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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Angela (Theme from Taxi) · Bob James (1978)
I’ve been rewatching one of my favorite sitcoms from the late ’70s, Taxi. I read that the creators of Taxi had been working on The Mary Tyler Moore Show until its conclusion in 1977. That probably explains why I love both shows so much! Anyway, this tune is what you hear during the opening titles…
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Squib Cakes · Tower Of Power (1974)
One of the greatest horn sections from the 1970s onward belongs to the legendary R&B/Funk band Tower of Power, hailing from the Bay Area. They’re known for iconic hits like “So Very Hard to Go,” “What Is Hip?,” “You’re Still a Young Man,” “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream),” and many more.…
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If Hollywood Don’t Need You – Don Williams (1982)
About three or four years ago, I was about to take a flight with a friend. As we talked about the music we’d downloaded for the trip, he mentioned he planned to listen to Don Williams for most of the flight. I hadn’t heard of him before, so I quickly downloaded his greatest hits album.…
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Takin’ It to the Streets – The Doobie Brothers (1976)
One of my favorite keyboard vocalists is the great Michael McDonald. His husky baritone voice added harmony and background parts to many hit songs from the 1970s and 1980s. After being discovered in an Illinois nightclub, he was signed to RCA Records. He then auditioned for Steely Dan and became part of their touring band…
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The Promise (The Dolphin Song) – Olivia Newton-John (1981)
Alright, here’s proof that this blog is genuinely about what I’m listening to—not just a list of songs people “should” know. Sometimes it’s weird, obscure, or even not that great—but it’s honest. Today’s pick comes from Olivia Newton-John’s Physical, a controversial yet massive album. Most of us know the title track—it’s the kind of hit…
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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