Search - Chicago :: Hot Streets

Don't let critics decide for you

Keith | FL United States | 04/12/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Though this recording was killed by just about every critic who heard it, it's still a great Chicago album if you're into what they've done over all this time. Like everyone else I was upset over the loss of Terry Kath, who was at his strongest as a composer and instrumentalist at his untimely death. Most were too busy complaining about the guitar work of new player Donnie Dacus to listen to the other members of the band doing great work on this recording. Making this album hard to find on disc 'cause of lack of demand until recently. The songs are great, the horn arrangements are as good as ever. Although I must admit even to this day the song "Alive Again" strikes me as weird timing and taste. There's a couple of Dacus' compositions which are quite creative if you take the time to listen. I had this on cassette for years so when I went to turn all my Chicago albums to CD this one was the one that wasn't in most store/warehouse collections. If you like Chicago you'll like this recording, but if you didn't like the other recordings around this same time period you won't like this one either."

Mellow Romantic "Chicago"

Keith | 01/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I truly enjoy this album, if you were over 20 when it was popular it will mean more. A very Romatic/mellow style, but still in the Chicago tradition."

Good, but no classic

Phineas J. Buttplug | Woodside, NY United States | 09/07/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"OK, maybe it's not dreck like I said earlier, but is a disappointment compared to their other classics. As a disco album, it is much above average, with catchy tunes and an undeniable boogie factor. Terry Kath is sorely missed. His guitar playing was superb. However, Don Dacus, his replacement, improved greatly under Stephen Stills' apprenticeship ("Stephen Stills Live", "Stills", "Illegal Stills", "Thoroughfare Gap")and is better than expected.P.S. By the way, an uncredited Stephen Stills performed on this album and the next "13". He co-wrote the song "Closer to You" which was a single. P.S.S. It is advised that you listen to "Hot Streets" more than once. you can't love the music till you know it. (This is more of a 31/2 star review)"