10 Great Neal Schon Songs He Didn’t Write For Journey
To celebrate Neal Schon’s contributions, we’ve compiled a list of 10 standout tracks featuring those outside of Journey. His career as a guitarist began with his first guitar, an acoustic Stella. Just two years later, he upgraded to a Gibson ES-335, which was later stolen and replaced with a ’56 Les Paul Goldtop reissue. Throughout his career, Schon has favored Gibson guitars, including a limited edition Neal Schon Signature Model Custom Les Paul, with only 35 ever made. In the late ’80s, he also had a line of guitars named “Schon,” with around 200 models produced through Jackson Guitars and later Larrivee.
As the last original member of Journey, Schon has been a constant presence on every album and tour. While he’s renowned for his iconic riffs and solos with Journey, Schon’s talent extends beyond the band.
1. Santana – No One to Depend On (1971)
Before Journey, Schon was part of Santana. At just 17, he played lead guitar on the album Santana III. The track “No One to Depend On,” though not a chart-topping hit, remains a staple on FM radio and features a riff inspired by Willie Bobo’s “Spanish Grease” (1965).
2. Neal Schon & Jan Hammer – Wasting Time (1981)
In 1981, Schon teamed up with Jan Hammer, known for his work on Miami Vice. Their collaboration, Untold Passion, showcased Schon on guitars and vocals, with Hammer on keyboards and drums. The track “Wasting Time” highlights their unique sound and Schon’s versatile guitar work.
3. HSAS – Missing You (1984)
After Journey’s Frontiers, Schon formed HSAS with Sammy Hagar, bassist Kenny Aaronson, and drummer Michael Shrieve. Their only release, Through the Fire, captured live performances with additional guitar overdubs. “Missing You” features Schon’s distinctive guitar lines and solos.
4. Just-If-I – For Your Love (1991)
Just-If-I was a short-lived project with Schon, Mike Reno from Loverboy, and drummer Matt Frenette. Their self-released album All One People included “For Your Love,” showcasing Schon’s signature guitar style.
5. Bad English – Straight to Your Heart (1991)
After Journey, Schon joined forces with Jonathan Cain to form Bad English, with John Waite and Ricky Phillips. Their 1991 album Backlash didn’t enjoy the same success as their debut but featured the single “Straight to Your Heart,” reflecting Schon’s best work.
6. Hardline – Takin’ Me Down (1992)
Following his time with Bad English, Schon joined Hardline with Deen Castronovo. Their debut album, Double Eclipse, produced the single “Takin’ Me Down,” which features Schon’s melodic and straightforward guitar playing.
7. Abraxas Pool – Szabo (1997)
Ex-Santana members, including Schon, reunited for the band Abraxas Pool in 1997. The track “Szabo,” written by Schon and Mike Shrieve, highlights Schon’s jazzy and Latin-inspired guitar skills.
8. Neal Schon – It Will Happen (2005)
Schon’s solo career has seen a range of styles, with his 2005 album I on U showcasing progressive rock, jazz, and electronic influences. The track “It Will Happen” is a testament to his versatility as a musician.
9. Soul SirkUS – Another World (2005)
Soul SirkUS, featuring Schon, Deen Castronovo, Marco Mendoza, and Jeff Scott Soto, released their only album World Play in 2005. The song “Another World” presents Schon’s exploration of Eastern influences in his guitar work.
10. Neal Schon – Lady M (Our Love Remains) (2015)
In 2015, Schon released Vortex, an album he described as his best solo effort. It blends blues, jazz, hard rock, and classical elements. The track “Lady M,” dedicated to his wife Michaele, is among Schon’s favorites from the album.
