Chicago VI - CHICAGO***

Critics' Choice/Just You & Me/Darlin' Dear/Jenny/What's This World Comin' To/Something In This City Changes People/Hollywood/In Terms Of Two/Rediscovery/Feelin' Stronger Every Day

Chicago move further away from their jazz-rock roots towards a bland AOR style. Nevertheless, Chicago VI topped the US album chart, helped by two top ten singles Feelin’ Stronger Every Day and Just You & Me. (US:1)

“We all know that Chicago lost it somewhere. I'm afraid this is where it turns south for good. The bad stuff here are prime examples of the wretched MOR drivel to come. If you're seriously listening to Chicago, stop at Chicago V.”

“Chicago orientate towards a more pop, country and soul flavoured style, but even so maintaining their jazz influences.”

“Certainly not my favourite from them, but not a bad record, even if they had become less creative or innovative. Maybe the hitch could be the stupid love lyrics of most of these songs, but at least the fabulous horn section still shines.”

“Thank goodness that this was not a double set as it includes quite a bit of filler as it is. Just You & Me and Feelin' Stronger Every Day are the only tracks of interest.

“A single album for once and it’s a classic. Virtually every track is strong and it ends with the best, Feelin' Stronger Every Day. Excellent sound quality and a nice muscular mix, especially the drums, with fine close harmony singing though fairly weak lead vocals and lyrics.”

“Oh dear, say goodbye to the once great and unique Chicago sound and say hello to MOR pop. How a band that could make such a stellar album upon début and then release this woeful trash is beyond me.”

“Chicago VI finds the boys moving plainly in the direction of pop, a sharp contrast from the jazz/rock that had typified their first four studio albums. Accordingly, this album is less adventurous and takes fewer chances than its more illustrious predecessors. There's plenty that's pleasing to the ear, but fewer moments that take you aback and make you say woah!

“This was where Chicago became a full fledged pop group. Not a bad album; the hits are still strong and there's a couple other decent tracks; but just a bit too much filler.”