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Chicago X Review
07/13/2005 7:15 AM, AMG
On Chicago X (1976) the band continued blending progressive jazz arrangements with decidedly more accessible pop tracks. This title is the follow up to Chicago IX (1975), the group's first greatest hits package, which was issued in late 1975 and topped the album chart throughout the holiday season. This gave them further momentum from which to create their eighth studio release in as many years. Musically, the combo continued a trend away from the long jams and multi-movement marathons which sprawled out over an entire LP side. Although the focus was clearly on catchy pop hits, Terry Kath (guitar/vocals) commences the disc with the rambunctious "Once Or Twice". The hot brass section bows deeply and respectfully to their Muscle Shoals counterparts as Kath does his best funky Otis Redding vocal. He counterbalances his contributions to the work with the personally empowering "Hope For Love", demonstrating his immense depth of field. Without question, Chicago X is remembered for one of two things. Musically, Peter Cetera's (bass/vocals) chart topping ‘light rock favourite' "If You Leave Me Now" was inescapable on Top 40 radio during the bicentennial summer of 1976. The song was so indelibly stamped into the psyche of the nation, it was awarded both the "Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo Group or Chorus" and "Best Arrangement Accompanying Vocalist(s)" Grammies. The latter was actually split between noted string arranger Jimmie Haskell and the band's long-time producer James William Guercio. On a more aesthetic level is John Berg's scrumptious cover art, depicting the band's logo on the wrapper of what otherwise appears to be a Hershey chocolate bar. No doubt the all American imagery was duly noted. Although somewhat overshadowed, Robert Lamm's (keyboards/vocals) "Another Rainy Night In New York City" was an additional a Top 40 hit, which crossed over onto the Adult Contemporary as well as Pop Singles charts. He also revives a minor motif with this Latin-based song about the Big Apple. It follows in the footsteps of the improv heavy "Italian From New York" on their previous studio effort, the fusion-filled Chicago VII (1974). Lamm contributes a few other tucked away classics to Chicago X as well -- such as the aggressive and sexy "You Get It Up". There are also a pair of tracks from James Pankow(trombone/vocals) in the form of the syncopated "You Are On My Mind" -- which scored in March of 1977 on both the Adult Contemporary and Pop music charts. His other composition is the upbeat classy brass of "Skin Tight". The front and centre horn interjections and overall augmentation are akin to the sound made famous by their West Coast Tower Of Power contemporaries. The 2003 CD reissue includes new liner notes, rare photos and two "bonus selections" that actually predate the recording sessions for Chicago X. These include Lamm's first swipe at "I'd Rather Be Rich", which would turn up nearly half a decade later on their fourteenth effort in 1980. Finally, there is a previously unearthed Kath track called "Your Love's An Attitude". ~ Lindsay Planer, All Music Guide
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