| Band
Members: |
Robert Lamm - piano, Wurlitzer,
Hammond organ, vocals |
Bill Champlin - Hammond organ,
piano, Fender Rhodes, vocals |
| The
Review |
Chicago is the product of consistency
and keeping key core members in the band for the last 37 years.
XXX is their 30th studio recording and a total demonstration
of their wherewithal and greatness as a thriving unit. I am
the first to say I enjoyed their older material, the first
five albums where incredibly good. Over the years, they have
changed members and their style but what you hear is indisputably
Chicago. The reasons for their success are many and probably
the most important factor that contributes to that ongoing
success is that they have managed to keep that base sound
intact. The all-important horns are always there and the leadership
of long time members like Robert Lamm, Walt Parazaider, James
Pankow, Lee Loughnane, and Bill Champlin, serve as the guiding
light of this modern day musical marvel. The vocals have sounded
pretty much the same since Peter Cetera was at the helm. They
have managed to find clones of his vocal style, thus making
any of the changes seamless and smooth to the music buying
public. To say they have been a commercial success is an understatement.
There are 13 tracks on this CD
and they all have the potential to be a hit single … no surprise
there. Their output is comparative to The Beatles; every time
they put an album out, they fill it with great and memorable
songs. I cannot think of one band that is still actively recording
that can do that. That is what makes Chicago so special. The
first time I heard the album I thought it was a bit too pop
oriented for my liking, and then as I gave it successive spins
it gradually grew on me. The realization that this band had
done it again hit me square between the eyes. The driving
pop rhythms of love and loss are here, the great rhythm section,
horns, fantastic vocals-all in place lined up like a well-practiced
platoon with its marching orders. This recording is one that
all the band members should be proud to add to the Chicago
legacy.
The tracks that had me singing in
no time were "King of Might Have Been," "Caroline," and the
made for hit single "90 Degrees and Freezing." This is a sure
bet to be a chart topper, its archetypal Chicago and it reminded
of the band in their prime. Sure, I still like the risquéé
progressive Chicago that played those immortal dates at Carnegie
Hall, but this version of the band is very good and as I said
before, who else is making music like this? This is quality
music, the lyrics are not offensive or negative, nor do they
promote violence or drug abuse, know how much trash is out
there today selling by the truckload that offers all of that?
... A little too much as far as I am concerned. The jazz purists
will complain as usual and the old time fans may say it has
too much syrupy pop for their gullets, but you know what?
Its one of the best albums I have heard this year and the
musicianship is simply outstanding. Listen to it a few times,
I guarantee you will be hooked, even if you do not like it
the first time just like me. Yes, it is very much mainstream
and easy listening but is so very good!
©
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
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