Search - Chicago :: Christmas: What's It Gonna Be Santa

Denise C. from BOWLING GREEN, KY
Reviewed on 12/6/2010...

Great songs and great music. Love Chicago!

In defense of the repackaging "controversy"

Shane D. Worden | Oshkosh, WI United States | 11/15/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In recent years, and especially now more than ever since Rhino Records has been re-releasing the Chicago catalogue, I have seen the CHI-fan base divided into two separate factions--those who are sick and tired of the greatest hits packages, often with a new track or two thrown in for good measure, and those fans who are comfortable with where and what present day CHI is, and are thankful for any and all new material that gets thrown their way. I'm not going to waste my time here, or yours, debating who is right and who is wrong...it's all a matter of opinion, anyway...but I need to say this:Rhino Records' strong point is, and always has been, in producing reissues and repackagings. That's what Rhino is...a REISSUE label. That isn't to say that artists haven't released original material from time to time on the label, (The Monkees' 1996 effort, Justus, comes to mind--and while a fan favorite, was a commercial flop, even further emphasizing my point that origial material is not what this label is all about), but when Chicago sold their catalogue to Rhino, it should have not been any surprise that this would happen. More often than not, it's Rhino's modus operandi to issue a new track on an old album here and there to peak interest from collectors. They do it all the time--and not just with Chicago.But getting on the topic of this new reissue of CHI's Christmas album--well, it could certainly be MUCH worse. We aren't getting one or two new songs, but actually a full SIX new tunes, all of which are absolutely well-done, and fit in effortlessly with the original tracks that were recorded in 1998. Keith Howland gets his first shot at a studio lead vocal, Lee graces us with another Terry Kath-esque lead, and Bill rocks out on "Rudolph" (easily my favorite track on the whole album), to name just a few of the highlights. I love Christmas music anyway, and these additions to what already was a great album makes it even better.For those folks out there who need a new CHI-music fix, I'd heartily recommend Robert Lamm's new solo effort "subtelty&passion", which features just about the whole band making guest appearances...while it's not technically a Chicago release, it's the next best thing. But for those who are enjoying these reissues from Rhino, and have enjoyed the previous edition of the Christmas album, you won't be disappointed here, either!"

Christmas with Chicago

W. Langan | the end of the world to your town! | 01/16/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have always liked Chicago. I didn't buy this CD when it 1st came out as Chicago 25 but had planned to. With the extra songs included, I'm glad I waited until now to get it. The original brass and woodwind section of James Pankow, Lee Loughnane and Walt Parasaider are all here.



Lee Loughnane, original trumpet player for Chicago, comes out more on lead vocals than he has on the past, singing lead on "Let It Snow!" (this rendition became a big hit for Chicago)and "Sleigh Ride." Jason Scheff, bass player, sings lead on "Silent Night," "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "O Come All Ye Faithful" (Walt Parasaider does a fine job on woodwinds) and "This Christmas" (Jason's singing sounds a little like Peter Cetera's). Bill Champlin, keyboardist and guitarist, sings lead on "Little Drummer Boy" (Tris Imboden, Chicago's drummer, did a fine job on drums here), "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "What Child Is This?" and a song he wrote himself called "Bethlehem." Keith Howland, guitarist, sings lead on the rockin' version of "Jolly Old St Nicholas" (I like the alternative band lyrics "Walter wants a saxophone, Jimmy a trombone..." with Keith himself begging Santa for a new guitar!). Robert Lamm, original keyboardist, sings lead on "Winter Wonderland" (I like the alternative chord changes on this which only Chicago could have come up with), "Christmastime Is Here" (from a Charlie Brown Christmas), "The Christmas Song," "Feliz Navidad" and closes the CD with "White Christmas." With all the personell changes, it's hard to imagine a Chicago CD without him! Many of Chicago's children (and Roy Bittan's) are featured on lead vocals with "Child's Prayer" (which Lee wrote) and "One Little Candle" (this one features none of the members of Chicago, since they were busy taking pictures of their children; I guess I'd be the same way if it were one of my kids!).



James Pankow, Chicago's trombonist, does a fine job with the brass arrangements and Roy Bittan from the E Street Band produced this album and helped out with keyboards on many songs. David Milman's liner notes explain the making of this and the addition of new songs. The band originally recorded this in March of 1998 in California, complete with Christmas decorations in the studio!



All in all, this is a great job from Chicago and Roy and a fun Christmas album!"