Chicago III is the third studio album by American rock band Chicago, released in 1971. Building upon the experimental direction of its predecessor, the album, which consists of a double set like the preceding albums, contains a mixture of rock, jazz, and classical genres. Produced by James William Guercio, the album marked the maturation of the band's integrated sound.
The album features several extended compositions indicative of the progressive rock that would influence them in the 1970s. Among them are the symphonic piece "Travel Suite" and the politically charged "Prologue, Aug. 29, 1968", which uses actual clips from the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests.
The album spawned several popular singles, including "Free" and "Lowdown". Despite some reviews criticizing it as over-ambitious or meandering, overall, it was well received. Critically, it continued the band's ascent to the top of the music world and consolidated their unique, genre-blurring sound.
The album was a commercial success, being certified two times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Despite garnering a mixed reaction from audiences initially due to its experimental nature, the album's reputation improved over time and is now considered a significant entry in Chicago's catalogue.
The double LP was released in a gatefold sleeve, with the album's title and the band's logo embossed on a silver background. The cover marks the first time the band is shown on the album cover, as they are shown in a supper club in a photo inside. The album's hefty concept, dynamic sound, and ambitious scale reflect the band's determined move into the new decade. Through this album, Chicago continued their trend of producing material that pushed the boundaries of popular rock music, fusing elements from classical, jazz, and symphonic influences to create a unique and dynamic sound.
