Chicago - XIV

Released in 1980

Chicago is an impressive band of musicians with a career spanning multiple decades; their first album was released in 1969, and they steadily released albums throughout the 70's, 80's, 90's and into the 2000's (though the 90's and 2000's entries consist largely of Live recordings rather than studio albums) ever since. I make quick mention of their extensive career because the Chicago of the 80's (known for sentimental pop-rock ballads) is not the Chicago of the 70's, which possessed a far more eclectic rock sound.

XIV was the first of their releases in the new decade, but if you're a fan of the 80's Chicago style you can't let the release year fool you; this album has far more in common with their jazz/rock/gospel fusions of the 70's than any of the smash radio hits they would come to start producing with their next album. Unfortunately it wasn't all that satisfying even placed in that context, because the album suffered from questionable production and a lack of heart or intensity. XIV didn't contain the life of their 70's work, nor did it contain the lush melodies of their 80's ballads, and as such it remains to this day one of the worst albums ever produced by this accomplished band.

Some of the album's highlights are:

• Hold On – Although I personally am not a fan of gospel-inspired pop or rock, I have to admit this was a well-crafted song that almost overcame that hurdle for me. Almost.
• Where Did The Lovin' Go? – This ballad featured beautiful vocal work by Peter Cetera, but alas the musicianship is pretty flat and minimalist as opposed to their later 80's ballads.
• Manipulation – A hard rocking song for the likes of Chicago. By no means a classic, but worthy of the price of admission.

In the end I really didn't enjoy this album, partially due to the lack of life exhibited throughout the album and partially because I preferred the 80's power-ballad Chicago over the eclectic 70's version. That latter statement is certainly blasphemy to some since many fans of their 70's work considered the 80's Chicago to be overly sappy and commercial. If you fall into that camp and enjoy 70's pop and rock, give this album a shot since it's right up that alley. But if you enjoyed the melodic ballads they produced throughout the 80's, you'll want to give XIV a pass.

Rating: 4 stars

Track List Manipulation Upon Arrival Song for You Where Did the Lovin' Go Birthday Boy Hold On Overnight Cafe Thunder and Lightning I'd Rather Be Rich The American Dream

Additional Resources:

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