"(I've Been) Searchin' So Long" is a song written by James Pankow for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago VII (1974). The first single released from that album, it reached number 9 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It also hit number 8 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In Canada, the song peaked at number 5.
Background Cash Box said that "this dreamy, progressive ballad [is] reminiscent of...Yes and the Beach Boys with that definite patented Chicago drive," and also praised the "sensitive musical execution and slowly intensifying vocals."
Rick Beato dedicated an entire show in trying to determine which Chicago song was the best, and this one was a close #2 in his opinion to "Saturday in the Park".
Personnel Peter Cetera – lead vocals, bass guitar, fretless bass Robert Lamm – Fender Rhodes electric piano, Minimoog synthesizer, backing vocals Terry Kath – phased/fuzzed wah-wah electric guitar, backing vocals Danny Seraphine – drums Lee Loughnane – trumpet, backing vocals James Pankow – trombone, percussion, backing vocals Walter Parazaider – tenor saxophone
Additional Personnel David J. Wolinski – ARP synthesizer Laudir de Oliveira – congas Jimmie Haskell – strings
Chart performance
Weekly charts Chart (1974) Peakposition Australia Kent Music Report44 Canada RPM Top Singles5 Canada RPM Adult Contemporary16 U.S. Billboard Hot 100Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955-1990 - 9 U.S. Billboard Easy Listening8U.S. Cash Box Top 100CASH BOX Top 100 Singles Week ending June 1, 1974, tropicalglen.com 7
Year-end charts Chart (1974) Rank Canada RPM Top Singles76 U.S. Billboard Hot 100"Top Pop Singles" Billboard December 28, 1974: Talent in Action-873
References