Song Anatomy of the Day

Writer: Steve Perry Producer: Roy Thomas Baker Recorded: Late 1978 and early 1979 Released: March 1979 (album), July 1979 (single) Players: Steve Perry — vocals Neal Schon — guitar, vocals Gregg Rolie — keyboards, vocals Ross Valory — bass Steve Smith — drums Album: Evolution (Columbia, 1979) The Evolution album marked the Journey debut of…

Writers: Tony Banks, Phil Collins, and Mike Rutherford Producers: Genesis and Hugh Padgham Recorded: Summer 1985 through early 1986 at The Farm in Surrey, England Released: March 1986 Players: Phil Collins — vocals, drums Tony Banks — keyboards Mike Rutherford — guitar, bass Album: Invisible Touch (Atlantic, 1986) “Invisible Touch” was Genesis’ first Number One…

Writers: David Porter and Isaac Hayes Producer: Bill Ham Recorded: 1979 in Memphis, Tennessee Released: Late 1979 Players: Billy Gibbons — vocals, guitar Dusty Hill — bass Frank Beard — drums Album: Deguello (Warner Bros.) “I Thank You” was a rare cover song for ZZ Top, who have written the vast majority of their songs…

Writers: Mick Jones and Lou Gramm Producers: Keith Olsen, Mick Jones and Ian McDonald Recorded: Early 1978 in Los Angeles and New York City Released: Summer 1978 Players: Lou Gramm—vocals Mick Jones–guitar, keyboards, vocals Ian McDonald–guitar, keyboards, vocals Al Greenwood–keyboards Ed Gagliardi–bass, vocals Dennis Elliott–drums Album: Double Vision (Atlantic, 1978) The title track of Foreigner’s…

Writers: Sammy Hagar, Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, and Michael Anthony Producers: Andy Johns, Ted Templeman, and Van Halen Recorded: Early 1991 at 5150 in Hollywood, California Players: Sammy Hagar — vocals Eddie Van Halen — guitar, keyboards, vocals Michael Anthony — bass, vocals Alex Van Halen — drums Album: For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge…

Writer: Harry and Sandy Chapin Producer: Paul Leka Recorded: Spring 1974 at Connecticut Recording Studios in Bridgeport, Connecticut Released: August 1974 Players: Harry Chapin–vocals, acoustic guitar John Tropea–guitar, sitar Don Payne–bass Steve Chapin–piano Don Grolnick–keyboards Allan Schwartzberg–drums Irving Spice–concertmaster Album: Verities & Balderdash (Elektra, 1974) The story of a father too busy for his son,…

Writers: The Doors Producer: Paul A. Rothchild Recorded: Fall 1968, Los Angeles Released: December 1968 Players: Jim Morrison – vocals Ray Manzarek — keyboards, piano John Densmore — drums Robby Krieger — guitar Reinol Andino — conga Harvey Brooks — bass Curtis Amy — saxophone solos Album: The Soft Parade (Elektra, 1969) The Soft Parade…

Writer: Sting Producers: Pete Smith and Sting Recorded: Early 1985 at Blue Wave Studios, Barbados Released: June 1985 Players: Sting–vocals, guitar Branford Marsalis–saxophone Darryl Jones–bass Kenny Kirkland–keyboards Omar Hakim–drums Dolette McDonald, Janice Pendarvis–backing vocals Album: The Dream Of The Blue Turtles (A&M, 1985) Sting’s first solo single after the Police disbanded in 1984, “If You…

Writers: Walter Becker and Donald Fagen Producers: Gary Katz and Steely Dan Recorded: Early summer 1977 at A&R Studios, New York City Released: September 1977 Players: Donald Fagen — vocals, keyboards Walter Becker — bass, vocals Lee Ritenour — guitar Victor Feldman — electric piano Bernard Purdie — drums Pete Christlieb — tenor saxophone Clyde…

Writer: Ray Davies Producer: Ray Davies Recorded: Late 1982/early 1983 at Konk Studios in London, England Released: May 1983 Players: Ray Davies–vocals, guitar, keyboards Dave Davies–guitar, vocals Jim Rodford–bass Ian Gibbons–keyboards Mick Avory–drums Album: State Of Confusion (Arista, 1983) “Come Dancing,” Ray Davies’s sentimental ode to his sister Gwen’s dating habits and the local dance…