Make Me Smile

Zoo Freaks, get ready to groove with the Zoo Crew as they spin "Make Me Smile" by Chicago from the iconic album Chicago II. This track, written by trombonist James Pankow, is a burst of joy inspired by the bliss of a beautiful relationship. In a Songfacts interview, Pankow shared that the song captures the feeling of love that "puts a big smile on our faces," reflecting the universal power of a good romance. As part of the 13-minute "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" suite, "Make Me Smile" was carved out by the record company for radio play without the band’s initial approval. Though the band had mixed feelings about chopping up their musical masterpiece, they were thrilled when it became their first hit, climbing to #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1970.

The song’s vibrant energy resonates with the gritty, soulful spirit of Chicago in the early '70s. One fan, Scott from Chicago, posted on Songfacts, noting how the track evokes memories of Grant Park and downtown during that era, capturing the city’s "scary, vibrant, earthy" vibe. The horns and Terry Kath’s soulful vocals blend to create a sound that feels like a love letter to the Windy City’s protest-fueled, free-spirited days, with echoes of the 1968 Democratic National Convention’s intensity. Another fan, Courtney from Gloucester, VA, called it a "fabulous song" driven by Kath’s heart-and-soul delivery, a sentiment echoed across fan communities like the Chicago The Band Fans Facebook group.

Interestingly, "Make Me Smile" wasn’t just a standalone hit. It’s tied to the same suite as "Colour My World," another Chicago classic, showing the band’s knack for weaving intricate musical stories. On X, fans often share nostalgic posts about how the song’s upbeat tempo and heartfelt lyrics still lift spirits decades later. The official Chicago website highlights the song’s role in establishing the band’s signature horn-driven rock sound, which set them apart from their peers. For Zoo Freaks digging deeper, fan sites like ChicagoTheBandFans.com offer forums where devotees swap stories about hearing "Make Me Smile" live in the '70s, often praising its ability to spark joy.

Chicago began as a group of DePaul University students in 1967, originally called The Big Thing, jamming in basements and dreaming big. They soon became Chicago Transit Authority, blending rock, jazz, and horns into a fresh sound. Their self-titled debut album in 1969, now known as Chicago I, caught attention, but legal threats from the actual Chicago Transit Authority forced a name change to simply Chicago. According to their official bio, the band’s early days were fueled by relentless gigging in Chicago clubs, honing their craft before hitting the national stage. Producer James William Guercio took them to Los Angeles, where they recorded Chicago II, the album that launched "Make Me Smile" and solidified their place in rock history.

The band’s journey wasn’t without challenges. After the tragic death of guitarist Terry Kath in 1978, Chicago faced a turning point, but their resilience kept them going, as detailed in fan discussions on the official Chicago Facebook page. With over 100 million records sold and a Grammy win, Chicago’s legacy endures. You can follow their latest updates on Instagram, where they share tour photos, or join the conversation on X. For diehard Zoo Freaks, the Chicago The Band Fans Facebook group and ChicagoTheBandFans.com are great spots to connect with fellow fans and dive into the band’s rich history.