“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 at Carnegie Hall,’ a sprawling four-record set, was ripe for abuse from so-called leading critics of the time.

“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.

Earnest and sweet, this update of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” showcases one of Chicago’s longest tenured non-original members.

Since it arrived on 1998’s ‘Chicago XXV,’ this update of “Little Drummer Boy” has grown to become a personal favorite – and, in my opinion, the definitive version.

Chicago guitarist Keith Howland added his first lead vocal to one of five new tracks included on 2003’s ‘What’s It Gonna Be, Santa?’

“Let It Snow” closes with one of the famed Chicago horn section’s 10 best moments. When listening in my car, I always play it a second time.

Chicago tosses out the often-corny way “Winder Wonderland” is usually rendered in this Robert Lamm-sung version.

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