Tag Archives: Chicago the band

The Crossover Connection Week 39: A Mix of Classic Soft Rock from the 1980’s

Posted on October 28, 2023 by expressyourself4him

With only 52 weeks in a year, there will always be crossover artists who will be left off my list. However, I didn’t want to feature artists like Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith who are already well known. Subsequently, I was drawn to Rick Crawford’s top album in my opinion. The opening song Love Is has a touch of Kenny G followed by a glimpse of Chicago with the ballad Does Anybody Really Love the Lord.

 Increase my greatness (my honor) and turn and comfort me. 22 I will also praise You with the harp, even Your truth and faithfulness, O my God; unto You will I sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall shout for joy when I sing praises to You, and my inner being, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall talk of Your righteousness all the day long; for they are put to shame, for they are confounded, who seek and demand my hurt, Psalm 71:21-24.

As you continue listening to the attached You Tube, slower ballads like Jesus Paid It All give off an Air Supply vibe. The remainder of the songs simply have a few seconds here and there of Asia, Boston, Journey, and Foreigner. While this kind of soft rock may not be for everyone, I hope that you enjoy this mix that sounds like classic ballads of the 1980’s. Although Rick Crawford may not be a flashy artist, I hope the lyrics of these songs touch your heart like they’ve moved mine.

by Jay Mankus

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Is There Anyone Righteous Still Standing?

Posted on April 2, 2023 by expressyourself4him

If I ever wanted to be depressed as a teenager, all I had to do was listen to one of Chicago’s ballad, the popular soft rock band of the late 1970’s and 1980’s. Perhaps, band members were inspired by breaking up with their girlfriend, singing about the anguish, emotions and pain of saying goodbye to someone you once loved. If I want to get depressed as an adult, all I have to do is watch five minutes of cable news to see how bad things have gotten on planet earth.

And [Abraham] said, Behold now, I have taken upon myself to speak [again] to the Lord. Suppose [only] twenty shall be found there. And [the Lord] replied, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake. 32 And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again only this once. Suppose ten [righteous people] shall be found there. And [the Lord] said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake, Genesis 18:31-32.

Perhaps, if CNN went through a complete transformation to PNN, the positive news network, I wouldn’t feel as bad. Unfortunately, positive news doesn’t sell so death, sex and violence tend to be the leading stories. Of course, there are always plenty of segments on corruption, deceit and lies which makes me wonder if there is anyone righteous left in the world. According to the apostle Paul in Romans 3:9-12, my gut feeling is correct as human nature has led everyone astray.

The people of the land have used oppression and extortion and have committed robbery; yes, they have wronged and vexed the poor and needy; yes, they have oppressed the stranger and temporary resident wrongfully. 30 And I sought a man among them who should build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found none, Ezekiel 22:29-30.

One Old Testament prophet asked a similar question in the passage above. As Ezekiel looked at the signs of his time on earth, everyone seemed self-absorbed. Rather than following the JFK doctrine, “ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what can you do for your country,” a me first sentiment took over. Like a politician who says one thing in public and does the complete opposite privately, look to those who demonstrate, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12. While your search may turn up empty, God’s remnant is out there, focused on God’s will.

by Jay Mankus

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Feeling Normal Again

Posted on November 7, 2014 by expressyourself4him

If you listen to voices in this world, you might be led to rejuvenate your soul.  McDonald’s proclaims “you deserve a break today!”  The classic band Chicago suggests, “everyone needs a little time away.”  The more I think about this train of thought, its a good place to start for feeling normal again.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR9Ibt7AWN4

College students often practice binge sleep habits.  After all night study sessions, they might crash for 12-18 hours at a time before arising for their next rendezvous.  Following each semester, individuals may disappear for a couple of days before feeling normal again.  Perhaps those people who are rough around the edges just aren’t getting rest to be the person God wants them to be.

During a stressful week of school or work, several things are put on hold.  These neglected areas continue to mount until time allows you to catch up.  In this struggle to stay above rising waters, I was struck by an obvious fact of life last weekend.  If you’re not taking care of yourself, you’re no use to anyone, Philippians 2:4.  Whether you need recreation, sleep or time away, do what you need to refresh your heart, soul and mind so you will feel normal once again.

by Jay Mankus

 

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