PETER CETERA
Solitude/Solitaire
Warner Brothers Records 1986
www.petercetera.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Peter Cetera joined the Chicago Transit Authority (later named Chicago) in 1967 as a bass player. He soon became one of the major songwriters and vocalist for the group, penning a majority of their hits throughout the seventies and eighties. Chicago hit a low point in the late seventies which prompted Cetera to consider a solo career. It was the video music-era that kept Chicago together (for a few more albums at least). Cetera was getting more and more exposure due to the music videos and was becoming a break out star. He released his first solo album in 1981, but stayed with Chicago in 1985. It was the following year that he released the highly successful Solitude/Solitaire.

“Big Mistake” pretty much sums up the pop-rock musical landscape at the time with its bouncing keyboard tones, melodic vocals, and powerful choruses. The guitars have that liquid sound that everyone was looking for to compliment their synths. “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To” compares a special woman to a one-of-a-kind automobile. I can see Cetera’s point here, but the sentiment seems a little corny. The addition of synthesized brass adds great texture to the track. It’s more likely than not that you bought this album for “Glory of Love.” Who can deny this touching and emotional ballad that was the theme for The Karate Kid: Part II? It fit the movie perfectly, and probably every wedding and prom that occurred that year.

“Daddy’s Girl” has one of those keyboard and bass build-ups that lead into a driving chorus section. It was another ballad that helped catapult this album up the charts; “The Next Time I Fall.” Amy Grant’s (virtually unknown in the pop circle at the time) soft tones complimented Cetera’s high-pitched melodic delivery perfectly. On “Solitude/Solitaire,” Peter struggles with thoughts of running away from the world where he could never be found. The track is commanded by a strong synthesizer presence.

Cetera went on to release a handful of solo albums, but eventually fell off the face of the Earth. Cetera’s vocal talent and musicianship certainly could not be to blame for his trip into obscurity. You can’t deny the guy’s good. I think it boiled down to two things; his sound had gotten old and dated, and people would rather see him back with Chicago. Cetera wouldn’t even talk about the group or allow for his songs to be played during VH1’s Behind the Music special on Chicago a few years ago, so I don’t think there’s a chance of a reunion there.

The Verdict
I’ve always enjoyed Peter’s work in Chicago, but Solitude/Solitaire is a far cry from that (except for the ballads). It’s a different sound, a different feel, and not as polished as his later work with Chicago. I’m sure that’s what he was going for, but I don’t think it was a good choice. Although the album’s nine songs are decent, they’re only two songs worth listening to over and over again; “Glory of Love” and “The Next Time I Fall.”

Did You Know?
Prior to joining Chicago, Peter Cetera was a member of The Exceptions.

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne