Aside from "Lights" and "Wheel In The Sky," I've never been much of a Journey fan. The main reason, I think, is overexposure of their music on the radio. Also, most of their hits strike me as overly calculated and are sung with over-the-top emotion.
"Open Arms" is one example. I understand why it was such a big hit. Pledging one's love and devotion to someone is one of the most commonly well-received themes in pop music. After hearing "Open Arms" a few times in the '80s, though, I felt like I'd heard my fill of it for a lifetime. I contend that the sentiments that "Open Arms" expresses are sung and stated much more compellingly in Carole King's "I Feel The Earth Move," Gordon Lightfoot's "Beautiful," and "Follow You Follow Me" by Genesis.
Admittedly, the anthemic quality of "Open Arms" holds up for many listeners. It wouldn't surprise me if people sing karaoke versions of it regularly. It's a showy crowd pleaser for a lot of fans, and anyone who sings it on-key with the conviction that Steve Perry brings to it deserves applause.
That said, "Open Arms" still elicits just a shrug from me whenever it comes on the radio.
