How ‘Chicago XI’ Ended More Than One Era: Gimme Five
Even 45 years later, ‘Chicago XI’ isn’t their best-loved original-lineup album. Yet, for better or worse, it remains one of the most memorable of the era.
Even 45 years later, ‘Chicago XI’ isn’t their best-loved original-lineup album. Yet, for better or worse, it remains one of the most memorable of the era.
Here are the ’60s classic-rock records we simply couldn’t live without if something went wrong on our three-hour tour … our three-hour tour …
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.
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.
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’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.
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.
‘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.
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.
Asked to pick five favorite Yuletide songs (and only five), our panel of holly-jolly musical enthusiasts offered some occasionally offbeat suggestions.