Saturdays in the Park

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, “Naked in the Garden of Allah” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

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.

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.

Chicago, “Watching All the Colors” (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Watching All the Colors” (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Watching All the Colors” introduced fans to Lou Pardini, but in the end is just a pleasant little bon-bon, forgotten as soon as it’s over.

Chicago, “Something’s Coming, I Know” (2014): Saturdays in the Park

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, “Love Lives On” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Love Lives On” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

‘Now’ showed Chicago could produce a better album than they have in years when given complete artistic control. But they still had to include a ballad.

Chicago, “Free at Last” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

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.

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

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

My parents advised me growing up that if I can’t say something nice, I shouldn’t say anything at all.

Chicago, “More Will Be Revealed” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “More Will Be Revealed” from ‘Chicago XXXVI: Now’ (2014): Saturdays in the Park

Robert Lamm shows that he can still write and arrange great Chicago songs, but it’s a shame the production betrays him.