CHICAGO XIV

At that time, at the time of having been announced this album the situation of the band in respect of sales of the album on the inside was not a good situation at all. Albums of men who were sending works of men who have acquired the album called platinum and gold one after another experience a no crown for the first time in this album.

The beginning where the situation of this album and the band faces the time of depression might agree at the time of "XI" that they announced. It is a part of a money problem happening between James Guercio and the band having done both with the band 1977 since then as for the activity. And, the death of Terry Kath that had to be called the face of the band might have greatly shaken the base of the band.

And, the band takes the means to lecture on a bold plan and to give the major break. Phil Ramone is appointed to the producer. And, it was Donnie Dacus to be chosen as a successor of Terry Kath. However, respect of sales in "Hot Street" and "13" has not expanded so much. In addition, the event from which the band is dismissed because the behavior of Donnie Dacus that offers the topic by the new joining was bad multiplies the additional blow by the band.

This album is an album that was produced from the situation so not good by the passage of about one year and announced. It was Chris Pinnick to participate in the band in place of guitar player's Donnie Dacus. At this point, he was not a formal member. However, "16" is registered to him back as a formal member in "17" with the exchange. Tom Dowd was appointed to the producer. The union of Tom Dowd and Chicago related to the work of R&B and Southern Rock might have given an unexpected impression for the fan. However, the union of Tom Dowd and Chicago did not continue long as a result. This album might be an album that engages one's interest if it considers it in that sense for the history of various albums of the band. It is likely not to approve as a novel work.

If the respect is considered, this album might be a content to draw out the music character that Chicago originally has. Especially, the interest of the point that Peter Cetera is related to half of tunes of this album might be deep. And, it flows of the music character of Peter Cetera being demonstrated as directionality since this album. Or, it is likely to be able to catch as an album at the time of a few conversions.

"Manipulation" is a tune by Robert Lamm. Rhythm that makes complete dash feeling. The section of the wind instrument that plays a song to get on the keyboard that produces Groove and a complex melody will excite the listener. Guitar Solo of Chris Pinnik that joins newly rages intensely to wipe out the existence of Donnie Dacus.

"Upon Arrival" is a work of the cooperation of Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm. It is a tune to which the music character of Peter Cetera is drawn out well by the performance of the band. The flavor of an original band might go out a little. The relief will be given as a gently advanced ballade.

"Song For You" is a single tune of Peter Cetera. The song with which the melody and the sense of relief of a beautiful guitar overflow might have the flavor of pastoral good Folk. This tune also gives the relief as much as possible. The rhythm is introduced and a transparent feeling that you may join the keyboard further is added in the progressing part.

"Where Did The Lovin' Go" is a tune by Peter Cetera. It is a tune where the melody that there is expression of feelings in a powerful song exists together. The impression to which the music character that Peter Cetera has had since this time is refined further might be given to the listener. The sound of the guitar also indeed gives the impression of the soft sound.

"Birthday Boy" is a work of the cooperation of Danny Seraphine and David Wolinski. Chicago and David Wolinski have the exchange since the time of "VII". Peter Cetera takes charge of lead Vocal to this tune. It puts on the melody with the sense of relief and a gentle song gets on. The rhythm and the melody of a few Blues are made to be introduced and the soundscape is made to be constructed. The tune gives a grand impression as much as possible.

"Hold On" is a tune by Peter Cetera. The condition of the tune has the composition of straight Rock And Roll. It takes charge of the obbligati to which the Brass section doesn't obstruct the tune as much as possible. The guitar constructs the sound in which the age is caught. Another respects except the ballade in which he is skillful as the fan of Free might be expressed as Peter Cetera is declared.

"Overnight Cafe" is a tune by Peter Cetera. It is a tune with the flavor of a little reggae and the flavor of Latin. The composition of the tune is steady as much as possible. Part of chorus who has them listen to extension of tune and part of solo of guitar that emphasizes individuality. Or, the part where the flavor of Rock is introduced will be a calculated composition.

"Thunder And Lightning" is a tune put on the market all over the U.S. as SingleEP. The tune is a work of the cooperation of Robert Lamm and Danny Seraphine. Part of emphasis of Brass section. The composition might have the element of POP as much as possible. The progress of Cutting and Chord of a steady rhythm and the guitar comfortably affects. An initial impression of the band might been introduced a little. However, it is a content where the tune caught the age as much as possible. Solo of the trombone is also impressive.

"I'd Rather Be Rich" is a tune of Robert Lamm. The usage of Minor Chord is an impressive tune. The song of Robert Lamm might be well versed in Funk. The introduction of six rhythms also has expanded the impression of the tune. The impression of the tune at this time might have feeling where Robert Lamm maintains the impression of an initial band compared with Peter Cetera. It is possible to catch as a tune that fuses Funk and Rock well.

"The American Dream" is a tune by James Pankow that only offers the tune to this album. It has development that gives the impression of straight Rock. The Brass section and the melody might be overall steady. It is good in the impression of this album each other.

The band is an album in this album made at time when the interpersonal relationship that enclosed surroundings was gradually changed. If the content of sales in respect is considered, the high appraisal might not be so received. However, the music character can be found everywhere of this album as a part where the existence of Chicago is always shown.