Articles by: Charlie Ricci

Chicago, “Another Trippy Day” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Another Trippy Day” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

This is the final song from Chicago’s last non-holiday album. If they don’t release another one, it’s really not a bad way to go out.

Chicago, “Nice Girl” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Nice Girl” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

When they decide to shed the decades-old false personality they sported for commercial reasons, Chicago can still make music that a listener can enjoy.

Paul McCartney – ‘The Lyrics’ (2021): Books

Paul McCartney – ‘The Lyrics’ (2021): Books

Paul McCartney has repeatedly turned down requests to write an autobiography. Instead, he’s given us this expansive two-volume look at his lyrics.

Chicago, “Crazy Happy” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Crazy Happy” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

“Crazy Happy” is not an avant-garde old-school Chicago piece, but it possesses just enough jazz elements to prove that Robert Lamm still has the goods.

Chicago, “Why Can’t We” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Why Can’t We” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

There has been only one time that I purchased an album on the day it was released, and that was 2006’s ‘Chicago XXX.’ It didn’t work out.

Chicago, “Back to You” from ‘Chicago XXVI’ (1999): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Back to You” from ‘Chicago XXVI’ (1999): Saturdays in the Park

There is nothing inherently wrong with Chicago’s “Back to You,” if you’re a fan of middle-of-the-road pop that lacks any hint of adventurism.

Chicago, “In the Mood” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “In the Mood” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

This cover of “In the Mood” is one of the few times that the later edition of Chicago sounded like they were truly enjoying themselves.

Chicago, “Blues In the Night” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Blues In the Night” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s terrific update of “Blues In the Night” is proof that artists don’t have to write their own material to offer originality and eclecticism.

Chicago, “Chicago” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Chicago” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

This doesn’t sound like the vintage version of Chicago, but it feels like they’re having fun for the first time in many years.

Chicago, “Bigger Than Elvis” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Bigger Than Elvis” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

“Bigger Than Elvis” is a very nice if not overwhelming piece of work on a set of 12 tunes that proved Chicago was truly inspired once again.