Chicago XXX

Chicago | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 2006)
• Original Release Date: 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino
• ASIN: B000CR76HQ
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (172 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #98,682 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Chicago Playing It Safe., March 23, 2006

By 

Louie Bourland (Garden Grove CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Chicago XXX (Audio CD)

It's hard to believe that while Chicago has been a consistant concert attraction over the past several decades, the band hasn't released a full album of new material since "Twenty 1" 15 years ago. Well, the wait for an all-new Chicago album has finally ended with "Chicago XXX", the band's 30th release overall.
Over the last 35+ years, there has been a divided opinion amongst Chicago fans over the band's musical style. Many prefer the progressive eclecticism that was a hallmark of their early years while others lean towards the ballad-heavy pop songs that became the norm from the early '80s onwards.
If your a fan of the Chicago's early years, "XXX" is definitely not recommended. However, those who prefer the ballads and catchy pop numbers will be find plenty to enjoy here. The album basically follows the same formula that the band has followed over the last 20 years in that they have created another collection of inoffensive songs that are geared towards radio play and the charts. While this isn't neccesarily a bad thing per se, the album does come off as sounding like a band treading water and repeating themselves without breaking any new ground. Basically, if your familiar with any or all of Chicago's output since Jason Scheff joined, you'll know exactly what to expect here because it's more of the same.
What we have here is Chicago continuing to play in the safe zone with a pleasing collection of mostly radio-friendly tunes that'll keep their fans satisfied. "Chicago XXX" isn't by any means the band's greatest masterpiece nor is it an excellent album overall. It does have its share of shining moments though.

As an ending footnote: How about dusting off the unreleased "Stone of Sisyphus" album and releasing it to public. Now, THAT would be an anticipated Chicago release.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Listening instructions for Chicago XXX, April 14, 2006

By 

Cook "Derek" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago XXX (Audio CD)

1) Insert CD into player
2) Adjust volume to "High"
3) Advance to track 7
4) Hit "Play"
5) Enjoy the ride
6) When the CD reaches the end, rise, stretch
7) Go to step 3, repeat

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars sappy music for the lovers and pop populus, October 30, 2006

By 

west MD DJ (Middletown, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Chicago XXX (Audio CD)

I guess I'll never hear another Chicago II, III, or V again. I even liked Chicago 17. There was still enough rock and upbeat jazz (We Can Stop The Hurtin; Stay the Night; Along Comes A Woman). Oddly enough, sap songwriter Cetera leaves the group but the sappy stuff not only survives, but it dominates.
No more jazz. No more R & B. Just pop music for the masses.
Since it's been 15 years since the last "new" release, I guess I'll be dead (or close to it) before the next one. As far as I'm concernced, their best work is way behind them.
So long Chicago.