Written by Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin

 

”Remember The Feeling” was a beautiful ballad recorded by the American supergroup, Chicago. In 1984, Chicago included “Remember The Feeling” on their multi-platinum bestseller, Chicago 17.

Co-written by Peter Cetera and Bill Champlin, the song had the same distinctive musical elements of “Hard Habit To Break” and “You’re The Inspiration,” two mega-hits from Chicago 17. “Remember The Feeling” features Cetera’s superb vocals, Foster’s gorgeous perfomance on the acoustic piano and Chris Pinnick and Mike Landau playing the rousing electric guitars. The tune exhibited strong classical echoes thanks to the exceptional Jeremy Lubbock’s (1931-2021) orchestral arrangement. The serenade was quite a musical challenge thanks to Foster’s inventive arrangement and clever rhythm changes. The masterful production by Foster and the pristine work of engineer Humberto Gatica on this song and the whole Chicago 17 album were rightfully rewarded at the 1985 Grammy Awards. Foster walk away with a trophy for Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) and Gatica with the Best Engineered Recording (Non-Classical).

“Remember The Feeling” was the b-side of “Hard Habit To Break.”

Unavoidably, “Remember The Feeling” was overshadowed by the huge success of “Hard Habit To Break.” We suggest you to rediscover its great potential that could have easily delivered another top hit for the veteran group.

To round out this review, here are a few words from Foster about this recording:

“’Remember The Feeling’ was a really nice ballad. I clearly remember Peter (Cetera) saying that he wanted us to try and write a waltz kind of song. Eventually, he and Bill did and I worked on the arrangement. Peter, as usual, sounded spectacular on it and I really enjoyed those chord changes.”

• Lead Vocals: Peter Cetera
• Acoustic Piano: David Foster
• Keyboards: David Foster & Bill Champlin
• Drums: Danny Seraphine
• Guitar: Michael Landau & Chris Pinnick

• Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Shadows were hiding what I couldn’t see
Out in the dark, she was calling to me
Calling to me with a voice I’d never forget

She was a vision I couldn’t believe
I held her close so that she wouldn’t leave
Suddenly helpless, hopelessly falling in love

I remember the feeling
I remember the way
She came and then wrapped her arms around me
Told me that she cared
Said she’d always be there

Taking me places I’ve never been
She had the beauty that comes from within
Was I just dreaming?
Was it too good to be true?
I was a man all alone in the night

She came along, and she showed me the light
I was confused, then she told me the way
I was alone, and I begged her to stay
She was alive, I was caught by the fire

She brought emotions that filled my desire
I should have noticed that something was wrong
When I awoke, she was gone
I remember the feeling

I remember the way
She came up and wrapped her arms around me
Told me that she cared
Said she’d always be there
She was alive, I was caught by the fire
She brought emotions that filled my desire
I should have noticed that something was wrong
When I awoke, I could see that she was gone

The now classic Chicago 16 was released in June 1982. Produced by David Foster, Chicago 16  brought the band back to the top of the charts. The main ingredient for this comeback story was the worldwide hit “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” co-written by Peter Cetera and Foster and already reviewed on the website.

Other important reasons that factored into Chicago’s resurgence were the group’s superior musicianship, Foster’s spectacular work behind the glass and Cetera’s crystal-clear voice at the pinnacle of his career. Another thing that can’t be overlooked was the unprecedented vocal interplay between Cetera’s tenor and Bill Champlin’s soulful and gritty baritone. Champlin was the new name in the band, but already had a long and illustrious career in the music business. Cetera’s and Champlin’s vocal blend truly took Chicago’s harmonies to a new level on the album, but were especially impressive on a couple of songs. The first was another past Song of the Week; the funky and soulful “Bad Advice” while the other was the pick for this week, “Waiting For You To Decide.”

This pop/rock mid-tempo was co-written by Foster with two of his pals and legendary Toto members, David Paich and Steve Lukather. On “Waiting For You To Decide,” Cetera and Champlin traded lines with immense class while they were backed by the trademark Chicago Horns. The Chicago Horns were quite up-front compared to other songs on this record, thus giving “Waiting For You To Decide” a flavor of those classic Chicago albums of the seventies as well as echoes of Toto’s refined rock. Foster and Paich added some colorful keyboards and synths to the recipe while Lukather took care of the top-notch guitar riffs.

“Waiting For You To Decide” was a great example of the catchiness of the Fosterized version of the Chicago supergroup. No wonder Chicago 16 went on to sell millions around the world and paved the way for the even bigger success of Chicago 17.

Listen

• Lead & Backing Vocals: Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin
• Keyboards: David Foster
• Synthesizer: David Paich
• Synthesizer Programming: Steve Porcaro
• Drums: Danny Seraphine
• Bass: Peter Cetera
• Guitar: Steve Lukather & Chris Pinnick
• Saxophone: Walter Parazaider
• Trumpet: Lee Loughnane
• Trombone: James Pankow
•  
• Rhythm Arrangements by David Foster, Peter Cetera & Danny Seraphine
• Horns Arranged by James Pankow & David Foster
• Background Vocal Arrangements by Peter Cetera & Bill Champlin
• Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Used to think that you’d do anything for me.
I thought your heart was pounding at my door.
Now it seems that things aren’t right.
You’ve been crying every night.
You’re rainy season just ain’t slowing down.
I still love you even though there’s things you can’t explain.
I don’t want to know if you’ve been lying all along.
You’ve been running away. now you’ve run out of places to hide.
I can no longer stand here waiting for you to decide
If there’s a heart still left inside.
There’s someone watching tonight.
You’ve been trying for some time to get away from me.
It’s just the same old game you’ve tried before.
We’ve talked it out a thousand time. it’s still the same old useless lines.
You’ve made your point now why can’t i make mine?
I still love you even though there’s things you can’t explain.
I don’t want to know if you’ve been lying all this time.
You’ve been running away. now you’ve run out of places to hide.
I can no longer stand here waiting for you to decide
If there’s a heart still left inside.
You can’t get away. there’s someone watching tonight.

written by David Foster & Peter Cetera

Chicago’s “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” was one of the turning points in David Foster’s career. The super-producer had already co-written big hits including “After The Love Is Gone” for Earth, Wind & Fire, “Got To Be Real” for Cheryl Lynn and Boz Scaggs’ “Love, Look What You’ve Done To Me.” Foster really hit the jackpot on this heaven-sent collaboration with former Chicago front-man Peter Cetera in May 1982. The blonde tenor was in his prime as a singer/songwriter and instantly clicked with Foster.

Cetera and Foster delivered a series of great tunes for the legendary band’s Chicago16 album. “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” was a last minute addition to that project and became a global smash, reached the Top Ten in several countries including #1 in the US for two weeks and #4 in the UK. The elegant ballad had a melting melody and romantic atmosphere that set the standard for the pop/adult contemporary genre of the decade. Foster’s classic keyboard-driven sounds and top-notch craft for arranging mixed perfectly with Cetera’s blossoming talent as a pop songwriter and his superior vocal prowess. Their musical relationship really started with a bang and eventually delivered more top hits including “You’re The Inspiration” and “Stay The Night” for Chicago and Cetera’s solo #1, “Glory Of Love.” On “Hard To Say I’m Sorry,” the revered singer/bassist handled the song and its many variations with total confidence. Cetera gave a killer vocal performance from the smooth intro to the powerful crescendo and the commanding climax. The backing track was a showcase of Foster at his best. Here’s a note that the Hitman sent describing the genesis of the song:

 “Chicago 16 was completed. Peter came over to my house and told me that Irving Azoff [ Chicago ’s manager] suggested that we should try and write a song for the up-coming movie, Summer Lovers. We wrote “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” in one afternoon as I quickly came up with the music and Peter with the words. We went back into the studio to record it and added it to the already finished album. On that session, I played piano, keyboards and synth bass and Cetera did all the amazing vocals. Jeremy Lubbock wrote the beautiful string arrangement, Danny Seraphine put his stamp on drums while Steve Lukather added his fantastic guitars.”

 “Hard To Say I’m Sorry” and its giant success breathed new life into Chicago ’s declining career. It provided a new phase for the veteran group that resulted in platinum albums and a string of top singles. This coming June 15th in New York City , Cetera, along with former band mates James Pankow and Robert Lamm, will join his old pal Foster into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. Congratulations!

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Chicago-Hard-to-Say-Im-Sorry-Lyrics-HD.mp3|titles=Hard To Say I’M Sorry|artists=Peter Cetera]

Lead & Backing Vocals: Peter Cetera
Piano, Keyboards & Synthesizer Bass: David Foster
Guitars: Steve Lukather
Drums: Danny Seraphine

Strings Arranged by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced & Arranged by David Foster

Lyrics

Everybody needs a little time away
I heard her say
From each other
Even lovers need a holiday
Far away
From each other

Hold me now
It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry
I just want you to stay
After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that’s been said and done
You’re just the part of me I can’t let go

Couldn’t stand to be kept away
Just for the day
From your body
Wouldn’t want to be swept away
Far away
From the one that I love

Hold me now
It’s hard for me to say I’m sorry
I just want you to know
Hold me now
I really want to tell you I’m sorry
I could never let you go
After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to
And after all that’s been said and done
You’re just the part of me I can’t let go

After all that we’ve been through
I will make it up to you
I promise to

You’re gonna be the lucky one
When we get there gonna jump in the air
No one’ll see us ’cause there’s nobody there
After all, you know we really don’t care
Hold on, I’m gonna take you there

“You’re The Inspiration” was one of those classic songs that is a cornerstone in David Foster’s long and successful career. Co-written by The Hitman with Peter Cetera, this power ballad was released in October 1984 as the third single from the multiplatinum Chicago 17. “You’re The Inspiration” was the perfect follow-up to another masterpiece ballad, “Hard Habit To Break.” Like its predecessor, “You’re The Inspiration” jumped to #3 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and also reached the top of the Adult Contemporary chart. Listening to this magical ballad, it was easy to say all the names involved were at the top of their game. Cetera and Foster were on a collaborative roll and they co-wrote the musical structure of the song in just a few hours. The two music legends could do no wrong.

This tune became another of their winning melodies with a memorable hook, smart key changes and romantic lyrics. Cetera’s voice was in top shape, his high tenor sounded crystal clear and perfectly suited for this kind of emotional ballad. Foster skilfully gave one of his best productions to date with the support of Humberto Gatica who was a perfect counterpart to Foster’s artistry. The result, thanks also to Jeremy Lubbock’s top-notch strings arrangement, was a sonic delight. Rightly, both Foster and Gatica were awarded Grammys for their work on Chicago 17. Amusing to think that Foster and Cetera originally co-wrote “You’re The Inspiration” for Kenny Rogers. It was only after the veteran country superstar turned it down that this gorgeous composition was considered for Chicago 17. This tune has become one of the most loved wedding songs in history and one of Chicago ‘s most memorable hits ever.
In 1997, Cetera released a cover of “You’re The Inspiration” with guests Az Yet that became a minor hit at #77 on Billboard’s Hot 100. It lacks Foster’s lush touch that was heard on the original, but Cetera always makes for a great listen. You can read our past review of that cover here.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/you_re_the_inspiration.wmv.mp3|titles=You’re The Insipiration|artists=Peter Cetera]

Lead Vocals & Bass: Peter Cetera
Keyboards: David Foster
Drums: Carlos Vega
Guitar: Chris Pinnick & Michael Landau
Background Vocals: Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm & Bill Champlin
Arranged by David Foster & Peter Cetera

Strings Arrangement by Jeremy Lubbock
Produced by David Foster

Lyrics

You know our love was meant to be
The kind of love to last forever
And I want you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
You should know
Everywhere I go
Always on my mind
In my heart
In my soul
Baby

You’re the meaning in my life
You’re the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You’re the inspiration
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”

And I know (And I know)
Yes I know that it’s plain to see
So in love when we’re together
Now I know (Now I know)
That I need you here with me
From tonight until the end of time
You should know (Yes, you need to know )
Everywhere I go
You’re always on my mind
You’re in my heart
In my soul

You’re the meaning in my life
You’re the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You’re the inspiration
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”
(No one needs you more than I)
Want to have you near me
I want to have you hear me saying
“No one needs you more than I need you”
(No one needs you more)
You’re the meaning in my life
You’re the inspiration
You bring feeling to my life
You’re the inspiration

When you love somebody
Till the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind, no one needs you more than I
When you love somebody
Till the end of time
When you love somebody
Always on my mind, no on needs you more than I

from WORLD FALLING DOWN
written by Richard Kerr & Gary Osborne

“World Falling Down” was Peter Cetera’s fourth solo album and released in July 1992. The pop/rock collection was mostly produced by UK music-maker Andy Hill with a couple of tracks being handled by Cetera’s old pal David Foster. “World Falling Down” was the former Chicago singer’s last commercially relevant release with three singles in the Top Five of the Adult Contemporary chart and minor hits on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Among the Hill produced highlights are the third single hit duet with Chaka Khan, the romantic “Feels Like Heaven” co-written by Mark Goldenberg and a cover of the Leo Sayer hit “Have You Ever Been In Love,” originally co-written by Hill with Peter Sinfield and John Danter. The album was eventually certified gold in the US.

The second single off “World Falling Down” and one of the songs produced by Foster was “Even A Fool Can See.” This catchy, mid-tempo tune was co-written by Cetera with Goldenberg and a review of this breezy pop song can be read here. The Canadian super-producer also crafted the gorgeous ballad “The Last Place God Made.” Co-written by famed UK composers Richard Kerr and Gary Osborne, Foster created a rarefied, keyboard-driven musical scenario that was perfect for Cetera’s golden tenor voice. The legendary singer beautifully performs the poignant lyrics as the song develops into an effective refrain backed up by musicians including John Robinson on drums, Michael Thompson on guitar plus C.J. Vanston and Foster on keyboards. Although not a commercial success, this song is definitely an emotional gem that deserves your notice.

Listen

[audio:https://www.fozfan.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/the_last_place_god_made.mp3|titles=The Last Place God Made|artists=Peter Cetera]

Lead & Background Vocals: Peter Cetera
Keyboards: David Foster
Keyboards, Solo & Programming: Jeffery C.J. Vanston
Drums: John Robinson
Guitars: Michael Thompson
Additional Programming: Claude Gaudette
Synclavier Programming: Simon Franglen

Produced by David Foster & Peter Cetera

Lyrics

I’ve seen the best of times
I’ve seen the worst of times
‘Been around and I’ve taken my chances
(But) I could never be tied down
Too many questions–not enough answers

Then I laid eyes on you
I knew right there and then
This would be more than a passing encounter
My fate is bound to yours
I’ve found a cause right here

And if this is the last place God made
And yours is the last face I see
Just feeling close to you
That’s good enough for me

We’ve seen the best of times
We’ve seen the worst of times
Been through hell and high water together
Diamond bright and tear stained mem’ries
These are the times I’ll remember forever

If you believe in me–like I believe in you
Without a care for the why or the wherefore
I will be there for you
And you’ll be there for me

And If this is the last place God made
And yours is the last face I see
Just feeling close to you
It’s good enough for me

If this is the last place God made
You know it’s the only place I want to be
Just feeling close to you
That’s good enough for me

If this is the last place God made
You know it’s the only place I want to be
Just feeling close to you
It’s good enough for me