Graham Nash – “Chicago / Simple Man” (1971) Review | You Can Change the World But You Can’t Change Human Nature

Kronomyth 1.1: Chicago 8 Nashville 1.

The first “solo” hit single from Graham Nash was actually a double featuring Simple Man (credited as Side A) and Chicago (credited as Side 1). Both songs had their debut in live performances by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; “Simple Man” in 1970 and “Chicago” in 1971 (the latter was featured on the album 4-Way Street). So, not entirely new material but an auspicious start all the same. “Simple Man” is simply one of the prettiest songs he’s written, sounding like a cross between “Our House” and John Lennon’s “Imagine.” “Chicago” is a protest song written about the Chicago 8 trial in which Nash recounts trying to get his bandmates to join him in a concert to raise money for the Chicago 8’s legal defense. (They didn’t, although they did use their platform to raise attention to the case.) The chorus of “we can change the world” again seems aligned with the music of Lennon.

Original 7-inch single version

A1. Chicago (Graham Nash) (2:55)
B1. Simple Man (Graham Nash) (2:05)

The Plastic

Released on 7-inch single in May 1971* in the US and Australia (Atlantic, 45-2804), the UK (Atlantic, 2091 096), Italy (Atlantic, K 10017) and Japan (Atlantic, P-1053A) with regional picture sleeve. European singles feature “Simple Man” as the A side. Reached #35 on the US charts (charted June 5, 1971 for 11 weeks). (*First appeared in 5/22/71 issue of Billboard.)