Chicago, “Naked in the Garden of Allah” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park
Robert Lamm’s “Naked In the Garden of Allah” helped balance this LP’s expected modern-era Chicago balladry with a return to more politicized songcraft.
Articles by: Jimmy Nelson
John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ Heralded an On-Going Artistic Rejuvenation
Released 15 years ago this week, John Mellencamp’s ‘Freedom’s Road’ explored the uncertainties that exist inside middle America’s most reliable traditions.
Chicago, “Something’s Coming, I Know” (2014): Saturdays in the Park
Robert Lamm’s “Something’s Coming, I Know” isn’t about taking risks. Instead, it settles for being this Chicago album’s most effortlessly joyous moment.
Chicago, “Free at Last” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park
Once, the Robert Lamm-sung “Free at Last” might have had something to do with freedom’s fight, since he was the fierce political heart of Chicago. Not now.
Nancy Wilson, “What Are You Doing New Year’s?” (1963): One Track Mind
The deeply underrated Nancy Wilson nails the sense of hopeful anxiety that surrounds Dec. 31 every year.
How the Dr. John-Led ‘Bluesiana’ Sequel Somehow Matched the Original
‘Bluesiana II’ arrived 30 years ago missing a key figure from the band’s all-star lineup in the recently deceased Art Blakey. I didn’t have high hopes.
‘Wings Over America’ Remains a Pinnacle for Paul McCartney, Warts and All
Released 45 years ago today, ‘Wings Over America’ stands as some of the most vital work that Paul McCartney has ever done.
Why the Black Keys’ ‘El Camino’ Was More Continuation Than Breakthrough
‘El Camino’ arrived 10 years ago today as an extension of everything the Black Keys accomplished with ‘Brothers’ – just turned up to 11.
Yes, “Damaged World” from ‘The Quest’ (2021): YESterdays
This track fits well on an album where Yes attempts to find some sense of purpose in a world beset by climate change and COVID. So why’d they leave it off?
Chicago, “Better” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park
Like so many goodbyes, nobody knew “Better” would represent Bill Champlin’s last released original recording with Chicago.
