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
-
Still Crazy After All These Years – Paul Simon (1975)
Still Crazy After All These Years has to be high on the list of my favorite albums. Every song is incredible and unique. Paul Simon truly shows his songwriting talent on his fourth studio album. For the album, Paul used a variety of talented musicians, carefully selecting the perfect fit for each song’s individual style…
-
The Long and Winding Road – Aretha Franklin (1972)
Once again, we find ourselves in my favorite year of music: 1972. This album is among my all-time favorites and often finds its way onto my turntable. The song featured here is a masterpiece of songwriting by the great Paul McCartney of The Beatles (though it’s credited as Lennon-McCartney). Originally released on their 1970 album…
-
How High The Moon – Emmylou Harris (1981)
Today, we’ve got a fantastic jazz tune that’s been recorded countless times by incredible artists from all over the world. “How High the Moon” was written by Nancy Hamilton and Morgan Lewis for the 1940 Broadway revue Two for the Show. While Benny Goodman recorded one of the first hit versions in 1940 featuring Helen…
-
I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele) – Al Jarreau (1982)
I’ve been without a piano at home for a while, but I recently set up my keyboard to keep myself sane. For some reason, this tune got stuck in my head, and I ended up playing it for about an hour or so. It’s “I Will Be Here for You (Nitakungodea Milele)” from Al Jarreau’s…
-
Peaceful Easy Feeling – Eagles (1972)
1972 remains one of my favorite years in music, and I find myself constantly revisiting it. One standout from that year is the Eagles’ Peaceful Easy Feeling—my top choice if I had to pick an Eagles song to listen to on repeat. This classic features Glenn Frey on vocals and acoustic guitar, Don Henley on…
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.
Subscribe below to get some great tunes in your inbox each day. Hope you enjoy!
Sanchez Song Of The Day 