Another major change for the group was the death of guitarist/vocalist/group founder Terry Kath in January 1978, who accidentally shot himself at a roadie's house while playing with a gun.

Some of the tracks featured the Bee Gees and their keyboardist, Blue Weaver, who were recording the album Spirits Having Flown next door at the same Miami studio.

Having chosen the title Hot Streets, the album cover featured a picture of the band (shot by photographer Norman Seeff) rather than just the group logo.

In 2003, Hot Streets was remastered and reissued by Rhino Records with an alternate version of Lamm's "Love Was New" sung by Dacus as a bonus track.

"[4] Record World said it is "a soft, mid-tempo rocker propelled by Peter Cetera's familiar vocals and some compelling lofty guitar work.