‘Chicago III’ arrived 55 years ago this week as their third consecutive double album in less than two years. Yet Chicago was somehow still pushing the musical envelope.

“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.

“Hour in the Shower” is a welcome reminder that as serious as Chicago took themselves at times, they still knew how to have fun.

Given the results of the recent election, the opening lyrics to Chicago’s “Lowdown” feel especially true for many right now.

A highlight from Chicago’s most jazz-oriented album to date, “Mother” is a perfect example of the era’s political activism and musical eclecticism.

I’ve long thought Peter Cetera was underrated as a bass player, and Chicago’s “Happy ‘Cause I’m Goin’ Home” illustrates the point.

Why is Chicago’s “At the Sunrise” overlooked? Maybe because ‘Chicago III’ has so many great songs, and this one falls through the cracks?

The most unmelodic, atonal instrumental Chicago ever released, “Free Country” is not a piece I would ever play separately – but it works as part of the “Travel Suite.”

“Free” isn’t as well remembered as some of Chicago’s bigger classic hits of the era, but I have a great time every time I hear it.

With ‘Flight 602,” Chicago’s Robert Lamm describes the boredom of waiting to go onstage, but this engaging song is anything but boring.