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Baby, What a Big Surprise
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Wikipedia article
"'Baby, What a Big Surprise'" is a power ballad written by Peter Cetera for the group Chicago and recorded for their album 'Chicago XI' (1977), with Cetera singing lead vocals. The first single released from the album reached number 4 on the US 'Billboard' Hot 100 chart.
Background
Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys and Cetera's brother, Tim Cetera, provided additional backing vocals on the recording while saxophonist Walt Parazaider plays flute on the distinctive introduction and trumpeter Lee Loughnane plays a piccolo trumpet.
Although 'Chicago XI' yielded two more minor singles, "Baby, What a Big Surprise" was Chicago's last top ten single before the accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath, and was also their last Top Ten single produced by James William Guercio.
Reception
'Cash Box' said that "frequent repetition drives the memorable chorus home, while classically influenced strings, brass and vocals lend a stately touch."
Personnel
* Peter Cetera - lead vocals, orchestration, backing vocals
* Robert Lamm - piano
* Terry Kath - electric guitars
* Danny Seraphine - drums
* Walt Parazaider - flute
* Lee Loughnane - piccolo trumpet, backing vocals
* Carl Wilson - backing vocals
* Tim Cetera - backing vocals
* Jimmy Guercio - orchestration, acoustic guitar, bass
* Dominic Frontiere - orchestration
Chart performance
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Cover versions
*Cetera re-recorded the song as a solo artist for his 1997 album 'You're the Inspiration: A Collection'.
References
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