Articles by: Perplexio

Chicago, 'Ain't It Time' from 'Hot Streets' (1978): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, ‘Ain’t It Time’ from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

Donnie Dacus clearly felt his moment had arrived after moving from largely uncredited work with Stephen Stills to the spotlight as Chicago’s new guitarist.

Toto, "The Road Goes On" from 'Tambu' (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “The Road Goes On” from ‘Tambu’ (1995): Toto Tuesdays

“The Road Goes On” works like a crescendo, providing the exclamation mark that Toto’s ‘Tambu’ was always building toward.

Chicago, "Take a Chance" from 'Hot Streets' (1978): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Take a Chance” from ‘Hot Streets’ (1978): Saturdays in the Park

“Take a Chance” makes a strong case for Donnie Dacus as the right guitarist for Chicago at the time.

Toto, "The Other End of Time" from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “The Other End of Time” from Tambu (1995): Toto Tuesdays

At first, Toto’s ‘Tambu’ didn’t grab me — with a couple of exceptions. “The Other End of Time” was one of them.

Chicago, "This Time" from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “This Time” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago’s “This Time” is a statement of hope for the future, a hope that was sadly snuffed out on Jan. 23, 1978.

Chicago, "Mississippi Delta City Blues" from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Mississippi Delta City Blues” from Chicago XI (1977): Saturdays in the Park

The evolution of Chicago’s “Mississippi Delta City Blues” helps us chart the more personal evolution of Terry Kath as a songwriter, arranger and musician.

Chicago, "Gently I'll Wake You" from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “Gently I’ll Wake You” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

While Robert Lamm’s voice has held up over the years, he’s rarely, if ever, returned to the creative vocal delivery he used on this Chicago song.

Vinyl

I-Ten – ‘Taking a Cold Look’ (1983): Forgotten Series

Before Tom Kelly and Bill Steinberg found songwriting success with Heart, REO Speedwagon, Madonna and others, they put out an album as I-Ten.

Toto, "Only You" from Kingdom of Desire (1991): Toto Tuesdays

Toto, “Only You” from Kingdom of Desire (1991): Toto Tuesdays

Toto’s “Only You” is powered by a heart-wrenching vocal by Steve Lukather. He doesn’t merely sing the lyrics; he emotes them.

Chicago, "If You Leave Me Now" from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

Chicago, “If You Leave Me Now” from Chicago X (1976): Saturdays in the Park

I know “If You Leave Me Now” was Chicago’s first No. 1 hit, but maybe they should strike it from the setlist permanently.