Chicago XXX

Released in 2006, Chicago XXX (also known as Chicago 30) marked a significant return to the studio for the legendary group, being their first album of new material in fifteen years since 1991's Chicago Twenty 1. Produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts, the album bears a distinct 'Nashville' polish, blending the band's signature horn-driven rock with the slick, melodic sensibilities of mid-2000s country-pop. This collaboration brought a modern edge to their sound, though it moved them further away from the jazz-fusion experimentation of their early years. The album features the core lineup including Robert Lamm, James Pankow, and Lee Loughnane, with Bill Champlin and Jason Scheff handling much of the lead vocal duties. Critically, it was seen as a professional, well-crafted effort that successfully updated the 'Chicago sound' for a new millennium, even if it prioritized radio accessibility over the complex arrangements of their 1970s peak. It remains a notable entry for its high production values and its role in re-establishing the band as a recording entity in the digital era.