Post Tagged with: "When Good Bands Do Bad Things"

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

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

This is another keyboard-heavy ‘Twenty 1’ track with histrionic vocals and by-the-book guitar solos that will never remind anyone of the real Chicago.

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

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

Unfortunately, Chicago had no idea how to make a promising demo from Marc Jordan into something of their own. Here’s my suggestion.

Chicago, “You’re Not Alone” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “You’re Not Alone” from ‘Chicago 19’ (1988): Saturdays in the Park

Bill Champlin does his best, but Chicago’s utterly generic “You’re Not Alone” could have been a minor hit for any number of other bands of the same era.

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

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

Producer Ron Nevison takes over for Bill Champlin’s “Look Away,” a faceless smash single from a forgettable Chicago album.

Yes, “Don’t Take No For an Answer” from ‘Fly From Here: Return Trip’ (2018): YESterdays

Yes, “Don’t Take No For an Answer” from ‘Fly From Here: Return Trip’ (2018): YESterdays

Yes included a completely new song when they returned to ‘Fly From Here’ in 2018, but I wouldn’t recommend buying it just for “Don’t Take No For an Answer.”

Chicago, “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” (1988): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love” (1988): Saturdays in the Park

If you somehow feel compelled to listen to Chicago’s by-the-numbers ballad “I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love,” check out the weird and delightful video.

Chicago, “When Will the World Be Like Lovers” (1986): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “When Will the World Be Like Lovers” (1986): Saturdays in the Park

The ‘Chicago 18’-era leftover “When Will the World Be Like Lovers” represents everything that is wrong with their post-Peter Cetera material.

Chicago “One More Day” from ‘Chicago 18’ (1986): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago “One More Day” from ‘Chicago 18’ (1986): Saturdays in the Park

“One More Day” is an appropriate ending for an album that likewise had some good, some bad, but overall represents a dated version of Chicago.

Why Billy Corgan’s ‘TheFutureEmbrace’ Still Leaves Me Cold

Why Billy Corgan’s ‘TheFutureEmbrace’ Still Leaves Me Cold

Billy Corgan released his solo debut 15 years ago this week, while simultaneously announcing that he was getting back together with the Smashing Pumpkins.

Alestorm – ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ (2020)

Alestorm – ‘Curse of the Crystal Coconut’ (2020)

For the first time ever I leave an Alestorm album not with a big grin and a desire to hoist the Jolly Roger, but actually kind of bummed.