Articles by: Charlie Ricci

Chicago, “The American Dream” from ‘Chicago XIV’ (1980): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “The American Dream” from ‘Chicago XIV’ (1980): Saturdays in the Park

“The American Dream” has a lot of the Chicago exuberance from their early years, along with one of Peter Cetera’s finer lead vocals.

Chicago, “Where Did the Lovin’ Go” from ‘Chicago XIV’ (1980): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Where Did the Lovin’ Go” from ‘Chicago XIV’ (1980): Saturdays in the Park

Nothing on ‘Chicago XIV’ is outright terrible. Considering how far they’d sunk, that statement is meant as praise.

Chicago, “Reruns” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Reruns” from ‘Chicago 13’ (1979): Saturdays in the Park

Sadly, “Reruns” is another reminder of where Chicago was heading in their not-too-distant future.

Chicago, “Silent Night” from ‘Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Silent Night” from ‘Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Jason Scheff offers a stand-out performance on Chicago’s rendition of one of the world’s most beloved carols.

Chicago, “Alive Again” from Hot Streets (1978): YESterdays

Chicago, “Alive Again” from Hot Streets (1978): YESterdays

Chicago’s Donnie Dacus was doomed to be compared to the late Terry Kath. It wasn’t fair then, and it still isn’t.

Chicago, “Inner Struggles of a Man / Prelude / Little One” (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Inner Struggles of a Man / Prelude / Little One” (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s Terry Kath had never sounded smoother or more melancholy. It’s almost as if he knew tragedy would soon befall him.

Chicago, “Vote For Me” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Vote For Me” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

‘Vote For Me’ reveals Chicago legend Robert Lamm’s sense of humor, while skewering our political process and the hypocrisy of elected officials.

Chicago, “Till the End of Time” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Till the End of Time” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

The song itself is a good one. However, there is one big problem with Chicago’s “Till the End of Time.”

Chicago, “Hope for Love” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Hope for Love” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

As with most of this underserved LP, “Hope For Love” had potential but Chicago simply doesn’t show the devotion of their pre-Caribou records.

Chicago, “Together Again” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Together Again” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

“Together Again” is one of the better songs on 1976’s sometimes-wretched ‘Chicago X.’ There’s just one problem.