Chicago 19

Chicago | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: June 21, 1988
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Reprise / Wea
• ASIN: B000002LE2
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #35,844 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality Pop Ballads, March 31, 2005

By 

Lonnie E. Holder "The Review's the Thing" (Columbus, Indiana, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Chicago 19 (Audio CD)

Being a fan of Chicago from the days of "Chicago Transit Authority," I must review this CD as though it were from a different group because the style of early Chicago is different from the style of this Chicago. Early Chicago was an innovative group that experimented with a variety of styles and was considered somewhat progressive. This Chicago is a high quality mellow pop music group as this 1988 release shows.

This music is so consistent in terms of style that an individual song discussion is relatively valueless. Thus, if you are familiar with the hits from this album know that you are getting an entire album of similar music.

The album reached #43 in the summer of 1988. Singles were released from the album beginning in mid 1988 until mid 1989. The first single released was "I Don't Wanna Live without Your Love" backed by "I Stand Up," which reach #3 in June 1988. The second single was "Look Away" backed by "Come in from the Night," which reached #1 in September 1988. The third single was "You're not Alone" backed by "It's Alright," which reach #10 in January 1989. The final single released was "We Can't Last Forever" backed by "One More Day," which reached #55. "What Kind of Man Would I Be" was remixed and released after the release of "Chicago's Greatest Hits 1982-1989," reaching #5 in December 1989. Thus, there were a total of seven songs from this album that were released on a single, either on the A-side or the B-side.

I find this album's consistency surprising. While there are variations in tempo and lyrics in each song, the style is constant throughout. I also think it is interesting that Chicago did not succumb to the "big hair band" style of the 80s. There are tinges of that style, but the album remains focused on ballads.

All the songs on this album are good, and a few are very good or excellent. If you like middle-of-the-road rock, and mellow ballads, this album would be an excellent addition to your collection. I would recommend this music to be played at work, or around the house. I would not recommend this music for long drives, as it might put you to sleep, but in rush hour it might calm your nerves.

Groups should evolve as they see fit; Chicago did exactly that. Chicago has had mellow ballads from their first album. While Peter Cetera was a frequent contributor of mellow ballads, others in the group contributed this style nearly as often. The principal difference between the Chicago represented in this album and early Chicago is that this music is focused, and Chicago began with eclectic styles. I believe this album is worthy of being in a collection of Chicago's music, as well as in the collection of those who like pop ballads.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterpiece, April 6, 2002

By 

Brad (CT) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago 19 (Audio CD)

I love the old Chicago. The original stuff was some of the most innovative music in popular music history. However, I also love the '80s Chicago sound; and this album is as great as any of them. It's hard to believe that it would be their last big album of all original material.

Yes, this album had 4 top 10 hits--all ballads. All are great songs. "I Don't Want To Live Without Your Love" was the fantastic lead single off the album. "Look Away" is a heart-rending, fantastic ballad that went all the way to number 1. "You're Not Alone" is very underrated--another heartfelt song. All of these songs beautifully showcase Bill Champlain's excellent vocals. "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" was actually released in remixed form off of the Greatest Hits album that came out a year after this album did--their last big hit. "We Can Last Forever" is a gorgeous power ballad that was actually released as the fourth single off the album--but it only peaked at number 55. Still fantastic vocals by Jason Scheff on this one.

Those are the hits--and they for the most part display Chicago's tendency towards ballads in the '80s. However, there are other noteworthy, fantastic tracks on this album that rock a little harder. The highlight is "Come In From The Night", which showcases both the horns and electric guitar and doesn't have a typical "love song" message. "Heart In Pieces" kicks off the album with a bit of uptempo heartbreak, and "I Stand Up" is also a bit uptempo. "Runaround" and "Victorious" are also fine tracks.

There truly isn't a bad song on this album. The songs shine with melody and feeling from beginning to end. If you liked any of Chicago's '80s material, then you should definitely like this one. For me, a must-have.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting Album, I . . . like it!, June 29, 2006

By 

Gord o' The Books "Gordon" (SE Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago 19 (Audio CD)

It's hard to put a finger on this one. Is it good, or bland? Do the singles all sound alike, or do those sweet little hooks in each make them stand on their own? How much horns do we really need?

OK - I have to admit two things - first, that I was really bothered by how monotonous the singles sounded on this. Second - heck, these are, after all, quality hit singles. Ballads? I won't take part in that debate.

Chicago at this time was a group of 7 guys, 5 of whom were originals. They were still kinda in the Foster era - and this album spawned some monstrous singles. It so happens that in this album, Jason and Bill go to the front of the pack with these singles. The remainder of the group "stand up" on the deep cuts. I do believe I hear Chicago in there - but then again, Jason and Bill are in the band too. They get to do their kind of music. And people loved it!

Still, it feels like they are still coasting from the Foster era. But there is the promise of a band that is still coming together. Their best lineup ever is just around the corner: once Howland and Imboden join.

Yes - buy this album. Lots of ear candy.