Reviews (page 4 of 8)
Well this wasn't what I was expecting! I enjoyed the brass, but wasn't really grabbed by anything until "listen" and "poem 58" Then it really came into it's own after the really long guitar song, which was pretty bad frankly. But "south California purples" and "I'm a man" were great. So was "liberation" Really good overall, I'll be back
Cool stuff! Maybe a bit long for some but the music is a nice mix of soulful rock tunes and jazzy jams. Maybe I’m just a sucker for this kind of thing
Sista låten har lite för mycket runkeri för min smak men den e nog helt banger ändå. Annars va dehä en mycket positiv överraskning! Swag prog/jazz-rock
Nice one
I've always thought Chicago's best albums were their early records in particular their first two. The band was jazz-fusion heavy with long jams along with some of their best known songs. The debut (when they were still called), Chicago Transit Authority is a daring double album with several overlong songs that sometimes tries our patience, but if you can make it through the whole album, it's quite good, at least the musicianship and performance. I own this on vinyl, but only until now have listened to it in it's entirety in one sitting. I'll admit, I'll cherry pick next listen and it could have benefited by a better editor or perhaps a single LP instead of a double.
Well, to think of the evolution of Rock from this album to today. These musicians were talented and only perpetuated the 18min intros hahahaha. Enjoyed the range, the style and the history.
Super high four star, I had no clue Chicago was this good. Pleasantly surprised
A good, but ambitious debut album.
Wonderful prog jazz funk rock (and many other genres). Hard to pick out a top track, as they blend into each other so much. Great fun, not what I would have expected from their later work.
into it!
Cheezy goodness
Such a blast of sound... So solid. A positivity that belied the times antiwar movement. They stayed focus on the sound
While I like listening to jam bands, these songs were long and too jammy, despite liking Chicago. I never realized how little singing happened on this album.
Really good and definitely takes inspiration from a lot of other artists around that time it seems like, which I personally enjoy
Erg leuk, de combi van rock met blaasinstrumenten werkt echt goed. Hier moet je wel eens vaker in duiken, toch maar wat lp's van halen.
Definitely an album of two halves. First half some good soul funk vibes. second half some batshit crazy experimental guitar jazz/blues fusion. Not sure what its all about but I like it!!
Very good. A little long.
Big and bold charts for the horns and a few first rate cuts -- "Does Anybody Know What Time It Is" and "Beginnings" and "Questions 67 and 68." "I'm a Man" is hardest-rockin of the harder-rockin cuts, of which several have unnecessarily big guitar solos. This record is also astonishing in light of how seriously awful they got later on ... in the Cetera era.
Enjoyed this one
A good album held back by Free form Guitar.
Classic sounding album, I thoroughly enjoyed this album a lot.
Pretty good for The day. We have Snarky Puppey for these types of things theses
Jazzy upbeat prog from one of my favorite years in music? Sign me up. This just makes me want to get up and boogie.
Great album loses a star for the awful guitar noise track
Oh man. Takes me back to that rummage sale when I was 9. What the heck is this? Some adult contemporary smoothness and blistering Hendrix-like, scorched guitar mixed with Elvin Jones like rock drumming? Sure, some boomer memories of the 68 Cinvention here in town, but it was the times, man. Wil always go to bat for this record, especially Beginnings. RIP Terry Kath.
Ok.
I can't convey how much I enjoy a debate album that right up front introduces themselves and what you're getting into. I can't imagine what it was like to hear this when first released. Seems surprising to hear the way Chicago pulled these sounds together and made something that was definitively them.
A lot to like here, with huge, huge grooves and real catchy hooks. And it's easy to see why the hits were hits. But the sound maybe gets a bit too big for its own good and the album overall is a cut or two longer than it needs to be.
Surprisingly good.
When I kiss you I feel a thousand different feelings A cover of chills All over my body And when I feel them I quickly try to decide which one I should try to put into words, wooah Try to put into words Ive got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell. 4/5
1969 jos eläisin tätä kuunetlisin napshtava albumi huhhuhhuh siloin ei homojakaan heh ollut.. heh..................... rauhassa sais kuunnella ja joka tuutista ei tulis sitä PROPAGANDAAA heh.... tätä kuunnelssa mieli lepää........
This is great. Can't quite put my finger on what it is though, and the less said about Free Form Guitar the better. no need. Rocky, Funky goodness. not sure why i had a completely different expectation
Enjoyed, didn’t know it before. Would happily listen again.
Surprisingly I really enjoyed a lot of this
That free-form guitar songs a bit shit innit...rest was relatively pleasant, clearly talented artists, enjoyable voice
Not what I was expecting, I thought this was an 80s pop rock band but this LP from 1969 is jazz funk rock blues, mostly instrumental with occasional vocals. Wind instruments high up in the mix. ‘Their trademark was fusing brass and jazz with a soulful rock and roll feel’. This is their debut and it’s a double album ! This is uplifting, the vocals more secondary to the music, it’s like a live jam. 3 shared & swapped lead vocals & songwriting, it’s more like a leaderless collective. Later on guitar kicks in, it’s really good, there’s a clear Hendrix influence in the guitar and 1 of the vocalists but the brass gives it a lighter feel than that. ‘Free form guitar’ is a standout, guitar feedback & distortion, really out there. This would have been great live, I think they’re trying to get that live sound across and it works. I see this was a slow burner on the charts but when it got there it stayed for 2 years. This is great stuff from a great band and ridiculous for a debut, sounds like a band well into their groove with experience to fill a double LP. I can hear the Stone Roses 2nd LP in here at the end. It’s a complex multi layered album mental for a debut.
One of those albums where you have to be in awe that all those songs are on the first album. Little long in the end though, but that’s JAZZ
Great way to end the year, my second year doing this! Only one to go... I don't know if I've ever listened to this entire album before. I'm a big Chicago fan, but am more familiar with slightly later stuff. This album rocks a lot more than their later works, and even veers into the slightly avant garde. Happy it's on here.
I like the horns. Classic
A lot heavier than I was expecting. Side two was average late sixties post hendrix by numbers. However side one had a couple of cool songs and it is more jazzy and brass based than I expected, in a good way.
Insanely great Introduction (yes). The jazz/blues infusion is so good to the ears. The horns are a wonderful addition. Can't forget to mention the piano and guitar. I also absolutely love the vocals. Despite it being from a genre I don't really listen to, I'm really connecting with it. But what the heck is "Free Form Guitar"? I'm getting into it but after awhile it just starts to sound like a screeching car. And it goes on for awhile and you're just waiting for something to happen. It disturbs the flow of the album. While close to being perfect, the second half wasn't hitting like the first half was. It's like "Free Form Guitar" was the section divider for the album. Highlights: Introduction, Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Poem 58, I'm a Man, Someday
I was excited to check out the debut album from Chicago. It mostly didn't disappoint, but there were a couple of free-form guitar tracks that had me straining to make it through.
Muy buena la batería. Me aburrió la voz. Disfrute mucho el álbum.
this album leans away from 4 by a small margin. great experimentation for the era. long form songs that feel like they belong. brazen noise for a single track. soloing over a moving song, a feeling far less arrogant and obnoxious as a modern jam outfit. some solid (still today) radio hits. its a crowd pleaser. it does right. i was expecting tepid classic rock and instead i got a classic.
Aside from Free Form Guitar that was a little irritating, this is a solid album. Set the basis for the band and what it would become. Their second album is stronger than this one but this is still some fantastic music IMO.
Je ne l'ai pas écouté au complet parce que ça m'a trop donné envie d'écouter d'autre Chicago! Mais l'album était excellent jusqu'à présent!
Loved it
I dont know why, but I really like Chicago. I listen to them often and like to scream their songs. A lot of catchy rythm. Unpopular opinion, but they know how to blend genre and produce hits.
better than I expected, edgier and harder rock than I thought they could make!
Before listening to this album, I was only familiar with Chicago's radio singles. Really enjoyed this album. Lots of rich sounds big horns, loved it!
I know some Chicago songs, but this is not what I was expecting as all. I love the huge sound and happy feels - they did a good job of not being annoying with it. I especially appreciate the flow of the album. I was pleasantly surprised with this album.
Far better than expected. I'm more familiar with Chicago's later work, and while 25 or 6 to 4 is an absolutely excellent song, the more and more ballads the less and less interesting. Luckily, this album had none of that, it was just excellent Big Band/Funk/Rock all around that also had some unexpected very experimental sound. I enjoyed the first half more than the second half, but it was all good, and if Jimi Hendrix thinks the guitar sounds good, then you're doing something right. Now if only the songs didn't go on so long sometimes. Not like they're repetitive, they certainly earn there length most of the time, but it makes it hard to imagine wanting to listen to them again when half of them are twice or even three times as long as the average song.
Uau. I didn't now about that side of Chicago. On some songs they remind me of the Zappa. And far away from soft rock band 10 years (or so) later.
I think I’ve heard Chicago before, but then again I’m not sure if I’m thinking of the stage musical. Or I could possibly be mixing them up with Boston or Kansas because… you know… America places. Songs I already knew: none Favourites: Beginnings, Poem 58 This is quite different to Boston and Kansas after all. It is still rock music, but also incorporates plenty of RnB and funk. It’s much jauntier than I was expecting, and overall was a very enjoyable listen. Musically, everything is very tight and works well which isn’t always the case with older albums where the odd mistake can sometimes slip through. Overall, I’d recommend for anybody who, like me, thinks rock music needs more horns. I’m late to the party, but I’m very happy to have discovered Chicago today. My only criticism is it is a very long album, and Free Form Guitar is just noise which I felt should have just been cut.
A pretty cool debut album that must have been pretty unique in rock music at the time with generous use of horn charts , the fusion of pop and jazz (big band) and first class musicianshio. Lots of great songs. I do find the double album a little long especially with some of the drawn out instrumental breaks, specfically the guitar freak outs on Liberation and the aptly titled Free Form Guitar. At its best; Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is, Beginnings and especially The cover of The Spencer Davis Group's I'm AM Man, the bands songs and playing are really quite remarkable. Ultimately their reach excedes their grasp but still a stunning debut. 4 stars
I always think about these bands with city names as the same (Chicago, Boston, Nazareth, Alabama, etc...) with that kind of easy-listening music from the 70s and 80s. How foolish I was for never trying "Chicago" before. It's an extended play with more than 1 hour trip to various rock styles and an excellent instrumental vibe from start to end. I hope other bands named after cities I never tried have identical surprising albums on this list. I'll be lucky.
Guitarrero, setentero, con una muy buena voz vocal y muy de la época
Leuke verrassing! Er gebeurt zo veel op muzikaal vlak, dat ik deze wel nog eens ga beluisteren.
First listen, was very nice 👍
psychedelic rock with jazzy horns was not what I thought this would be. I like jazzy albums and rocky albums. This album is EXACTLY a 9/10
No its not the most mind blowing thing in the world, but it is pretty fun. You cant really hate the grooves or tight playing
One of Grandad's favourites. Love it!!
Solid debut double album - steady 4 star - except Free Form Guitar (according to wikipedia, this was an influential song but it is just horrible to listen to)
It's all over the place, but still an interesting blend of rock, soul, jazz and psychedelica.
Definitely a sucker for this kind of thing. Standouts: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Questions 67 and 68, Liberation Miss me with: Free Form Guitar (I feel like I have a pretty high tolerance for stuff like this, but 7 minutes of it? Come on now.)
4.5
Solid funk album, cannot complain.
Whatever happened to Chicago if this is their first album? I went into this listen with a bare minimum knowledge of the band, only some of their famous singles of later periods like If You Leave Me Now and Hard To Say I'm Sorry. Songs that are not inviting for a music lover to search deeper into a bands repertoire. How wrong was I. Chicago Transit Authority is a great jazzy and soulful rock album with a copper wind section to boot. Lots of changes in tempo and styles, and some great musicians. It's not a 5* album due to the absolutely terrible "Free For Guitar," and the way too standard "South California Purples" But an amazing album for the rest. And I'll be listening to this again.
Unique blues rock with brass section, upbeat full sound, strong singer, dominant trumpet, wind solos reminiscent of cocktail sundowns
Fun casual vibe album. Love the additions of horns to many of their mellow rock songs.
Really enjoyed it. Would listen again. Found the anti- Vietnam war commentary also interesting
Barking mad, almost unlistenable in places, but by far the best thing I've been pointed at in ages
Other than "free form guitar" this was a very solid album
Nice collection of jazz rock. Love the instruments. Not bad at all 4/5
I’ve heard of Chicago before but I did not know their sound. This album gave a great insight into who they are and their sound, which surprised me. I was not expecting such a presence of horns and rock but I think they work really well together. It reminded me a bit of show tunes but I enjoyed it. I’m surprised there are not more bands who incorporated horns as heavily as Chicago does
I really enjoyed this album. A couple of well known songs, but even the ones I don't know that well were really good.
Far exceeded my expectations. Had heard all the hits before but the whole album just had a great sound/vibe. Would dive into more of the early Chicago catalogue. 4/5
couple parts of the album got a little long - but the opening few tracks are just killer
Effective use of horns, def marching band vibe. Kinda jammy, psychedelic soft rock before Chicago was corny
Seems like I really like Chicago, especially their early works with Terry Kath. Lots of great musicians, earnest (slightly cheezy) lyrics, and dense arrangements. "DARKWTII" is a puzzling track. Apparently it was a radio hit, but the first half is a bit of a chore. After that, though, it's the perfect kind of tunesome sardonicism that is right up my alley. The whole album is pretty good with the energy of (what was surely) a rollicking live show with the polish of a studio. Some tracks are a little indulgent, but that's ok. It's a good one and deserves to go on the ol' hi-fi end-to-end.
I'm probably best classified as a fan of Chicago's greatest hits, though mostly for their soft rock stuff with Cetera on lead vocals. I knew and respected some of their early hits (mostly Lamm-led vocals) but was less interested in those. Not until now did I appreciate how good of musicians they were. Cetera is a pretty darn good bassist (check out Listen or I'm a Man), not just a high-pitched wonder. And yeah, Free Form Guitar probably could've been about half the time but damn, Kath can play (also listen to Poem 58 or South California Purples). Then layer in the jazz section on top of the typical instruments and it's really quite impressive. Introduction is just that - a great starter if you want to know what these guys can do. And then keep going with the hits (tracks 2-4) but also don't skip the finisher Liberation. Lamm also pens some great lyrics (besides sides one and two, check out Someday on side four).
Fav songs: - Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? - Beginnings - Someday
Really enjoyed this album, everything comes through very strong between the brass section, the guitars, and the vocals they all get their time to really step into the spotlight. You have some solid Rock, but it's backed with all kinds of genres weaving in between Jazz, Funk, and even some psychadelia. Lost a point for Free Form Guitar, that could have been cut otherwise definitely an album I would add to my collection.
listen
How amazing to have everything I love in music in one place: psychedelic guitar, jazz improvisations, soulful vocals and stellar drumming that can keep up with all of the above. Also, horns! There’s a special dopamine hit I get when my favorite rock bands include horns on a song and Chicago seems to be designed around the principle that more horns is pretty much always better than less horns. I agree! “Free Form Guitar” is a bit much but I always thought of Chicago as a clean-cut band and it’s nice to know they did drugs too. (The same goes for the wild but kind of exhausting 14-minute closer “Liberation.”) Other than those though, this is great. Favorite tracks: “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” (such a great song and I’ve never heard that jazzy intro before), “Poem 58” (that guitar!), “South California Purples,” “I’m a Man”
Great album, great band that was always being played throughout my life but put on by someone else- like a radio DJ or a family member at a BBQ. The band is really tight and the songs even at their foundations sound really great. There's also this sort of "epic" quality to this album (and probably the rest of the bands music as well) that I really appreciate. It's like the guitarist would go into the studio and say "can i do this huge guitar solo?" and the rest of the band says "hell yes". Good example of this is the track "Poem 58".
I didn’t think I knew Chicago but I know some of the tunes from this one. Does Anybody Know . . . is an excellent song and shows how to do a hippy song properly. The vocals on this LP really stand out. Questions 67 and 68 is an excellent example. The barrage of horns in the first few songs starts getting to me a little so when the relief comes it’s not too late. I like how they bring in the other instruments such as the isolated percussion at the end of Beginnings and the guitar solo in Questions but that solo is too short (and the Solo that takes up the first half of Poem 58 is too long - there’s just no pleasing some people lol.) The Jimi style guitar work on the second half of Poem 58 is great but the Jimi style distortion fest on Free Form Guitar is tough to listen to. Similarly, the songs that have 5+ minute guitar solos (eg Liberation) don't work. Kath is a good guitar player but, unless you're Hendrix, a 10 minute guitar solo is pompous. The positives about this album are very positive but the painfully long guitar solos drag it down. The last 2 minutes of Liberation bring back the horns and vocals and convince me to round up to 4.
Chicago really jumped the shark at around Chicago X , but before that they really kicked ass. The singles from this album are great: Does anybody really know what time it is, Beginnings and I'm a man. But I've never sat down to listen to this entire album so I was pleasantly surprised to see that it's more experimental than their later sacchariney-sweet offerings. Introduction has a really nice segue into nice horn and guitar solos. Questions 67 and 68, Listen are very good and Poem 58, Free form guitar and Liberation rock out in psychedelic bliss reminiscent of some of the old Zappa guitar solos. But I think you have to be of a "certain age" to enjoy them.
Well created album with some great brass sections 👍
I did not know Chicago could sound like this.
big and brassy. 3 maybe? Bump to 4 for some good songs and chicago branding ofc.
Really good stuff. Some of it is annoying but most of it is really badass.
Hey there everybody! I liked this more than I was expecting to, and I don't hate later Chicago quite as much as it seems everyone else does. The songs that moved along brisky with some structure, like Introduction, South California Purples, I'm a Man, were fantastic. About half an hour less of this album, maybe minus Liberation and a minute chopped off every other song, and you'd have a tight five start masterpiece. I'm of two minds about Free Form Guitar. Seems more suited to Sound Cloud than on a real physical album.
Chicago is a band I always associate with hits. I love over a dozen songs by them, but at most one from each album. But that can't be said about Chicago's first two albums. I failed to see why jazz rock never really took off. Between Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears, there was potential for some great hits, and it was commercially very successful, although it was utilized better in later forms of rock in the 70s. This album is really impressive from all throughout, and this is coming from someone worried about that double-album length. "Introductions" is a bombastic display to entice you into the concept of the album, showing you the fun, groovy capabilities this album could have on pop audiences. This is followed up by two hits. The first is one of my favorite Chicago songs, "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?" A beautiful pop masterpiece with carefree happy lyrics that reflect the "Saturday stroll in the park" style that they align themselves with. Next up is "Beginnings," I really like how confident the horns are here, and the bright singing. An extended outro reminds me we're only at the start of the album, and there's still an hour of wildness to go. What follows is a series of a diverse tracks that never tire you despite their lengths. First is a milder pop piece, a little catchy and still very upbeat, smoothing the audience. "Listen" reminds us and this is a rock album and whips out the guitar. Is it just me or did the guitar sound hidden before this? Either way it kicks off "Poem 58," a cool groovy piece. Love the bridge in the middle when the vocals kick in. It's rampant, badass, and exciting. One thing I notice is how the back vocals behave almost like horns with more maneuverability. The second half kicks off with some amplifier distortion, an outlier for us all. I was lying in bed sick and was wondering when this will end, but honestly I thought it was really impressive. Thank god I didn't listen to while high. I would have either freaked out or imagined race cars. "South California Purples" continues the cool grooviness, and I like the surprise "I am the Walrus" excerpt. Otherwise probably the most forgettable track. We reach another pop highlight with "I'm a Man," this time really funky and the most wild to dance to. Amazing instrumental carried by the percussions. "Someday" is a political song about when the CTA dragged a Vietnamese protester. I like the ominous bridge but otherwise it's pretty weak. The 15 minute finale was also written by the trombonist, maybe also political with the "Liberation" title but it's a cool jazz fusion guitar show. Doesn't feel drawn out.
I wish more people (or at least younger people) knew how dope Terry Kath was.
LP (l’avait avant)
Groovy fun
Cet album est excellent. Le groove est bon, les arrangement de brass sont efficaces et sophistiqués. Ça met la table pour Doobie Brothers et Blood Sweet & Tears. « Freeform guitar » c’est 5 minutes trop long, mais j’imagine qu’en 69, ça pouvait encore passer comme nouveau, même si Jimmy avait déjà joué dans ce film là.
Première constatation, ça s'écoute mal en auto. Après une 2e écoute plus attentive, j'ai vraiment plus embarqué dans l'album. Ce n'est pas un superbe enregistrement, mais le remaster de 2002 et le remix de 2019 corrige un peu le tout, mais on ne peut pas corriger une mauvaise prise de son. Pour ce qui est des pièces, ça peut venir long par moment, mais j'ai entendu pire. Il y a tout de même plusieurs bonnes pièces accrocheuses. Je vais définitivement revenir à cet album et sûrement me le procurer. Pièces préférées: I'm A Man, Listen, Poem 58, Someday
Sometimes the feeling of appreciation reigned over the feeling of enjoyment. Overall, I liked the jazz/rock fusion that they had going on. I still am not into horns. Highlights: Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68, Someday.
A solidly great album. Solos were a little too long at points, and a few tracks lost me, but in general this was very enjoyable.
Genre: Jazz-Rock 4/5 Chicago's debut album, the then self-titled debut Chicago Transit Authority, is a really tremendous rock album. The heavy jazz influences, the soaring horns, the tremendous guitar playing, the soulful vocals, and some real expert drumming all combine to make one heck of an ensemble sound. This is a perfect blend of everything that made rock music cool in the 60s, and also serves as a tremendous starting point for the progression of symphonic rock. Songs like the Introduction, Beginnings, and the forever jam I'm a Man, are all prime examples of what I think are some of the best pop rock continuations of the late 60s, with Chicago's own unique jazzy spin. Then songs crop up like Free Form Guitar, takes on avant-garde rock and jazz, showcasing some true sonic variety. This album is a real triumph, and I think is something that can both be an accessible, enjoyable party listen, as well as a sit-down and make-you-think project. Damn good job from these guys on this one.
Otroligt bra???
gostei da banda de rock and roll com chifres
I actually recognized several of these songs from the radio. It's pretty good stuff, can't really complain. I loved that intro track, too!
The definition "a rock band with horns" is only partially adequate, because the sonority of Chicago goes way beyond what you would expect from a rock and roll band, even in the late 60s. That said, all those horns can be a little too overwhelming.
I could leave "person with guitar falls down stairs" but the rest of the album is great
Psychedelic jazz? Not the Chicago that I was expecting.
Super surprising
really nice, perfect background music
Amazing album. Didn't know they had an album as early as 1969.
nice jazzrock album that starts at jazz and ends on a seemingly improv rock instrumental.
Super underrated, very solid
nice mix of jazz and rock
Surprisingly my first Chicago album and it slapped. Great stuff and fun playing
Some badass solos and bass work. Enjoyable album
Jazzy
Never heard of these before. Really like the jazz, rock and blues vibe mix throughout the album. Which flows very well. Very fun listen and easy to bop along to. Like: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" And "Point 58" Dislike: Free form Guitar
Admittedly I put off listening to the record when it came up on my list. There is a nauseating sensation of 70s-80s soft rock that wells up in my esophagus based on my memories. It turns out this (era of the) band, with its bombastic brass section, rocks kinda hard, more inclined to Jimi Hendrix than I could have imagined. The "Free Form Guitar" acid jam helped reverse my whole perception of them. I can just see them trashing then instruments and setting the stage on fire, figuratively.
Chicago - одна из первых рок-групп, широко использовавших духовые инструменты. Это их дебютный альбом. Понравились джемы: Free Form Guitar, Poem 58 и пр.
A big, brassy bruiser of an album. Sometimes political, sometimes spiritual, always up for the wiggy freakouts. This is not the MOR Chicago I remember. A much wilder prospect.
Far better than I imagined. Always thought it would be soft-rock nonsense but it's a fine listen.
Blues rock. Un poco psicodélico.
Had no idea Chicago was into experimentation in guitar work… the more you know!
How is this not considered prog? Is it the lack of lyrics about wizards? Seems pretty darned proggy to me! (Which is not a dis) I mean, c'mon, "Free Form Guitar"! Anyway, yeah, this was a good listen - I don't think I've heard any of this before, with the possible exception of "I'm a Man", but it might have been the original I've heard. Fave track - "Someday (August 29, 1968)". Sad to think that basically nothing has changed...
Great instrumentals, vocals. White guys!?
Ballsy and bluesey
2nd time around for me. 4/5. Great sound. Classic.
I was surprised that this was their first album. Everything that seems to have come out in '69 was a total banger. Flailing Guitar, good flow, enjoyed it!
pretty awesome album, the horn section is just crazy. i think it strayed into self-indulgence territory at parts but overall it was good 8/10
Quite good, bit too much of the funky dissonant guitar for my tastes. The vocals and most of the instrumentals were excellent though, a solid 8
8/10. This is definitely on the jazzy side of jazz-rock, in that it really just felt like jazz with some guitars thrown in. The singing was probably the biggest thing holding it back for me, as the lyrics and delivery just felt emotionless when they were present. But, I was also listening to this at work and didn't get the opportunity for a super close listen.
Discazo todo pero además Poem 58 muy por encima de todo
What a great sound. Love this album.
Surprised! Nor bad.
Very good to great. Some vocals/lyrics don't really do it for me but musically outstanding. Great percussion/brass/and lots of guitar
Front half is loaded with the classics, back half is a bunch of guitar driven groovy jams
I know this album well. I listen to it often. Can't go wrong with Chicago.
Very jazzy and great listen
GOOD ONE
Nice mix of instrumental jazz tracks and pop songs. Not a big fan of brass in general, but good stuff.
Very good except the gitaren zonder snaren
Gefällt mir, viel Energie, Rock, Blues - ggf. sogar jazzig. Wunderbar abwechslungsreich, wandert auf meine Playliste.
Not what I expected from Chicago. I am more accustomed to their power ballady rock but this was much more interesting and introspective. Best track: "Beginnings"
A heady cocktail of fuzzy overdrive rock and roll mixed with jazz style arrangements. The album takes a little time to catch fire but when it does it goes off like an explosion. Screeching guitars, brass and woodwind set against brilliant drums is a memorable experience and one that passes remarkably quickly for a double album. Will definitely revisit.
.
Surprisingly excellent
This was ace. Similar to maggot brain
Well well well. If it isn’t our family’s band. I don’t need to go into that history as I’m sure many of us are aware, but this album was fantastic. Does anybody really know what time it is is one of my favorite Chicago songs and the rest of this album was just great. I loved the intro song and one towards the end even had the soundbites from the protests that were shown in Trial of the Chicago 7. There is a magic to this band, with the trumpets and guitars and singing. Perfect for the late 60’s but also incredibly timeless. This album cover is basic but also classic as well. I never had heard this one before, I usually listened to the hits but I’m glad to see that even their lesser known songs are great.
Música de qualidade, exceto Free Form Guitar que é um pouco exagerada
Amazing drums and horns. Not thrilled with the vocals. Will listen again.
Excellent blend of jazz and rock. Overall very solid album even if it was a bit long and had a couple weaker tracks.
This is nice. Sounds like 60s cool city big band music. Nostalgic, like this is what they are listening to on Sesame Street.
Long songs toward the end, but I like Chicago. Also sick guitar tones for solos.
Quite Chicago-y.
Lovely. I'll have to pull this out again
Don't know why I slept on this one. So good!
Excellent rock. Meh jazz. Superior songwriting.
Such great singers and guitar players. Absolute classic. Some of the guitar solos went on for a little too long IMHO, like the last song is 14 min long, that’s a bit.
Incredible musicianship, but also pretty fun. They seem to be really luxuriating in playing together. Makes me miss playing music in a band with other people. Nice brass. Free Form Guitar is badass.
Awesome jazz/rock big band.
I had assumptions about this band, and I was wrong. This album slaps for a horn-driven album. Free Form Guitar was a bit much, but I get it.
Dat saxophone tho
decent chill vibes. would listen again . intentionally. reason for 4 is last few songs were heavy guitar work . not my vibe. only the fast jazzy kind thing i like
I love Chicago when they're at their best. They're not always at their best here, but the foundation is there. I wish somebody would have been around to tell them to cut the bullshit (looking at you, Free Form Guitar). Best track: Listen
a true classic
Fun listen but some unlikable tracks bring it down
it's a lot weirder than i thought it would be. when i think of the band chicago, i think first of their 80s slop that has biased me against their music. there's some interesting, even political, stuff happening on this debut album. terry kath is possibly the most underrated guitarist in rock history, and he pushes sonic limits throughout the record. the really interesting thing chicago did in their early days was mix brass instruments, and they really shine on this album. overall, it's not going to go into my rotation, but i appreciate what CTA is doing
Yeah this is fairly fun. Proggy and jazz-fusion at its best, a little bit yachty in others.
What strikes me first about this recording is that it FEELS like the band really enjoys playing with each other. They’re having a blast (intended). And for the most part the songs are pretty fun and have great parts. The guitarist goes a little long in the tooth sometimes and I could have used about half of Free Form Guitar, but dude can shred. I was also surprised to find that I already knew several songs from this album which I had just never attributed to THAT Chicago. I feel like they may have actually released this album under the band name Chicago Transit Authority originally which adds to the confusion. Anyway…decent.
Well, this was an interesting listen. A bit much for me, but a few good songs here and there, punctuated by furious masturbation on guitar.
Ok, not really my thing but easy to listen to
3 - decent
Not a big fan but they do have a few tunes that I like. I have to ask again what is the exact criteria to make this list?
Het heeft heel de dag opgestaan, het is een van mijn favoriete muziekgenres en toch kan ik me er weinig van herinneren. Klinkt goed, maar blijkbaar allesbehalve memorabel.
its fine, ze proberen echt speciale nieuwe dingen te doen, maar op de een of andere manier blijven ze nog steeds vrij bland klinken
I like it, but it is not a genre I love listening to
like chicago
Bits were great, especially first few songs, but it was too long and free form guitar was pointless.
Bang av
Im gonna get the criticisms out of the way first... The length is ridiculous. Now as ive said before, if its long but there is a reason to be long and quality in that length.. fine But when I have to listen to 7 straight minutes of someone making their guitar sound like a car, thats just a complete waste of everyone's time. Be experimental if you wish but make it sound good, that shit is just unbearable Its a shame because the rest of it is great, although it does become quite baggy after the guitar mess and loses the tightness of what came before. God, its coming to the end and there is a 15 min song thats dragging like feck. I genuinely want to like this more than they want me to like it I dunno man feels like a record made my two different bands
never heard the album before but knew the hits forever. Like them better as Chicago. Mix of good and clunkers. The hits stand up. "I'm A Man - has a great percussion solo and jam worth the listen
A very interesting album and very different from the expected Chicago sound. A wide range of styles that seem to indicate the band did not know what they wanted to be. Saying that I found the Cetera song quite boring. Lamm writes better IMHO. Beginnings, Listen are good.i have no clue what Free Form Guitar is for
Wow, the free form guitar is something else. Was rather enjoying the album up to that point
It was ok. The weird twist was interesting for sure.
Some interesting stuff, some noise
Rock. Good. Not boring
I got a fevah and the only curah is more free form guitah!
Что-то на богатом и утомительном.
Chicago’s debut is pretty good- they arrived fully loaded, with their signature blend of jazzy rock and kind of soul/funk inspirations. However, someone along the production line should have taught them the meaning of restraint. There are so many songs that are 6-8 minutes long for no reason, including ones with gaps in the middle that pick up with a totally different sound. Just… split the track. Two 4 minute songs is much more palatable than multiple 8 ones back to back. That has to be earned, and in a debut album, they had zero goodwill. A lot of people complain also about “Free Form Guitar” which is in the middle of the album- an unstructured 7 minute duration noise song. I think it should be praised for being ann early example of intentional noise music, EXCEPT that Hendrix did it in Monterrey 2 years earlier. The beginning to wild thing, and then afterwards- the famous “guitar sacrifice” where he rubbed the guitar against the amp creating space laser sounds and dissonant, noisy screeches. They definitely ripped him off here. The album resumes with their funky jazz rock immediately after. This is a hard album to rate. I want to like it, but the runtimes wear me down. It’s up and down in energy, and while I don’t expect an entire album to be banger after banger, this one has some duds, and when your duds are 7 minutes long, it detracts from my enjoyment of the studs. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
some cool guitar parts, but very long
Mostly acceptable funk jam stuff. Trumpets a bit overbearing. Better than the soft rock bilge I was bracing myself for.
Not really sure if Chicago is an essential band. They're more like a "if you have the time check them out" kind of band. That being said they are worth checking out. The experimental shit on this album is pretty weird though. Favorite track: Beginnings
I didn't finish the album but I did enjoy it. Not something that would be in many regular rotation but I loved all the instruments
I think this was quite a mood specific listen and there are some duds in here (Free form guitar takes the piss maybe) but actually enjoyed a fair amount. At first I thought I was listening to a blues album before it progressed (har) into more proggyness. High quality guitar, decent band, but I think the vocals could be better.
I listened to this album with conflicting feelings. It's got a great blend of blues and rock and roll. Some jazz thrown in too. The vocals are great and sound like Hendrix. This is obviously accomplished and good music. So why did I find the whole thing quite annoying? For a start, the length doesn't help. I've said it before but if you are going significantly above an hour, it really needs to be all killer and no filler. I'm not convinced that this album achieved this... But there is something else, something about the smooth horns mixed in with the electric organ (the most annoying of all instruments) that made the whole thing feel a bit like lift music. Lift music or music from the Sims, albeit juxtaposed with killer blues riffs and a great vocal performance. Overall just a bit too polished and with a "music students showing off" vibe for me to fully engage with, although I appreciate it's certainly not bad.
I like Chicago, the huge horn centric rock sound, Terry Katy sick guitarist, but this album has way too much meandering bullshit. I fear that will be the case for a lot of Chicago full-listens. Might not be the best song writers, but sound great most of the time.
I heard this album when it first came out. In my high school there were Chicago people and Elton John people and many in between, like a Venn diagram. There’s five great songs on this album with way too much indulgent noodling on various brass instruments. It was difficult to play the vinyl record because it would have two or three great songs at first and then 20 minutes of blaring trumpets.
Introduction: Decent bits: the horns, the whatever they’re doing with the instrumental. The vocals weren’t great but most of it ended up being instrumental anyway. Does anybody really know what time it is genuinely sounded like a Mario level. I actually liked the vocals in this one. Going into Beginnings the album settled into itself. The cowbells were, a touch. The beginning of questions 67 and 68 is exactly the same as Panic! At the Discos Hallelujah. That’s what I love about this list. I discover the influences for songs I listen to anyway. Listen was really cool!! Loved how all the instruments came together. Loved poem 58! I have had quite a few unpleasant experiences going through this list, but Free Form Guitar was definitely one of the worst. I saw the name and thought it was going to be 6 minutes of awesome guitar. It was not. South California Purples was alright. Same with I’m a Man. Someday was actually great!! Favourite track on the album. Liberation was an awful surprise at the end being 13 minutes long. It wasn’t bad, it was just long and unexpected. 3/5 ⭐️. There was some genuinely great stuff in here but it was overshadowed by a lot of bits I didn’t enjoy. 133/1089
Rv
I've got a bit of a soft spot for Chicago's mix of soul, funk and rock. Are they consistently great? Nope, but they can punch out some great tunes. As a debut this is a strong album - it's got all their signature sounds, soulful vocals, weird time changes, whiteboy funk/soul and some blistering solos. It's pretty ballsy to start your recording career with a double album, but it paid off for this lot. Just remind them that cleaning guns after being awake for days from a drugs and booze binge and then pointing the gun to your head and pulling the trigger to show that it's not loaded (when it actually is) is not a good idea. Best Tracks: Beginnings; Questions 67 & 68; I'm a Man
Should relisten to this. Didn’t like it a lot on my first go but the ideas were interesting.
Cheese
This is a lot cooler than the cheesy 70s soft rock that I thought Chicago was known for. The opener, Beginnings, Poem 58, South California Purples all have some really exciting moments. Unfortunately, even the cool songs here drag on for far too long and the stuff that I don't like as much is all just a little too much.
612/1001 2026.05.12 🌕🌕🌕🌗🌑
⭐⭐⭐.49
Jazz guitaro
This is a great first album I missed entirely until it arrived in my album for the day. It rips all the way through and I like 80pct of it, including the masterful free form guitar scream. It needs a few times to be fully appreciated.
Chooo Chooo Chooosing probably not to listen to this again, although much respect for the horns (guitar solo, not so much).
This is an absolute banger of an album. Genuinely loved it. Will listen again. High 3s.
Started off good and funky but tailed off. I thought I would have liked this a lot more.
The first part was quite good once it warmed up. The second half was a bit hit and miss though.
A full side of this record is a can't skip rock fusion masterwork and the rest is...hey look they were still figuring things out. For a band in 1969 to come out this red hot, with a tight rhythm section and wildly cool guitar playing and a dash of psychedelia, it's impressive if uneven. It's good times but it's got some room to grow
Classic.
I wasn’t all there when it was in but some groovy REALLY 70’s rock was to be had. Might revisit.
a faixa da guitarra distorcidissima é certamente uma faixa para se lembrar
This is interesting, it sounds very solid but is almost so bombastic at times that it muddies itself up a bit. Great to have trumpets. Good voice. Easy to listen to. Poem 58 to Free Form Guitar is like there are two brothers working on this and the skilled one gets to make a song so the other gets one too. This is a bit too indulgent but it has moments. What the heck. This is a debut album?! This is a good debut.
Oh good a brass section. This is big, thick music. Poem 58, put it in your ears. There is a great album in here, but there is some content that tests the listener. I can't even process the idea of a debut album being a double album.
It was good until “free form guitar” which should have been kept in their acid trip nightmare
je suis jamais allée à Chicago, mais c'est exactement comme ça que je me représente cette ville. j'avais l'impression d'y être. j'ai beaucoup aimé le début mais moins la fin, ce qui a terni un peu mon appréciation globale de l'album.
Obviously stellar playing, such an over the top horn party! I'd actually categorize this double album as a 1-star side 1 (maudlin 60s easy listening holdover claptrap), 2-star side 2 (horn and early prog-jazz), 3-star side 3, and 5-star side 4 (actually, the last tune is a complete ripper).
I was under the impression Chicago was supposed to suck, but this did not suck. Band was tight and I was toe tappin on the way to work. This album was everything I thought Steely Dan was supposed to be. 3.5
3.0
-1 pour les morceaux à la Sinatra et l'espèce de délire affreux en milieu d'album.
Hadn't thought of these guys in years, but they were everywhere in the 70s. This one's pretty damn good except for the one song. You know the one.
I enjoy my listening but I don't think I will listen to it again. Not a bad one but sure not for me at least not 100%
Really liked it. Low cortisol music.
This was not what I was expecting at all. I had bland middle of the road 70s soft rock in my head, but this was far more enjoyable. A lot depth, some good playing and overall a good album. Solid.
Kind of like jazzy rock. Not bad.
#899. I've only ever heard a few songs of theirs on the radio, but a whole album is basically the same but more. Just super white yacht rock for boomers. 3/5: acceptable
They hooked me then they lost me then they hooked me then they lost me. The whole album is like that
El primer disco de Chicago muestra a la banda segura de sí misma, ya que todos sus componentes eran grandes virtuosos y experimentados músicos de jazz y blues. Y muy seguro hay que estar para lanzar como primer disco un doble álbum y meterle ademas largas canciones, entre ellas una de 14 minutos. Musicalmente, un trabajo jazz rock y blues rock, con cierta tendencia a lo progresivo y donde la sección de metal tiene un protagonismo decisivo. Para mí, ha envejecido mal, peor que otros discos posteriores donde, por necesidad, tuvieron que hacer caso a las tendencias del momento.
Not my thing, but I kinda get it
jfc these 70s double albums are self-indulgent
Pretty good, oftentimes Chicago is too sappy for me but their early era has a lot more pizzazz
This ain't a rock album. It's more like some funky soul stuff. The bass is real nice, so are the horns and vocals. And the prog-length tracks are neat. Makes for a fun listen when I'm constantly bobbing my head. But I didn't really think, "Wow! This is some life-changing stuff!" Guitar in 'Poem 58' was amazing however. Probably my favourite track off the album. Then comes in 'Free Form Guitar' and ruins that energy with grating guitar noise. Least favourite track. I also quite liked 'I'm a man', very nice energy to it. 3.5/5
Some good stuff here, but way too long and bloated of an album.
Jovial music from the late 60's. An odd mix of big band and rock, it seems out of place now days as there's just entertainment at it's core.
Early Chicago. They got better after this, but I'm assuming included in the list since it was new.
I usually don't like jazz much, but this one is alright.
Every song before this should go down a rating. New Ratings 1:bad album 2:not a fan 3:could listen to again 4:would listen to again 5:people should listen to this album
This was good until the last few songs, which I skipped on my second listen. A single album might have got a 4/5. I added “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” To my Generator Playlist,
Well, here's me thinking this was going to be middle-of-the-road, soft rock. Spoiler alert... it's something else. The massive surprise was how interesting and unexpected it was, full of brass and funk, experimentation and some relatively heavy guitar noodling I mean, at 76 mins, it's too long, at least it felt that way. Heard before ❌️ Listened this time ✅️ Revisit ❌️ Surprising ★★★☆☆ (5/10) Total reviewed : 253 Already owned : 58 Purchased : 14 To buy list : 2 Nope : 179
Interesting, but not quite My thing
Happy album.
A double album debut? A DOUBLE ALBUM DEBUT?! Who the fuck do they think they are? Sure, it seems to be a right of passage for a band to become so self confident that they think they're in such a purple patch that they couldn't possibly leave any track off the album, or withhold it from the public any longer than absolutely necessary. However, that normally comes after at least a couple of successful albums (and usually loads of coke). That said, there's some surprisingly good stuff on here. I had no idea Chicago made bluesy, psychedelic music like this, even if it does feel slightly watered down. Unfortunately there's a lot of bloat here too, that waters my review down to 3 stars.
I thought I'd quite like this when it started, but I think I was perhaps anticipating something more proggy. I think it's the amount of horn section I was finding too much after a while. The track lengths are pretty punishing, too
This was a ton of fun for the first half. Fell off at and after poem 58. That next track was horrific. An hour and 16 minutes is too long. First half alone may have been a 5 but we settle on a 3.
Usually when a double album is described as ‘sprawling’, this refers to a long tracklist covering many different styles/genres. In this album’s case, however, the adjective could equally be applied to the individual tracks, which often meander all over the place through multiple sections, only sometimes seemingly connected to each other. When it’s good, it’s often really good, but when it’s bad (ahem, ‘Free Form Guitar’, ahem), it can be really bad, so it balances out to about 3 stars overall. I enjoy the brass-heavy jazzy/prog-rock sound, but it definitely would have benefited from some tidying/tightening up.
Melkoista sähkökitaran vingutusta ja ajoittaista makeeta rokkia
Free form guitar ain’t for me, but I can still rock out sometimes
Woah. First albums can be different.
Meh. It’s ok. I grew up with my parents listening to Chicago and even have seen the live twice. Good musicians, don’t get me wrong. The hits and solid. The rest is too long and that guitar feedback part is just terrible.
TIL Chicago's original name was Chicago Transit Authority. Blind album. Decent and fun at times but not something I actively seek out. Was never super into the band either.
Pretty good
Not really my style. A couple songs that were decent though. 5.5/10
I liked about 40% of this album, but it was a little too noisy for me however it should get higher than a two star rating so I'm giving it three stars
Pretty ok/ I like Chicago, but I don't think this is their best
It took me over a day to finally listen to this bc I'm sick of 1001 making me listen to boomer shit. Fortunately, this isn't as bad as the Eagles which was my fear. They describe themselves as rock and roll with horns, and while they're often more pop rock with horns, I actually really enjoy the brass. Not as bad as I was expecting, a bit more soul and less cringe. 3/5 for surpassing my expectations. The album probably needs to drop some fluff and get under 50 minutes to really deserve 3 stars, but oh well
Me parece que tiene una buena calidad musical, con buenos músicos; pero muuuy cansador.
Some funky moments but a lot of directionless shite
Banger album with the worst guitar interlude I've ever heard. Like, wtf was that? Minus 2 just cause of the headache that shitty interlude gave me.
It’s fantastic, but some of the songs are just really really really too long.
Wouldn't turn it off the radio, but wouldn't seek to put it on myself.
3,5
This was a weird one. Jazzy and Rocky. Felt like The Fast Show Jazz Club in places then went mad experimental guitar. It was fucking weird. Don't know if I liked it. It was emotive. Think I'm gonna rate it higher to keep it in memory. It needs another listen. Fucking long though.
Interesting mixture of jazz, lounge, prog rock, soul, pop, psychedelic rock and whatever.
67
Chicago er et flinkisband. Syns det er litt tannløst og sjelløst, med mye fokus på instrumentrunking. Her i Norge skjønner jeg at Undertakers Circus er den nærmeste referansen til dem, men de hadde i alle fall tekster om norrøn mytologi og hadde et kortere album. Det var sikkert veldig kult live, men syns ikke studioversjonene når helt opp. Syns "Poem 58" har noe for seg, og starten på "Liberation" kan minne om noe fra Blues Brothers, men så sukker jeg tungt når det går ut i endeløs jamming som høres ut som sirener. Ja, også var gitaren en bil på "Free Form Guitar", brumbrum Chicagobil bæbu. Det er nesten så man kan høre bandet selv si "Det høres fett ut, det må vi ha med" Det meste høres ut som et helt straight band fra 60-tallet, men med blåsere.
Guitar is great throughout
The Freeform Guitar really threw me off this album.
Don't think I've ever gone this far back on Chicago's discography. In fact, I didn't even know that their original NAME was Chicago Transit Authority. Anyway, this was mostly an enjoyable album. I knew that Chicago was an impressive collection of talented musicians, but I was still a bit surprised at points here. Other points I was less than pleased though, including the (presumably) infamous Free Form Guitar track. That just felt a bit out of place to me.
Does anybody really know how good this is?
I liked this more than I expected to. Really not interested in the more popular jazzy hits. But when they lean into more rock groove, I actually liked it especially “I’m a man”
love me some Chicago. love all the horns but the second half of the album was kinda crazy with the 17min songs. 2.5
What the hell was Free Form Guitar? The rest of the album had great grooves. They're clearly world class musicians, and vocalists. I would say however an hour of Chicago in one sitting is too much Chicago for me.
Lots of recognizable songs. I feel this is the best version of Chicago, not the cheese ball late 70’s/early 80’s version.
3.5 An equal parts impressive and frustrating album. For all the good moments and the 'wow I can't believe they were doing this in 1968' feeling I have towards the album, be fucking tighter album. Felt too much like a live album at time. Keep it tight on the LP, save the exuberance for the shows. For example Beginnings - great 6 minute song, ruined by a 2 minute Glock n fucking spiel solo at the end. Free from guitar is just a waste of everyone's time. As expected with most double LPs, trim the fat and it's a great album, rather than just good. Also, if I asked someone on the street what time it was and they responded with "does anybody really know what time it is, does anybody really care" I'd put my fist through their face.
Kind of interesting but not really my thing.
I was expecting dull US MOR tastefulness, but this was surprisingly out there in places, not a million miles away from someone like Zappa. That's possibly giving it too much credit - i'm in no rush to go back, but it wasn't as awful as feared. Even 3.
1: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is 2: Questions 67 and 68 3: I’m a Man
vissa riktigt trevliga. Sommar bakgrund album! (guittarsolo är unikt)
Solid album, I see why Hendrix liked it. I didn't really hear a hit though. 3.5
É um bom álbum. Tem alguns momentos firulentos que acho que são características da época que foi gravado. Kawanoaudio Horaiko.
Steely Dan-esque. Decent.
Not bad. Does needs a second visit. Steely dan-ish. Standouts - south California purples, I'm a man
Strong start to the album. Was really getting into it. Only downside was it was a bit too long. By the time the 14 minute guitar jam came on at the end I was over it
Previous to this album, I had never listened to an album by this group. There were some songs which I had heard on the radio, and I thought it was interesting that the songs on the radio were a little different than on the album; example: "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is" has an introduction that I don't remember being played on the radio and I don't remember the guy talking during the bridge of the song either which I heard while listening to this album. The songs were okay, but I still don't understand why they have to be so long. I didn't think that repeating the end of the song over and over or the long jamming sections in the song added to the song, but whatever.
This wasn't bad at all, I just didn't find it that exciting. But it was interesting enough.
I’m gonna be honest, this album wasn’t for me. We watched spinal tap before and it was similar enough to that but I think I would have preferred to listen to spinal tap.
Correcto
Album #33 Chicago: Chicago Transit Authority I was already a familiar with Chicago due to the fact that I used to peruse every classic rock playlist Spotify had to offer, and Chicago’s greatest hits such as “If You Leave Me Now” (which I am also aware due to it being in Los Santos Rock Radio), “25 or 6 to 4”, and “You’re The Inspiration”. I did quite enjoy some of their songs as I am partial to some 70s pop/soft rock; Breakfast in America being the pinnacle of the genre, of course, though I never felt compelled to listen to a full album. Naturally, upon receiving this album, I assumed that it would be par for the course of what I was used to from Chicago; however, I was quite mistaken. This album has some elements that would later turn into their more accessible sound and structure, with songs like “Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is” not sounding too far off from their later work; but the track has a two-minute jazz instrumental introduction; similarly, “Beginnings” closes with a repetitive, almost obnoxious jazz instrumental. Clearly, the band was attempting to be progressive, though they hadn’t quite figured out what that meant yet, since prog rock was in its infancy and jazz was seen as the de facto form of progressive music. But seeing how In The Court of The Crimson King came out in that same year, it’s hard to cut them too much slack for including a track like “Free Form Guitar” (which I interpret as the bands best effor at imitating the sounds of a car using a guitar??) and stretching the album to almost an hour and twenty minutes, when King Crimson showed just how grand yet succinct a progressive album could be. If this album were cut down, even to just around an hour I think I would be comfortable giving it at least a four star, I even do enjoy the 15 minute closing jam session “Liberation”, it’s just that this thing feels like it certainly has some bloat, and if I were to relisten to the album it would primarily be the first half, and the last few tracks. In saying that though, this is still a really solid and fun album, filled with great musicianship and interesting ideas. I can see how fans of this album would be disappointed with the band's more watered-down direction moving forward. Best Tracks: Questions 67 and 68, Beginnings, Introduction Worst Track: Free Form Guitar Score out of 10:7.5
Interesting and enjoyable album Standout songs: Poem 58 South California Purples Liberation
THIS is Chicago???? There were some really cool moments on this album. I’d listen again.
Fun to listen to what Chicago was when they started vs. what they have become. This record had some fun stuff to it, including the variety of styles throughout the album, but nothing that grabbed me instantly and significantly. There were some low notes as well - Free Form Guitar was just poor playing, in my opinion. Good, but not amazing.
3.4 2x liked some of the later instrumental tracks a lot
A more digestible version would've been preferable
I had to re listen to this album because I forgot to rate it first time. Oh well, this is a good album, although a little bit all over the place. I love the inclusion of brass instruments, but the experiments are weirdly put on some songs (car engine sound, why???), but I appreciate the inclusion of Brazilian rhythms (they did better than a lot of musicians I know). I appreciate that it's a diverse album, theres accessibility fot people who want to listen to some groovy tunes and those who want some experimental stuff. 3/5
worlds longest sustained note
Bis zum Song Free Form Guitar ein cooles Jazz Album. Alleine für den Free Form Guitar Song gebe ich einen Stern Abzug, und für den darauffolgenden Free-Jazz Dreck nochmal einen ganzen Stern. Wer hört sich sowas an und denkt, ja geil so mag ich das?