Chicago XI
by Chicago

From poppmusic 10/22/2017 19:42 | #199933

On Chicago's last album with Terry Kath before his tragic death, they return to a high quality level (missing on their previous two albums, minus the singles) through exploiting the strengths of each band member in turn. We have Cetera's Beatle-esque "Baby What A Big Surprise", and Lamm writes a couple of sophisticated political songs, "Policeman" being especially striking for its sympathy. Kath abandons the dreary love songs he had been writing and writes two very welcome Hendrix-style rockers. Even Pankow delivers with "Till the End of Time", which delivers a euphoric, looping, disco-tinged ending that we've come to expect from the band. Loughnane's "This Time" is weaker but not unlistenable.

It's drummer Danny Seraphine, in collaboration with "Hawk" Wolinski, who delivers the tracks that bring the band back to the orchestral sophistication of "Chicago II". "Take Me Back to Chicago" sounds like a natural anthem that could've been a concert staple should the band have chosen. "Little One", which closes the album, is a great send-out for Kath's soulful voice that approaches Stevie Wonder's smooth jazz sophistication. I only do not rate this album higher because there isn't one track that can be called absolutely essential in the Chicago pantheon, but very enjoyable throughout and a must listen for fans of the band.