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The most pop-culturally significant song of all time ever in the history of universe?

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin' ” peaked at No. 9 on the singles chart when it was released in 1981. Yet the song has had a lifespan that’s long outlasted most No. 1 hits. The cut has been on a hot streak -- going back perhaps to its use in Adam Sandler’s 1998 film “The Wedding Singer.” Since then, the song has become a cornerstone at sporting events, was placed in one of the most-viewed TV finales ever (“The Sopranos”) and recently topped the iTunes chart as a show tune, thanks to Fox’s TV musical “Glee.” “Don’t Stop Believin' ” has sold more than 2.8 million downloads as of this month, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a remarkable number for a catalog track. Just the “Glee” version alone has sold 310,000 downloads since its release in mid-May. But has every use of the song been an effective one? We try to find out.

Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” peaked at No. 9 on the singles chart when it was released in 1981. Yet the song has had a lifespan that’s long outlasted most No. 1 hits.

The cut has been on a hot streak -- going back perhaps to its use in Adam Sandler’s 1998 film “The Wedding Singer.” Since then, the song has become a cornerstone at sporting events, was placed in one of the most-viewed TV finales ever (“The Sopranos”) and recently topped the iTunes chart as a show tune, thanks to Fox’s TV musical “Glee.”

“Don’t Stop Believin’ ” has sold more than 2.8 million downloads as of this month, according to Nielsen SoundScan, a remarkable number for a catalog track. Just the “Glee” version alone has sold 310,000 downloads since its release in mid-May. But has every use of the song been an effective one? We try to find out.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

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Rock of Ages

Use: At the end of the ‘80s jukebox musical “Rock of Ages” – about a busboy-turned-rocker named Drew who makes good in the era of glam bands – Drew gets the Kansas girl he’s been pining for all show long. The moment calls for a celebration. That’s right, Drew, don’t stop believin’.

Effectiveness? Not only was “American Idol” also-ran Constantine Maroulis, who played Drew, nominated for a Tony this year, so was the show. Apparently, even Broadway folks can’t resist some well-timed Journey.  (Seth Wenig / Associated Press)

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