"Chicago XI" is the ninth studio album by the American rock band Chicago, released on September 12, 1977, through Columbia Records. It marked the last appearance of guitarist and vocalist Terry Kath before his tragic death in a gun accident just over four months later. It was also the final album produced by James William Guercio, a longtime associate of the band.
The album was both commercially and critically successful, reaching the top 10 in the US and receiving generally positive reviews. It produced three singles: "Baby, What a Big Surprise," "Little One," and "Take Me Back to Chicago." "Baby, What a Big Surprise" was the most successful, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100. Chicago XI was the band's last album to achieve a top 10 position until Chicago 16 in 1982.
The album cover, known as "Regional Map" on the band's official website, features a distinctive design.
According to Ultimate Classic Rock, Chicago XI seems more like a collection of solo efforts rather than the cohesive work of the ensemble Chicago had been in the early 1970s. Peter Cetera, aiming to replicate the success of the Grammy-winning "If You Leave Me Now," wrote and sang the album's biggest hit, "Baby, What a Big Surprise," which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. This was Cetera’s sole writing contribution to the album and the only track with him on lead vocals.
Terry Kath revived his old live favorite "Mississippi Delta City Blues" for the album and delivered a touching vocal performance on Danny Seraphine’s "Little One." Seraphine co-wrote "Take Me Back to Chicago," which charted at No. 63. Kath, who was planning a solo album, may have intended "Takin' It On Uptown" as a preview of his solo work, similar to Robert Lamm's "Skinny Boy" from Chicago VII. James Pankow and Lee Loughnane also sang lead on their respective tracks, "Till the End of Time" and "This Time." Robert Lamm contributed two songs, "Policeman" and "Vote For Me."
Upon its release on September 12, 1977, Chicago XI reached No. 6 on the Billboard 200, stayed on the charts for 20 weeks, and went platinum by October. However, it did not chart in the UK.
During the recording of Chicago XI, producer James William Guercio’s tight control over the band led them to decide to take their career in their own hands after finishing the album with him. This decision marked a significant change in their career trajectory, but it was overshadowed by the tragedy that followed.
On January 23, 1978, a few months after the album's release, Terry Kath, seen by many as the "soul" of Chicago, accidentally and fatally shot himself. Kath, a gun enthusiast, had been demonstrating that his gun was unloaded when he accidentally pulled the trigger, not realizing there was a bullet in the chamber. The remaining band members were deeply shocked and considered disbanding. After a period of mourning, they decided to continue and began a new chapter in their history, recruiting singer/guitarist Donnie Dacus for their follow-up album, Hot Streets.
In 2002, Chicago XI was remastered and reissued by Rhino Records, featuring rehearsal recordings of Pankow’s "Wish I Could Fly" (backing track) and Lamm’s "Paris" as bonus tracks.
