Chicago VIII

Chicago VIII is the eighth album by American rock band Chicago and was released in 1975. Following the experimental jazz/pop stylings of Chicago VII, the band returned to a more streamlined sound on this follow-up.

Related Topics:
Album - American - Rock - Chicago - 1975 - Jazz - Pop - Chicago VII

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

After five consecutive years of constant activity, the members of Chicago were feeling drained as they came to record Chicago VIII at producer James William Guercio's Caribou Ranch in Colorado in the summer of 1974. While the variety in styles explored on Chicago VIII were reminiscent of Chicago VI, this particular album had a more distinct rock feel, as exemplified on Peter Cetera's "Anyway You Want" and "Hideaway", as well as Terry Kath's Hendrix tribute "Oh, Thank You Great Spirit" and James Pankow's smash hit "Old Days".

Related Topics:
James William Guercio - Colorado - Summer - 1974 - Chicago VI - Rock - Peter Cetera - Terry Kath - Hendrix - James Pankow

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Preceeded by Lamm's nostalgic "Harry Truman" as lead single, Chicago VIII was held over for release until March 1975 as Chicago VII was still riding high in the charts. While it easily reached #1 in the US, the album had a lukewarm critical reception - still commonly considered, by some, as one of their weakest albums, resulting in the briefest chart stay of any Chicago album thus far.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 2002, Chicago VIII was remastered and reissued by Rhino Records with two unreleased songs: "Sixth Sense" by Lamm and "Bright Eyes" by Kath, as well as version of "Satin Doll" recorded for Dick Clark's "Rockin' New Years Eve" special - all as bonus tracks.

Related Topics:
2002 - Rhino Records - Dick Clark

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~