Chicago - 17

Released in 1984

17 is the definitive album of Chicago's career, for the transition that began with their last album from a jazz-rock band to a full-fledged pop-rock band was completed. Although the horns they were so renowned for still have a presence on this album, 17 is propelled beyond standard expectations by Peter Cetera's fantastic vocals, sweeping synthesizers and powerful guitar work. It's has an undeniable 80's sound throughout that stands up well even today (which would explain why songs from this album are still in regular rotation on soft rock radio stations).

This album was the band's best selling album ever (not including greatest hits collections), selling over five million copies. Although 17 contains a nice assortment of pop-rock along with the ballads, there's no denying that it was the power ballads carried by Cetera's soaring vocals which made this album such a commercial success.

Some of the album's highlights are:

• Stay The Night – The perfect blend of enthusiastic rock and melody. This track is a true 80's classic power ballad.
• Hard Habit To Break – The title of this track is actually a good way to describe this addictive song. Once you hear it, it's tough to resist its powerful, melodic allure… so why fight it? This is one habit I won't break.
• Along Comes A Woman – An awesome pop-rocker that shows Chicago is quite capable of breaking their ballad mold when the mood strikes them.
• You're The Inspiration – This may very well be Chicago's most famous power ballad, reaching the third position on the pop chart and scoring a number one on the contemporary chart. Timeless and essential for any 80's fan.

Chicago put out multiple Greatest Hits albums, but 17 could easily be confused with one of them for even the "normal" tracks not highlighted above are quality through and through. This was Chicago at its best, and it's this album that placed them among the ranks of the 80's definitive bands.

Rating: 9 stars

Track List Stay the Night We Can Stop The Hurtin' Hard Habit to Break Only You Remember the Feeling Along Comes a Woman You're the Inspiration Please Hold On Prima Donna Once in a Lifetime

Additional Resources:

• XIV Review
• 16 Review
• 18 Review
• 19 Review

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