Post Tagged with: "Chicago VII"

Chicago, “Skinny Boy” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Skinny Boy” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

“Skinny Boy,” a song that later appeared on the Robert Lamm solo album of the same name, was this weird little treat to end a great Chicago album.

Chicago, “Woman Don’t Want to Love Me” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays In The Park

Chicago, “Woman Don’t Want to Love Me” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays In The Park

The fact that “Woman Don’t Want to Love Me” is a lesser song on ‘Chicago VII’ is a testament to how strong the rest of the album really is.

Chicago, “Call on Me” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Call on Me” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Combining a catchy melody, a good story, amazing brass and prominent percussion, Chicago’s “Call on Me” is a purely enjoyable listen.

Chicago, “Wishing You Were Here” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Wishing You Were Here” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Is this Peter Cetera-composed, Terry Kath-sung track the best ballad in Chicago’s canon, or just one of many highs?

Chicago, “Byblos” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Byblos” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

From ‘Chicago VI’ on, it was increasingly apparent that guitarist / vocalist / band heart and soul Terry Kath was becoming weary of his diminishing role.

Chicago, “Song of the Evergreens” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Song of the Evergreens” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Musically, Chicago’s “Song of the Evergreens” is brilliant. Where the disconnect occurs are the vocals.

Chicago, “Mongonucleosis” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Mongonucleosis” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

After the seriousness and maturity of Chicago’s “(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long,” it’s time to party!

Chicago, “(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “(I’ve Been) Searchin’ So Long” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

If Chicago had to go mainstream, this track was the way to do it. No apologies were necessary.

Chicago, “Happy Man” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Happy Man” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

“Happy Man’ is the least-bombastic vocal Peter Cetera ever recorded with Chicago, and I’m including “If You Leave Me Now.”

Chicago, “Lifesaver” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Lifesaver” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park

Part of the appeal of Chicago’s “Lifesaver” is that it’s fun – a stark contrast to the pretentious seriousness of 1973’s ‘Chicago VI.’