With its stellar arrangements, impressive chops and smart production, Chicago’s “Just You ‘N’ Me” reached rare heights among pop-rock singles in 1973.

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

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?

You could drop this Chicago song onto contemporary albums by CSNY or the Grateful Dead. So, what’s it doing here?

A gentle, hymn-like piece, “Where Do We Go From Here” marks the first Peter Cetera composition to be recorded by Chicago.

Every time I listen to “In the Country” from 1970’s ‘Chicago II,’ I feel the freedom of the solitude and being alone in my thoughts, the gentle breeze tousling my hair.

Chicago will be excellent throughout the Terry Kath years, but rarely, if ever better than this deep cut. “Poem for the People” is the sound of a band that can do anything and do it well.

You know an album is good when even the filler tracks, like this one from ‘Chicago II,’ are outstanding.

Mat Brewster shares thoughts and memories as random music goes by.