(I've Been) Searching So Long - Chicago (1974) 9/5/21

When today's "Great Song of 1974" was released, several critics called it one of the best power ballads ever recorded. That's pretty high praise, and even after 47 years, the claim is still valid.

What makes "(I've Been) Searching So Long" by Chicago so great? It all boils down to the way the song builds in intensity from beginning to end--thanks to trombonist/composer James Pankow.

It starts rather softly with strings and a keyboard, then the rest of the band joins in with some classic Chicago-style horn work, then a solid vocal by Peter Cetera...and by the end, Terry Kath adds a great guitar riff as the music swells to a climax, then slowly fades away.

The arrangement was tight and the execution was flawless--and more than just the critics noticed. The proof was on the charts. "(I've Been) Searching So Long" reached #8 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary Chart and #9 on the Hot 100. In Canada, it peaked at #5 on the Top 40.

If you've been "Searching" for a "Great Power Ballad of the '70s," you'll find it coming out of Chicago! :-)