notable contribution was as sole author of the classic Journey ballad "Faithfully". Cain has released several solo albums including his first Christian release in 2016. He built a recording studio called Addiction Sound in Nashville, and currently resides in Apopka, Florida with his wife, minister Paula White. Cain was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey on April 7, 2017.

Reviews

[Valerity (Val) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been very lucky with running into good music memoirs this year and this is another one I enjoyed, this time by Jonathan Cain. Who doesn’t (or didn’t) love the songs of the group Journey? Well at least if you are in my age group or grew up on their music. Here is a chance to learn about how lots of their music was written. Cain is responsible for many of my favorite hits, and I loved hearing about what was behind the writing of them. Also how he ended up in the band after working so long and hard to get a real start in something good after endlessly paying his dues it seemed. If you’re looking for a groupie groping tell-all, this isn’t it. It is, however a fascinating look at the music world and what can sometimes go on between band members that can fracture bands and long-term friendships that can be unseen from the outside. Things sometimes just don’t make any sense to anyone but the one member who remains obstinate and won’t be persuaded to play.

My BookZone blog review:
https://wordpress.com/post/bookblog20...

[Noreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a huge Journey fan and was really excited to read this. Happy to hear any tidbits about the band and especially Steve Perry. I pretty much enjoyed the whole book. Got an insight into Jonathan a little more, however I strongly disagree with one point in the book. When the band splits for the second time and Steve Perry asks that if they go on they call the band something besides Journey they disagree with him and go on by basically stating that there were singers before him so why not singers after him. NO WAY! Neal Schon and Greg Rolie sang on albums before him and those albums went nowhere. They briefly had another singer Robert Fleischman but he never sang on an album. So there really weren’t any singers before Steve Perry that were able to get the band on the charts or fill up stadiums the way he did. Steve Perry was the key to Journey having the success they did!

[Don de Leaumont · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a great read but it was way too heavy in the Jesus talk. He at one point even talks about how his marriage ended because he stopped talking to God! No, your marriage ended because you screwed groupies! Just own it. That aside there were some great stories of writing with Perry.

[John Huiett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan Cain is a masterful songwriter, and a decent author to boot. This is his first time penning a book and he actually wrote it himself, which is impressive.

Cain is a devout Christian these days and his faith defines the book's point of view. However, he doesn't whitewash his own failings and takes his lumps throughout.

My only real complaint about this book is that it takes half of the book's 300 plus pages for him to join Journey. The windup is a bit tedious, although some will find the details of Cain's upbringing charming.

If you are looking for a book of "dirt" about Journey, this isn't it. Not one band member comes out of the book with Cain's bus tire tracks on their backs. He is gracious, respectful and a man clearly grateful for his many blessings. While some might consider Cain's nice-guy approach boring, I found his thankfulness refreshing in a world increasingly filled with rancor.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The audio was great. Cain gets very, very, understandably emotional, especially when talking about surviving the horrifying Our Lady of the Angels school fire in Chicago as a third grader in 1958. He’s a very religious man, so be prepared for a lot of talk about his relationship with God.

[Matthew Arnold · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75- This was way more about Jonathan Cain than about Journey, and I didn’t learn much about the band you couldn’t learn easily elsewhere. It’s not particularly well-written, and he seems to have quite a high opinion of himself. He keeps talking about God, which is great, except his view of God and his own priorities do not reflect a real understanding of who He is or what He wants. By all means, listen to Journey, but feel free to skip this book.

[Erik Dewey · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I was never a huge Journey fan, you just can't escape their songs, and certainly sing along when they hit the radio. I knew Jonathan Cain came to Journey later and wrote or co-wrote their biggest songs but that was it. I always like reading the behind the scenes of musicians, just to get a better feel for what life as a working musician can be like. Truthfully the book doesn't really cover much of that life, but what it does do is delves deep into the work and struggle to write music.

Throughout the book is Jonathan's almost constant struggle with faith, with both his relationship to God and his relationship with his family, especially his father. It is an interesting journey (no pun intended) and I am glad he has come full circle to a happy life.

The one area I felt was weak was in regards to Steve Perry. The book opens talking about Steve Perry leaving Journey, and about a third of the way in he joins Journey and at the halfway point of the book, Steve leaves. There is a little about him coming back and a mention of the rock and roll hall of fame induction, but that is it. For something that had such an impact on his band and his life, I would like the narrative to go a little deeper into it.

As an aside, the actual writing of the book is well done with plenty of foreshadowing leading you to wanting to know what happens next and dealing with issues like the devastating fire when he was in elementary school and his marriage troubles.

[Tina · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am the biggest journey fan on the planet, I guarantee. But the fact that Jonathan Cain tries to say he was “broke” after 3 hit albums Escape, Frontiers, and Raised on Radio is laughable. And that he needed to tour with Trial By Fire because of that? And blaming every band decision, like the firing of Herbie, Ross, and Steve Smith, on Steve Perry is typical.
I also loved the story of how he met his “preacher” wife- saying something to the effect that flying Southwest was beneath them and unlikely for her and the band. Forgive me if I’m wrong, but you shouldn’t only fly first class on church donations!
I will take my “consequences” by not donating one month’s salary to her “cause.”
Met all the band members of Journey over the years. Neal is so gracious and fun, Jonathan Cain not so much. Hope this book brings him into the black. I got my copy from the library.

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I saw this on the my library’s Libby app. The audiobook was available for checkout so I did. I’m not necessarily a Jonathan Cain fan; I listened to it for the Steve Perry bits.

Pros:
Steve Perry passages
Jonathan doesn’t really trash anyone in the book

Cons:
Everything else, especially after he meets Paula White. Then everything goes to hell in a hand basket. Any generosity of feeling toward Cain immediately dissolves.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a great autobiography as it covers Cain’s life and his reflections during his lifetime, isn’t that what an autobiography is supposed to do? Some individuals are upset because this book talks too much about his childhood, it’s too religious and because it doesn’t cover enough of his life with the band Journey. Well, Cain had a life besides Journey. He had to begin his music career, get married, and experience a lot of hardships and failures along with some incredible successes and fun before he can join Journey.

I remember in the 80’s listening to Journey as I cleaned my house, cranking up the volume and forgetting about the task at hand. As I drove to work, I’d pop in some Journey along with some Def Leopard and sing, I didn’t care who saw me. It wasn’t until 2006 that I got to see them live, up-on-stage and I remember thinking, that it was just like Christmas! That summer, my daughter and I were “groupies” as we saw them four times as they toured with Def Leopard. I love that my daughter enjoys both these bands as she grew hearing their music from the speakers. Had I known the group would fall apart, I would have gone to more concerts that summer.

As Cain mentions in this book, there are individuals who have boycotted Journey as they adopt new band members when the original members drop out. I am one of these such individual. I tried the new Journey right after Steve Perry left and Arnel joined but to me, it just wasn’t the same. I cherish that summer my daughter and I spent going to concerts together, singing and dancing along with all the other fans. After reading this book, I now know more of the background information on his songs and I feel a deeper connection to the songs.

In this book, Cain begins by talking about his childhood. A fire ripped through one of the schools that he attended as a child, killing many students and teachers who were not able to escape. This tragedy haunted Cain for many years. Early one, Cain realized he had a musical talent which he took advantage of and he formed a small band with some of his classmates. I was shocked to hear that Cain’s first instrument was an accordion. Not an instrument I thought someone would WANT to take up.

What I enjoyed about this book was hearing how Cain plowed through when faced with another obstacle. It seemed that Cain was constantly being faced with one blow-after-another as he tried to start his career in music. His father’s encouragement kept him going too as his father believed that Cain had talent.

As Cain talks about the songs that he wrote or helped write, he talks about what they meant when he wrote them. They weren’t just thoughts that came into his head, these songs were based on events. Makes you want to listen to their songs and really think about them- the true feelings and meanings behind each and every last one.

Cain does talk about God throughout this book. Cain wavers throughout his life in his relationship with him- looking for a connection and answers to his questions.

I need to buy this book now. I would like to keep it to remember some of the songs and their true meanings as some of their songs are my favorite.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5.

[Mike Prewitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting memoir based on one of the most iconic members of Journey.

[Candi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The audio book has music he sings and plays, so I'd start by recommending the audio version instead of the printed.

I started l listening to Journey when I was 7 and a family friend played her latest 45 she'd bought called "Lovin, Touchin' Squeezin'." I Loved it! The music was great, and loved the unique voice of Steve Perry. I'm still a die-hard Perry fan, but I also appreciate the musical talent Jonathan Cain has always shared both in his playing and song-writing.

I expected to enjoy this book, but I was pleasantly surprised by his references to God, both in his giving thanks to how God worked in his life, and in the challenges to his faith that he experienced, starting with a tragedy at a young age. There were years when he didn't pray and walked away from is faith, so I wouldn't call it a religious book, just the story of a guy trying to be a good husband, friend, and musician. It was refreshing to hear examples of how he was irritated/annoyed by certain things and later came to understand that it was a gift from God. Like when 'Only the Young' was cut from the Frontiers album, only to have a very special experience with the song later. (I don't want to spoil it, as he tells the story so beautifully.) Yes, it was later released on the Vision Quest Soundtrack, but there is more to the story.

It's a beautifully crafted book, with great tributes to his father who always believed in him, even before he knew what he wanted to do. I love that he doesn't go for the shock value of the sex and drugs that are so often a part of the rock scene. He doesn't ignore them, but his focus is more his life and his memories of others than to see how much he can shock the reader.

It was more encouraging and uplifting than I expected, especially the parts where he was struggling and he'd get inspiration from his dad that he passed on to those around him and the world through his songs. He is very much a part of the Journey icon, but it's written from his point of view as a man. I'm still a die-hard Perry fan, but I am really glad I listened to the book, and would recommend it to anyone, journey fan or not.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptional book that I found very well written. Cain may seem like just another band member but after reading this, you’ll never think that way about him again.
His admiration and love for Steve Perry and Neal Scion, more than others, comes through in his words. He owns up to his failings and tells multiple stories about all kinds of musicians and famous folks. I think he was quite kind when he probably could’ve told a much juicy story. His telling of his childhood was fascinating and just how talented he is as a musician was obvious.
I had no idea he had written so many of the classic Journey hits!!! I loved hearing about how the words came about to the anthems of my teen years.
I like him but at times he was a bit full of himself.
The one thing that would turn off some reading his book is just how religious he is. He praises God all through the book. It didn’t bother me at all.

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable read about the history of Journey and how some of the songs were written. This book will take you back to the music scene of the late 70s and early 80s. I was too young to attend concerts back then, so this was a way to get a glimpse of what I missed out on back in the day.

I especially liked the parts where Cain wrote, played, and toured with John Waite, because Waite sings my favorite 80s song of all-time (Missing You). I also believe that in spite of Steve Perry's enormous success, he still doesn't get enough credit for his impact on music in the 1980s. I didn't realize how much of his success was due to the songwriting abilities of the author of this book, Jonathan Cain.

Although it is commendable that Cain seems to be very transparent and humble about his failures and wavering faith through the years, I was disappointed to read about Cain's infidelity and the impact it had on his family in the midst of all his success, especially the impact upon his children. Having been through divorce myself from the viewpoint of both a teenager whose parents split up and later as the spouse of someone who was unfaithful, it is difficult for me to understand those particular actions. I found his attempts to ultimately justify his actions and his expectation for understanding from his children to be a disconcerting way to end what was otherwise a pretty good book.

I much preferred the parts of the book that focused on what was happening throughout his music career itself to be more inspirational than how he treated his family. His success came at a costly price. I acknowledge that I'm sure I would feel differently about this book had I not experienced what it is like to be on the other side of divorce, and I do see how this book can inspire others to never give up. It just seemed a little disingenuous at the end for me.

[Linda Edmonds Cerullo · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible book about a very talented man! Jonathan Cain delves deep into his life to share with readers his struggles, his pain and his heartbreaks. This is not one of those autobiographies that shows the author as some larger than life individual who has changed the world. This is a humble man who admits his frailties, his mistakes and time and again credits God with the successes he has had. A refreshing change in the music industry. A survivor of the Our Lady of the Angels fire in Chicago in 1958, it is clear that the horror of that terrible tragedy has been a part of his life since. Despite that Jonathan has risen above his circumstances again and again. Every time he was knocked down he got back up. This is an encouraging and uplifting book. A reassurance that even though we don't always feel His Presence, Our Lord is always with us, moving behind the scenes and working for our good. The stories he shares about his time in The Babys and Journey are done with great joy (and pain) and are done so as not to "bash" any of his other band members. It is clear he loves and admires these men and is a fan of their work. He is an understanding and caring person who admits when he is wrong, but more importantly, seeks to right those wrongs. Highly recommend this book. Read it in two days as it is so hard to put down.

[Kenneth Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting

A great life’s story. I love a story about an underdog. Growing up with dreams we can all relate to. Giving up on dreams when the going gets tough is something we can also relate to as well. As a former DJ I know too well the feeling of having a dream crushed. I walked away from something I dreamed about my whole life. I took satisfaction that I spent a good 10 years of my life working in the industry. It’s a great story of perseverance and not listening to the nay sayers. It’s a great story of one being human and making mistakes. It’s also a great story of a prodigal son that realizes he has sowed his wild oats and finally makes it back home.
Put your faith in God and anything and everything is possible. Great book Jon.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting and fast book to read. I really enjoyed hearing how the songs and bands came to be. However, had I realized who his wife was I would not have purchased the book -maybe read it through the library. Also the last chapter was super preachy which totally turned me off. With that said it was a memoir and that’s a big part of his life.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

LIKES: He's very detailed. It was interesting to hear about his growing up years. Great that he had such a relationship with his father. The emotion upon him reading it was evident, especially during the horrific school fire. I liked more hearing about Journey, however, and enjoyed the stories about the bandmates and the reasons behind the songs. It was interesting that he put in tidbits of his songs between chapters.

DISLIKES: He's very detailed. I listened to this on a road trip and had to keep checking the chapter numbers..."we are only on chapter 3?!! and there are HOW MANY more to go?" He goes into exhaustive detail at times, especially about his childhood and pre Journey days. Interesting, but probably mostly to die hards or his own family. Could've been mightily condensed. Naming the chapters after song titles and lyrics (not his own) was cheesy. His language also tended on the dramatic side. Just get to the point. Before finishing this, I saw that fellow reviewers commented on his excessive references to God and his religion. I am Catholic too so I get it, but even for me, it could be a bit much. It felt to me that he was using God as an excuse for his issues and sins, not admitting that he had choices and made many badly-God did not make those choices for him. I found it funny that he was so upset about his first wife cheating on him; after all, he "was the 'Faithfully' guy", yet when he cheated on his second wife, he didn't seem to recall how hurtful that could be. I would liked to have heard a little more mea culpa than platitudes about how when you're married you have to keep the iron hot and our iron was slowly growing cold (that's the kind of drama queen, gag me language he frequently used that was nauseating). Odd that he was surprised that his wife would be involved with their 3 kids, including twins, and wouldn't get a nanny and leave them at home to go on the road with him "because she wanted to be the master of the house". Umm, yeah! And that she would find it difficult being married to someone in his profession. Duh. The comments he made about "being the bad guy" because she didn't make the kids stay in their own bedrooms when he came home instead of being in his wife's...so the king comes home after months on the road without his involvement and everyone is supposed to bow down to how he wants things done? For someone who claimed to be so close to God, they could have benefited with some Christian counseling. He also opines about "maybe marriage shouldn't be so hard". As someone who's been married over 26 years...uhh buddy, who told you it was going to be easy? "Maybe you shouldn't have to work at it"-huh? Where are you getting your wisdom, dude? The most shocking part was him admitting he took his son on the road with him and clearly had affairs but told the son not to tell his mom. So when son becomes a heroin addict (really? why would he have any emotional problems after seeing all this?) and is about to be thrown into rehab, he threatens his dad that he will reveal EVERYTHING his dad did on tour. Ouch. But good for him. After that, it's like the book ends quickly. He just goes on to talk about what Journey songs are his favorites. No more mention of the ex wives, how his family dealt with the divorce, not much sympathy revealed. Another irritation was that he seemed surprised that fans would not like another lead singer. Accusing Southerners of being racists because the last singer was Asian. Really? Surprised there were objections/boycotts of the "new" Journey. No, it's not racism, bud, it's not as good, and it's not the REAL Journey without Steve Perry. The band comes across as being not too sympathetic towards Perry's mother dying and his health issues. After all, they "had to keep going". Heartless much?

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jonathan Cain is the keyboardist for Journey, one of the most popular rock bands of the 1970s, '80s, and '90s. He is also an extraordinary songwriter and is responsible for some of Journey's most loved songs including "Don't Stop Believin'", the most downloaded song of all time and the title of his memoir. In it, Cain covers his life from childhood to the present, quite a feat for a book of less than 300 pages. As such, the story moves at a quick pace and is, frankly, mostly shallow. While he discusses the impactful moments of his life - a school fire that kills scores of classmates, the love of his father, his music education, joining numerous bands including Journey, drugs, extramarital affairs, life after Steve Perry, his walk with God - this is not a tell-all. Only the school fire is looked at in depth and resounds with emotion.

The story would have been better served had it been longer or divided into other books, not for salacious gossip, but to delve into an interesting life. The songwriting process is fascinating, and Cain wrote so many beloved songs (Faithfully, Open Arms, etc) that I would have liked to hear more of the inspiration and the process. Likewise, he touches on touring, but we never get a true sense of what life on the road was like, only that it destroyed two marriages.

Cain is a man of faith, and his relationship with God is referred to throughout the book. He is honest about the times he walked away from God and later recognized what he done and how God had pursued him. He is also honest about the damage his lifestyle did to his family and the hard work he had to do to reconcile with his kids. This is a family friendly book though it deals with adult themes and includes numerous references to drug use (mostly by others).

For fans of Journey and music lovers everywhere, Don't Stop Believin' is a brief look at the life of an influential songwriter and musician.

[Brian · Rating 1 out of 5]

Some of it is good taking you back to the eighties etc. Classic story of the temptations associated being a rock star. However, a little bit too much on the religious beliefs.

Being a musician myself and recognizing the fortunate success that Journey has had over 40 years....

What I didn’t like is how he winds this book down.... ending with firstly and foremost thanking all his industry people, managers, record execs, producers, band mates, industry people, etc etc etc.... then last but not least..... the FANS!!!!!!!!

Makes me sick really. Because without the fans none of it would have been possible EVER including the reviving with the advent of Arnel to diversify the fan base to younger crowds and an ethnically more diverse fan base.

The net worth is staggering of this group, Jonathan in excess of 30 million, Neal Schon in excess of 40 million, even Arnel for his current 10 years in excess of 15 million US. All members in and the total net worth of Journey likely around 130-140 million US.
None of it possible without the FANS!!!!! Period!!!!

First and foremost the acknowledgement to the
FANS because without them you wouldn’t be where you are now!!!

Followed by your industry buddies!

That’s just me because if I was in the same spot FANS are #1 period !!!!!

In some ways the book is interesting, in other ways appears arrogant, in some ways selfish ie thanking all his industry people above and beyond the fan base..... first!

Then lastly thanking the fans!

Some aspects I didn’t like at all!

Interesting read but truly I can’t stand rock stars who place themselves above the rest of the human race and or above most people only associating with and amongst industry...... leaving the fan base til last mention. But typical amongst industry elite.

[Wynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own the Kindle edition but so glad I listened to the audio. You can hear his emotion when telling the story of the Chicago school fire he survived. Cain plays some of his songs in between chapters. There is also a clip of a beautiful song titled "Shine" performed by his daughter.

The pros: 1) His early days. Never new he was on American Bandstand (see youtube) 2) Journey, Journey, Journey! 3) he talks about his faith but doesn't preach 4) admits his faults 5) loved his father 6) Steve Perry and Neal Schon. I feel the respect and awe he has for these two talents. 7) the bonus hour on the audio. He talks about his favorite Journey songs and the meaning behind them. Reminds fans to listen to "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever" to hear Steve Perry's greatness. A two take song.

The faults: 1) it's too long 2) he seemed to call North Carolina and Texas bigots fearing they would not accept Arnel 3) a panic attack was a message from God hmmmm…. 4) the bonus hour on the audio should have been part of the book! He talks about his favorite Journey songs and the meaning behind them. 5) Would have like to know what happened to his brother who played with him in his early career and what his relationship with his mother was like after his father's death.

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the stories and the ins-and-outs of Jon Cain's personal life as it weaves in and out of the band Journey and its cultural legacy.

I saw Journey in concert last year, and did a good deal of homework prior to it, brushing up on their history, lineup, and catalog. Cain's joining in 1981 and subsequent success of the Escape and Frontiers albums were, in my view, really attributable to his songwriting chops. He really bridged the gap from prog-rock/jam band into mainstream pop-rock and power ballads.

I was also pleased with the way he recounted the Augeri years, and how he says that were it not for Augeri, there would be no Arnel. I happen to really like the two Augeri-years albums: Arrival and Generations.

I liked Jon's writing style, and the way he covered his own setbacks and faults. He is as vulnerable in the book as he is triumphant. His spiritual and religious journey is also articulated quite well here. His tone and voice in this book is far more relatable than his twitter presence, which frankly is often indistinguishable from an evangelical spam bot.

[Chad King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoir of the longtime keyboard player and songwriter for the rock group Journey. Cain helped write songs such as Don't Stop Believin, Open Arms, Separate Ways, and Faithfully.

The book starts out slowly as he describes growing up in Chicago, his schooling, and a school fire tragedy that affected him for the rest of his life. The last half of the book covers his musical career, including how he got started with Journey and his deep friendship with Steve Perry. The book is a little slow in parts, but overall well done.

The audiobook is both good and bad. Cain narrates the book himself and he's adequate, but not great. That's the bad. The good is that he throws in several song excerpts throughout the recording so you actually hear him sing. It's a nice touch.

Cain is a very religious man and freely talks about how God has played a role in his life, so be prepared for that.

Overall this is an interesting book and does a good job of giving an insider's view of the band and shedding some light on what happened to Steve Perry.

[David Dewata · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoiler Alert: buku ini fokus perjalanan hidup Jonathan Cain, bukan eksklusif karir Journey. Separuh buku ini fokus ke masa kecil dan karir Cain sebelum bergabung dengan Journey.

Buku ini —seperti juga buku KK Downing (mantan gitaris Judas Priest) yang saya baru selesai saya baca—cenderung berkisah di garis besar saja dan bagi saya tidak ada yang benar-benar detil. Journey serasa sekilas saja diceritakan, walau saya suka di sini ada penjelasan singkat mengapa Jeff Scott Soto tidak diresmikan sebagai penyanyi utama pengganti Augeri. Satu kalimat saja tapi sungguh berarti.

Bagian paling menarik bagi saya adalah tentang Bad English, “supergrup” yang apes sejak awal dibentuk walau di sini Cain mengungkapkan dia sangat menghormati John Waite. Dan sepertinya memang tidak terlalu berminat membentuk grup ini.

Oh, bagian lain yang menarik adalah bagaimana Cain menggambarkan dirinya sebagai “soul mate” Perry dalam penulisan lagu-lagu klasik Journey —yang sekan-akan membuat peran/kontribusi Schon ada di prioritas berikut. Semoga suatu saat nanti Schon akan menuturkan versinya.

[Mary Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This audiobook was just incredible. I'm an 80's rock DJ, and Journey was definitely the soundtrack of my rock years. Jonathan Cain not only takes us through his years with Journey in the latter part of the book, but in the beginning talks about his childhood growing up in Chicago, and even surviving the horrific school fire in 1958 that killed 93 of his classmates and 3 nuns. He brought me to tears while describing what he went through, and hearing it in his own voice was so vivid. He describes always having a relationship with Christ, and how it ebbed and flowed throughout the years and throughout the dissolution of his previous two marriages. How God had him meet his third wife, minister Paula White, is nothing short of redeeming. I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook, and if you're a Journey fan, I think you will, too.

[Suzanne Hawley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a Journey fan back in the day, even going to a concert in the early ‘80s. I loved their music and had their albums. I was excited to get this book and read about how they got together, wrote their music, life on the road, interactions with fans, etc. Sadly, there wasn’t too much of that. Understandably this was a biography of Jonathan Cain’s life so it was amazing to read about everything he went through to get where he was. He really pulled no punches in admitting his shortcomings and having to face the consequences of his actions. It also was amazing to me to read that he’s a Christian and not afraid to admit it as a rocker. If you listen to the audible version he adds some “extra chapters” that include a very sweet story of his parents going to one of Journey’s concerts in Chicago. These were the stories I was hopeful to hear. Overall, it’s a decent book.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars I am a Journey fan and have met Jon Cain with members of the band a few times. Jon has always been a very nice. I was not surprised that his book focused on faith given the lyrics of his solo work. I wish there had been even more Journey stories, but I appreciated that he had respected the other band members’ privacy. I loved that he gave props to Steve Augeri for taking the heat for replacing Steve Perry. I didn’t know about the threats he had gotten. I had not realized Jon’s 2nd marriage had ended and that he is now happily married again. I always say that someone's life can look like smooth sailing from the outside - but that never is the case! I could not help comparing his book to the recent Elton John autobiography - Elton told a little too much and John keep too silent. However, I am still a fan!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s hard not to compare Cain’s memoir with Steven Curtis Chapman’s (because I read it right before I read “Don’t Stop Believin’”). But I suppose it would be like comparing my spiritual walk with my neighbor’s. There isn’t a comparison because we all have our own walks. But what I can compare is writing styles.
While Cain’s isn’t the best writing style and I felt like lots of details were omitted, it was a short and easy read. It wasn’t really chronological, so the splits and reunions with various bands and producers were a bit confusing. I hate to say his testimony was a little flat - I guess I thought it would be a complete 180 conversion like Brian Welch’s.
Overall, I have new respect for Journey, especially for Jonathan Cain. I’m glad I read it.

[Curtis K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a word this bio is HONEST! Cain cuts no corners in the telling of his story.

He shares the good days, and the bad days; the good choices made, and the choices that nearly wrecked him - and would have if not for God's hand.

If there's any consistent theme in this book (besides the obvious of song writing and music making) it's that God never gave up on Jonathan Cain - even when Jonathan Cain ignored Him - sometimes for years at a time.

J.C. sums it up this way, "God never stopped wanting me to come back to Him."

I was drawn into JC's story from page one, and kept turning the pages because I wanted to know what was going to happen next - what God was going to do to redeem the incredible gift he bestowed on Jon.

Songwriters are often some of the best storytellers, and "Don't Stop Believin' " is proof that great storytelling can go way beyond a four minute song.

I also followed the link in the book, and visited Cain's 'youtube' page to listen to the "new" music he's created with his album "What God Wants To Hear."
...and it is excellent!

If you're a Journey fan, I'd recommend checking Jon's new music out - along with reading this top-shelf autobiography.