Stone of Sisyphus (XXXII)

I only give this 3 stars because it does not include “Get On It” which I think was the best song on the album. Probably not included because of their differences with Dawayne Bailey who wrote the song and was the guitarist at the time. I will stick with the bootleg copy which includes “Get On This”.

By 1993 Chicago had been at work for 25 years; where is the respect from their record company to put out what they had recorded?

STONE OF SISYPHUS was a major turning point for Chicago. The band had exhausted their success they had in the 80's with power ballads that were heavy on radio airplay but light on substance or integrity. Realizing a change was in order, the band proceeded in the early 90's to record an album that was a complete departure from their previous few albums. However the record label rejected it, the album was shelved, and Chicago would semi-retire from recording any new original music. This album would sit in the vaults unreleased until the band unexpectedly released it in 2008. STONE OF SISYPHUS is not exactly a proper "return to form" to the progressive jazz-rock roots the band was founded on. However it is very much an album where the main goal was not to make music aimed for airplay on your AC radio stations; instead it was a real attempt by the band to focus on music they wanted to make. And although it has its shortcomings, it is a breath of fresh air. It is easily a better album than the group's follow-up, XXX, and is one of the best albums they've recorded in the last 20 years. All the bandmembers had something to offer: Robert Lamm returns to his political roots with "All The Years", Jason Scheff provides some great vocals on "The Pull", and he and Bill Champlin bring the funk with "Mah-Jong". Other highlights include "Here With Me (A Candle For The Dark)", a ballad that (unlike many Chicago ballads) actually has substance and features all three vocalists. Arguably the best song on the album is "Plaid"; a rare collaboration between Champlin and Lamm that explores the band's frustration of being pigeon-holed as a 80's power-ballad band. SOS is not without its low points however. Some of the songs haven't aged well; most specifically Robert Lamm's ridiculous "rap" song, "Sleeping In The Middle of the Bed Again" (a much superior version of this song is found on his solo album, IN MY HEAD). While this album is hardly a lost masterpiece like the Beach Boys' SMiLE, it is still a very solid album that explores a very transitional period for the band.

As long as you keep telling yourself that this album was recorded nearly 20 years ago as the over-produced sound of the 80s was crushed by Nirvana and Pearl Jam... you'll understand this.. a bit more. I think. It's like someone locked them in a studio with the sound tracks of Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing and then told them "Pop is dead... give us something arty." They went slightly insane and tried to rehash the works of Asia and ELP. And maybe Level 42. And those two funky Scritti Politti albums. Nothing a few bran muffins couldn't cure. There actually are a few good songs on this and in 1987 this would have been a good followup to their commercial peak of "Chicago 18." Or... was it 17. The David Foster one. But yeah... trying to put this monstrous juggernaut of reverb and compression and polished everything on the market against Hole, Nine Inch Nails and Smashing Pumpkins? 1994 wouldn't have just been the release year, it would have been the world-wide sales figures, too.

Finally...the album I've been waiting for. Not to knock their light AC stuff, but this one is more of the Chicago I like.

Why Warner wouldn't let them release this in 1993 is best descibed by greed and stupidity. This is certainly one of their best albums, certainly one of their most musicly solid. I got a very good bootleg from someone who got it from DaWain Bailey and have listened to it for years. Finally, a record company who appreciates good music has released this great album.. Thank you Rhino!

This band has passed their prime many years ago and if they were smart they would have quit while they were ahead. I would rather be listening to other groups with my time. There might be one or 2 songs here that are bearable, but the drums are unimaginative and bass is more style than form. Don't buy this one save your money.

honestly...im the bigest chicago fan you will find...but this album is terrible. i was excited when i heard they were coming out with a new album when i saw them in concert with the doobie brothers...then i bought it and i can't even say i like one song. come on chicago! i know you have better in you than this! it really surprises me when i see the avg. rating to be 4 out of 5 stars. click yes if you agree!

I've been a Chicago fan since from the time I was a teenager to my adult years.The long time iconed band has contributed many hits through the years.With the release of this album,this group is long overdue for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.And the late guitarist Terry Kath will be smiling from the sky for the group's induction.I know it will Maka Me Smile.

I actually bought this to get it signed when I saw them in CT. I started listening to it and it was an instant hit in my book. I like every song except for one. The Pull, Stone of Sisyphus, Plaid, The Show Must Go On, and Mahjong are the best. A little different sound from their older stuff, but definitely worth it to have!