Chicago VIII
By Bruce Ramsay

The first song,"Anyway You Want" is written by Peter Cetera. It features Robert's rockin', rhythmic, piano. Pete sings lead with a lower tone, and Terry plays a scorching guitar solo.

The second song is James Pankow's "Brand New Love Affair", written in two parts. Part one is a ballad, featuring Terry's smooth, deep, soulful lead vocal, backed by a beautiful string arrangement. Part two is an upbeat number, accenting Pete's lead vocal, and a horn solo.

The third song "Never Been In Love Before" is written by Robert Lamm. It is a ballad with Peter on lead vocal, and has a strong bass part at the chorus.

Fourth, is Peter's "Hideaway", a hard-driving rock song. Terry, Pete, and Danny Seraphine really jam on this one!

Fifth is Kath's "Till We Meet Again", a ballad Terry sings with a soft tone. Also accentuated is his 12 string guitar.

The sixth song is Robert's "Harry Truman", one of two nostalgia songs on the LP. It has a Dixieland type solo, featuring Walt Parazaider's wonderful clarinet.

Seven is "Oh Thank You Great Spirit", written and sung by Terry. The beginning verse is spoken.....sort of an intro. The song starts slow, with Terry singing in a smooth, fluid voice. As the verses come to a close, the tempo picks up, to the point where the song really jams at the end of the verses, with a long, searing guitar solo!

The next song is Lamm's "Long Time No See", lead vocal by Robert. It accentuates Walt's woodwind expertise, from the deep-toned sax through the verses, to the stylish flute solo.

Ninth is Robert's "Ain't It Blue", with lead vocals by Peter, and Terry. It features. once again, Walt's smooth, deep-toned saxophone. Another unique thing about this number is Terry's walking lead guitar throughout the song.

Last, is James' "Old Days", the second nostalgia song on the album. It has Pete singing lead vocals, with the smooth, Chicago horns, and a classic string accompaniment.

In closing, I can't think of another album that showcases Robert's keyboard talents so well. The variety on this LP would keep any fan from being bored. From ballads, to hard-driving rock, to upbeat mainstream music, this one truly has it all!