The intersection of “Journey,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “piano” refers to the prominent piano-driven elements within the power ballad “Who’s Crying Now,” a hit song by the American rock band Journey. This distinctive piano sound, played by Jonathan Cain, is instantly recognizable and forms a core part of the song’s emotional impact. An example can be heard in the song’s iconic intro and the expressive piano solo.
The piano work in “Who’s Crying Now” is significant for several reasons. It contributes substantially to the song’s melancholic and introspective mood. Its melodic lines are integral to the song’s structure, moving from a soft, contemplative opening to a powerful, soaring crescendo during the solo. Released in 1981 as part of the album Escape, the song became a major hit, partly due to its distinctive keyboard sound, which solidified its place in popular culture and within the band’s repertoire. This sonic signature also helped define the sound of 1980s rock ballads more broadly.
