Post Tagged with: "Richard Normandie"

How ‘Chicago XI’ Ended More Than One Era: Gimme Five

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.

Chicago, “90 Degrees and Freezing” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “90 Degrees and Freezing” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park

This checks all of Chicago’s boxes, including prominent horns and alternating lead vocals. Where “90 Degrees and Freezing” fails is in the production.

Chicago, “Show Me a Sign” from ‘Heart of Chicago Vol. II’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Show Me a Sign” from ‘Heart of Chicago Vol. II’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park

Of the four songs released on Chicago’s two ’90s-era greatest-hits albums, “Show Me a Sign” is my third favorite.

Chicago, “Sophisticated Lady” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Sophisticated Lady” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park

On an album that I often overlook, this update of a Duke Ellington standard is one that I never do. “Sophisticated Lady” sounded like a ’90s Chicago song.

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

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

“The Pull” showed a lyrical depth that Chicago hadn’t been explored since the death of Terry Kath. Then it was shelved for 15 years.

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

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

Put simply, “Mah-Jong” wouldn’t have worked on anything Chicago put out between 1982’s ’16’ and 1991’s ‘Twenty 1.’ But it fits in perfectly here.

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, “One From the Heart” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “One From the Heart” from ‘Twenty 1’ (1991): Saturdays in the Park

Stumbling into Chicago’s Robert Lamm-sung “One From the Heart” was like finding a relic from an ancient civilization.

Chicago, “Come in From the Night” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Come in From the Night” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

“Come in From the Night,” more than any other, is a fantastic example of the potential of Bill Champlin and Chicago.

Chicago, “Heart in Pieces” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Heart in Pieces” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

The first time I heard the opening track from ‘Chicago 19,’ I was drawn in – and even listening today, “Heart in Pieces” still stands out to me.