Chicago VIII Songs Ranked
Chicago VIII is the seventh studio album, and eighth album overall, by American rock band Chicago, released in 1975. Following the experimental jazz/pop stylings of Chicago VII, the band returned to a more streamlined rock-based sound on this follow-up. This album was mixed and released in both stereo and quadraphonic. In 2002, Chicago VIII was remastered and reissued by Rhino Records with two unreleased songs: “Sixth Sense” (an instrumental, or possibly a backing track) by Kath and “Bright Eyes” by Lamm, as well as a version of “Satin Doll” recorded for a Dick Clark’s “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve” special – all as bonus tracks. Here are all of Chicago VIII songs ranked.
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10. Anyway You Want
“The opener is a Peter Cetera song — and it’s not a sappy ballad! Instead, Cetera offers up a stomper, driven by Robert Lamm’s pounding piano. The falsetto vocal sections are kind of ridiculous, but hey, so was a lot of ’70s rock.”
9. Never Been in Love Before
“Never Been In Love Before” is definitely a more straight forward ballad compared to the earlier style ballads Chicago made so well (such as, for example “Sunrise”- this is nothing compared to THAT fantastic song) but I like the vocal melody all the same. The vocal work is somewhat inspiring, but it’s definitely extremely simplistic.”
8. Till We Meet Again
“Till We Meet Again” is a short and haunting ballad with acoustic work, and Terry Kath on vocals. It sort of reminds me of the Emerson, Lake & Palmer song “I Believe In Father Christmas”. An acoustic-guitar-driven song from Kath, somewhat reminiscent of the wistful mood on Kath’s “Alma Mater,” from Chicago V. Nicely done, but not Terry’s best.”
See more: Chicago Albums Ranked
7. Oh, Thank You Great Spirit
“Kath fuses Native American motifs with a wall of guitars meant to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix. I LOVE this song. There are no horns on it, but I don’t see how they would’ve fit in anyway. With the absence of Pankow’s trombone, Walt Parazaider’s saxes and Lee Loughnane’s trumpet, that reduces Chicago to a five-piece on this selection … and, actually, they should have played it as a three-piece, featuring only Kath’s guitars, Cetera’s bass and Danny Seraphine’s drums.”
6. Ain’t It Blue?
“Kath and Cetera trade vocals on this song by Lamm, which comes off as heartfelt and scrappy. Great vocals by both those gents on this number, and Lamm’s acoustic piano dips down into the low register in all the right places.”
5. Old Days
“Pankow’s other songwriting contribution to VIII was a big radio hit, but I’ve never really “gotten” it. Too nostalgic for my tastes, and not having been around for the 1950s, Howdy Doody and such, I can’t really relate to it.”
See more: Chicago Songs Ranked
4. Long Time No See
“Long Time No See” feels much more like a product of the mid-70s. This pop song contains elements that would soon be identified as disco, catchy hooks, and simple lyrics that could have made this song a single. The song is short, yet another identifying characteristic of pop music.”
3. Harry Truman
“Novelty song or not, I’ve always had a soft spot for Lamm’s take on post-Nixon politics. Remember that the country had just barely come out the other side of Watergate, and people were feeling quite cynical. Lamm rightly chose the last president who seemed to care more about integrity than about what the latest polls were saying about him.”
2. Hideaway
“The Peter Cetera song “Hideaway” has a heavy rock beat that is unusual for Chicago. The song is an escape song with simple lyrics and powerful vocals. This song is surprising only in that it was performed by a group better known for its jazz-flavored pop.”
1. Brand New Love Affair Part I & II
“Brand New Love Affair, Parts I and II”: Part I is smooth R&B ear candy, yes, but trombonist Jimmy Pankow’s rather shlocky song is redeemed by one of Terry Kath’s greatest ever vocals, very soulful and deep. Unfortunately, Cetera takes the more uptempo Part II, and just kind of yammers away at it.”
