What’s the most downloaded catalog track in iTunes history? Before you jump out your seat and guess ‘Jack Johnson’, keep in mind that a catalog track refers to a song released in the pre-digital era, but later re-released as a digital download. So any guesses? Here’s a hint: think Power Ballads.
Well, it turns out that the most downloaded catalog track in iTunes history is actually “Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey. In fact, it’s the first catalog song to ever reach 2 Million in digital sales. Originally released in 1981, the song topped the Billboard charts at #8. The song, however, has made a modern day comeback and has become something of a pop culture phenomenon after being featured on popular TV shows such as Laguna Beach, and more famously on The Sopranos.
In fact, after the song was featured on the last episode of The Sopranos, sales of the song on iTunes increased by over 428% in just 3 days. SoundScan has the full scoop over here. And below, check out the final scene from The Sopranos.
November 9th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Say what you want, but I love that last scene.
November 9th, 2008 at 5:15 am
Don’t forget it was on one of the earlier seasons of Family Guy. That’s where I discovered it and I’ve been a Journey fan ever since.
November 9th, 2008 at 5:22 am
Scrubs is where i first heard it
November 9th, 2008 at 5:35 am
No it’s because that was the White Sox playoff anthem when they won the world series in 2005 and was played through any sports related thing ad nauseum. Journey even played the WS parade in downtown Chicago. Pay attention before you write an article on it!
November 9th, 2008 at 5:38 am
It was also featured on The O.C.
November 9th, 2008 at 6:01 am
God, how old am I? I remember when the song was released.
November 9th, 2008 at 6:20 am
I heard it when the album was released…guess I’m an original old school fan. I also love the Sopranos.
November 9th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Travis i feel your pain. After reading were some of the people first heard this song like Scrubs, Family guy. I heard this in 5th grade when it was released :(.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:09 am
big porch said:
“No it’s because that was the White Sox playoff anthem when they won the world series in 2005 and was played through any sports related thing ad nauseum. Journey even played the WS parade in downtown Chicago. Pay attention before you write an article on it!”
Yes. It’s the most downloaded digital track that was not released as such because of the White Sox. Winning the Series. 3 years ago. 2 million people on the South side all bought it on iTunes. You, sir, are a goddamn idiot.
November 9th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
I think it got big for me because people had 80’s parties all the time at my school, and these people who had never heard it before got hooked- it is one of the most fun songs to come from that decade!
November 9th, 2008 at 2:18 pm
I think it got big for me because people had 80’s parties all the time at my school, and these people who had never heard it before got hooked- it is one of the most fun songs to come from that decade! Don’t underestimate 80s parties.
November 9th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
“Don’t Stop Believin” by Journey is
one of my favorite songs too.
Journey songs are very mellow.
Nice music for relaxing when driving.
thanks for sharing from tony
November 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I digged the scene of ‘Monster’ that had this song. Man, skating to Journey… definitely a staple of the early 80s.
November 10th, 2008 at 6:47 am
It’s because the Beatles aren’t on iTunes yet.
November 10th, 2008 at 10:05 am
Man, I remember when I first heard it. It was on a box called a radio (pronunced: ray-dee-oh). Sitten at the reservoir drinking beer and gettin stoned. Good times.
November 10th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Ugh, it’s not even a decent tune.
November 12th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Amen to the comment about hearing it on a RADIO back in the 80’s when it originally came out! I guess I am getting old as well because I remember being excited that it was actually on a cassette! I guess TV and Itunes is the only way to get in touch with the newer generations and introduce them to an era that was so wonderful. My 8 year old daughter is actually listening to my old cassettes of Journey since I’ve been able to replace them with CDs. Such a good girl! Long live Journey with the true lead singer. We still love you Steve Perry! At least Steve can still reap the royalties…
November 19th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
So, what’s the song at the start of the clip?
December 12th, 2008 at 1:47 am
Jeff,
You sir, have a problem.
December 15th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Hey!, thanks for the good “” post. Would it be possible, that i can write a story about this post in our local newspaper? I would be really happy if i can do this and i will give you a link from a german blog too. Please answer. Greetings Goldpreise
December 18th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
I love this song, deff the bestsong ever created. And this scene is amazing. Steve Perry can do me all night long !! (:
mhmmm
February 3rd, 2009 at 11:46 pm
are you serious… i am only 20 and i knew who journey was before all those shows even existed…
February 10th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
That’s hilarious… I just bought this on iTunes last night.
February 13th, 2009 at 7:39 pm
I love this song! It rules! I use to listen to this song on the ice rink over and over again in the 70s. It still grips me!
February 13th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Sorry early 80s!! Seemed like 70s! LOL
March 13th, 2009 at 1:00 am
It was also on Cold Case!
March 22nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
it is on the combacks
April 14th, 2009 at 8:21 am
Been a Journey fan since 78, yes 1978. Saw them in Tampa (before “don’t stop believin”)and loved them ever since. Arnel Pineda is what Journey needed and is a fantastic singer.They are making a big time comeback.