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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Stardust – Nat King Cole (1957)
Back in 1927, Hoagy Carmichael was leaving a college hangout spot in Indiana called The Book Nook and started whistling a tune that would soon become the opening of this incredible jazz standard. Hoagy Carmichael was an American actor, musician, composer, and lawyer! He composed hundreds of songs in his time, including “Stardust,” “Georgia on…
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Cattle Call – Eddy Arnold (1963)
If you’ve sat in my office at work, you’ve seen this album hanging on the wall for many years. This album was one of the entry points into my obsession with the Old West. I remember playing it top to bottom over and over, trying to immerse myself in songs of the prairie and gunslinger…
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Travelin’ Prayer – Dolly Parton (1999)
What do Billy Joel’s 1973 album Piano Man and Dolly Parton’s 1999 bluegrass album The Grass is Blue have in common? The same incredible opening track! Alright, I admit I’m in a bit of a bluegrass/country phase—just know that for the coming week. So, I was down a rabbit hole researching a bluegrass singer and…
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Mother and Child Reunion – Paul Simon (1972)
Paul Simon is back on the turntable! Someone recently emailed me, reminding me of a great story behind this fantastic tune. But first, let’s get into some basic info. Basic Info: This track was first released on Paul’s self-titled album in 1972. Technically, this was his second studio album, but I like to think of…
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Angel From Montgomery – Bonnie Raitt (1974)
One of my favorite records that hangs on my wall and often finds its way to my turntable is Streetlights by Bonnie Raitt. The standout track was written by the legendary songwriter John Prine, who originally recorded it for his debut album in 1971. The following year, Carly Simon recorded her version with James Taylor…
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 