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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Who Believes In Angels? · Elton John & Brandi Carlile (2025)
I just got this record in the mail the other day, Who Believes in Angels? by Elton John and Brandi Carlile. I don’t have every song in my bones yet but this one already feels like it’ll be with me for the rest of my life. It feels like classic Elton: those signature chord changes,…
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Favorite Person · Ben Rector (2025)
If you’re looking for a short song that’ll make you smile, check out “Favorite Person” by Ben Rector. It’s a sweet, feel-good tune about how great it is to spend time with someone you love. This is one of those songs that can lift your mood on a rough day or add a little extra…
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Chim Chim Cher-ee · Esperanza Spalding (2011)
We just got back from a trip to Disneyland and California Adventure, and I’m still feeling the magic and the 23,886 steps I took. From Star Wars land to the popcorn on Main Street, everything felt like stepping into a storybook. Once we got home, the boys and I started listening to some jazzed up…
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Are We in Trouble Now · Mark Knopfler (1996)
I found “Are We In Trouble Now” by accident, the way you sometimes stumble into the best songs. It started when I listened to a ’90s country recommendation by Mark Chesnutt. While reading up on the track, I saw that the legendary Hargus “Pig” Robbins played piano on it. That caught my attention. I started…
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The Boys Are Back In Town · Thin Lizzy (1976)
There are some songs that feel like they’ve just always existed, so ingrained in rock history that you don’t even stop to wonder where they came from. The Boys Are Back in Town by Thin Lizzy is one of those songs. That twin guitar riff, the storytelling lyrics, the swagger—it all feels so quintessentially rock…
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 