# Chicago's Power Ballads After Cetera

> Chicago kept their power ballad success after Peter Cetera left in 1985.
- Title: Chicago's Power Ballads After Cetera · American Songwriter
- Summary: Chicago kept their power ballad success after Peter Cetera left in 1985. Chicago released their 1986 album with Jason Scheff as lead singer while retaining…
- Keywords: chicago, peter cetera, jason scheff, chicago 18, power ballads, david foster, music, culture, Chicago's, Power, Ballads, Cetera
- Source: American Songwriter — https://americansongwriter.com/remembering-when-chicago-moved-on-from-peter-cetera-but-kept-the-power-ballads-in-1986
- Author: Jim Beviglia
- Published: 2026-10-05T15:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: chicago, peter cetera, jason scheff, chicago 18, power ballads, david foster, music, culture
## Band Adjustments
Chicago made sound changes to stay relevant as a band over time.
## Cetera Leaves Chicago
Peter Cetera left Chicago in 1985 after a commercial lull ended their band partnership.
## Jason Scheff Joins
Jason Scheff, son of Elvis Presley’s bassist, took lead vocals and bass for Chicago 18.
## Power Ballad Style Continues
Chicago 18 kept Cetera’s power ballad style despite Cetera no longer being in the band.
## David Foster's Role
David Foster produced Chicago 18 but worked less on songwriting than on Cetera’s solo hits.
## Chicago 18's Impact
Chicago 18 had weaker sales than Cetera-led albums but included a re-recording of their 1970 hit.
## Key takeaway

Chicago released their 1986 album with Jason Scheff as lead singer while retaining Cetera's power ballad style.