Written by Robert Lamm & Bill Gable

Released in September of 1986, Chicago 18 was the first album that the veteran supergroup recorded without Peter Cetera who departed the previous year. Chicago 18 saw David Foster again in the producer’s seat and newcomer Jason Scheff making his debut as tenor lead singer and bassist. Chicago 18  brought the band more solid hit singles with the radio-friendly ballads “Will You Still Love Me” and “If She Would Have Been Faithful.” Reviews of both classic hits can be found in the archives. Chicago 18 also had a string of catchy album tracks including a Robert Lamm mid-tempo titled “Forever.”

The choice for this week’s song is “Forever.”

Lamm was Chicago’s long-time singer, composer and keyboardist. Lamm co-wrote “Forever” with singer/songwriter Bill Gable. “Forever” was quite interesting for its jazz-infused pop atmosphere that was well-delivered by Lamm’s vocals. The keyboard driven arrangement by Foster, Lamm and the album’s engineer, Humberto Gatica, was also of note and pretty close, sonically, to the Hitman’s high-tech stuff of his self-titled solo album released just a few months earlier. “Forever” presented nice key changes, great rhythm guitars by Mike Landau and powerful horn breaks courtesy of Jimmy Pankow.

A little-known fact about “Forever” was the great saxophone performance heard on this track. It wasn’t by the band’s original woodwinds player, Walt Parazaider. It was delivered by session ace David Boruff. Boruff also put his signature stamp on Foster’s instrumental hit, “Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire.”

Released in March of 1987 and the third single from Chicago 18, “Forever” eventually became the b-side of “If She Would Have Been Faithful.” 

Listen

• Lead Vocals & Keyboards: Robert Lamm
• Drums & Drum Programming: Danny Seraphine
• Trombone: James Pankow
• Woodwinds: Walter Parazaider
• Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Saxophone solo: David Boruff
• Guitars: Michael Landau
• Synthesizer Programming: Michael Boddicker, David Boruff, Rhett Lawrence & Bo Tomlyn

• Arranged by Robert Lamm, David Foster & Humberto Gatica
• Brass Arrangement by James Pankow
• Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

Every day it seems we hear the same old story
Every day there’s lovers giving up on love
People say it’s just a fact of modern living
All around us, people fall in love and marry
Then we hear they’re breaking up, and wonder why?
Did they mean it when they said it was forever?
All I know is what I feel

Forever
Is a long, long time
Longer than we ever realize
Forever
Is a long, long time
I’m gonna love you the rest of my life
Forever

Every day I spend with you, I call it lucky
Every night we touch and speak the words of love
Did I mean it when I said it was forever?
All I know is what I feel

Forever
Is a long, long time
Longer than we ever realize
Forever
Is a long, long time
I’m gonna love you the rest of my life
Forever

I’m gonna love you the rest of my life
Forever

Released in 1986, Chicago 18 saw the veteran supergroup going back in the studio with David Foster. This time it was to help Chicago bear the loss of Peter Cetera who left to go solo in July of 1985, right after the huge success of Chicago 17. Facing such a tough   circumstance, Foster and the group did a remarkable job introducing new vocalist and bassist, Jason Scheff. Chicago 18 immediately achieved a couple of solid hit singles with “Will You Still Love Me” and “If She Would Have Been Faithful.” 

The last single off Chicago 18  was a muscular ballad titled “Niagara Falls.” Here, the Hitman played it safe with a composition co-written by two familiar names: Bobby Caldwell and Steve Kipner. Caldwell was the legendary singer/songwriter of “What You Won’t Do For Love” fame while Kipner co-wrote another massive Chicago hit, “Hard Habit To Break.” Those two gentlemen were sure bets when some soulful, radio-friendly music was needed and their inventive melody put in Foster’s capable hands resulted in a crackling, high-tech musical affair. On “Niagara Falls,” Scheff and Champlin did a fantastic job with some intricate vocal harmonies backed-up by the group’s trademark horns and funky rhythm guitars played by session great Mike Landau. A wall of keyboards and synths were handled on the song by Foster. “Niagara Falls” was released in June of 1987, almost a year after its parent album’s original release. That was certainly the reason why the song didn’t go higher than #91 on Billboard’s Hot 100. 

Chicago 18  was eventually certified platinum and, although it can’t be compared to its predecessor in terms of sales and chart success, it kept the group going at a difficult time. Chicago 18  also allowed the boys to make Chicago 19. The band was ready to welcome another string of hits with their new album.

Listen

Lead Vocals & Bass: Jason Scheff
Vocals & Keyboards: Bill Champlin
Keyboards: David Foster & Robert Lamm
Drums & Drum Programming: Danny Seraphine
Guitars: Michael Landau
Trombone: James Pankow
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Saxophone: Walter Parazaider
Horns Arranged by James Pankow
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Baby, so you think you can start again?
You got somebody new
But the same thing keeps happening
At the moment of truth
Whoever you’re loving
You will be thinking of me

As long as Niagara falls
As long as Gibraltar stands
‘Til Hell freezes over
I’ll always be your man

Tell me, when you’re there lying by his side
Do you make him believe all your needs have been satisfied?
Does he know that your heart is taken forever?
Girl, you will always be mine

As long as Niagara falls
As long as Gibraltar stands
‘Til Hell freezes over
I’ll always be your man

Time can’t erase
What you feel in your heart
You can’t replace the love
No, it doesn’t matter how hard you try
Girl, you’re gonna miss my loving till the day you die
‘Til Hell freezes over

As long as Niagara falls
As long as Gibraltar stands
‘Til Hell freezes over
I’ll always be your man

As long as Niagara Falls
Until the end of time
‘Til Hell freezes over
You are forever mine

As long as Niagara falls
As long as Gibraltar stands
‘Til Hell freezes over
I’ll always be your man

Robert Lamm was the gifted composer, singer and keyboard player of the legendary band Chicago. In 1995, he released his second solo cd entitled Life Is Good In My Neighborhood. Produced by the late, great Phil Ramone (January 5, 1934 – March 30, 2013), one of the highlights of their endeavor was “When Will The World Be Like Lovers.” Co-written with David Foster and Tom Keane, “When Will The World Be Like Lovers” was an energetic, up-tempo number that can be found in the archives. What everyone doesn’t know was that Chicago recorded “When Will The World Be Like Lovers” almost ten years earlier on the sessions for their 1986 Chicago 18  album. Mysteriously, that fantastic, David Foster-helmed tune didn’t make the final cut, yet a recording of the song resurfaced on the web and has been floating around for years.

 Although Lamm’s solo version was good, Chicago ‘s take with the Hitman in the control room takes on a different, higher level. “When Will The World Be Like Lovers” was a great pop/rock composition that mixes Lamm’s always inventive songwriting with Foster’s unique pop feel and spectacular craftsmanship. The keyboard-based arrangement was a high tech tour-de-force showing the group’s three singers, Lamm, Jason Scheff and Bill Champlin, at the top of their game. They each delivered amazing lead vocals and ear-candy harmonies. A special mention goes to Champlin’s smooth baritone that oozes class and power while Scheff was also very impressive with his handling of the song’s catchy refrain. Add to the picture Chicago’s trademark horns providing some powerful lines plus Michael Landau’s spectacular work on guitar and you’ve got a piece that was vastly superior, in this reviewer’s opinion, to the majority of the songs included on Chicago 18. An interesting detail for music lovers was the sample of Chicago ‘s trademark hit, “Beginnings,” that can be heard towards the end of this song. Another mystery regarding “When Will The World Be Like Lovers” was not including this song on the various reissues of Chicago 18 through the years. This song was a real treat for Foster’s fans who appreciate the Canadian Genius at the peak of his creative partnership with Chicago .

Another rocking version of “When Will The World Be Like Lovers” is included on the celebrated Fly Away – The Songs Of David Foster  tribute cd. That cover, arranged by the amazing Tomi Malm, is also worth a listen with special guests including Robbie Dupree, Bill Cantos, Frank Adahl and Arnold McCuller sharing the vocals plus session aces John Robinson and Landau playing the instrumental track.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ChicagoWhenWilltheWorldBeLikeLoversoriginaltapedirecttodigital.mp3|titles=When Will The World Be Like Lovers|artists=Robert Lamm]

Lead Vocals & Keyboards: Robert Lamm
Lead Vocals & Keyboards: Bill Champlin
Lead Vocals & Bass: Jason Scheff
Drums & Drum Programming: Danny Seraphine
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Trombone: James Pankow
Woodwinds: Walter Parazaider
Keyboards: David Foster
Guitars: Michael Landau

Vocal Arrangements by Chicago, Bill Champlin & David Foster
Brass Arrangements by James Pankow
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

No Lyrics

written by David Foster & James Pankow

David Foster had an extremely successful collaboration with Chicago in the first half of the eighties. During their time together, they delivered an impressive number of punchy, pop/rock songs that were overshadowed by the chart triumph of timeless ballads like “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re The Inspiration” and “Will You Still Love Me.”

Chicago 16, for example, offers a variety of horn-driven rockers that never made it to radio, yet are amazing in terms of songwriting, production and performances.

“Follow Me,” a James Pankow/David Foster composition, is one of these goodies. This rock tune showcases the band’s classic sound and superior musicianship perfectly balanced by the super-producer with key elements of the most refined quality pop atmospheres. “Follow Me” was also the perfect vehicle to introduce Bill Champlin’s outstanding vocal talent to Chicago fans. The Oakland-born singer/songwriter owns the song with his soulful and muscular baritone delivering a fantastic performance. He was supported by a tight rhythm section, “in your face” horns and great guitar work courtesy of Toto’s axe-man, Steve Lukather. The instrumental track is also reminiscent of Toto’s slick pop/rock, but the up-front horns, key changes and overall mood are strongly connected to Chicago’s jazz/rock roots.

Again, Foster kindly sent us a brief comment about this composition:

“I remember driving to Malibu to write this song with Jimmy (Pankow). I pushed him and the other horn players to sound like the trademark Chicago that I loved so much. Champlin was really at the top of his game on this one. He and Cetera really clicked and their vocal harmonies are terrific on the whole album. Lukather’s amazing guitar solo was the icing on the cake.”

Take a listen and you’ll surely wonder why musicians of this caliber aren’t yet in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall Of Fame.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/follow_me.mp3|titles=Follow Me|artists=Chicago]

Lead Vocals: Bill Champlin
Keyboards: David Foster
Bass: Peter Cetera
Drums: Danny Seraphine
Trombone: James Pankow
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Saxophone: Walter Parazaider
Guitars: Chris Pinnick, Steve Lukather & Michael Landau
Guitar Solo: Steve Lukather
Backing Vocals: Bill Champlin & Peter Cetera

Horns Arranged by James Pankow
Background Vocals Arranged by Bill Champlin & Peter Cetera
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

One shoe on; one shoe off.
Nothin’ in life is decideable; wouldn’t you know.
Nothing’s supposed to be easy.
Take one day at a time. Ain’t no need to hurry.
Realize where you are, and where you’re going to.

[Chorus:]
Follow me, ain’t no need to go on all by yourself.
Follow me; don’t need nobody else.
Follow me; and together we’ll build a better life.
Follow me.

One more time; toe the line;
Nothing in life is impossible. Both of us know
Life is as good as we make it.
Dark reflections of the past
Drown in our tomorrows.
Time to laugh; time to love;
Time to live again.

[Chorus]
Time to laugh; time to live again.

written by Robert Lamm, Bill Champlin & Deborah Neal

David Foster’s triumphant collaboration with Chicago in the eighties is mostly remembered for timeless ballads like “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” “You’re The Inspiration” and “Hard Habit To Break.” Surely, those songs shaped up the adult contemporary sound of that era but those three Chicago albums also included lesser-known, up-tempo tracks that were absolute ear candies.

A couple of those goodies, “Along Comes A Woman” and “We Can Stop The Hurtin’” were included in the fourth single from the seven-times platinum seller, “Chicago 17.” Released in February 1985, the bouncy, rock/dance “Along Comes A Woman,” co-written by Peter Cetera with Mark Goldenberg, was another hit for the band reaching #14 on Billboard’s Hot 100, #10 Mainstream Rock and #25 Adult Contemporary. “Along Comes A Woman” is a catchy number that showcases Cetera’s powerful tenor as well as the band’s legendary horns and vocal harmonies plus Foster’s trademark, multi-layered keyboards. The single b-side, “We Can Stop The Hurtin’” is a true pop/r&b gem. This track, co-written by Robert Lamm and Bill Champlin with Deborah Neal, sports such a fantastic funky groove and the guys did such a great job with the vocal harmonies helped by special guests Donny Osmond and Richard Marx. The keyboard-driven arrangement is terrific and the horns are slamming making it an absolute a joy to listen to. “Chicago 17” may sound a little dated today but it is chock-full of pop masterpieces and it is, without any doubt, one of the absolute pinnacles of both Foster’s and Chicago’s careers.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/we_can_stop_the_-hurtin.mp3|titles=We Can Stop The Hurtin’|artists=Robert Lamm]

Lead Vocals & Keyboards: Robert Lamm
Keyboards: David Foster & Bill Champlin
Bass: Peter Cetera
Guitar: Paul Jackson, Jr.
Drums: Danny Seraphine
Trombone: James Pankow
Woodwinds: Walter Parazaider
Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
Background Vocals: Peter Cetera, Bill Champlin, Robert Lamm, Kenny Cetera, Donny Osmond & Richard Marx

Arranged by David Foster & Robert Lamm
Horns Arranged by James Pankow

Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

We could stop the hurtin’ for awhile
We could stop the hurtin’ for awhile
If we found a way to reconcile
We could stop the hurtin’