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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On The Other Hand – Randy Travis (1986)
I’m a sucker for country songs with a clever twist or double entendre, and this tune definitely hits the mark. Randy Travis is a legendary artist in country music, known for his deep baritone voice and traditional country style mixed in with the modern country sound of the 1980s and ’90s. Born in North Carolina…
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A House Is Not a Home – Luther Vandross (1981)
Luther has to be one of the best singers of the 1980s. He had the pipes and he had the charm. This tune is off of his 1981 debut album, Never Too Much. Luther wrote every song off the album except this final track. A House Is Not a Home was written by Burt Bacharach…
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Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings (1978)
“Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” is a classic country song written by Ed Bruce and his wife Patsy Bruce in 1975. The song was first recorded by Ed Bruce himself, and it became a hit on the country charts, reaching No. 15. By 1978, Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings had…
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Ain’t No Song – James Taylor (1974)
I’ve been a James Taylor fan for as long as I can remember. I always get excited when I come across hidden gems in his catalog—songs that didn’t make the greatest hits but absolutely deserve to be there. This track is from James Taylor’s 1974 album Walking Man, his fifth studio release. Unlike his earlier…
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Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold) – Dan Seals (1985)
Alright folks. Here’s a little sad song Sunday for you. This song was written by Bob McDill and Dan Seals and was released on the album Won’t Be Blue Anymore in 1985. Dan Seals is the younger brother of Jim Seals of the great 70s duo, Seals and Crofts. Dan Seals didn’t let his brother…
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 