Chicago album

Album   Released Publisher Rating
Chicago 16 (Bonus Track) 1982 WEA International
Chicago XIV (Bonus Tracks) 1980 Warner Bros.
Hot Streets (Bonus Track) 1978 Warner Bros.
Chicago XI (Bonus Tracks) 1977 Warner Bros.
Chicago X (Bonus Tracks) 1976 Warner Bros.
Chicago IX: Greatest Hits (Rhino) 1975 Rhino Records
Chicago VIII (Bonus Tracks) 1975 Rhino Records
Chicago VII (Bonus Tracks) 1974 Warner Bros.
At Carnegie Hall, Vol. 1-4 (Chicago IV) (Bonus Tracks) 1971 Rhino
Back to the topChicago 16 (Bonus Track)
Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1982
Label:
WEA International
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
Although they had a moderate hit with 1978's Hot Streets, for all intents and purposes Chicago had been adrift since the tragic death of Terry Kath in January of 1978. Chicago 16 is where the band finally righted itself, in no small part due to the addition of guitarist/keyboardist Bill Champlin, the namesake of the '60s San Franciscan psychedelic outfit the Sons of Champlin, who in addition to joining the band brought into the circle the producer who would change Chicago's commercial fortunes: David Foster. The Canadian producer had worked with Champlin on a solo album, Runaway, which made a very small ripple on the Billboard charts upon its 1981 release, but did pave the way for the sound that Chicago developed on 16. Under the direction of Foster, Chicago turned away from any lingering jazz-rock roots they had, and they also backed away from the disco aspirations that sank their turn-of-the-decade platters. Instead, they pursued a glistening modern pop sound, anchored with dramatic drums, built on synthesizers, decked out in arena rock guitars, layered with harmonies, and stripped of any excesses -- which by and large included Chicago's famed horn section, which was now used for punctuation instead of functioning as the center of the group's sound. This was no-nonsense, all-business, crisp and clean pop for the Reagan era, and it not only became a smash hit for Chicago -- reaching the Top Ten, thanks to the singles "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" and "Love Me Tomorrow" -- it defined Foster's sound, which in turned defined adult contemporary for the '80s. It may not have been too faithful to Chicago, at least what the band was in the '70s, but amidst '80s adult pop, it's a high watermark -- and a lot punchier and tougher than the singles would suggest, too, since almost all of the album tracks are relatively high energy and soulful. And since this finds Foster hitting his groove as a producer, 16 is always a pleasure to listen to even when the songs themselves tend toward the forgettable. Again, it's not necessarily an album for fans of Chicago the musicians, but those who love Foster the producer and the two singles on 16, this record is an entertaining period piece. [Rhino's 2006 reissue of 16 is remastered and contains one bonus track in "Daddy's Favorite Fool," a previously unissued -- and pretty good -- demo by Champlin.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 What You're Missing 3:29 Williams, Gruska
2 Waiting for You to Decide 4:07 Lukather, Paich, Foster
3 Bad Advice 2:58 Foster, Cetera, Pankow
4 Chains 3:24 Thomas
5 Hard to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away 5:04 Lamm, Foster, Cetera Ringtone
6 Follow Me 4:54 Pankow, Foster
7 Sonny Think Twice 4:01 Seraphine, Champlin
8 What Can I Say 3:48 Pankow, Foster
9 Rescue You 3:58 Foster, Cetera
10 Love Me Tomorrow 5:02 Foster, Cetera
11 Daddy's Favorite Fool (#)(*) 3:52 Champlin
Back to the topChicago XIV (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1980
Label:
Warner Bros.
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
This 2003 CD reissue of Chicago XIV includes three bonus selections -- the funky "Live It Up" from James Pankow (trombone) as well as a pair of Robert Lamm rockers, "Soldier of Fortune" and "Doin' Business" -- the latter of which was previously only available as a bonus track on the Group Portrait (1991) box set. Chicago's 14th long-player went primarily unnoticed when first released in the summer of 1980. After replacing the late Terry Kath (guitar) with former Stephen Stills sideman Donnie Dacus (guitar), the band attempted to update and stabilize its sound. His contributions were short-lived, however, and prior to working on Chicago XIV, Chris Pinnick was hired and soon became the combo's third lead guitarist in as many years. In fact, it seems as if they had yet to completely recover from the loss of Kath. When coupled with the poor sales of Chicago's previous albums as well as the group's complete de-prioritization from its record label, the significant lack of focus resulted in a disjointed effort. Tellingly, the vast majority of material came from either the Peter Cetera (bass/vocals) or Lamm (keyboards/vocals) camps. While the pair had long been considered Chicago's strongest respective songwriters, Cetera in particular was emerging with a definitive and soulful delivery, especially notable on "Song for You" and "Overnight Café." However, he bails on the half-baked "Hold On." Conversely, Lamm's "Manipulation" is a strong and aggressive opener, yet any initial momentum quickly dissipates with lesser sides such as "Upon Arrival" or the tongue-in-cheek "I'd Rather Be Rich." A decidedly more successful outing from Cetera, Lamm, and Danny Seraphine (drums) is "Thunder and Lightning" -- highlighted by some jazzy chord changes. After the group's dismissal from Columbia Records -- with whom it had been associated for over a decade -- Chicago took a two-year hiatus. They reemerged with Chicago 16 (1982), ultimately garnering several chart-topping singles as well as their first Top Ten album in nearly six years.
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Manipulation 3:46 Lamm
2 Upon Arrival 3:49 Lamm, Cetera
3 Song for You 3:43 Cetera
4 Where Did the Lovin' Go 4:07 Cetera
5 Birthday Boy 4:55 Seraphine, Wolinski
6 Hold On 4:14 Ely, Cetera
7 Overnight Cafe 4:21 Cetera
8 Thunder and Lightning 3:33 Downey, Seraphine, Cetera, Lynott, Lamm
9 I'd Rather Be Rich 3:08 Lamm
10 The American Dream 3:23 Pankow
11 Doin' Business (*) 3:31 Lamm
12 Live It Up (#)(*) 3:23 Pankow
13 Soldier of Fortune (#)(*) 3:50 Lamm
Price: $7.98     17 Reviews
Remastered reissue of 1980 album, expanded with three bonus tracks including Robert Lamm's hard-to-find 'Doin' Business', along with the two previously unissued tracks 'Livin' It...
Back to the topHot Streets (Bonus Track)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1978
Label:
Warner Bros.
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
Album Rock
Rhino charges ahead with their thorough renovation of the "classic" Chicago catalog on this 2003 reissue of Hot Streets, which finds the band reeling from the tragic and sudden loss of lead guitarist Terry Kath. Not only would this be their first release without him, it was also marked by the departure of longtime collaborator James William Guercio, who had worked with Chicago even before the beginning and was partially responsible for getting the group a recording contract. Enter Donnie Dacus (guitar/vocals), who was the initial guitarist brought in to fill Kath's formidable shoes. On an equally somber note, "Alive Again," the album's upbeat opener, as well as the adult contemporary ballad "No Tell Lover," would become Chicago's final trip into the Top 40 for nearly four years. While their new producer, Phil Ramone, would give the material an added and noticeable bite, he could not save them from the rapidly changing horizon of pop music, which was firmly entrenched in disco when Hot Streets hit the shelves in 1978. There are a few long lost highlights, however, such as the Peter Cetera (bass/vocals) rocker "Little Miss Lover," which returns to the combo's seminal sides with its aggressive backbeat and funky, soulful rhythmic support. Dacus contributes mightily to Cetera's "Gone, Gone, Gone," nailing a slide guitar solo with the languid twang often associated with George Harrison. Robert Lamm's (keyboards/vocals) single "Love Was New" also harks back to earlier Chicago with a nod to the band's jazz-rock fusion roots. This 2003 reissue includes one additional "bonus selection" -- a second version of "Love Was New" with an alternate lead vocal from newcomer Dacus. The musical landscape was changing for Chicago and the band's decision to alter its sound, presumably to attract a younger audience, would all but remove the group from the public eye and ear for its next four LPs.
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Alive Again 4:11 Pankow
2 The Greatest Love on Earth 3:18 Seraphine, Wolinski
3 Little Miss Lovin' 4:35 Cetera
4 Hot Streets 5:22 Lamm
5 Take a Chance 4:45 Loughnane, Wagner
6 Gone Long Gone 3:59 Cetera
7 Ain't It Time 4:14 Seraphine, Dacus, Schwebke
8 Love Was New 3:32 Lamm
9 No Tell Lover 4:16 Cetera, Loughnane, Seraphine
10 Show Me the Way 3:40 Wolinski, Seraphine
11 Love Was New (Alternate Vocal)(*) 3:30 Lamm
Price: $11.98     13 Reviews
Remastered reissue of 1978 album features a rare, never-before-available alternate vocal version of 'Love Was New' as a bonus track. Rhino. 2003.
Back to the topChicago XI (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1977
Label:
Warner Bros.
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
The band's 11th effort and ninth studio release began to show signs of Chicago's somewhat formulaic approach to record-making. A few weepy and introspective ballads, a few rockers, and . It is perhaps this oversimplification of the process that had become one of the combo's primary points of contention with their longtime producer, musical director, and mentor, James William Guercio. Under his supervision, Chicago's image had become as predictable as the distinct Cola-Cola-inspired "Chicago" logo and Roman numeral cataloging that had been emblazoned upon every one of the group's releases to date. There was also some less apparent turmoil going on within the grooves as well. This was certainly not dramatically affecting the quality of the music or performances, which are solid throughout. Conspicuously absent are the elongated jazz jams and instrumentals. They have been effectively replaced by shorter and decidedly more "hit-oriented" material. Nowhere is this more evident than Peter Cetera's (bass/vocals) "Baby, What a Big Surprise," which became the Top Ten follow-up to his chart-topping and double Grammy award-garnering track "If You Leave Me Now" from their previous studio disc, Chicago X (1976). In terms of accessibility, such light pop fare was an inevitable triumph. From a creative perspective, however, the band had all but abandoned their previous fusion experimentations. The shorter arrangements did include several notable and inspired works, such as the Terry Kath (guitar/vocals) opener, "Mississippi Delta Blues." This cut not only demonstrates his agile electric guitar work, the up-tempo and funky track is a showcase for his unparalleled style of arranging. The same holds for Kath's gritty rocker "Takin' It on Uptown." This contrasts Daniel Seraphine's (drums/percussion) "Take Me Back to Chicago" or the slightly darker and orchestrated "Little One." More distinct in its arguable overuse of strings is the miniature symphonic "The Inner Struggles of a Man" from Dominic Frontiere -- who had become a heavyweight working with the likes of old-school talents such as Eartha Kitt and Bing Crosby as well as the more concurrent introspective folkie leanings of Dan Fogelberg. Frontiere also contributes the less-pronounced "Prelude" to Seraphine's closing ballad, "Little One." Also worth mentioning are James Pankow's soulful "Till the End of Time," which is pulled off with a sonic finesse reminiscent of "Big" Al Anderson during his NRBQ days. Adding to the hauntingly familiar refrain are not only some sweet vocal inflections, but likewise the brassy horn section, who supply a laid-back and understated bed not unlike that of the Q's Whole Wheat Horns. On a much more somber note, Chicago XI is the final studio effort to include the unfathomable contributions of Kath, who fatally and accidentally shot himself on January 23, 1978 -- some four months after the release of this album. Although the group would eventually reconvene, their sound was never the same. [The 2003 CD reissue contains a pair of "bonus selections" from the rehearsals and recording sessions. Incipient and previously unissued versions of Pankow's "Wish I Could Fly" and Robert Lamm's (keyboard/vocals) Parisian ode "Paris" are equally poignant as two of Kath's final statements with the band he formed and defined for nearly a decade.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Mississippi Delta City Blues 4:41 Kath
2 Baby, What a Big Surprise 3:06 Cetera
3 Till the End of Time 4:48 Pankow
4 Policeman 4:02 Lamm
5 Take Me Back to Chicago 5:16 Seraphine, Wolinski
6 Vote for Me 3:47 Lamm
7 Takin' It on Uptown 4:47 Kath, Kagan
8 This Time 4:46 Loughnane
9 The Inner Struggles of a Man 2:43 Seraphine, Frontiere
10 Prelude (Little One) 0:52 Wolinski, Seraphine
11 Little One 5:44 Seraphine, Wolinski
12 Wish I Could Fly (Rehearsal)(*) 3:46 N/A
13 Paris (Rehearsal)(*) 3:54 N/A
Price: $7.98     15 Reviews
Expanded & remastered version of Chicago's 1977 album features 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks, 'Wish I Could Fly' (rehearsal)& 'Paris' (rehearsal). Rhino. 2003.
Back to the topChicago X (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1976
Label:
Warner Bros.
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Soft Rock
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Although it was their tenth release Chicago X (1976) was actually the band's eighth studio effort -- as Chicago IV (1972) had been a live set from Carnegie Hall and Chicago IX (1975), which precedes this disc, was the their first best-of collection. Musically, the combo had effectively abandoned their extended free-form jazz leanings for more succinct pop songs. That is not to say that the band couldn't rock, because they could as evidenced by the Terry Kath (guitar/vocals) full-tilt rave-up "Once or Twice," which commences the album. The hot brass section bows deeply and respectfully to their Muscle Shoals counterparts as Kath does his best funky Otis Redding vocal. Showing his tremendous depth of field, Kath bookends the LP with the empowering and positive "Hope for Love." In between those two extremes are some of Chicago's best-known works -- such as Peter Cetera's (bass/vocals) chart-topping light rock epic "If You Leave Me Now" and Robert Lamm's (keyboards/vocals) "Another Rainy Night in New York City." The latter side also reveals a minor motif, as it is a Latin-based song about the Big Apple. It follows in the footsteps of the improv-heavy "Italian from New York" from their previous studio effort, the fusion-filled Chicago VII (1974). Lamm contributes a few other tucked-away classics to Chicago X as well -- such as the aggressive and sexy "You Get It Up." There are also a pair from James Pankow(trombone/vocals) in the form of the syncopated "You Are on My Mind" -- which crossed over onto both the adult contemporary as well as pop music charts. His other composition is the classy brass of "Skin Tight." The upfront horn interjections and overall augmentation are akin to the sound made famous by their West Coast Tower of Power contemporaries. As a majority of their previous efforts had done -- all sans their debut -- Chicago X was a Top Ten album and "If You Leave Me Now" became a double Grammy winner, for both Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo Group or Chorus and Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s). The latter award was actually not given to the band, but rather to noted string arranger Jimmie Haskell and the group's longtime producer, James William Guercio. Another well-deserved Grammy was given to John Berg for his visually enticing cover art -- depicting Chicago's logo on the wrapper of what otherwise appears to be a Hershey chocolate bar. As the disc was released in the summer of the U.S. bicentennial (1976), the all-American image was undoubtedly and duly noted. [The 2003 CD reissue includes new liner notes, rare photos, and two "bonus selections" that actually predate the recording sessions for Chicago X. These include Lamm's first swipe at "I'd Rather Be Rich," which would turn up nearly half a decade later on their 14th effort in 1980. Finally, there is a previously unearthed Kath track called "Your Love's an Attitude."]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Once or Twice 3:02 Kath
2 You Are on My Mind 3:25 Pankow
3 Skin Tight 3:21 Pankow
4 If You Leave Me Now 3:59 Cetera Ringtone
5 Together Again 3:55 Loughnane
6 Another Rainy Day in New York City 3:05 Lamm
7 Mama Mama 3:33 Cetera
8 Scrapbook 3:32 Lamm
9 Gently I'll Wake You 3:35 Lamm
10 You Get It Up 3:36 Lamm
11 Hope for Love 3:08 Kath
12 I'd Rather Be Rich (Original Version/Rehearsal)(*) 2:37 Lamm
13 Your Love's an Attitude (*) 5:59 Kath
Price: $7.98     9 Reviews
Expanded & remastered version of Chicago's 1976 album features 2 previously unreleased bonus tracks, 'I'd Rather Be Rich' (original version/rehearsal) & 'Your Love's An Attitude...
Back to the topChicago IX: Greatest Hits (Rhino)
Review by Stephen Cook, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1975
Label:
Rhino Records
Rating:
Styles:
Soft Rock
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Jazz-Rock
AM Pop
Does anyone need another Chicago album besides this one? For the casual fan, the answer is definitely no. The 1975 blockbuster includes all the band's hits from its prime. And while tracks like "Wishing You Were Here" and "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" have worn a wee thin over the years, most of the cuts here are still topnotch. Standouts include the incomparable "Saturday in the Park," "Beginnings," and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" When rock grew up with horns, jazz charts, and chops. Not as snide as Steely Dan or as soulful as Blood, Sweat & Tears, Chicago still delivered with the 11 fine sides heard here. [The Rhino edition has been remastered and repackaged.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 25 or 6 to 4 4:53 Lamm Ringtone
2 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? 3:22 Lamm Ringtone
3 Colour My World 3:01 Pankow
4 Just You 'N' Me 3:45 Pankow Ringtone
5 Saturday in the Park 3:55 Lamm Ringtone
6 Feelin' Stronger Every Day 4:16 Pankow, Pankow, Cetera Ringtone
7 Make Me Smile 3:02 Pankow, Pankow
8 Wishing You Were Here 4:36 Cetera
9 Call on Me 4:03 Loughnane Ringtone
10 (I've Been) Searchin' So Long 4:30 Pankow
11 Beginnings 7:50 Lamm
Price: $11.98     22 Reviews
Chicago IX: Greatest Hits '69 - '74 was the band's first greatest hits collection. Originally released 30 years ago in November of 1975, it spent five weeks atop the Billboard albu...
Back to the topChicago VIII (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Bradley Torreano, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1975
Label:
Rhino Records
Rating:
Styles:
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
AM Pop
Road-weary and running low on steam, the members of Chicago began tinkering with their formula on the nostalgic Chicago VIII. Robert Lamm continued to loosen his grip on the songwriting, allowing Peter Cetera, Terry Kath, and James Pankow to pen the majority of the album. The enthusiasm and drive that the band had displayed on their previous efforts was audibly escaping them, best exemplified by the lazy drawl that Cetera affects on his otherwise rocking "Anyway You Want." Finally, the jazz tinges continued to appear less and less, replaced by a brassy R&B approach that provides a more rigid structure for their tunes. But these factors don't necessarily count against the band, as many songs have a lazy, late-afternoon feel that provides a few feel-good moments. Pankow's "Brand New Love Affair, Pts. I & II" is a smooth, light rock ballad that Terry Kath wraps his soulful voice around, transforming it into a brooding lament on lost love. This track also begins to incorporate the multi-vocalist approach that would become the trademark of their '80s work, as the second half of the song is sung by Cetera and Lamm as well. Kath's "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" is another winner, as his delicate vocals drift along on a sparse and psychedelic (for Chicago at least) sea of guitars. Pankow's "Old Days" may be the only other notable track, a powerful rocker that showcases his tight compositional skills and provided the band with the only memorable hit song from the record. Lamm's contributions are the least-commercial songs, as his arty and dynamic tracks are nostalgic entries that show him moving in an atypical direction lyrically and musically. Only his "Harry Truman" really connects, and the instrumental tributes to Depression-era jazz and the goofy singalong ending manage to render the song silly before it can really sink in. Although not terrible by any means, Chicago VIII is heavily burdened by their obvious desire to take a break. The band hits upon some wonderful ideas here, but they are simply too weary to follow them up, and the resulting album has none of the tight orchestration that reigns in their more ridiculous tendencies. [The 2002 reissue reveals the band did have some jazz-oriented tunes on deck, as bonus tracks "Sixth Sense" and "Bright Eyes" are rough sketches of what could have been two of the better songs on the record. A live version of "Satin Doll" rounds out the extras.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Anyway You Want 3:39 Cetera
2 Brand New Love Affair, Pts. 1 & 2 4:29 Pankow
3 Never Been in Love Before 4:10 Lamm
4 Hideaway 4:45 Cetera
5 Till We Meet Again 2:04 Kath
6 Harry Truman 3:02 Lamm
7 Oh, Thank You Great Spirit 7:20 Kath
8 Long Time No See 2:48 Lamm
9 Ain't It Blue? 3:27 Lamm
10 Old Days 3:34 Pankow
11 Sixth Sense (Rehearsal)(#)(*) 5:06 Kath
12 Bright Eyes (Rehearsal)(#)(*) 3:40 Lamm
13 Satin Doll (Live, 1974)(#)(*) 2:47 Ellington, Mercer, Strayhorn
Price: $7.98     21 Reviews
Expanded & Remastered features the original albums 10 more pop-oriented tracks, including the hits 'Old Days,' 'Harry Truman' and 'Brand New Love Affair.' Also includes 3 bonus ...
Back to the topChicago VII (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1974
Label:
Warner Bros.
Rating:
Styles:
Adult Contemporary
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Soft Rock
AM Pop
Although commercially successful, Chicago's previous long-player, Chicago VI (1973), had not been received as warmly from both the critics as well as from some bandmembers. Both parties expressed their dissatisfaction with the lighter fare and significantly shorter material. In response, the combo briefly returned to their previously tried and true methodology on their follow-up album. As such, Chicago VII (1974) was not only a double LP, but much of the effort likewise returned them to their former jazz/rock glory while continuing the middle-of-the-road (MOR) ethos that was concurrently impacting the pop charts. Nowhere is this more evident than the trio of sides extracted as singles -- including the Top Ten hits "(I've Been) Searching So Long," "Call on Me," and "Wishing You Were Here." The latter of which features some stunning backing vocals from Beach Boys Dennis Wilson, Carl Wilson, and Alan Jardine. The group were continuing in their incorporation of additional musicians, most notably Laudir DeOliveira (percussion) and David J. Wolinski (ARP synthesizer) -- both of whom are prominently featured throughout the sides. The opening instrumentals, including "Prelude to Aire," "Aire," and "Devil's Sweet," reflect Daniel Seraphine's (drums) tremendously underrated skills as a writer as well as the combo's recently underutilized talents as ensemble musicians. All three tracks provide a brilliant showcase for the brass/woodwind section(s) to flex their respective muscles, drawing heavily upon the styles of Weather Report and to some extent Miles Davis and Santana. The nature of their seemingly experimental fusion is stretched out even further on "Italian From New York." The cut includes some interesting ARP interjections from Robert Lamm, whose decidedly free-form contributions weave alongside some rubbery and liquefied fretwork courtesy of Terry Kath (guitar/vocals). His lead bobs around Lamm's synthesizer and an equally prominent cool-toned Fender Rhodes keyboard bed. The second half of Chicago VII directly contrasts the less structured instrumentals with more inclusive sides such as the previously mentioned hits "Call On Me" and "Wishing You Were Here." Other highlights include Lamm's funky mid-tempo "Life Saver," Peter Cetera's (bass/vocals) laid-back and unencumbered "Happy Man," and a double shot from Kath in the form of two serene ballads, "Song of the Evergreens" and "Byblos" -- which features some stellar acoustic strumming. This collection would be Chicago's final two-disc set by the original lineup and offers the best of the band as improvisational instrumentalists as well as concise, emotive vocalists and song crafters. [The 2002 CD reissue not only includes the brilliantly remastered contents of the original double LP set, but also a previously unissued rehearsal of "Byblos" as a supplementary side, as well as 12 pages of appropriate memorabilia, photos, and newly penned text.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 Prelude to Aire 2:47 Seraphine
2 Aire 6:28 Seraphine, Parazaider, Pankow
3 Devil's Sweet 10:09 Seraphine, Parazaider
4 Italian from New York 4:14 Lamm
5 Hanky Panky 1:53 Lamm
6 Life Saver 5:18 Lamm
7 Happy Man 3:31 Cetera
8 (I've Been) Searchin' So Long 4:28 Pankow
9 Mongonucleosis 3:27 Pankow
10 Song of the Evergreens 5:21 Kath
11 Byblos 6:20 Kath
12 Wishing You Were Here 4:37 Cetera
13 Call on Me 4:03 Loughnane Ringtone
14 Women Don't Want to Love Me 4:36 Lamm
15 Skinny Boy 5:17 Lamm
16 Byblos (Rehearsal)(#)(*) 5:42 Kath
Price: $7.98     26 Reviews
Expanded and Remastered, features the original double-album's 15 jazzy pop tracks, including the hits '(I've Been) Searchin' So Long,' 'Wishing You Were Here' and 'Call On Me.' ...
Back to the topAt Carnegie Hall, Vol. 1-4 (Chicago IV) (Bonus Tracks)
Review by Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
Released:
January 1971
Label:
Rhino
Rating:
Styles:
Contemporary Pop/Rock
Jazz-Rock
AM Pop
After issuing three consecutive studio double LPs, Chicago topped themselves with this four-album live box set. As the title suggests, At Carnegie Hall, Vols. 1-4 (Chicago IV) (1971) finds the band at the venerable New York City venue during a five-night stand (April 5-April 10) in the spring of 1971. The septet -- which includes the respective talents of Terry Kath (lead guitar/vocals), Robert Lamm (keyboards/vocals), Peter Cetera (bass/vocals), Danny Seraphine (drums), Lee Loughnane (trumpet/vocals), James Pankow (trombone), and Walter Parazaider (woodwinds/vocals) -- were at their unquestionable peak of initial popularity. Their previous three double LPs continued extended runs on the pop album chart and likewise spawned a number of hit singles. So by the time the group hit the Big Apple for these shows, they were among the hottest things happening. Chicago's set list is wholly representative of the material from Chicago Transit Authority (1969), Chicago II (1970), and Chicago III (1971) and includes several extended multi-song medleys from each. The band winds its way through muscular versions of the epic "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon," "Travel Suite," as well as lengthy renderings of deeper cuts such as "South California Purples," "Fancy Colours," and the ten-minute-plus opening "In the Country." One of the set's most notable highlights is the politically charged "For Richard and His Friends." The lengthy and well-jammed-out cut is both groovy and propulsive. However, the acoustics at Carnegie Hall are quite frankly not (and really never have been) properly suited for heavily amplified music. While the percussion and electric guitars are clearly audible, the woodwind and brass section come off sounding extremely thin and devoid of any real timbre. This is unfortunate, as a primary component of the band is the contrasting textures between the two. Enthusiasts seeking a much more sonically accurate portrait should by whatever means necessary locate the Live in Japan 1972 two-CD set -- which also includes tracks from Chicago's fifth effort. [Rhino released a deluxe edition of At Carnegie Hall in 2005. The mini-box set contains a remastered version of the quadruple album spread out over three CDs, plus a disc of unreleased material from the concerts. Reproductions of the three posters included in the original set are included, along with a 36-page booklet that includes new liner notes, the original artwork, plus a list of all the concerts Chicago played between 1967 and 1971.]
Track # Track Time Composer
1 In the Country 10:35 Kath
2 Fancy Colours 5:15 Lamm
3 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (Free Form Intro) 6:20 Lamm
4 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? 3:26 Lamm Ringtone
5 South California Purples 15:34 Lamm
6 Questions 67 and 68 5:35 Lamm
7 Sing a Mean Tune Kid 12:53 Lamm
8 Beginnings 6:27 Lamm
9 It Better End Soon: 1st Movement 2:54 Lamm
10 It Better End Soon: 2nd Movement (Flute Solo) 5:00 Lamm, Parazaider
11 It Better End Soon: 3rd Movement (Guitar Solo) 2:42 Lamm, Kath
12 It Better End Soon: 4th Movement (Preach) 3:09 Kath, Lamm
13 It Better End Soon: 5th Movement 2:07 Lamm
14 Introduction 7:09 Kath
15 Mother 8:20 Lamm
16 Lowdown 3:58 Cetera, Seraphine
17 Flight 602 3:31 Lamm
18 Motorboat to Mars 2:59 Seraphine
19 Free 5:15 Lamm Ringtone
20 Where Do We Go from Here 4:08 Cetera
21 I Don't Want Your Money 5:22 Kath, Lamm
22 Happy 'Cause I'm Going Home 7:55 Lamm
23 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: Make Me Smile 3:31 Pankow
24 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: So Much to Say, So Much to Give 0:59 Pankow
25 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: Anxiety's Moment 1:08 Pankow
26 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: West Virginia Fantasies 1:30 Pankow
27 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: Colour My World 3:26 Pankow
28 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: To Be Free 1:21 Pankow
29 Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon: Now More Than Ever 3:25 Pankow
30 A Song for Richard and His Friends 6:58 Lamm
31 25 or 6 to 4 6:34 Lamm Ringtone
32 I'm a Man 8:51 Winwood, Miller
33 Listen (#)(*) 4:15 Lamm
34 Introduction (#)(*) 6:36 Kath
35 South California Purples (#)(*) 12:41 Lamm
36 Loneliness Is Just a Word (#)(*) 2:44 Lamm
37 Free Form Intro (Naseltones) (*) 5:58 Lamm
38 Sing a Mean Tune Kid (#)(*) 10:50 Lamm
39 An Hour in the Shower: A Hard Risin' Morning Without Breakfast/Off to ... 5:59 Kath
40 25 or 6 to 4 (#)(*) 6:20 Lamm Ringtone
Price: $44.98     50 Reviews
When it was first released as a four-LP package in 1972, this marathon live recording hit #3 on Billboard's Pop album chart and was certified RIAA gold. Following up their 1971 alb...
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