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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A Long Song – Kenny Rogers (1982)
Kenny Rogers has been performing solo or in groups since the 1950’s. He’s a fantastic singer, musician, and storyteller. This tune is actually written by Lee Greenwood (singer/writer of God Bless The USA.) Lee released it on an album from the same year, but I have a special spot in my heart for Kenny and…
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I Will – John Holt (1976)
John Holt was a reggae singer from Kingston, Jamaica. He had a long career as an innovative reggae artist, recording large amounts of albums, once even with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. I don’t listen to a lot of reggae, but about a week ago, I came across the 1973 album 1000 Volts of Holt.…
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Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel (1986)
Peter Gabriel is a fantastic English singer who was the original lead singer for the band Genesis. He left the band in 1975, and on May 19th, 1986, he released his fifth studio album entitled So. This album has some incredible songs on it, but one of me and my son’s favorites is the song “Sledgehammer.”…
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The Most Beautiful Girl – Charlie Rich (1973)
Charlie Rich was a country music star who was known as the Silver Fox, especially in the later part of his career. Charlie grew up in Arkansas with a father who sang in gospel quartets and a mother who played piano at the local church. An African American sharecropper on the family land taught Charlie…
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Tennessee Waltz – Connie Francis (1959)
I liked yesterday’s tune from 1959 so much that I decided to grab another from the same year. This is a classic song called Tennessee Waltz with lyrics by Redd Stewart and music by Pee Wee King. It was written in 1946 and first recorded in 1948. One of the biggest versions is by 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 