I know 25 or 6 to 4 was written in the 60's, but it was released in 1970, so it qualifies. None of their other tunes compare. That guitar solo alone is epic. How the horns come in at the beginning gives me chills. The drums are great and Cetera's vocals, as well.
They offered what so much music is lacking today: complexity. As a teenage trumpet player, I got hired in the late 70s to play in a Chicago/BST cover band. To get paid to play their music has been a highlight of my life and jump started a career in music. Love them.
Make Me Smile is definitely one of the greatest. I like that the recording was done to sound a little unclear, not as sharp. Raw. and as a drummer, I can say that Danny's solo at the end is one of the most revered in the drum world
“Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is” is probably my favorite, mainly because of the vocal arrangement, but it’s hard to choose just one. “Questions 67 and 68” is a close second.
We were lucky to have Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears at their peaks at the same time. I loved them both. One was jazz/rock and the other was rock/jazz.
I haven't read all the comments so apologize if this is redundant. Colour My World (CMW) is on the 2nd album. It's a part of the Ballet for a Girl From Buchannon. Make Me Smile is the Opening and Reprise and CMW is the sandwich in the middle of the entire Ballet. I love Saturday in the Park - but I have to give it to Searchin' So Long, because of the complexity of the arrangement. It starts haunting and turns into an out and out rocker... then segues right into Mongoneucleosis....
Chicago Transit Authority is IMHO the greatest double album ever released. It is Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Prog all blended into a lethal stew of ear candy.
Beato got this right which he must be given a lot of credit for - these critiques were spot on, especially the kudos for Cetera’s bass playing which always impressed (besides Kath’s obvious brilliance) right from the band’s early days. Shame what happened to this group after their first seven albums, they never recovered their quality after Kath’s passing.
P.S. You somehow forgot to Mention "If You Leave Me Now" 1976; which was Chicago's "First Number One Hit!" It's a classic with a full orchestra sound to it. It contains exceptional vocals by Peter Cetera, smooth horn and wind instruments, String Instruments and and nice grainy acoustic guitar sound; and an overall well constructed arrangement of the entire piece. 😎 Check Below!
Chicago will always be so special in this house. Why ? These songs are all part of mine and my wife's early days of married life. We lived each and every new Chicago song. There isn't a weak song including some of those from the 80s.
chicago was insane 1969-1977. powerhouse of the era. 1980’s chicago is another pop beast in and of itself but the 1970’s original lineup is hard to top overall. great american band.
