Chicago Love Songs: Timeless Horn-Infused Ballads for Your Wedding
Chicago is one of the most successful American rock bands of all time, and their library of love songs is a staple for wedding playlists across generations. Known for their unique horn section and smooth, soaring vocals, Chicago’s music offers a sophisticated sound that works perfectly for everything from your ceremony processional to a classic slow dance at the reception.
Chicago’s Essential Wedding Picks
- The Ultimate 80s Power Ballad: “You’re the Inspiration.” Released in 1984, this track is the definition of a wedding classic. Its lyrics, “You’re the meaning in my life / You’re the inspiration,” make it a top-tier choice for a first dance that everyone in the room will recognize and love.
- The Sophisticated Ceremony Choice: “Colour My World.” This 1971 hit is famous for its beautiful flute solo and romantic piano melody. It’s a short, sweet, and deeply emotional song that is perfect for a wedding processional or a private last dance.
- The Fun, Breezy Love Song: “Just You ‘N’ Me.” Reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973, this track is a celebration of simple, enduring love. Its jazzy, upbeat vibe makes it an excellent choice for a grand entrance or an upbeat cocktail hour.
- The “Getting Ready” Groove: “Saturday in the Park.” While not a traditional love song, this 1972 hit (#3 on the Billboard Hot 100) is one of the band’s most recognizable tracks. Its joyful, sunny energy makes it a perfect addition to your “morning-of” wedding playlist.
Expert DJ Tips for Chicago Tracks
- The Peter Cetera Connection: If you love Chicago’s 80s sound, you might also like Peter Cetera’s solo work. My 1980s book notes that “The Next Time I Fall,” his duet with Amy Grant, reached #1 in 1986 and was written by Bobby Caldwell, another yacht rock legend.
- The Horn Section Highlight: Chicago’s sound is defined by its horns. Use a track like “Beginnings” during your cocktail hour to set a sophisticated, “cool” atmosphere that encourages guests to mingle and enjoy the vibe.
- The Backing Vocal Secret: Fun fact for music fans: Bill Champlin, a long-time member of Chicago, provided the smooth backing vocals for Ambrosia’s 1980 hit “Biggest Part of Me.” Both have that classic, high-quality production that sounds amazing through professional wedding speakers.
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Chicago’s Highest-Charting Billboard Hits
- #1 Beginnings, 1971
- #1 Call on Me, 1974
- #1 Wishing You Were Here, 1974
- #1 If You Leave Me Now, 1976
- #1 Hard to Say I’m Sorry, 1982
- #1 You’re the Inspiration, 1984
- #1 Look Away, 1988
- #1 Here in My Heart, 1997
- #2 Another Rainy Day in New York City, 1976
- #2 Will You Still Love Me?, 1986
- #2 What Kind of Man Would I Be?, 1989
- #3 Saturday in the Park, 1972
- #3 Old Days, 1975
- #3 Hard Habit to Break, 1984
- #3 Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love, 1988
- #4 25 or 6 to 4, 1970
- #4 Just You ‘n’ Me, 1973
- #4 Baby, What a Big Surprise, 1977
- #5 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, 1970
- #5 No Tell Lover, 1978
- #7 Colour My World, 1971
- #8 (I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long, 1974
- #8 Love Me Tomorrow, 1982
- #9 If She Would Have Been Faithful…, 1987
- #9 You’re Not Alone, 1989
- #9 My Favorite Things, 2011
- #10 Make Me Smile, 1970
Popular Chicago Love Songs
You’re The Inspiration
Released in 1984 on the album Chicago 17
You’re the meaning in my life
You’re the inspiration
Just You ‘N’ Me
Released in 1973 on the album Chicago VI
Just you ‘n’ me to carry on
Simple and free my lovely
To flow as one as love’s reward
Colour My World
Released in 1971 on the album Chicago II
Promise your love
That I’ve waited to share
And dreams
Of our moments together
Color my world with hope of loving you
Happy Man
Released in 1974 on the album Chicago VII
I was free and easy
You came along
To me soft and breezy
Now I’ve fallen in love with you
What Kind Of Man Would I Be?
Released in 1988 on the album Chicago 19
When you were there for me
A fool could see, oh baby
Once that I found you there was no letting go
Beginnings
Released in 1969 on the album The Chicago Transit Authority
It doesn’t matter where we are or what we’re doing
I’m with you
that’s all that matters
I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love
Released in 1988 on the album Chicago 19
I don’t want to find somebody new
I don’t want to live without your love
I just want to live my life with you
Here In My Heart
Released in 1997 on the album The Heart of Chicago 1967-1997
But it won’t be denied
Here in my heart the door is still open
Waiting for you to walk into my life
Never Been In Love Before
Released in 1975 on the album Chicago VIII
I want so much
To be more of a man
I want to grow
I want to know you better
Each day I’ll try
To love you
Saturday In The Park
Released in 1972 on the album Chicago V
This is not a love song, we know. However, it is one of Chicago’s most recognizable songs and should be on any Chicago wedding song list.
Can you dig it (yes, I can)
And I’ve been waiting such a long time
For today
Chicago Spotify Playlist
Do you have a favorite Chicago love song? Please share it below and if it is not on the list, we can add it.
