I first heard Chicago’s “Here In My Heart” on the radio in the spring of 1997 during my eighth-grade year. I remember it being a Wednesday evening, around April, and I had just finished my homework. I tuned into one of the area adult-contemporary stations, and kept it there until Chicago played.
When the song initially aired, I thought it was a beautiful ballad, like nothing I have ever heard. At this time, I was not into Chicago or any of the older bands I love now. I mostly listened to the Top 40 and the adult-contemporary artists of the time. My first impression of this bonus original from 1997’s The Heart of Chicago focused on the lyrics, which were full of feeling. The music also matched the spring season we were in, as it was colorful and full of energy.
This song is special to me, and every time I hear it I reminisce about my last two months of middle school and the broken heart I had over a guy who only liked me as a friend. “Here In My Heart,” however, takes me back to the good memories of that period – rather than the bad ones. It’s pure magic and beauty.
Written by Glen Ballard and producer James Newton Howard, “Here In My Heart” is in my opinion a song about a man who let the love of his life get away, and now he wants them back. He can’t help but wonder whether a relationship with this person would be a good idea, and is willing to wait for them to come back into his life.
Musically, the song and singers were a perfect match. The horns were wonderful and powerful. Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff both suited this song, as if they wrote it themselves. I loved the clearness during the beginning, as the writing and the production work in tandem to support “Here In My Heart.”
I have to say I’m familiar with Glen Ballard from other collaborations during this era, and his song for Chicago was no different from past works. Howard was also really good choice to produce this song. Another memorable thing that happens is the interplay between Champlin and Scheff. Champlin had the softer parts, and Scheff had the louder ones. I thought this switch really made the theme of “Here In My Heart” stand out.
The result is a beautiful, well-sung and produced track that gives me welcome flashbacks, while reminding everyone how perfect a love song can be when everything comes into place. Even though Chicago did not write the song or produce it, they still played “Here In My Heart” superbly well, making it their very own.
It’s a shame the band hasn’t kept “Here In My Heart” in their concert repertoire. It one of my favorite Chicago ballads of all time.
