Robert Lamm - Subtlety Passion (11 tracks) +Album Reviews

Lamm's Latest a Hit

J. Conrad Guest | Northville, MI United States | 01/19/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Subtlety and Passion, the fourth solo effort from one of the original members of the group Chicago, is Robert Lamm's best work to date. Filled with subtle nuances and ardor, the music is rich and the lyrics poignant, as Lamm reflects on midlife, looks back at youth, makes stinging observations of our way of life in this society, describes fatherhood, and pays tribute to former friend and musician Terry Kath. This CD offers a variety that's sure to please just about every listener, from hard driving rock and roll to pop to jazz to reggae. Oh yes, there are a couple of nice love songs, too.Lamm is at his best when left to his own devices and ignores pop culture, and every cut on Subtlety is fresh, nothing is formula. Lamm thumbs his nose at the recording industry establishment, doing it his way, and he is to be applauded for doing so, and applauded also, for the result: not a single cut can be considered B-side. Commercial? Perhaps not, but in this reviewer's ears, it is precisely Subtlety's lack of commercial appeal that I find most appealing. Most of the other members of Chicago lend musical support, yet the result is not the Chicago sound of the 70s or 80s (the horns are much warmer, less brash than Chicago), but is distinctly Robert Lamm, who's vocals never sounded so good. My only criticisms are the mix, which sounds rather thin, and that a drum machine was used.Outstanding cuts:I Could Tell You Secrets-If I say I love you/No one else above you/In a world without romance/How would you know?The Mystery of Moonlight-The mystery of a whisper/The mystery of the first time/And the mystery of life is the mystery of love/And I wonder how it slips away.

Gimmee Gimmee-Gimmee gimmee gimmee/Gimmee some award gimmee money gimmee something/Gimmee someplace in your hall of fame/Gimmee gimmee gimmee/Gold plated statues of an image I can pander to/Gimmee gimmee.Another Sunday-I'm trying to believe dreams I had when I was young are still the same/Though time has passed/The dream has still remained.For You Kate (written for his second daughter).Intensity-this funky tune contains a guitar solo recorded years ago by the late Terry Kath!You Never Know the Story (dedicated to Kath)-You never know the color of another's broken dreams/The ending of a love affair more costly than it seems.It's a Groove, This Life-do we b--ch enough? Do we change enough? Is it full enough, this life?Notable cuts: It's Always Something, Somewhere Girl and You're My Sunshine Everyday.Highly recommended."

A fine return to form.

R. Isherwood | Fort Collins, Colorado USA | 12/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I just picked this up (sorry I am late to the party). I am pleased to report that Bobby's songwriting chops are as fine as ever. This is the best "Chicago" album in many many years.

The night I purchased this CD, I listened to it 2 times and thought this is a good CD, but not one of the best I have ever heard. Well, repeated listenings only improves this CD and I am at the point I cannot get these tunes outta my head. I am very pleased that Robert has released this fine snapshot of where he is now musically.

I hear there will be new "Chicago" release of new material in 2006. (As fas as I am concerned, Terry Kath was the "heart and soul" of Chicago and they have never recovered from his untimley passing and I have not purchased a new Chicago album since "11"). I can only hope that Bobby contributes some new tunes, because he still carries the torch and is as valid now as he was for CTA.

"

Robert Lamm and Chicago Lives!!!

Number Six | The Village (of Aurora, IL) | 08/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm a Chicago fan from the very beginning and I've truly missed not having a new Chicago LP to keep me enlivened. Well this album, though marketed as a solo effort by Robert Lamm,fills the bill nicely, thank you very much! I've been listening to this in my car ever since the day I received it in the Post. I will admit that this album is more of a Chicago album than most of the few minor efforts they've very infrequently put out. I class "subtlety & passion" with the likes of III, V, VI, X, XI and Hot Streets.

I'm not going to do a countdown of all the songs on the LP but will say that my favorites are: (#10)You Never Know The Story, (#11)It's A Groove This Life, (#6)For You Kate,(#5)Another Sunday, (#8)Intensity, and (#7)It's Always Something. The remaining tracks are very enjoyable but I could listen to the favorites just listed over and over tirelessly. As I've already said, I'm a Chicago fan and now you know where to find the best (non-titled) Chicago music currently available. So Robert, Peter, Walter, Lee, Jimmy, Greg, Larry, Jason and the rest, how about a new album?"

A welcome addition to a gifted songwriter's catalog

M. A Fortes | San Francisco, CA | 10/30/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If it weren't for Robert Lamm, Chicago fans wouldn't have much to look forward to in terms of new music. Fortunately he has not only the creative drive, but also the determination to get his music out to the public.Subtlety and Passion is Robert's fourth solo album. True to his nature, Robert is not merely repeating himself here. True, the Chicago horns are present and in fine form throughout the album. True, every member of the current Chicago lineup sans Bill Champlin is present on the album. True, the song "Intensity" features a long-lost Terry Kath guitar solo rescued from the vaults. However, Robert has never had such an abundance of Chicago members on a solo album before. Not only that, the diversity of styles represented here is greater than on previous solo albums (or Chicago albums from the past 25 years, for that matter). The first few songs are catchy pop-styled tunes, while later in the album we get jazz in "Another Sunday," reggae in "You're My Sunshine Everyday," some Brazilian flavor in "For You Kate," some rocking energy in "Gimme Gimme," some funk in "Intensity"... you get the picture. The guy obviously loves music of all sorts and isn't afraid to let it show in his own music!I certainly agree with the vast majority of Robert's fans that Subtlety and Passion is an effort to celebrate. However, I rated this album only four stars for one reason particular to my own taste. While I have no problems at all with drum loops and programming -- the loops and programming on his previous album "In My Head" sounded beefy and in-your-face in the best possible way -- on this album the drum sound is very thin, so thin to the point where even the acoustic drums sound synthesized. This robs the album of some energy and keeps a 'great' album from registering as 'kick-ass' in my mind. Other than that, 'bravo!'"

The CD Chicago Fans Have Been Waiting For

R. Angeloni | Northern California, USA | 10/09/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Chicago fans have been waiting a long time for new material from their favorite band, and, although there's no word of when a new Chicago CD, of original material, will be released, Robert Lamm's Subtlety & Passion is the next best thing.
One listen and you'll know why. Lamm has tapped the services of many of his bandmates to help with this CD, including Jason Scheff, Tris Imboden, Lee Loughnane, Walt Parazaider, Jimmy Pankow, current guitarist Keith Howland, and even Chicago's original guitarist, the late, great Terry Kath, who appears on "Intensity."
The CD sports many different musical styles, from Pop to rock to Brazilian jazz. One track, "Somewhere Girl," is a very catchy tune pop tune that will stay with you.
If you like the old Chicago, or appreciate good writing and good musicians, then purchase this CD. It will not disappoint, and you'll play it again and again."

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