I guess it would be the height of laziness to simply say, “See our earlier review of Chicago’s ‘Who Do You Love.'” Somehow the premise is exactly the same for the final track on 1991’s Twenty 1.
“Holdin’ On” represents yet another misuse of Bill Champlin, Chicago’s most prominent talent. Not that it isn’t a good song. Champlin and co-writer and occasional Sons of Champlin member Tom Saviano deliver a power ballad which is dynamic and memorable. Champlin sings the verses with sensitivity and power, while Jason Scheff’s bridge vocals make for an excellent foil.
Initially written for 1988’s Chicago 19, “Holdin’ On” has more subtlety and passion than anything on that album. Unfortunately, the song suffers like most of Twenty 1 from ham-fisted mixing: The horns are buried and the bass is computerized, nearly matching the lack of feel on display from the computerized drums.
Twenty 1 never got the re-release treatment most of Chicago’s other albums did from Rhino Records. That’s unfortunate. At least with “Holdin’ On,” there are plenty of demo versions featuring Tamara Champlin on vocals and Dawayne Bailey, Chicago’s second-longest tenured guitarist, available on the interwebs. (Ironically, Bailey did not play on the finished version of the song).
Still, after five albums with Chicago, Bill Champlin (once again) deserved better.
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