One of my favorite bands growing up is the band Chicago. I remember listening to some of my father’s records that lived in my room as a child and putting on different Chicago albums. I’ve loved them ever since I heard those horns many years ago. Through their long career, their musical style has changed drastically. Their first album came out in 1969, and they actually released their 40th album today (even though it’s a live album from 1971). I’m sure you can imagine the changes in lineup, style, and instrumentation. This album was their 17th album, hence the name Chicago 17. This album was a tough one for Chicago because it marked the last album with Peter Cetera. Peter was a founding member, the band’s bassist, and an incredible vocalist. This album was also the 2nd of Chicago’s to be produced by the great David Foster. In 1985, the album won three Grammy Awards: Producer of the Year (Non-Classical), Best Engineered Recording (Non-Classical), and Best Instrumental Arrangement Accompanying Vocal(s). It was nominated for Record of the Year, Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals and Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices. This is looked at as some of David Foster’s best work as a producer and one of the best power ballads of the time.
Listen for… Peter Cetera and Bill Champlin’s back and forth vocals on this tune. I love it towards the end when Bill comes in strong with “I’m addicted to you.” Also notice the strings toward the end of the song. There are so many epic moments in this song. I love the big lead-in and dropout around 3:10. Big drum fill, strings, face melting electric guitar. What else do you need?!
Hope you enjoy!
Song: “Hard Habit To Break”
Artist: Chicago
Album: Chicago 17
Year: 1984
Other great tracks on the album:
“Stay The Night”
“You’re The Inspiration”
“Stay The Night”
“Only You”
Empty Saddles · Burl Ives (1961)
This song takes me back to a hike on Mt. Whitney with my friend Jordan. We were tackling the tough trail, with the air getting thinner, but the music kept us going. We didn’t quite make the top but we had a blast fighting our way up the mountain and listening to albums by Sons…
Now being without you
Takes a lot of getting used to
Should learn to live with it
But I don’t want to
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Ventura Highway – America (1972)
I know…Michael, you’re stuck in the 70s!Everyone knows this America song!You need to stop drinking so much coffee!You should record and share some of your original songs.I agree! (Except about the coffee.) So, my youngest son has been on a kick of making playlists. He’s 7. The other day, he asked if we could listen…
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On And On – Stephen Bishop (1976)
This is a standout track from another fantastic 1970s album. Stephen Bishop, a talented singer, songwriter, and guitarist, grew up in my hometown of San Diego, California. He attended Crawford High School in the late ’60s, where I assume he was part of the music program led by Dennis Foster. During Mr. Foster’s eight years…
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Return To Pooh Corner – Kenny Loggins (1994)
The 50th Sanchez song of the day comes from one of the most influential albums in my musical journey. You might assume it’d be from a Billy Joel or Elton John album, but no—it’s this album, which was released when I was just 3 years old. My parents had it on cassette and played it…
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Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow – Roberta Flack (1971)
This Roberta Flack album has hung on my wall for ages. It first caught my eye because of its fantastic cover art, featuring Roberta and her iconic afro. The album, Quiet Fire, is a collection of mostly stripped-down covers of popular songs from the time. It’s her third studio album, following First Take and Chapter…
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Run That Body Down – Paul Simon (1972)
Paul Simon keeps coming back to this blog not only because of his incredible music and style, but also his beautiful way of storytelling and emoting through words. His lyrics hit so hard, and sometimes it takes the 413th time of hearing it to understand it. This catchy song is off his self titled album…
My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 I do.
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Sanchez Song Of The Day 