The band Chicago was unstoppable in the mid-eighties. Their hits were sappy romantic numbers like “You’re the Inspiration” and “Hard Habit to Break.” They were long way from rock and roll, and producer David Foster wouldn’t have it any other way. On the plus side, they made song dedications and prom slow dances a lot easier.

Blech!!!

When Chicago first came on the scene in the late sixties, they were a hard charging, deep grooving, soulful rock and roll band. The band’s first eight albums in general are proof of this. More specifically, the first three albums really hammer the point home.

All of those early albums have one factor in common, and it’s just two words: Terry Kath.

I don’t do “bests,” but Terry Kath was one of the finest rock and roll guitarists of all time. Even Jimi Hendrix complemented Kath’s skills, deeming him “better than (himself).” Now, I don’t know about all that, but there’s no questioning that Kath was — excuse me — Chicago’s balls.

When Kath was killed by an accidental gunshot wound in 1978, everything changed. Chicago’s sound got softer, having had its most aggressive element removed. It was a massive void the band never refilled. And that’s when I checked out.

Terry Kath deserved his day in my Spotify playlists. I’d like to share the reason why with you.

Dig it!

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, please contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com