Any person who claims to have a heart must enjoy Chicago’s Greatest Hits 1982-1989 Collection. It is the essence of my youth and reminds me of a time when I was carefree and in love…every other week. When I need a trip down memory lane, I simply pop this CD in the old player and I’m instantly gray hair-free and 120 pounds. That’s worth the $15.00 two or three times over.

I can’t say the memories associated with this band are all good, however. Some of the songs are quite sad and I can remember locking myself in my room with my headphones and crying my eyes out to tunes like “Look Away” and “If She Would Have Been Faithful.” Then there’s the embarrassment of copying down the lyrics word for word and giving them to various boyfriends, thinking I was being so profound. My husband (who was also my high school sweetie) tells me he would cringe every time I’d come at him with a note. Gulp!

You can’t blame my adolescent stupidity on the band; they represent some of the most powerful ballads of the 80’s. There are 12 tracks on this album and the total playing time is 53 minutes 18 seconds.

Hard to Say I’m Sorry/ Get Away

Oh, the drama of this song. It’s the break-up/make-up song of the century. Aside from this, it represents some of the truest “Chicago” sound. Peter Cetera is in fine form with this song; he has a signature sound that could be confused with no one. This song is remixed with the pop sounding “Get Away” and somehow, it works.

Look Away

This is a great song about someone whose special lady has moved on with her life, even if he is unable. "If you see me walking by, and the tears are in my eyes, Look away, baby, look away…Don’t look at me, I don’t want you to see me this way.” Doesn’t that just make you feel for this guy? This is not one of my favorites, however, because to me it sounds more than a little whiney. Purely preference, you should give it a listen to make up your own mind.

Stay the Night

I have to admit, this is one of my least favorite songs on the album. The lyrics are unimaginative and represent the angst of every male. "Stay the night, there’s room enough here for two, Stay the night, I’d like to spend it with you." No kidding? Last call at the bar, huh?

Will You Still Love Me?

Now, here is the sensitive Chicago we all know and love. This could be the quintessential wedding song. It talks about everlasting love and even the newly cynical me can get mushy eyed. " Deep inside I always knew it was you, you and me, two hearts thrown together bound by destiny,….every road leads to your door, every step I take forevermore. Just say you’ll love me for the rest of your life, I’ve got a lot of love and I don’t want to let go…I can’t go on if I’m on my own.” Oh, grab the tissues.

Love Me Tomorrow

Another one that promises unending love. These guys must really have terrific marriages. Anyway, this song speaks of the love between a man and a woman; “Because she loves me, that’s all I need to know, she’s part of my life, just the part I won’t let go.” Now, if my husband could come up with something like this every now and again, he’d be doing a lot more golfing.

What Kind of Man Would I Be?

Again, Peter Cetera is a genius. In this song, he asks what kind of man would he be without the woman in his life. He acknowledges that even though she could live without him, he would rather not live without her. This song is in the typical Chicago tradition, with the horns in full effect.

You’re the Inspiration

This is the reason I bought this album. This has to be Chicago’s Greatest Song Ever (notice the caps, it’s on purpose). Of course, this is another song about a man being crazy in love with his woman. However, for the moms out there, you can imagine yourself singing it to your sweet angel while he is sleeping. Here’s what I mean…”You should know, everywhere I go, you’re always on my mind, in my heart, in my soul, Baby. You’re the meaning in my life, you’re the inspiration. You bring feeling to my life, you’re the inspiration. Want to have you near me, I want to have you hear me saying ‘No one needs you more than I need you.” See? Now, go hug your baby.

I Don’t Wanna Live Without Your Love

What a great break-up song! Can you imagine your man singing this to you after a big fight? This man realizes he is Wrong! Women don’t want much more than that. Admit you were wrong, tell us how wonderful we are and you’ve got us. That’s how it works at my house, anyway.

Hard Habit to Break

Again with the rejected lover. The man took his woman for granted and when she up and left him, he realized that life wasn’t all that great alone. ”Being without you takes a lot of getting used to, should learn to live with it, but I don’t want to.”

Along Comes A Woman

This is a bit fast paced and (to show you how boring my life is) I put it on when I’m cleaning house. The theme stays the same, of course, but you can shake your booty a bit while you clean (or whatever normal people do).

If She Would Have Been Faithful

This is one that I have a personal reason for loving, but I’m sure it could apply to each and every one of us. You see, if Peter’s woman would’ve been faithful, then he would never have found the love of his life. It’s really a great song with innovative lyrics. You must take into account that these songs were written in the 80’s when we had such bubble gum pop as “Oh Mickey” and “Video Killed the Radio Star.” Here’s a clip I particularly love: ”If she would’ve been faithful, if she would have been true, then I would’ve been cheated. I would’ve missed out on real love, I would’ve missed out on you.” Sniff.

We Can Last Forever

Another great wedding song. By the time this last song comes on, you’ll be tired of listening to all of this gushy stuff, though. This is not one of my favorite songs, and I can’t really put my finger on the reason. It just misses its mark for me. Try it for yourself, it’s a sweet song.

This is one of those CD’s you should never get rid of because the songs are classics. You can revisit them every once in a while and take your own trip down memory lane. Never, when I was 14, did I imagine I’d ever equate “You’re the Inspiration” with the love for a child. These songs are timeless. Guys, if you want to impress your gal, take the kids to your folks, order take-out and put this in the CD player.






Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Romancing