Written by: Peter Cetera & David Foster
Released: 1982
US Charts: #1 (2 weeks)
UK Charts: #4
Other Charts: N/A
“Hard To Say I’m Sorry” is simply one hell of a classic power ballad from the early 80s. From start to finish, the song keeps you hooked through both the emotive lyrics and Cetera’s unique vocals. Very few ballads could be considered real classics, and this is without a doubt one of them. In fact, I would say that it is in the top 20 of the greatest ballads ever composed in the history of music. That’s how much I respect and adore this song.
The song came about due to a change of record company and producer. Chicago had just suffered its worst ever sales for an album, Chicago IV, that they were released from their contract with Columbia Records. Many thought that Chicago had reached its end and that it would never experience the same success it had in the 1970s. Chicago went on to sign with Warner Brothers and got David Foster to be their producer (in addition to new band members) and went on to relaunch their career with Chicago 16, the first single of which was “Hard To Say I’m Sorry.”
The song was an instant success and it quickly reached number 1 in the United States, where it stayed for 2 weeks as well as reaching number 4 in the UK. On the whole of Chicago’s career (more than 40 years), this is probably their most successful and most popular song.
Lyrics-wise, the song deals with how people have relationship troubles and know that they have to say “sorry”, but can’t because they find it too hard. The song goes on to emphasise the importance of making up for the pain caused. Overall, the song highlights that it is important to make up and say sorry, because it can be very painful being apart from a loved one.
Rhythm-wise, there’s no other ballad with such a distinct melody from start to finish. It is instantly recognisable and does not let you go until the very end. I hope you enjoy the video I made for this wonderful song above and are able to appreciate the beauty of the song as much as me.
Lyrics can be accessed here.
Chords can be accessed here.
Feel free to comment on this song and/or my review below.
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