The Rare Test Pressing Of Journey’S “Infinity” Album Found At A Garage Sale

April 1, 2025

One sunny Saturday morning, Maria and her younger brother Jake found themselves rummaging through a neighborhood garage sale. With the smell of fresh donuts wafting through the air and the sound of laughter all around, they explored the cluttered tables that overflowed with old books, mismatched dishes, and forgotten toys. As they sifted through dusty boxes, Maria’s fingers brushed against something unique: a record album with a glossy cover emblazoned with a colorful sunrise. The title read “Infinity,” and when she flipped it over, she realized it was a test pressing of Journey’s iconic album, released in 1980. Test pressings are made in limited quantities for quality control before official releases, which made this find feel even more special.

Intrigued, Maria remembered Journey’s powerful ballads and soaring guitar riffs that often echoed through their home. Their dad would sing along, his voice cracking on the high notes but filled with joy every time “Don’t Stop Believin’” played on the radio. Holding the record carefully, Maria felt a connection to the band and their music. She knew that this album was pivotal for Journey, marking the moment they embraced their signature sound, led by the talent of frontman Steve Perry. The album had given the band a fresh start, establishing them as rock legends and launching hits that would inspire generations. The thought of owning a piece of that history made Maria’s heart race.

After paying just a few dollars for the record, Maria rushed home, her mind swirling with excitement. She wasted no time setting up the old turntable in the living room, dusting it off and carefully placing the precious vinyl on its plate. As the needle dropped and the first notes of “Lights” filled the room, she closed her eyes and let the music wash over her. The smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics wrapped around her, transporting her to another time and place. In that moment, she felt the resilience and determination of the band, who had faced their own struggles and setbacks throughout their journey in the music industry.

The next day, Maria and Jake invited their friends over to listen to the album. As the familiar songs played, the group of friends found themselves singing along, sharing smiles and laughter that harmonized beautifully with the music. They talked about how songs can be a source of comfort during tough times, just as Journey’s music had lifted their dad during challenging moments in life. Maria realized that this album wasn’t just a rare find; it was a reminder of the power of music to connect people, evoke emotion, and inspire dreams.

Weeks passed, but the joy of that day lingered in Maria’s heart. She became fascinated by the story of Journey and their rise from humble beginnings to superstardom. She learned about the trials they faced, including lineup changes that nearly broke them apart, but they persevered, pouring their souls into their music. This resilience would go on to inspire her as she pursued her own passion for singing and songwriting. Just like Journey, Maria learned that facing challenges with determination could lead to something incredible.

Holding that test pressing helped her realize that music would always be a part of her life, a source of inspiration, and a medium to express her deepest feelings. With the wind of hope and courage at her back, Maria began writing her own songs, pouring her experiences into lyrics that celebrated friendship, dreams, and resilience. One day, she hoped to share her music with the world, just as Journey had once done, leaving a mark on the hearts of others. And in that way, the magic of her garage sale find transformed not only her life but also awakened a new journey, one of creativity and self-discovery.