Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

No, this isn’t “Saturday in the Park.” Instead, Chicago’s “Sleeping in the Middle of the Bed Again” was a jarringly bold move by an established band.

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.

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

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

A title track recalling the Greek myth where Sisyphus must forever roll a huge boulder uphill perfectly described Chicago’s predicament at this point.

Chicago, “All the Years” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “All the Years” from ‘Stone of Sisyphus’ (2008): Saturdays in the Park

“All the Years” is easily the greatest song composed and recorded by Chicago – or any current or former member of the band – after Terry Kath’s passing.

Chicago, “Holdin’ On” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Holdin’ On” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Initially written for 1988’s ‘Chicago 19,’ “Holdin’ On” represents yet another misuse of Bill Champlin, the band’s most prominent talent.

Chicago, “Who Do You Love” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Who Do You Love” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Sometimes, as the Bill Champlin-sung “Who Do You Love” from Chicago’s ‘Twenty 1’ makes clear, less is more and more is less.

Chicago, “Only Time Can Heal the Wounded” From ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Only Time Can Heal the Wounded” From ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Production issues aside, “Only Time Can Heal the Wounded” is another solid contribution from Robert Lamm, the heart of Chicago.

Chicago, “Man to Woman” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Man to Woman” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “Man to Woman” is one of my favorite power ballads from ‘Twenty 1.’ Here’s why.

Chicago, “God Save the Queen” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “God Save the Queen” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

“God Save the Queen” is perhaps the best track on ‘Twenty 1,’ and easily one of Chicago’s better post-Terry Kath songs.

Chicago “Chasin’ the Wind” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago “Chasin’ the Wind” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s version of this Diane Warren song comes off as a paint-by-numbers effort included to appease a record company chasin’ a hit.