Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album

Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album is an album of Christmas songs by American rock band Chicago, released in 1998 on the band's Chicago Records label. The album was re-issued by Rhino Records in 2003 as What's It Gonna Be, Santa? with six additional, newly recorded tracks.

Produced by Roy Bittan, the original album - featuring Chicago's interpretations of well-known Christmas classics plus one original tune (co-penned by Lee Loughnane) - was very well received upon its release in August 1998, peaking at #47 in the US and going gold during a stay of 7 weeks on the charts. After Chicago entered into a long-term partnership with Rhino Records in 2002, that label re-issued Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album that same year. It was further decided to record six additional Christmas songs - with Hot Streets and Chicago 13 producer Phil Ramone - and re-issue the whole package in 2003 under a new design, title and sequencing, entitled What's It Gonna Be, Santa?, deleting its predecessor in the process. It has been reported that the band had initially considered recording an entirely new holiday effort, but didn't due to cost factors.Guitarist Keith Howland sang his first lead vocal on the title track. This later release reached #102 in the US during a stay of 5 weeks on the charts.

Track listing

Chicago XXV: The Christmas Album

1. "The Little Drummer Boy" (Katherine Davis/Henry Onorati/Harry Simeone) – 4:05
2. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Traditional) –......

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