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
-
I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free – Nina Simone (1967)
This song is featured on an incredible album by the legendary pianist and singer Nina Simone. A true artist, Nina possessed extraordinary skill in her craft and was also a fearless civil rights activist, expressing her thoughts and emotions boldly through her music. Nina grew up in a poor family, aspiring to become a concert…
-
News – Dire Straits (1979)
If you use Spotify, you likely received your “Spotify Wrapped” yesterday. For those unfamiliar, Spotify Wrapped compiles your listening data to create a personalized “story” about your habits and how you rank among listeners worldwide. When I got my results, I wasn’t surprised. My top artists this year were The Beatles, James Taylor, Dire Straits,…
-
Eye in the Sky – The Alan Parsons Project (1982)
Alan Parsons is a musician, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer renowned for his work on iconic records from the late 60’s and onward. He was the sound engineer for groundbreaking albums like the Beatles’ Abbey Road and Let It Be, Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, and Ambrosia’s debut album. Parsons began his…
-
Silly Love Songs – Wings (1976)
Here’s a tune that got put on repeat while I was washing dishes the other night: “Silly Love Songs” by Wings, Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles band. Wings had a rotating lineup over its lifespan but was consistently anchored by Paul, his wife Linda, and Denny Laine, formerly of the Moody Blues. When Wings at the Speed…
-
My Favorite Things – Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (1968)
If cannonballing into the deep end of Christmas music feels like too much today, here’s a great tune to slowly wade in: “My Favorite Things”. Originally from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, this song debuted in the 1959 Broadway production, performed by Mary Martin. However, the version most of us know and love…
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 