Chicago, “Prelude to Aire / Aire” from Chicago VII (1974): Saturdays in the Park
Chicago always denied being a jazz-fusion band. The opening songs on 1974’s underrated ‘Chicago VII’ say something different.
Articles by: Bob Helme
Chicago, “Beyond All Our Sorrows” (1973): Saturdays in the Park
Chicago’s Terry Kath delivers a raw, emotional performance not unlike John Lennon’s brilliant but bleak ‘Plastic Ono Band’ album.
Chicago, “What’s This World Comin’ To” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park
One of the few social commentary songs on ‘Chicago VI,’ this funk workout was penned by James Pankow.
Chicago, “Darlin’ Dear” from Chicago VI (1973): Saturdays in the Park
It’s a shame Terry Kath never hitched up the slide again. Chicago’s “Darlin’ Dear” shows he had a real talent for it.
Chicago, “Alma Mater” from Chicago V (1972): Saturdays in the Park
I remember my late father listening to this Chicago song and remarking, “Terry Kath could sing the telephone book and make you weep!” True and tragic.
Chicago, “Saturday in the Park” from Chicago V (1972): Saturdays in the Park
Robert Lamm’s “Saturday in the Park” became a signature hit. It also marked a huge turning point for Chicago.
Chicago, “A Hit By Varese” from Chicago V (1972): Saturdays in the Park
“A Hit By Varese” leads off Chicago’s fifth album, one many of my colleagues and I feel is flawless. It is, as they used to say, “all killer, no filler.”
Chicago, “A Song For Richard and His Friends” from At Carnegie Hall (1971): Saturdays in the Park
‘Chicago at Carnegie Hall,’ a sprawling four-record set, was ripe for abuse from so-called leading critics of the time.
Chicago, “Elegy” from Chicago III (1971): Saturdays in the Park
“Elegy” is not an easy listen, but it shows the range of styles that Chicago’s original lineup could pull off – and pull off very well.
Chicago, “Winter Wonderland” from ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’ (2003)
Chicago tosses out the often-corny way “Winder Wonderland” is usually rendered in this Robert Lamm-sung version.
