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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That’s How I Got To Memphis – Tom T. Hall (1969)
“That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a classic country song written and performed by Tom T. Hall, first released in 1969 as part of his album Ballad of Forty Dollars. The song tells the story of a man searching for a lost love and traveling to Memphis to find her. Hall’s vivid storytelling, full…
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G Forces – Stuart Duncan (1992)
Stuart Duncan is an incredible multi-instrumentalist you may not have heard of, but his fiddle, mandolin, guitar, or banjo has graced many tunes from the late 80s to today’s hits. This tune is off his self-titled album from 1992. Duncan is known for his speed and precision, and this track doesn’t disappoint. This high-energy instrumental…
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Sad Sad Song – Billy Preston (1974)
Billy Preston is among the rare individuals who have received credit on a Beatles album at the band’s request. He became friends with the Beatles and recorded with them during the “Get Back” sessions. He played on that track as well as “Something” and “I Want You (She’s So Heavy).” Billy Preston had been playing…
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How Deep Is The Ocean – Vic Damone (1958)
Here’s a song I heard at work yesterday. This is Vic Damone, an American crooner born in New York City in 1928. When Vic was a young boy, his father, who was an electrician, was injured at work. Because of the injury, Vic dropped out of school to help support the family and got a…
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Who Will Shoe Your Pretty Little Foot – Tennessee Ernie Ford (1956)
One of my favorite albums that often finds its way to my turntable is Tennessee Ernie Ford’s This Lusty Land! You might have heard of his famous version of the song “Sixteen Tons.” In 1956, he released this fantastic album as his first LP (long playing record). Tennessee Ernie had a long career, recording many…
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 