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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Painted On Canvas – Gregory Porter (2012)
This album holds a special place in my heart as one of the few I listened to the year it was released. I was in the music program at San Diego State University when I first heard this album by Gregory Porter—a fellow SDSU graduate just beginning to make waves in jazz. This album has…
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Nature Boy – Kurt Elling (1997)
Alright, here’s a jazz performance I bet you’ve never heard. This is a jazz standard first recorded by Nat King Cole in 1947 and released the following year. The song was written by a uniquely talented songwriter named eden ahbez (George McGrew). eden has one of the most interesting stories I’ve read. He grew up…
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Running On Empty – Jackson Browne (1977)
One of the great songwriters of the 1970s is the one and only Jackson Browne. This is the title track from an album where each song reflects life on the road as a touring musician and songwriter. The entire album was recorded during his tours, with each song either captured during live performances, at locations…
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A Case Of You – Joni Mitchell (1971)
About a month ago I posted about one of my favorite albums of all time. Joni Mitchell’s Blue. If you weren’t a subscriber then, you can check it out here. I’m back on Blue with a different track, one called “A Case Of You.” On this beautiful song you have Mitchell playing Appalachian dulcimer, accompanied by James…
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I Love L.A. – Randy Newman (1983)
Alright, I might lose a few of you here, but I’m a big Dodgers fan, and they just won the World Series! Whenever they win at home, they blast this song as fans stream out of the stadium. I was actually on a plane last night, somewhere over New Mexico, watching the LADs seal the…
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 