The biggest complaints from long-time Chicago fans during the 1980s centered on the abundance of power ballads and the diminished presence of the horn section. The once proud “rock ‘n’ roll band with horns” had been reduced to a synth-driven ballad machine. Granted, they were probably the best ballad machine of the ’80s, but for fans of Chicago from its beginning, this was a frustrating period of too many love songs and too few rock ‘n’ roll songs.
When Bill Champlin was added to the band for 1982’s Chicago 16, he brought with him the kind of resume that looked to fit perfectly into Chicago. His band, the Sons of Champlin, was another rock band with a featured horn section. However, after hitting the ground running with a number of strong songs on 16, his contributions to the band faded on the next two albums. It is obvious that 1988’s Chicago 19 was produced with the intention to feature Champlin more.
In my mind, the album’s fifth song, “Come in From the Night,” more than any other, is a fantastic example of the potential of Champlin and Chicago. This represents some of the best that Chicago 19 had to offer.
From the very beginning, it is obvious that this is a Chicago song. The horn section announces itself on the first note and reminds the listener that Bill Champlin belonged in the band and that Chicago still could still rock when they wanted to. “Come in From the Night” is an uptempo rocker that balances all the parts of the group extremely well. Classic Chicago horns? Check. Driving bass line? Check. Great melody and catchy chorus? Check. There’s not much not to like.
This song is a great representation of what Chicago was still capable of, Along with “Heart in Pieces” and “I Stand Up.” It is also a good example of how songs became better when the band played them.
For a fun comparison, take a listen an early demo version of the song. It shows the growth of “Come in From the Night,” and the impact that the talented members of Chicago have when they get ahold of an already-good song.
- Chicago, “90 Degrees and Freezing” from ‘Chicago XXX’ (2006): Saturdays in the Park - October 23, 2021
- Chicago, “Show Me a Sign” from ‘Heart of Chicago Vol. II’ (1998): Saturdays in the Park - August 14, 2021
- Chicago, “Sophisticated Lady” from ‘Night & Day: Big Band’ (1995): Saturdays in the Park - May 29, 2021
