Soft Rock
I was listening to classic internet radio the other day (which happens to be the best kind of radio nowadays), and “Just You ‘N’ Me” by Chicago came on. I haven’t heard this in ages. Chicago is one of my very, very favorite bands. They had a LOT of hits from back in the day. I place them very high on the music bar; alongside The Eagles, and Earth, Wind, & Fire.
Indeed, One Of The Best Bands Of The 70s/80s
The band Chicago is from Chicago Illinois, and was first formed on the year of my birthday in 1967. For the most part, they’re a soft-rock, & pop-rock. Their original name was “Chicago Transit Authority.” Awhile later they decided to shorten it to just “Chicago.” Chicago probably had more employees over the course of their existence than Earth, Wind & Fire. Actually, probably more than any band.
Unfortunately, there are only 3 original members remaining. Robert Lamm, Lee Loughnane, and James Pankow. I am so amazed and thrilled that they’re still around. You know, from a marketing standpoint, they knew their brand. Has any of my readers who are fans of Chicago took the time to look through Chicago’s album art? Very impressive, and there is no doubt that this played a part in burning this legendary band in to people’s memory.
Only 3 Members Left!
You know what? Large bands like Chicago, EW&F, MFSB, they where one of a kind. Not just because of their music, but I feel that the way the music industry is now, they would never pay for large bands like this anymore. This generation only seems to focus on single artists.
In addition to “Just You ‘N’ Me,” which hit #4 by the way. I’d like to share some more of my very favorite hits. One of the most beautiful songs I’ve ever heard from any band is “If You Leave Me Now,” this song is so romantic. Apparently other fans thought so too, as the song shot up to #1 in 1976. This is the perfect please forgive me song. ?? “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” #1 on the charts, “Saturday In The Park,” #3 on the charts, “You’re The Inspiration,” also peaked #3 on the charts. I could go on and on. Check out their greatest hits album an walk down memory lane!! Oh yeah, check out their website too. It’s really cool. Thanks for reading.
I wasn’t a terribly huge fan of the Beatles, or Paul McCartney for that matter. Well, not enough to buy their albums. However, there are some singles that Paul McCartney produced with Wings that became my all-time favorites. One of them that is a song he recorded when he was with the band Wings; and the song is called “My Love,” released in 1973.
Great Love Songs In Modern Rock
In my opinion, I think “My Love,” was one of the great love songs in “modern rock.” I used quotes around that term because that’s what we used back then between the 70s and 80’s to describe this kind of music. For the purpose of this classic blog, modern rock is no where near the same meaning as what you’d think about modern rock today! I guess today, we’d put this under the soft-rock category, or perhaps romantic-rock (if there’s such a category).
Feel Like They’re Listening To AM Radio Today
There’s no doubt in my mind that most people younger than myself, maybe in the 30-40 range, would listen to this music and feel like they’re listening to AM radio today! ‘Cause this was exactly the kind of music you’d find there (other than predominantly news and sports). I think it’s safe to say that a huge chunk of Paul’s music has been either pop, or easily listening.
Wings Members Included Paul’s Wife
Wings was a band that Paul started about a year after he left the Beatles. Honestly, I’m shocked as to how long they actually lasted. Within 10 years the group members have changed so much (like shoes). The only core members that remained was McCartney and his then wife Linda.
There are four more favorites by Wings I’d think you’d like. “Band On The Run,” “Let ‘Em In,” and “Silly Love Songs.”
You know, I don’t know why, but I used to have a slight crush on John Cougar Melloncamp, now known as just John Melloncamp. There was a couple of songs I liked throughout his career believe it or not. One of them was a called “Jack & Diane,” released in 1982. I loved how the background music was composed. How the string instruments started off very dramatic, and then eased almost immediately, with Cougar’s soft vocal tones. This is a perfect song to listen to while on country road trips if you ask me. I think this was your typical “young and in H.S.” songs, doing the kinds of things most kids did that age (when your hormones are raging). But, what I liked about this song is that Cougar was very clever in his lyrics; and made the song sound innocent at the first listen. But, I also liked that he was literally telling a story in song. Another favorite is a song called “Hurt So Good,” remember that one? I used to like to dance to that song.