What makes Solitude/Solitaire by Peter Cetera notable?

The album features the hit single 'Glory of Love,' which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. Its romantic themes and powerful balladry contributed to the soundtrack of the film The Karate Kid Part II, further embedding it into pop culture of the era. Released in 1986, Solitude/Solitaire was Peter Cetera's second solo album after leaving Chicago, marking a significant step in his transition to a successful solo artist. Following the commercial success of his debut album, this record solidified his presence in the soft rock genre during the mid-80s.

How many songs are on Solitude/Solitaire?

Solitude/Solitaire has 9 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Released 40 years ago

Solitude/Solitaire

Peter Cetera · 1986

39 min · 9 tracks · rock music

A blend of soft rock and adult contemporary, featuring lush melodies and heartfelt introspection throughout.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Glory of Love — This track not only became Cetera's signature song but also showcased his ability to craft a heartfelt power ballad that resonated with audiences.
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They Don’t Make ’em Like They Used To — With its nostalgic lyrics and catchy melody, this song reflects Cetera's knack for blending classic rock influences with contemporary themes.
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The Next Time I Fall — Featuring Amy Grant, this duet exemplifies Cetera's talent for collaboration and adds a layer of emotional depth to the album with its rich harmonies.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong melodies and emotional balladry but lacks a cohesive narrative throughout.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature prominent, soaring melodies with layered vocal harmonies that establish a romantic tone.
Several songs incorporate a slow build-up, culminating in powerful choruses that emphasize emotional delivery.
The album includes both upbeat tracks and slower ballads, with the tempo shifting noticeably between songs.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Big Mistake 5:42
2 They Don’t Make ’em Like They Used To 4:03
3 Glory of Love 4:23
4 Queen of the Masquerade Ball 3:53
5 Daddy’s Girl 3:46
6 The Next Time I Fall 3:46
7 Wake Up to Love 4:29
8 Solitude/Solitaire 5:00
9 Only Love Knows Why 4:29

What to play next

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1981

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata