It's a weak version with Champlin's voice. Lou Pardini is a definite upgrade over BC. The guy looked bored over his final years with the group. Who sings a solo while they are chewing gum?? That looks so unprofessional even if you're singing backing vocals. Who agrees???
this is god awful, wow how many ways can you ruin a classic great Chicago tune, Terry sang this w/ such soul, that anyone following him better be able to at least sing it in that same vein...this ain't even close..
Ono! Bill just Yoko'ed all over my favourite Chicago song again! Keith is the guitarist now, and technically Terry's replacement; let's hear HIM sing it.
I know we can't bring Terry Kath back, but I know he's spinning in his grave over this shit. If he could come back from the dead and kick Bill's ass for butchering this song..
Champlin singing this tune. Whenever I hear him sing this tune, I feel his arrorgance. Sort of like he is too good to follow Pankow's original melody. And ditch the freakin' headphones. You're fronting the band, it looks silly.
Champlin singing this tune. Whenever I hear him sing this tune, I feel his arrongance. Sort of like he is too good to follow Pankow's original melody. And ditch the freakin headphones. Youre fronting the band, it looks silly.
Bill Champlin sucks, Lamm sings this better, and Kath was the best at this song. The true Chicago . . . . Kath, Lamm, Seraphine, Cetera, and trombone Jimmy
I like watching this.. To me its fall down on floor laughing. At how stupid Champlin sounds. He sounds like if Pee Wee Herman was to sing soul music. Its fucked up.
After the loss of Kath & Cetera, the group suffered a steady decline. And when Jason Scheff came onboard, his singing was a complete insult to the legacy that Cetera left behind. Now the group is a tribute band to what they once were. They don't even sound close to the 70's & early 80's when they were a supergroup. I think i this point in time, they could fade away and nobody would even notice, Very tragic.
agree with below, please all retire and go away and do your own things . . horn section could join California Transit Authority . . a band worth listening to and not selling out to mediocrity . . . PS I was a Chicago fan once . . .
Everyone's ragging on the vocals, and justifiably so, but listen to the horns missing their notes. And after playing this hit song how many thousands of times? That Boston audience is just sitting there quietly wondering if Chicago could really suck this bad.
Terry must be rolling in his grave listening to the bastardization of the song he immortalized. Thank God Champlin has left Chicago. Even my dog can sing better than him!
......and that's a fact, jack. i saw chicago and terry play 3 times in my home town many years ago. he was the soul of that group. they should just replace the horn players and be done with the changeup. it doesn't even resemble the old group.
This is absolute shit. I feel embarrassed for them and most of all for that jack ass chewing gum and looking around like he's the shit. One things for sure, he is shit and shouldn't put his spin on a great Terry Kath sung song.
We don't have to worry about Bill Champlin doing this song anymore so this should rest with Robert Lamm now and he can carry this song fine. Can anyone answer why Bill Champlin is even chewing gum while he does a lead vocal?
this is the worst version I have heard from anyone. they could of done better getting someone who sounded more like terry kath. horrible compared to the original
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. This is a pitiful shame. If they can't do this song right without Terry, then they shouldn't do it at all. Gag.
Bill is HORRIBLE! This rendition sucks. I almost thought this was a cover band raping the song! Robert sings it way better. Let me get this right...You like this sing this way? For real?
The guy singing lead is Bill Champlin, He's been with Chicago since 1982 and tried to replace Terry to no avail. He has the soul, but his style is totally different.
I just gotta leave a response to all of you fans who are ripping Bill Champlin. We all know that his singing is different from Terry's in many ways. We were all sad to see Terry's tragic exit from the group. However, after that time, Bill brought new life to the band. He has a very powerful, soulful, unique voice that is appreciated by vocalists around the globe. So, give the guy some credit. He's darn good at what he does, and he's a great B-3 player to boot. Rock on Bill!
well,it's not disgusting to me,but...even tho cta were never my favourite,they really rocked on the original with kath.i don't think they ever fully recovered from that great loss.
The trombone player is great but he plays one flat note in the brass solo part of the song. After so many years of hearing this song it really stuck out to me.
I agree. "Make me smile" WAS Terry Kath, and his unbelievable Ray Charles-like voice. Who's that young Barry Manillow trying to fit into shoes much too big for him? I bet Terry would never have even thought of chewing gum while singing this soulful song. Enven the brass players are not half as good as the original. It's a shame.
Jenna, I'm not saying I could do better, but it's always risky to imitate original geniousses.
I appreciate this band for "staying"alive for all of you that put their efforts down i would love to see "you" do it better..it amazes me how little you all that put them down have any idea about what it is really like to play in a real musical enviroment..believe it or not it's alot of fun an most times competition is last on everyones mind
Champlin is a great musician but Lamm should be singing lead on Make Me Smile. The backing vocals need to be stronger too. And whats with the gum chewing doing lead vocals? Unprofessional for a legendary group like this.
This sounds like a good cover band but not anywhere like the "CHICAGO". Danny Seraphine was the heart of this once great band. A good cover band thats all.
You can really see how much the band lost when kath died. Man, what a disaster. lamm really seems to have gone to the Manilow sound. Something wrong...
Agree on letting Lamb sing this. Champlin's phrasing is the same on all youtube versions. That is way too habitual for me, but hey, I'm a super-nobody.
To bad Lee can't sing and play trumpet at the same time. I think Lee would be the best at this song. I always thought that it was Terry singing The Song of The Evergreens, but it was Lee. Even in this song you can hear that Lee sounds like Terry.
i agree champlin is not a good live performer but good in the studio champlin and cetera are good friends acording to ceteras webb site this group needs danny back in a real bad way
When Champlin is in the recording studio, he seems to try harder. But when playing live, he disgraces the band as a whole, and contributes nothing towards preserving Chicago's history of musical excellence. Let him play the keyboards if they must, but Robert needs to tell him to keep his mouth shut unless he needs to breathe, or perhaps, take a drink of water.
I don't know if Bill "disgraces the band", but his approach to this tune has been lackluster for years. It's a shame, because he is capable of really belting it out. Back in the early 80's when he joined Chicago, his rendition of MMS was a concert highlight: deep, rich, powerful and soulful. The 1984 Japanese tour footage that can be seen on Youtube is a fine example.
Now it seems he just "phones it in" on most Chicago tunes. Oh well, it's a living I guess.
I agree with you. I have never liked him. IMHO he's the reason they became a mediocre band. Got Danny fired and Cetera was pushed over the fence when Champlin came in.
Yep, he also invented cancer. Actually, Cetera quit on his own to start a bland solo career and Champlin has no active involvement in firing members of the band. And no one sissy-fied Chicago more than Cetera.
I dig Champlin's contributions to the band; even if he over-sings every now and then.
"Yep, he also invented cancer." if you're trying to be funny with that statement it's not funny at all. I have cancer and been battling it for almost four years. So Cetera had a "bland" career, that's why he still pulls lots of people in to his concerts. Yes, he did leave on his own. Seraphine is a different story. He was "fired" by the group as they felt he was not contributing. And I don't blame him. Going from one of the most progressive bands to syrupy love songs was not his bag.
Sorry to hear you have cancer but I wasn't making fun of people with cancer. I was mocking the poster who seemed to be demonizing Champlin as if he were the root of all evil.
Cetera - Yes, he had a bland solo career unless awesomely bad power ballads are your thing.
Seraphine - Bill Champlin was blamed by one poster that HE was the reason Danny was fired. Not being an original member or part of management, Bill has no authority to "fire" anyone in the band much less himself.
It's Still Got Four Wheels On It!
foxyroxstar 2 weeks ago
For respect of Terry Kath, he should spit his gum before even thinking about singing this beautiful song.
Krikthomer 3 months ago
Champlin and Jason BOTH suck on vocals - Peter, Terry and Danny gone equals a Chicago cover band is what is left !
MrClifton17 3 months ago
Terrible lead vocals. He turns a Jazz/Rock/Pop smash into country.
Brilliantbeing 4 months ago
It's a weak version with Champlin's voice. Lou Pardini is a definite upgrade over BC. The guy looked bored over his final years with the group. Who sings a solo while they are chewing gum?? That looks so unprofessional even if you're singing backing vocals. Who agrees???
ruedydude 5 months ago
A big nope on this version. Very weak by comparison .
MrVeesworld 6 months ago
OMG..the worst. RIP Terry - you knew how to Make Me Smile:)
dribchester 6 months ago
this is god awful, wow how many ways can you ruin a classic great Chicago tune, Terry sang this w/ such soul, that anyone following him better be able to at least sing it in that same vein...this ain't even close..
MOSKII58 7 months ago
Ono! Bill just Yoko'ed all over my favourite Chicago song again! Keith is the guitarist now, and technically Terry's replacement; let's hear HIM sing it.
WagTheDoug 8 months ago
The music is second to none.... but, this band sucks (comparatively speaking).
margovallen 9 months ago
Weak
fraink7 1 year ago
I know we can't bring Terry Kath back, but I know he's spinning in his grave over this shit. If he could come back from the dead and kick Bill's ass for butchering this song..
groundhog713 1 year ago 3
Champlin sucks ass. He sounds more like Boz Scaggs.... voice is way too high for this song.
CHHSE1986 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Agree with the comments about
Champlin singing this tune. Whenever I hear him sing this tune, I feel his arrorgance. Sort of like he is too good to follow Pankow's original melody. And ditch the freakin' headphones. You're fronting the band, it looks silly.
selmansax 1 year ago
Agree with the comments about
Champlin singing this tune. Whenever I hear him sing this tune, I feel his arrongance. Sort of like he is too good to follow Pankow's original melody. And ditch the freakin headphones. Youre fronting the band, it looks silly.
selmansax 1 year ago
All videos, etc., of Bill Champlin singing (????) this song should be taken out into the town square and burned. Now, THAT would make me smile....
carina2244 1 year ago 3
@saynotodarwin I Agree in this Video it is Champlin But in the last few years Robert lamm took over Singing this song from him
I have also heard thet Champlin was forced out of the group
jkmehoff 1 year ago
Bill Champlin sucks, Lamm sings this better, and Kath was the best at this song. The true Chicago . . . . Kath, Lamm, Seraphine, Cetera, and trombone Jimmy
swabbles808 1 year ago
Nah.
stratdelux09 1 year ago
Chicago needs to retire.
psychodelicrock12 1 year ago
what GARBAGE!!!!! Totally degrading, butchering, fucking up a classic.
Every cover of "Make me smile" that I've heard is wayyyyy better than this....pretty sad!
righthook27 1 year ago 2
I like watching this.. To me its fall down on floor laughing. At how stupid Champlin sounds. He sounds like if Pee Wee Herman was to sing soul music. Its fucked up.
What a shame to one of their great songs.
kevykev38 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
Will someone please post the footage of ROBERT LAMM SINGS MAKE ME SMILE?
psychodelicrock12 1 year ago
si sigue sonando a chicago es por los miembros originales que quedan aun,pero no tiene nada que ver,pero nada con los chicago originales
ganyi 1 year ago
This drummer is good, but sounds a little intimidated by Danny´s tremendous drumming. Come on man, bring the fire!!
kupa890 1 year ago
He sounds like he is taking a shit when he sings. JMO
null99rick 1 year ago 2
Why Terry Kath? Unloaded gun is most dangerous weapon.
mojoidol 1 year ago
Sorry to say. but its not the same without Kath & Cetera. Two of the greatest music lgends in the history of music.
MrLen1955 1 year ago 3
After the loss of Kath & Cetera, the group suffered a steady decline. And when Jason Scheff came onboard, his singing was a complete insult to the legacy that Cetera left behind. Now the group is a tribute band to what they once were. They don't even sound close to the 70's & early 80's when they were a supergroup. I think i this point in time, they could fade away and nobody would even notice, Very tragic.
MrLen1955 1 year ago 3
this is so insipid....
ernieernie 1 year ago
agree with below, please all retire and go away and do your own things . . horn section could join California Transit Authority . . a band worth listening to and not selling out to mediocrity . . . PS I was a Chicago fan once . . .
mrjwpotter 2 years ago
Everyone's ragging on the vocals, and justifiably so, but listen to the horns missing their notes. And after playing this hit song how many thousands of times? That Boston audience is just sitting there quietly wondering if Chicago could really suck this bad.
Chasmoore3 2 years ago
I'm transcribing this song
musictranscription 2 years ago
Terry must be rolling in his grave listening to the bastardization of the song he immortalized. Thank God Champlin has left Chicago. Even my dog can sing better than him!
markdeleon 2 years ago 5
I agree, this song should be put in a shrine where only Terry Kath sings & plays lead forever more!
YouTube has some really great videos here of TK doing this song the way it was intended!
Korona41 2 years ago 3
This song should be put in a shrine. Unless TK sings it and plays guitar on it it shouls NEVER be played!!
waltonfan32 2 years ago
@waltonfan32
......and that's a fact, jack. i saw chicago and terry play 3 times in my home town many years ago. he was the soul of that group. they should just replace the horn players and be done with the changeup. it doesn't even resemble the old group.
saxguitarman 1 year ago
This is absolute shit. I feel embarrassed for them and most of all for that jack ass chewing gum and looking around like he's the shit. One things for sure, he is shit and shouldn't put his spin on a great Terry Kath sung song.
jbeamcoke 2 years ago
We don't have to worry about Bill Champlin doing this song anymore so this should rest with Robert Lamm now and he can carry this song fine. Can anyone answer why Bill Champlin is even chewing gum while he does a lead vocal?
ruedydude 2 years ago
this is the worst version I have heard from anyone. they could of done better getting someone who sounded more like terry kath. horrible compared to the original
stockss22 2 years ago
@stockss22
There is a version of this song with ROBERT LAMM singing it. Look for ROBERT LAMM SINGS MAKE ME SMILE. This is the best version without TERRY KATH.
psychodelicrock12 2 years ago
I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit. This is a pitiful shame. If they can't do this song right without Terry, then they shouldn't do it at all. Gag.
jennebe27 2 years ago 3
I can't listen to this. I loved it when Robert sang it because I thought Terry would be happy about that but this is awful.
sueintexas 2 years ago
What band is this? There doing a horrible cover of the Chicago song " Make me smile" Terrible.
kevykev38 2 years ago
wow awesome, Bill is great on vocals, Keith really rocks, they are just great!
soundlikeFabian 2 years ago
Bill is HORRIBLE! This rendition sucks. I almost thought this was a cover band raping the song! Robert sings it way better. Let me get this right...You like this sing this way? For real?
kevykev38 2 years ago 2
ya Robert is also good on this song, but I think everyone has on own opinion about voices?! and I like it . don´t worry...
soundlikeFabian 2 years ago
Not the soulful voice that Terry had....... This sucks.
bds1167 2 years ago 2
This is totally wrong!
Please Robert sing this in honor of TK. This is a disgrace! Almost as bad as replacing Danny with Tris.
Rhythumjet 2 years ago 3
man at 1:55 jason gets into the music
PhilUSM 2 years ago
the guy singing really does look like the ex-prez Bush. Almost like Bush had a secret life!
dflier52 2 years ago
Who the Hell is singing this and totally raping this song turning it in to a sniveling, whiney, sissy mess.
keed48 2 years ago 3
The guy singing lead is Bill Champlin, He's been with Chicago since 1982 and tried to replace Terry to no avail. He has the soul, but his style is totally different.
perkeneff 2 years ago
come make me smile even more : )
elizabethlee2008 2 years ago
That is George Bush... his vocals will wipe out terror!
jcronin97 2 years ago
hahaha funny
durmusoglu 2 years ago
Is that George Bush singing?
JoChains 3 years ago
jajaja good one
resheko 2 years ago
The big test will be if Robert Lamm
leaves, then there is really NO reason
to continue, you're so far away from
what Chicago was.
17865329 3 years ago
It's not sniping, it reality, I know they
still trot out Lamm for a few songs, and
the brass is intact, but without Peter,
the late Terry Kath, and Danny Seraphine,
you're treading close to "tribute band"
territory, and this version has very little
to do with the original, sorry.
17865329 3 years ago 5
I would hav't to strongly agree' It sounds allright, But it sounds a little bit watered down vocally.
LoveIsADarkPlace 2 years ago
best guitarist ever : KEITH HOWLAND ROCKS!!!!!
soundlikeFabian 3 years ago
I just gotta leave a response to all of you fans who are ripping Bill Champlin. We all know that his singing is different from Terry's in many ways. We were all sad to see Terry's tragic exit from the group. However, after that time, Bill brought new life to the band. He has a very powerful, soulful, unique voice that is appreciated by vocalists around the globe. So, give the guy some credit. He's darn good at what he does, and he's a great B-3 player to boot. Rock on Bill!
john12178 3 years ago
Well said, John. I totally agree. Bill is incomparable. I love that he has been in the band and I hope always is.
tallcoool1 3 years ago
check out California Transit Authority -- Danny's group - he has an AWESOME version of this song... such a great tribute to Terry Kath.
luciamimi7 3 years ago 2
They really could use Terry on vocals (and guitar)
brianedmunds 3 years ago
I Love the ending when the trumpet, trombone and tennor sax do that soli!
ledezmamiguellopez12 3 years ago
well,it's not disgusting to me,but...even tho cta were never my favourite,they really rocked on the original with kath.i don't think they ever fully recovered from that great loss.
pckpat 3 years ago
The trombone player is great but he plays one flat note in the brass solo part of the song. After so many years of hearing this song it really stuck out to me.
infractionsband 3 years ago
I agree. "Make me smile" WAS Terry Kath, and his unbelievable Ray Charles-like voice. Who's that young Barry Manillow trying to fit into shoes much too big for him? I bet Terry would never have even thought of chewing gum while singing this soulful song. Enven the brass players are not half as good as the original. It's a shame.
Jenna, I'm not saying I could do better, but it's always risky to imitate original geniousses.
lefebvre54 3 years ago
Nothing without Terry Kath.
preagnantflea 3 years ago
I appreciate this band for "staying"alive for all of you that put their efforts down i would love to see "you" do it better..it amazes me how little you all that put them down have any idea about what it is really like to play in a real musical enviroment..believe it or not it's alot of fun an most times competition is last on everyones mind
JennaP46 3 years ago
I'm 13 and we are playing this song in our marching band for our half tim show. We r also doing hey jude, and Karn Evil 9
happysmile13 3 years ago 2
Rock on happysmile13
windridr66 3 years ago
I love Bill but Robert should sing this song.
zilch 3 years ago
Couldn't bear listening -> pulled the plug -> simply quit ( that's NEVER E V E R happened before, listening to early Chicago songs ).
That dude doesn't even TRY to play the guitar solo !
What's the point of this farse ?
Couldn't they just play another song ?
If they have to play, go play just anything - but not these treasures !
'Fortune' did an EXCELLENT cover on this one.
These guys should listen and learn from them
*rolleyes*
TomtenT 3 years ago
Champlin is a great musician but Lamm should be singing lead on Make Me Smile. The backing vocals need to be stronger too. And whats with the gum chewing doing lead vocals? Unprofessional for a legendary group like this.
ruedydude 3 years ago
I never knew George Bush knew how to sing much less play the keyboard.
carolyndesireecraig 3 years ago
They're the only reason I decided to play the trumpet
SiouxPianist 3 years ago
Sounds great but i really mis terry kath :(
tmollica 3 years ago 2
lol backing vocals simply sucks
kupa890 3 years ago
This sounds like a good cover band but not anywhere like the "CHICAGO". Danny Seraphine was the heart of this once great band. A good cover band thats all.
tonyotonyito 3 years ago 2
champlin does a good job always singing on his unique style i dont care what evrybody else think
orion777temp 3 years ago
Who said this was Lamb singing? It's obvious he is not but many think he should, that's all.
mestermuzak 3 years ago
You can really see how much the band lost when kath died. Man, what a disaster. lamm really seems to have gone to the Manilow sound. Something wrong...
mpbunch 3 years ago
Agree on letting Lamb sing this. Champlin's phrasing is the same on all youtube versions. That is way too habitual for me, but hey, I'm a super-nobody.
kenrayboy 4 years ago
This isn't Lamm. Champlin is singing this.
StanBennet 3 years ago
To bad Lee can't sing and play trumpet at the same time. I think Lee would be the best at this song. I always thought that it was Terry singing The Song of The Evergreens, but it was Lee. Even in this song you can hear that Lee sounds like Terry.
at90percent 4 years ago
I think Bill Champlin's got a pretty good voice, but it just doesn't fit this song. I concur with everyone else - let Robert Lamm sing it.
eternallyfab 4 years ago 3
The other one that sings this song is so much better..
FaderTid 4 years ago
I heard Robert Lamm sing this and he damn sure blows Bill out of the water with his soulful baritone!
ZackT618 4 years ago 3
Terry Kath he ain't. But who is?
skipper8257 4 years ago
Lee Loughnane sounds like him in Song of the Evergreens.
at90percent 4 years ago
Wow! did Lee used to lift weight? He looks kinda huge here. I like the tight shirt on him. (Oh yeh, he sounds great too! lol)
bob7208 4 years ago
Lee is a hottie! He only gets better with age.
tylermeatball 4 years ago 2
i agree champlin is not a good live performer but good in the studio champlin and cetera are good friends acording to ceteras webb site this group needs danny back in a real bad way
jkmehoff 4 years ago 6
When Champlin is in the recording studio, he seems to try harder. But when playing live, he disgraces the band as a whole, and contributes nothing towards preserving Chicago's history of musical excellence. Let him play the keyboards if they must, but Robert needs to tell him to keep his mouth shut unless he needs to breathe, or perhaps, take a drink of water.
dew1101 4 years ago 4
I don't know if Bill "disgraces the band", but his approach to this tune has been lackluster for years. It's a shame, because he is capable of really belting it out. Back in the early 80's when he joined Chicago, his rendition of MMS was a concert highlight: deep, rich, powerful and soulful. The 1984 Japanese tour footage that can be seen on Youtube is a fine example.
Now it seems he just "phones it in" on most Chicago tunes. Oh well, it's a living I guess.
luke3jes 4 years ago
Robert should take over this song like he has Colour My World. Just as important, Tris just doesn't have the right feel for the piece; I miss Danny.
scribbled309 4 years ago 4
It's good for the Pipes. Cetera does too!
kincher23 4 years ago
I love how Bill chews gum while singing...LOL!
ajmunch00 4 years ago
Me, just reverse, I don't like Bill at all!!!! In my opinion, he is very nasty!
n0ne001 4 years ago 2
I agree with you. I have never liked him. IMHO he's the reason they became a mediocre band. Got Danny fired and Cetera was pushed over the fence when Champlin came in.
mister2drums 4 years ago 7
Yep, he also invented cancer. Actually, Cetera quit on his own to start a bland solo career and Champlin has no active involvement in firing members of the band. And no one sissy-fied Chicago more than Cetera.
I dig Champlin's contributions to the band; even if he over-sings every now and then.
Awesoman 3 years ago
"Yep, he also invented cancer." if you're trying to be funny with that statement it's not funny at all. I have cancer and been battling it for almost four years. So Cetera had a "bland" career, that's why he still pulls lots of people in to his concerts. Yes, he did leave on his own. Seraphine is a different story. He was "fired" by the group as they felt he was not contributing. And I don't blame him. Going from one of the most progressive bands to syrupy love songs was not his bag.
mister2drums 3 years ago
Sorry to hear you have cancer but I wasn't making fun of people with cancer. I was mocking the poster who seemed to be demonizing Champlin as if he were the root of all evil.
Cetera - Yes, he had a bland solo career unless awesomely bad power ballads are your thing.
Seraphine - Bill Champlin was blamed by one poster that HE was the reason Danny was fired. Not being an original member or part of management, Bill has no authority to "fire" anyone in the band much less himself.
Awesoman 3 years ago