"No Tell Lover" is probably Chicago's most underrated song. The understated use of horns, the subtly sexy lyrics, Peter Cetera and Donnie Dacus' pitch perfect vocals and the indefinable feeling of contentment is a musical concoction that is indelible ear candy. Written by Cetera, Lee Loughnane and Danny Seraphine, it was the second single released from their Hot Streets album in 1978. This pop rock gem charted at #14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Chicago, originally Chicago Transit Authority, changed its sound in waves over the decades. When they first came out, they had more of a harder blues edge. However, after the tragic loss of powerhouse vocalist Terry Kath, their sound became lighter and more pop rock. "No Tell Lover" encapsulates their soft rock sound and, when structurally broken down, is a perfect song. Like many songs from the 70s, the shading of the song leans more towards the light than dark, optimism, not pessimism. It's a smooth cocktail of music that signifies living life to the fullness and is evocative of secret trysts and endless summer.
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About the Curator - Sonya Alexander
After graduating from UCLA, Sonya trained to be a talent agent. After realizing she belonged on the creative end, she started freelance writing, covering film festivals for Los Angeles local papers. She's written about film, video games, global affairs, wildlife conservation and, most recently, music. She specializes in classic rock, classic soul, blues, classic country, classical and world music and is tri-coastal, residing in Los Angeles, New York and New Orleans.
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