Back in 2014, the legendary rock group Chicago had been a quarter century since its last Top 40 hit, and as the band prepared for its album Now, group members decided to bring in a big gun who was also a friend.
Over the years, Chicago had toured several times with R&B superstars Earth Wind & Fire, and the two horn-led bands had developed a real camaraderie. So it was only natural for Chicago to reach out to longtime EWF bassist, Verdine White, to help out on the title track, making it both a bit funkier and a lot more radio friendly. (Note that Verdine was not part of the music video for the song, which was largely taken from live performances)
The resulting song, ”Now,” was a tasty slice of soulful pop, complete with that great horn section you always expect on a Chicago song — but also with an unmistakable taste of “the elements.” While it didn’t change Chicago’s standing on the chart, it clearly became the group’s best song in a decade.
You probably didn’t hear it before, so it is a fitting SoulTracks Lost Gem. Check out “Now” below.
