"Baby, What a Big Surprise" is a power ballad written by Peter Cetera for the group Chicago and recorded for their album Chicago XI (1977), with Cetera singing lead vocals. The first single released from the album reached number 4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Background Carl Wilson of The Beach Boys and Cetera's brother, Tim Cetera, provided additional backing vocals on the recording while saxophonist Walt Parazaider plays flute on the distinctive introduction and trumpeter Lee Loughnane plays a piccolo trumpet. Although Chicago XI yielded two more minor singles, "Baby, What a Big Surprise" was Chicago's last top ten single before the accidental death of guitarist Terry Kath, and was also their last Top Ten single produced by James William Guercio. Reception Cash Box said that "frequent repetition drives the memorable chorus home, while classically influenced strings, brass and vocals lend a stately touch." Record World said that "the interesting structure and chorus hook" explain why the song was a popular song on pop music radio stations even before it was released as a single. Personnel Peter Cetera - lead vocals, orchestration, backing vocals Robert Lamm - piano Terry Kath - electric guitars Danny Seraphine - drums Walt Parazaider - flute Lee Loughnane - piccolo trumpet, backing vocals Carl Wilson - backing vocals Tim Cetera - backing vocals Jimmy Guercio - orchestration, acoustic guitar, bass Dominic Frontiere - orchestration Chart performance Weekly charts Year-end charts Cover versions Cetera re-recorded the song as a solo artist for his 1997 album You're the Inspiration: A Collection. References External links 1977 singles Chicago (band) songs Rock ballads Songs written by Peter Cetera Song recordings produced by James William Guercio Columbia Records singles 1977 songs