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Sample it here
What’s the 4-1-1?
Chicago returns with their first studio album in 10 years.
Genre
Pop-rock / melodic
The Good
Hypnotic drum beats lead the charge on “Feel.” A catchy melodic
chorus and subtle guitar riffs will take you the rest of the way. Soulful and
emotional vocals dominate the piano laden ballad “King of Might Have Been.” You
may make comparisons to “Hard Habit to Break” here, but the song
does a great job of standing alone. It’s the multi-part harmonies and
warm brass that really draw you into “Caroline.” When you read the
lyrics the song seems a little cheesy, but when you here how Chicago presents
it, it’s quite encompassing. Rascal Flatts makes an appearance on the
optimistic ballad “Love Will Come Back.” “90 Degrees and Freezing” echoes
the group’s 80s high-end production and sound. “Already Gone” is
loaded with plenty of pop-rock melodies and signature Chicago horns.
The Bad
I thought that the remixed version of “Feel” was unnecessary. I didn’t
really care for the blandness of “Come to Me, Do” either.
The Verdict
I really didn’t expect this album to be so good. Chicago returns with
their thirtieth album, after a ten year break, and shows that there’s
no rust on them. XXX is a powerful and melodic pop-rock experience. I never
really wanted to listen to Chicago post-Peter Cetera, but after hearing this,
I’ve had a change of heart.
Did You Know?
Since it’s inception in 1967, Chicago has been invited to perform at many
inaugural events in their home state. Chicago was the first to play Navy Pier,
one of the first to play the Taste of Chicago, and the first to play the newly
renovated Northerly Island in 2005.
Rating:  out
of 5
Related Reviews:
Peter Cetera - Solitude/Solitaire
--George Dionne
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CHICAGO
