Chicago – Look Away

Released in 1988, “Look Away” by Chicago marked a significant moment in the band’s career, as it became one of their most commercially successful hits. It was the second single from their album “Chicago 19”, which represented a transition to a more polished, synth-heavy sound that was characteristic of the late 1980s. With its smooth production and emotional lyrics, “Look Away” found a strong audience in the pop and adult contemporary markets, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying there for two weeks. This achievement marked a high point for Chicago, reaffirming their place in the music scene even after more than two decades of career history.

The song, written by Peter Cetera, David Foster, and Jay Graydon, deals with the theme of heartbreak and emotional turmoil following the end of a relationship. In “Look Away,” the narrator grapples with the painful realization that a romantic relationship has come to an end, with lyrics such as “You never know what you got ’til it’s gone” encapsulating the heartache of lost love. The song’s title, “Look Away,” refers to the emotional distance one creates after being hurt, asking the other person to look away rather than confront the painful truth of the breakup.

Musically, “Look Away” is emblematic of Chicago’s ’80s sound, featuring prominent synthesizers, soft rock instrumentation, and powerful vocals by Peter Cetera, who was the band’s lead vocalist at the time. The song’s smooth, pop-oriented arrangement contrasts with the more jazz-rock fusion that characterized Chicago’s earlier years, making it a part of the band’s more commercial, mainstream phase. Its production style is polished, with lush harmonies and a radio-friendly hook that allowed it to gain widespread airplay and solidify its place in pop culture.

From a social and cultural perspective, “Look Away” resonated with audiences who were navigating the complexities of relationships in the 1980s, a time when the media and popular culture were increasingly centered around themes of personal and emotional expression. The song’s smooth, emotive style fit well within the growing genre of adult contemporary music, which focused on themes of personal reflection, love, and loss. It was also a significant track during the era of the power ballad, a genre that dominated much of pop music at the time.

The success of “Look Away” is a testament to Chicago‘s ability to adapt to changing musical trends without abandoning their identity as a band. Despite moving away from the jazz-rock roots that had defined their earlier work, the group still managed to maintain their signature sound while reaching new audiences. The song’s popularity helped the album “Chicago 19” achieve commercial success, even though the band was navigating a shift in their lineup and musical direction.

Overall, “Look Away” is a poignant reminder of the emotional power of pop music. It blends themes of love and loss with accessible melodies and polished production, creating a song that is both timeless and representative of its era. As one of Chicago’s biggest hits, it remains an enduring favorite in their catalog and continues to be celebrated by fans who appreciate the band’s versatility and ability to capture the emotions of the moment.