CAFFE` LATTE` 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#99 AFTER THE LOVE HAS GONE

Earth, wind & fire

(1979)

Writers: David Foster, Jay Graydon & Bill Champlin

 

After scoring a massive international hit with "Boogie Wonderland" (a collaboration with The Emotions), Earth, Wind & Fire lifted the ballad "After The Love Has Gone" off their 1979 album 'I Am'. Maurice White, the group's pivotal member, produced the lush track. Its horn arrangement was completed by Jerry Hey. Don Myrick performed the sax solo that complements the recording. On this cut, the group manages to cohesively fuse soul with elements of jazz. The group's harmonies make the track an aural delight. 

"After The Love Has Gone" peaked at #2 on both the Pop and R&B charts in the US. It also reached #3 on the AC chart there. In Britain, the disc climbed to #4. It was to be the final Top 10 for the group until "Let's Groove" cruised to #3 Pop and #1 R&B in America 2 years later. This remains Earth, Wind & Fire's last pop chart Top 10 hit. On the R&B chart, "System Of Survival" returned the group to the top in 1987.

Leading the harmonies on "After The Love Has Gone" were principal vocalists Philip Bailey and White. They both quit to pursue solo careers during the 1980s. Reuniting in 1987, the group has continued touring and releasing new material. 

In 1993, Myrick's home was mistakenly surrounded by the Los Angeles police. The saxophonist answered the door and his lighter was thought to be a firearm. Myrick was fatally shot by 1 of the Santa Monica police officers. 

Foster and Champlin, 2 of the writers of "After The Love...", worked together frequently when the latter joined the group Chicago in 1981. Foster produced/ co-wrote the group's hits "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "Hard Habit To Break" and "You're The Inspiration".

 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.

A new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.