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

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See what happens when you are late to select songs to review for this series? “Look Away,” one of the biggest hits in Chicago’s multi-generational history, didn’t have many takers.

My first thought was perhaps to review the version from Jason Scheff’s 2019 solo album, Here I Am. Unfortunately, that update’s programmed backing adds little to “Look Away,” even with Bill Champlin returning to sing the second verse.



What about the solo take from Champlin’s brilliant 2008 album No Place Left to Fall? Keith Howland and Champlin also recreated a semi-acoustic Chicago live version. It’s fine, but not better than the original. Same for the more recent remake from 2020’s Champlin, Williams, Friestedt II album.

Bill Champlin and Chicago have gotten a lot of mileage out of this Diane Warren song. Now, poor Lou Pardini sings it in concert. Check out his anemic version of “Look Away” from Chicago at Symphony Hall, if you must.

Part of the song’s staying power is undoubtedly due to Warren’s relatable, hook-filled lyrics. Of course, a large share of the credit should also go to producer Ron Nevison, who aimed squarely at the Top 40 on “Look Away” and the three other songs he oversaw from 1988’s Chicago 19.

Bill Champlin’s singing talents are undeniably a great fit with the melody, but “Look Away” could have been done by any of the era’s pop-rock bands. His vocal stamp is the only clue that this is a Chicago song. No horns or Chicago keyboards are present.

Drummer Danny Seraphine makes one of his last appearances on drums for the band he co-founded, and his contributions are hardly memorable. Dan Huff provides equally uneventful guitar leads, supplanting touring guitarist Dawayne Bailey on the Nevison-produced songs.

The result was a faceless smash single from a forgettable Chicago album.


‘Saturdays in the Park’ is a multi-writer, song-by-song examination of the music of Chicago. Click here for an archive of entries.

Preston Frazier