from SINGLE
written by David Foster & Bill Champlin
William Bradford Champlin, better known as Bill Champlin, is an extraordinary singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Oakland , California . Champlin is a frequent name on this webpage for his long and successful partnership with David Foster and he has been the subject of many past reviews. Foster produced the singer’s first and second solo albums respectively titled Single and Runaway.
This week, the spotlight is on “Keys To The Kingdom,” a spectacular Foster/Champlin co-write that is the closing number on the ‘78 critically acclaimed Single. The song’s powerful start is embellished with various keyboards while the orchestra fuels the symphonic/rock atmosphere. The solid rhythm section starts driving the show as the track eventually evolves into a soulful jam with Champlin singing the smooth verses with his trademark baritone. The epic refrain takes the song into a melting pot that fuses the deluxe pop/rock sounds of Toto (who appear in full force on Single), Earth, Wind & Fire and Gino Vannelli. “Keys To The Kingdom,” with its tempo changes and inventive musical ideas, is a true master-class in instrumental arrangement and production. The future Hitman’s genius is translucent on Single and shows the top-notch qualities that attracted giants including Quincy Jones and Maurice White. “Keys To The Kingdom” is a great occasion to once again celebrate Champlin’s unique voice with all its class, power and nuances. He is, without a doubt, one of the best blue-eyed singers ever to appear on the music scene. His impressive career, including the seminal work with Sons Of Champlin, his award-winning songwriting and his long tenure with super group Chicago should have already earned him a place in the Rock’N’Roll Hall Of Fame. It is a hope that the museum will make his induction happen in the future. Champlin’s artistry, integrity and dedication to music already stole the hearts of music lovers around the world while he maintains the utmost respect of his peers.
Listen
[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Bill-Champlin-Single09.-Keys-to-the-kingdom.mp3|titles=Keys To The Kingdom|artists=Bill Champlin]
Lead Vocals: Bill Champlin
Drums: Jeff Porcaro
Guitars: Steve Lukather & Bill Champlin
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: David Hungate
Percussion: Paulinho da Costa
Horns: Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Oscar Brashear, Larry Williams, Bruce Paulsen & George Bohannon.
Arranged by David Foster & Bill Champlin
Horns Arranged by Jerry Hey
Produced by David Foster
Lyrics
Aside from all the changes
That we’ve had to share
Lovin’ rearranges
And teaches us to care
And despite our education
We can learn to let it go
And you know
That there’s nobody
Who loves you more
Than I do
Together can be trying
When you want to run
From feeling like crying
When you’re thinking love’s done
You can tell yourself it’s over
When you’re feeling kinda low
When you know
That there’s nobody
Who loves you more
Than I do
(chorus)
Love’s given us the
Keys to the kingdom
Freedom is you and me
Your lovin’ has brought me
Something to give them
Freedom is you and me
You and me
I just want to thank you
For what you’ve done for me
I just want to thank you
Cause you set me free
You’re my one and only lover
You’re the one I’m dreamin’ of
And you know
That there’s nobody
Who loves you more
Than I do
(Repeat Chorus)
Love’s given us the
Keys to the kingdom
Freedom is you and me
Your lovin’ has brought me
Something to give them
Freedom is you and me
Love’s given us the
Keys to the kingdom
Freedom is you and me
Your lovin’ has brought me
Something to give them
Freedom is you and me