Chicago XXX

Chicago

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 21, 2006)
• Original Release Date: March 21, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rhino / Wea
• ASIN: B000CR76HQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (167 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #54,116 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On their first studio album of the millennium, the horn rock progenitors continue to mine the pop ballad vein that's been their stock in trade since the '70s. The fiery, jazz-rooted brass arrangements that were their original signature continue to take a back seat to slick pop constructions (or disappear entirely on the opening single mix of the album's harmony 'n' electro-rhythm-driven "Feel"), even as they add a sense of familiar integrity throughout. Their continued focus on pop vocal riches is ably aided on the winning ballad "Love Will Come Back" by country stars Rascal Flatts and pushed in a more contemporary r&b vein via the sultry guest vocals of Shelly Fairchild on "Why Can't We." Yet Chicago still manages to conjure an impressive range of musical energy and dynamics throughout, from the spare, neo-classicism of "King of What Might Have Been" (featuring the deft harmonies of guest Joseph Williams) and pop-precious "Caroline" to the muscular energy of "90 Degrees and Freezing" and Caribbean flavored "Come to Me, Do." --Jerry McCulley

Product Description

When Chicago exploded onto the music scene with their stellar 1969 double-LP debut, Chicago Transit Authority, the band's innovative fusion of up-front horns in a rock 'n' roll context and impeccable pop sensibilities was an instant smash. Chicago rank among the all-time most successful American rock group. On their 30th album, and first new studio album in 10 years-the band's songwriting mastery and world-class musicianship shines on a collection of tracks ranging from signature ballads to funked-up grooves to solid rockers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 56 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 (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

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.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Fan since 1973 "Derek" (Baltimore) - See all my reviews

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

17 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars My former heroes as a lounge act!, August 30, 2006

By	M. Vellucci "Former Chicago Loyalist" (Vancouver, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Having grown up with Chicago since they were known as CTA, I have been disappointed more than once over the past several years by a directionless, seemingly musically uninterested bunch. I loved Chicago when they really were Chicago-prior to Terry Kath's tragic death, admiring everything about the way they made music. When Terry died, it seems the other guys' souls died with him. Since then, they have become nothing more than a caricature of their former selves. Chicago XXX is certainly no exception to my observation. Play it safe, rake in the big bucks, keep the money train rolling-it's worked for quite a while, but at what cost to the formerly devoted fans of a band that WAS truly original. The lyrics of the opening song on Chicago XXX say a great deal about the group itself-it's still not to late to FEEL, guys! Chicago XXX does not disappoint me as much as I might have expected, but I guess I don't feel as much as I used to about them and the complete mockery they have made of a once GREAT band.