Chicago XI

Chicago XI is the eleventh album by American rock band Chicago and was released in 1977. As the successor to Chicago X, the album marked the end of an era for Chicago in more ways than one.

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Chicago XI is notable for feeling like a collection of solo songs rather than the ensemble whole Chicago had been earlier in the 1970s. Peter Cetera aimed to replicate the success of the Grammy-winning "If You Leave Me Now" with "Baby, What A Big Surprise", which proved to be the album's biggest hit, going to #4. Terry Kath revived his old live favorite "Mississippi Delta City Blues" for the album, while turning in a touching vocal on Danny Seraphine's "Little One". James Pankow sang lead on his own "Till The End Of Time", as did Lee Loughnane on his original, "This Time". The once-prolific Robert Lamm only managed two songs, the sympathetic "Policeman" and "Vote For Me".

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While recording Chicago XI, longtime producer James William Guercio's smothering artistic control had reached its breaking point, with the band deciding to take their career into their own hands and strike out on their own after finishing the album with him. However, as big a change in their career as Guercio's dismissal would be for Chicago, it would be minor in comparison to the tragedy that awaited them.

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On 23 January 1978, a few short months after Chicago XIs release, Terry Kath, regarded by many as the soul of Chicago, accidentally and fatally shot himself during a party at a roadie's house. A gun enthusiast, Kath reportedly attempted to qualm the guests' surprise when he pulled out his gun to clean it by demonstrating that it was unloaded and promptly pointed the gun to his head and pulled the trigger. All the remaining members of Chicago were shocked and devastated by Kath's unintentional suicide, and even considered breaking up. After a few weeks of mourning, they decided to move on, thus beginning a new era in the band's history.

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Upon its September 1977 release, Chicago XI reached #6 in the US and went platinum. While still a success, the album's inability to reach the Top 5 was a sign that their audience were growing up.

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In 2002, Chicago XI was remastered and reissued by Rhino Records with rehearsal recordings of Pankow's "Wish That I Could Fly" and Lamm's "Paris" as bonus tracks.

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Chicago XI related Images and Photos (experimental)

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