purchase [If You Leave Me Now]
Chicago's first two albums were great. Really great.They were one of a few bands that ever broke out with a double album as their first market appearance.
The two albums included among other hits:
Does Anybody Know What Time It Is
Questions 67 and 68
I'm a Man
25 or 6 to 4
Where Do We Go From Here
After that ... not so sure. Not so strong starting with Chicago III, which was also a double album.
The Internet tells us that they then went into a downward spin of sorts, probably related to their [perceived/expected] success and management.
The Internet also tells me that Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now" is primarily bass player Peter Cetera's song. There appears to have been some contention within the band/producers at that time related to the softer, more emotional Cetera style as opposed to the harder-driving original Chicago sound (heavier on blaring horns and Kath's guitar).
Again, the Internet informs me that Cetera wrote the song around the melody.
The song did quite well on the charts, which may have influenced the producers' direction: Cetera's compositions took on a more prominent role after this hit.
James William Guercio -the producer - is credited with acoustic lead. Also played bass for the Beach Boys at one time as well as working with Blood, Sweat & Tears.
