The year was 1984. A banner year for American pop culture, what with Michael Jackson’s hair catching fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial, or Miss America Vanessa Williams giving up her crown amid a nude photo scandal, or better yet the birth of a certain aspiring blogger. It also saw the lead singer of one of the decade’s biggest acts breakout on his own to brave the solo waters.

When you think 80’s a few things should immediately pop into your head; neon leg warmers, too big hair, and Journey. The San Francisco rockers were responsible for a myriad of pop-rock hits strewn across that ten year span, most notably their signature song and the US’ unofficial national anthem “Don’t Stop Believin’.” You’d have to be a fool to walk away from that cash cow, right?

Wrong! Steve Perry, a once in a generation voice, did just that in the mid 80’s and never looked back. “Oh Sherrie,” his first stag go-round would also be his most successful, reaching number 3 on Billboards Hot 100 that year. Journey who? And it’s easy to see why. 1 part golden vocals, 1 part infectious synth-rockability, 1 part hot blonde muse and you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for a bonafide smash. Journey wha? Take a stroll down memory lane with a play, or in the accompanying video’s case a stroll down a dimly lit and well-worn theater staircase: