Chicago: "III"

Released in 1971,

the was Chicago's third (3rd) album,

and their third consecutive double album

of new material in less than two years.

Filled with great tracks, of course,

including:

FREE

and

LOWDOWN

Read more about Chicago HERE.

Album Design: John Berg

Flag Sewn by Natalie Williams

Photographed by Sandy Speiser

Lettering by Melanie Marder and Annette Kawecki

Blood, Sweat & Tears: "3"

Released in 1970,

this was Blood, Sweat & Tears' (surprise!) third (3rd) album.

This recording was not received so enthusiastically

by reviewers, but it did contain a couple of hits:

A cover of Carole King's "Hi-De-Ho"

and David Clayton Thomas' "Lucretia MacEvil."

Oh, and this:

"Symphony for the Devil/Sympathy for the Devil"

Read more about Blood, Sweat & Tears HERE.

Album Design: John Berg

Cover Photo: Lee Friedlander

Other Photos: Fred Lombardi and Melissa Katz

Blood, Sweat & Tears: "Blood, Sweat & Tears"

Released in 1968,

this was Blood, Sweat & Tears' second LP.

I believe the primary reason it was self-titled

is because the line-up was almost

entirely different from their first album.

In particular,

they boasted a new front man,

David Clayton-Thomas,

who replaced Al Kooper.

This album was hugely successful,

with major hits

"Spinning Wheel,"

"You've Made Me So Very Happy,"

and

"And When I Die."

It even won the Grammy

for Album of the Year,

beating out the Beatles'

"Abbey Road,"

Crosby, Stills, & Nash's debut LP,

Johnny Cash's "At San Quentin,"

and

The Fifth Dimension's "The Age of Aquarius."

This was an influential recording

for the world

and for me personally.

The stunning musical complexity,

the songwriting, and the vocals

had a lasting impact on my approach

to music composition and appreciation.

Cover Art: Timothy Quay

Back Cover Photo: Harrie George

Inside Art: Bob Cato

Design: John Berg