Dan Fogelberg epitomized the sensitive, singer/songwriter type to such an extent he often got some grief for it. Which is a shame, because Fogelberg not only possessed a firm grasp of the craft of songwriting, but he also touched a nerve with fans who related to the topics he highlighted in his songs.
Although he sprinkled songs on the Top-40 charts over a decade-long period, four of the five songs on this list came during an incredible hot streak from 1979 to 1981. Here are Dan Fogelberg's five biggest U.S. pop hits.
Give some credit to Fogelberg for being able to adapt with the times, at least for a little while. By 1984, his brand of soft rock had mostly faded to the background in the U.S., in favor of more MTV-friendly sounds. But there he was in that fabled year in music, slugging it out with the Madonnas and Princes of the world via a Top-15 single. It helped that he juiced things up a little bit on this track, which features crunchy guitars bashing out a memorably catchy riff. "The Language of Love" proved he could rock out quite well, even delivering a stinging solo to cinch it.
"Fogelberg's masterpiece," it's a surprise it didn't do even better than No. 9 on the charts.
Maybe that's because we've been hearing it classing up holiday playlists ever since. Yes, it's true, Fogelberg actually met his old lover in the grocery store, which precipitated "Same Old Lang Syne." As is often the case, meeting someone from the past causes us to contemplate what's bothering us about our present. The song's conclusion when the two depart—perhaps never seeing each other again—and saxophonist Michael Brecker bleats out that sad refrain of "Auld Lang Syne," brings chills every time.
"Another big-time heart-tugger taken from Fogelberg's life."
To his credit, he had the wherewithal to write this touching tribute to his father while dad was still alive to hear it. "The Leader of the Band" succeeds in large part because it doesn't attempt to sanctify the man. Instead, it speaks to his steadiness and hard-earned wisdom. Songs about losing a parent are tough to pull off because you can easily skew too maudlin or too cold. Fogelberg nailed the balance just right and deeply affected many listeners who lived through similar scenarios.
Perhaps sensing his popularity was at its zenith and musical change was about to blow against him, Fogelberg went for gusto on his 1981 album The Innocent Age by making it a sprawling double LP. Not only does it include "Same Old Lang Syne" and "Leader of The Band," but you also get his horse racing standard "Run for The Roses," and "Times Like These," which made its way onto Urban Cowboy soundtrack.
"But highest chart position belonged..."
The highest chart position on this album belonged indeed: A typically bittersweet rumination titled 'Hard To Say,' benefiting guest vocal by Glenn Frey!
It is generally beyond an artist's control which songs succeed or fail; Dan’s reputation as ‘softest rocker’ largely emanated from one just missing top-chart spot back then (thanks Queen & Pink Floyd). Released via Phoenix Album ('79), somewhat simple ode melodically/lyrically deserves bonus points slipping forest primeval plot-wise! Flugelhorn solo Jerry Hey pretty if nothing else; Longer clued people into fine body work overall...