“If It Were You” is a flawless song, yet Chicago left it as an deep cut on 1991’s ‘Twenty 1,’ releasing dull, lifeless ballads as singles instead.

Allman Betts Band, Randy Goodrum and Ian Dury are part of the latest edition of Five for the Road, an occasional look at music that’s been in my car lately.

Unfortunately, Chicago had no idea how to make a promising demo from Marc Jordan into something of their own. Here’s my suggestion.

Bill Champlin does his best, but Chicago’s utterly generic “You’re Not Alone” could have been a minor hit for any number of other bands of the same era.

Released 15 years ago today, Death Cab for Cutie’s meaningful and idiosyncratic “Summer Skin” seems to be about youth, but really it’s all about growing up.

One of five original compositions on ’19,’ “Runaround” proved they had pop/rock sensibilities but could still sound like Chicago.

Jason Scheff does a lot better delivering songs emotionally when he writes or co-writes them. Chicago’s “What Kind of Man Would I Be?” is a perfect example.

Julee Johnson’s “So on Top of the World” marries a bubbly disco beat to a simple and steady pop rock finish that is impossible to resist.

Producer Ron Nevison takes over for Bill Champlin’s “Look Away,” a faceless smash single from a forgettable Chicago album.

“Come in From the Night,” more than any other, is a fantastic example of the potential of Bill Champlin and Chicago.