August 10, 2019 by

Chicago, “Soldier of Fortune” from ‘Chicago XIV’ (1980): Saturdays in the Park

There’s something rather unusual about the three bonus tracks on the Rhino reissued version of 1980’s Chicago XIV: They are all good.

In fact, each one – including the final song, Robert Lamm’s “Soldier of Fortune” – would have been a worthy replacement for the weaker XIV material.



Lamm is in strong voice – which is good, since there is nary a harmony or backing vocal in sight. His narrative is straight forward and effective. The mid-tempo rocker finds Danny Seraphine providing what is his last interesting drum work and Peter Cetera providing his last solid McCartney-like bass work. The horn chart is equally solid and unobtrusive.

The song deserved a wider audience, especially given Chris Pinnick’s fiery lead and solo work.
Unfortunately, another end of an era was at hand for Chicago: Laudir de Oliveria was dismissed, Robert Lamm’s muse was sidelined due to his addiction, and Danny Seraphine was tied to a click track.


‘Saturdays in the Park’ is a multi-writer, song-by-song examination of the music of Chicago. Find it here at Something Else! each weekend.

Preston Frazier
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