Reviews (page 6 of 9)
I had no idea that early Chicago was more prog and less radio. There are some great songs on this album!
Introduction -First part syncopation off the shits tbh -Jazzy horns in the quieter parts -Third part jazzy; all together just really enjoyable. 4/5 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? -Piano opening; kind of interestingly dissonant in a modernish Gershwin-esque way? -Yeah, I like it when the horns come in; vocals coming in surprisingly almost. Wouldn't mind if it this was all instrumentals, comes off a little trite in that early 70s way. But I can vibe with it 3/5 Beginnings -Horns in the opening; major key. Lyrics, again, kind of "I'm in love" cliche -3/5. I might be overrating this because I like jazz, but there're worse crimes to commit. The ending gets cowbell repetitive Questions 67 and 68 -Sounds like something you'd thrown on at the end of a coming of age movie (complimentary). Chill vibes. 3.75-4/5 Listen -Like, it's fine. I don't imagine myself putting it on, but I definitely would pick it over a Van Halen album. Although I might say that about most of jazzier albums. When the bass kicks in I go "Ah, the Arctic Monkeys or their influences ripped this off you, probably. But you probably ripped it off someone too. Such is contemporary music." Says more about me tbh... 2/5 Poem 58 -Kind of long, enjoy the bom-bom-bom-bom-bommmm(trill_bom) motif. 2/5 just because I was playing sudoku and it didn't really catch my attention + the a little too long thing I mentioned earlier Free Form Guitar -Jimi Hendrix-ish fucking around with warmups opening -Oh, "free form" is right. Can't be disappointed when the title doesn't lie. Actually, as a sound exercise, I think I'd like it (am I saying this because I'm "supposed" to like avant garde stuff? Idk.). As a lyrical enterprise? Not so much. Genius says "No electronic gimmicks or effects were used in the recording of this selection, the intent being to capture as faithfully as possible the actual sound of the performance as it occurred." -Rating 1 (song) 0.5/5 would not listen again. Rating as a piece of art (3/5) would, in fact, listen just for the textures South California Purples -Ambient laughter to start it off. Okay. I like the title. Initial impression: a girl could really get a groove on this. Yeah, I do like this. 4/5. Probably bumped the rating because South California Purples is a solid title and I appreciate when Southern California isn't a catch-all for Los Angeles and Los Angeles isn't a synecdoche for Hollywood I'm a Man -Appreciate the 60s holdover of the world. "Man yes I am" motif is catchy. It's solid. 2.75/5 just because the drumming at the end isn't my jam Prologue, August 29, 1968 -From Genius: "This song and its title refer to the Democratic National Convention of 1968 which is notorious for being extremely violent, as Mayor Daley gave the Chicago Police virtual free range to do what they saw necessary in order to stop the rioters." Don't feel like I can rate this. Really good use of current events, I guess? Blends well with next song. Someday (August 29, 1968) -4/5. Mix with Prologue, and the whole thing is just a really solid piece. Was doing laundry so I can't remember the details, but I did like it enough to make a note that these two were a combined 4/5 Liberation -Decent. Was doing laundry so not entirely paying attention to some of this, but I didn't hate it. Broken up into many sections (14 minute song), I liked the last one best. 3.5/5 Overall: 4/5 stars. Cool Wikipedia fact: This album was recorded and produced in "only five days of basic tracking and five days of overdubbing by the recording company." They also almost got sued by the CTA, so changed band name to "Chicago"
Chicago Transit Authority I do like a fair bit of Chicago’s early music, 25 or 6 to 4 off the next album is an absolute classic, but they did tend to make very long albums with very long songs, and sometimes the jazz horns and prog blues of it all can get a bit much, and this is no exception. It does feel like a long hour and 20 minutes and a lot of the songs can feel very long, because, well, nearly all of them are very long. Having said that, there are good songs and some great moments on here amongst the noodling and the parping. And also one of the cringiest bits of musical stupidity in Free Form Guitar, nearly 7 minutes of utter pointlessness. Introduction is a microcosm of the album - great groove, a jazzy feel, pretty busy and goes on a bit too long. The actual meat of the song in Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is is very enjoyable, but I’m not sure the broken jazz piano intro really adds a great deal to the whole song. Having a horn section as part of the band is a great USP, but I think that sometimes leads to an over-application of horn parts, which in turn leads to a lot of busy-ness from the other instruments, competing to be heard. Beginnings is a bit like this, it’s a great bluesy country track, possibly my favourite on the album, but it would benefit from a simpler arrangement, definitely a case of addition by subtraction. Questions 67 and 68 is a nice bit of jazz rock pop, the piano sounding a bit like Come and Get It, giving it a nice added rhythmic dynamism. Really like the groove of Listen, a great track with a nice bass riff. Poem 58, for what is basically a guitar jam, is very listenable, with a decent groove, the two different parts complementing each other well. We shan’t talk about Free Form Guitar. South California Purples is a decent blues groove with great sounding bass, and the cover of I’m a Man is also goof, the jazzy proggyness suiting the song’s repeating organ groove very well. Prologue, Someday and Liberation I guess are meant to be taken as a suite. Liberation is actually great, one of the times when the throw the kitchen sink approach works over the course of it’s 15 minutes. Overall it’s a bit of a mixed bag. What they do they do very well, and there’s a great deal of skill involved, but their tendency for competing instrumental prominence makes it feel like a slightly overwrought and busy listening experience - in some instances a less is more approach would benefit the album without diluting what they excel at. Don’t think it makes it into the 4s, so a solid 3 feels about right. 🚃🚃🚃 Playlist submission: Listen
The guitar slaps. "Poem 58" is my favorite. 3.75★
this wasn't nearly as unlistenable as i anticipated honestly, but i still didn't really care about it. i liked the more experimental/freak-out guitar tracks toward the end of the album. the first half was too heavy on the brass for me personally. also insert obligatory cowbell joke here. fav tracks: free form guitar, i'm a man
I actually really enjoyed this. I like the band-like groovy sound with all the horns. I'm not sure it's something I'd return to as a whole album, and the songs were a bit long to throw into a playlist, but there were a few tracks I really liked. Fav tracks: Introduction, South California Purples
I think I love this. Had only listened to Chicago II before, but this feels more raw. A bit less polished, and it really suits them.
I love horns in rock music. Good jazzy rock with catchy lyrics and some pretty cool experimentation going on. I really liked free form guitar not really as a song but just respect the amount of noise and various sounds coming out of one guitar.
First time listening to a full Chicago album. And I feel like I'm having deja vu from a week ago when I listened to my first Steely Dan album. It's more jam-y jazz rock. Totally fine for casual listening, and well executed, but doesn't hit hard with me. I will say that Free Form Guitar was a big surprise. I wasn't expecting to hear any experimental, free-improve on a Chicago album, but maybe that just goes to show my lack of familiarity with the band.
The heavy guitar jams got old but I liked the other stuff.
A pretty great debut album that was a bit heavier and more progressive than I expected from Chicago’s later work. I was really on board for the first half but it was just far too long, and the 6 minute track of just guitar feedback was the final straw for me
Chicago is a ridiculous band, but their earlier stuff is a lot sweeter and more out there than what they ended up becoming for the rest of their existence. I always liked this album even though it's over the top and obviously way too long. But some great stuff on it for sure.
Having owned the greatest hits album I was always a fan of the hits. Never dove really deep into the albums and shame on me. What a good debut album. Too bad the radio edits I listened to way back when lopped off some great intros. But I can hear why, there anre some looong songs on this album. Enjoyed listening to after a long period of not listening.
Better than I thought it was going to be. Lot of good jams on this one. Was expecting a more pop sound. Will I listen to again: 75%
Didn't enjoy. But I can see why some might
Bastante bien
Al final ha sido más duro de lo que pensaba
Intro Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Questions 67 & 68
Nice
Solid Chicago album, reminded me more of Hendrix than I expected.
listened to again this has more in common with King Crimson than anything the 80s band did
Well at least at this point they had more edge than I vaguely associated them with later. I approve of working horns and hendrix inspired noodling into rock, but mostly fades into background. I thought peter cetera came from genesis, but genesis and chicago are bands I'm probably gonna continue to know little and care less about even after this project.
Listen, Chicago is classic rock at some of its finest and I’m here for it
Strange album to say the least. Seems to be all over the place.
It's ok I guess, straddling the line between 60s and 70s, straddling genres but ultimately uneventful. It's a good all-rounder I guess and maybe with a few listens I could really get into it.
Wow, their first 2 albums are masterpieces. I received both on my birthday from my gay cousin who knew his stuff about the category of music. I prefer the second one to the first but both are solid 5/5
I absolutely love this album. I only knew Chicago from their cheesy 80’s soft rock and when I heard this album for the first time it absolutely blew me away. If it weren’t for “Free Form Guitar” this would be a five star album for me. That being said, I have some issues with “Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” First, a man comes up to the speaker and asks him what the time is on his watch. Awkward phrasing, but fine. But then the speaker answers, “does anybody really know what time it is? does anybody really care? (About time)”. Yes, someone does know what time it is. You do. Based on the question you were asked, we all know you are wearing a watch. Also, the guy who asked you the question cares about what time it is, that’s why he asked. Maybe he has a job interview at 2:30pm and needs to know if he should start heading over there you stupid hippie! Stop blathering about time as a concept and tell the poor guy what the numbers on your fucking watch say! Then, in a separate incident, the speaker was walking down the street and a pretty lady looked at him and “said her diamond watch had stopped cold dead.” Okay, bullshit. Nobody has ever said that. So now you’re annoying people who are just trying to live their lives with your pseudo-philosophical garbage and you’re a liar. Also, why do you even wear a watch? If you are so enlightened about the pointlessness of knowing what time it is, why are you wearing a device on your wrist whose sole purpose is providing you with the information that you seem to think no one should ever need to know? Just so people will ask you the time and you can deny them that simple and practical bit of information and instead pontificate at them? Fuck you, sir.
Well, Introduction is pretty jazzy, not what I was expecting from a band I've basically lumped in with Toto and Journey in my head - soft rock giants responsible for one or two bona fide bangers but who I'd never ever consider listening to an album by. I stuck You're the Inspiration, If You Leave Me Now (the latter, hell yeah) and Hard to Say I'm Sorry on after introduction because I had to remind myself who they were. Seems they've been on quite the journey, pun intended. Really enjoyable. Beginnings. Oh so the massive guitar solo in Poem 58 isn't the massive guitar solo that people were complaining about haha. Oh no mate, sorry you couldn't get that lawn mower started. All told as a record, a touch too much guitar wankery for me to come back to wholly. I love a 15 minute track generally more than the next man, but it's got to go somewhere. Some great tracks though. 3.5?
Only because zero stars or minus stars weren’t an option
only really enjoyed "I'm a man" and even that's too long
Not really my type.
In my mind Chicago is basically just an inspiration band for the Notre Dame marching band. I swear every year they were doing some Chicago tribute or another at halftime. I kind of get it now though, they describe themselves as "a rock-and-roll band" with horns. Perfect for a marching band I guess. This is perfectly ok, and overall mostly uninteresting to me. I really am struggling to get on board with any sort of jazz-rock, it all just kind of sounds a bit overly polished and uninspiring to me. They're obviously talented, but just kind of meh to me. This thing is also LONG at 76 minutes. I'm throwing this a 3 because it's not bad and was fine background listening for a train ride home from Philly, but I can't imagine a Chicago album is going to cross the 3 threshold for me. Also, it's not my favorite song on here, but the two "August 29, 1968" songs at the end of the album feel pretty out of place on here. Much more experimental sounding with "the whole world is watching" being played (re: the Vietnam war protests). I liked it, but it definitely was unexpected after like an hour of smooth jazz-rock. Also respect for them for making a band name about the CTA, and not cool of the actual CTA for later making them change their name. Favorite song: Beginnings Other: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Questions 67 and 68, South California Purples, I'm a Man, Someday (August 29, 1968) 8/4/24
Songs were a bit lengthy but I really likr chicagos sound
Tiukasti funkkaa tämäkin! Enpä ole aikaisemmin kuullut tätä, vaikka Im a man:ista muita versioita on tullut luukutettua. 4/5
Letkeä progelevy. Ehkä puolivälin vapaalomakekitarointi oli vähän turhaa mut kyl tää neloseen nousee.
Bien, pero un poco largo y rollo las musicales.
Maybe unfair to judge an album that I started listening to while waiting to board a red eye flight, and then finished while on said red eye flight, but I really hated this. The noodling and riffing were unbearable, the tracks were sooo long, and I just didn't like anything about the way it sounded.
I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did. It gets too noodley fairly often, but it never really got bad enough for me to even notice it, which is about what I expect from chicago
I can tell they were having a lot of fun while making this album. I liked the creative use of the horn section, and while I did think that this album was longer than it could've been, I only found myself checking to see how much time was left a couple of times.
this was a real mixed bag for me—i almost turned it off twice but also really liked most of it. 2.5
the first cool day we've had as a break from summer heat + quintessential dad music I'm honestly glad I was raking and trimming branches and stuff today because otherwise....I guess there just isn't a lot that's super interesting here aside from 1) the guitar-noodling song that I skipped and 2) me thinking at the introduction "yeah sure, 'sit down and let me groove on you' sure sounds like something I heard the last time I was at Union Station, is that managed by the Chicago Transit Authority, maybe, I should write that in my review"
I do unashamedly love this album. It has a great energy to it and they get a bad rap for their later work, however there is some good music on the first 7 albums and it ends there. I loved them as a young teen and think this album holds up well.
When they sang the songs were good and enjoyable. The 15 minute jam session to end the album and 8 minute long songs were a bit much and could have been made a little shorter.
At first, I thought it was great and amazing, but then I heard the amount of guitar solos and was just like when will this end. Going into the album, I knew a couple songs and I still enjoy them somewhat
I actually quite liked this. I was initially put off by the length of the album but the songs were so good I didn’t mind. The guitarist and drummer were on point the entire time (except for that weird track “Free Form Guitar”). The horn section sounded great I really liked the long instrumental parts to each song. I do wish the last song wasn’t quite as long but it sounded really good so it’s whatever. Really well done album the band sounds great.
was enjoying the listen until I reached "free form guitar". why was that track included on album?? after that all the other tracks seemed to have over-indulgent guitar solos that just rambled on & on "liberation" was nothing but rambling solos shame since the opening few songs were really enjoyable
Listen and I'm a Man tracks weren't great, but I did like Poem 58, Intro, Beginnings tracks. Rest were so-so.
Some very good and then very experimental songs on this album! I really enjoyed it from start to finish, besides the last 3 or so minutes of Liberation.
I forgot or maybe never knew that I liked Chicago. I definitely didn't remember them as being a variant on 70s funk. I had a lot of fun listening to this one and will definitely be coming back to it.
Naff overlong, overcooked cocktail jazz-rock that sounds like it was made for a naff TV programme where people clap long to the wrong beat.
What i want to know is, who were ensuring the good folk of Chicago were getting about on their transit system whilst these guys were creating their funky Jam!
I liked 'Listen' but the rest was mostly a bit rubbish. A six minute intro is a bit of a warning flag, as is the ill-advised and frankly crap guitar solo track.
Better than the Chicago LP I have in a box in the attic that's just some middle of the road bollocks. This was quite pleasant and had some originality. Not enough for four stars, but it was better than I thought it was going to be.
Corny horny lounge act.
5/10
not inspiring
A lot to enjoy but got a bit overindulgent at times. Didn’t expect any of their hits to have came from this album but was pleasantly surprised!
I don't listen to early Chicago much mostly based on the schmaltz they released late in their career but this is good stuff. Some good songs, some GREAT horns (take that Courtney Love) and weird blues jams out of nowhere
3.5
++: Introduction, Listen, Liberation +: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Poem 58, Free Form Guitar, South California Purples, I'm a Man, Prologue, August 29, 1968, Someday (August 29, 1968) +-: Questions 67 and 68 7,6/10
Every song could have been reduced by 2 minutes and this would have been a lot better.
p181. 1969. 1 star. Frankenstein-esque blend of jazz and rock for stoned hippies - farting horns, squealing guitars and cowbells. No-one needs multiple 5 minute+ tracks of repetitive guitar noodling, regardless of how well it is done. And "Free Form Guitar" is wankage of the first order. Thank God for punk.
Interessante
Saw them the summer of 71. What a great night. Have seen them since and always took me back. Love the drums and the horns. Good stuff.
my Dad’s music. Decent album - multiple genres
Wonderful production and great musicianship. I especially enjoyed the drum solos and fills. Definitely an ambitious debut, however it ends up as far too self-indulgent for my taste. Few of the songs are memorable. Those horns ended up being gratuitous after a while. And I love guitars, but "Free Form Guitar" was a bit of a low point. The music felt largely meaningless in a sense.
The intro didnt sell this album for me, however the music really starts to get fun, and the cliché 70s vibes really start to grow on you. Very long winded in the second half.
surprisingly good stuff but overlong and indulgent 7/10
Are they a jazz band, a hard rock band, a soft rock band, or just a wedding band with a record deal? Even Chicago can’t decide! It starts out pretty okay, with some key essential tracks to the Adult Contemporary Canon™️ – not the best songs in that canon, but song I’m not going to turn the dial on, especially “Questions 67 and 68” – but there’s hints of an annoying jazz band underneath, on “Intro” and the first half of “Beginnings.” After that initial run of singles, though, Chicago Transit Authority quickly devolves into jazz noodling. It’s uncool and unstructured, and the album immediately lost any good will it had built up from the mediocre singles that came before. The real turning point is “Free Form Guitar,” which is just obnoxious and masturbatory. From here, Chicago try to instill some ‘70s hard rock ✨edge✨, which isn’t even a strength this band can truly lean on. By this point, their affinity for jazz and being long-winded started to annoy me. What started as a passable yet passive listen turned in an experience I couldn’t wait to finish. And while there’s a glimmer of the ‘80s AC charts with Cetera’s “Someday,” the album closes with “Liberation,” a song that’s essential just “Free Form Guitar” with the entire band deciding to chime in this time around. How these guys have almost 40 more albums also named Chicago filled with this bullshit is beyond my comprehension.
not bad
Pretty boring but some standouts
Rock adulto, suave y ligeramente progresivo mezclado con jazz, el álbum de debut de Chicago plasmó en el estudio los años de directo bajo la apariencia de Big Thing. Destacan los cuatro sencillos extraídos del álbum: "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 and 68", y la estupenda versión del tema de Steve Winwood, "I'm a Man". Me gusta la blusera "South California Purples" y son bastante emocionantes los dos temas enlazados y referidos a los acontecimientos violentos que rodearon la Convención Nacional Demócrata de 1968: la introducción con sonido ambiente de "Prologue, August 29, 1968" que desemboca en "Someday (August 29, 1968)", un poderoso mensaje de esperanza en la lucha por un mundo más justo.
I never liked Chicago but this earlier stuff is pretty good.
Chicago is pretty good
Interesting instrumentals
4 utenom gitarskrike sangen
Pretty fly
I have no qualms with the Chicago Transit Authority, for of course they're also responsible for getting the iconic L train running on time. And I totally support them taking up music in their spare time, but, uhmm, we gotta listen to the whole thing? Ah well, at least it's better than Boston and Kansas. 2 fare dodgers out of 5
Chicago Transit Authority's self-titled debut album, released in 1969, aims high but ultimately falls short of its lofty ambitions. While the band's attempt to fuse rock, jazz, and classical elements is admirable, the result is often a bloated and unfocused mess. At a sprawling 76 minutes, the double album overstays its welcome. Tracks like "Free Form Guitar" and "Liberation" devolve into self-indulgent noodling, testing the listener's patience. The horn section, while competent, feels overused and gimmicky at times. There are a few bright spots, such as "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" which showcases a knack for melody. However, these moments are few and far between, lost in a sea of overwrought arrangements and pretentious experimentation. Chicago Transit Authority's debut shows potential, but the band's lack of restraint and clear direction results in an album that's more exhausting than exhilarating. It's a prime example of a group trying too hard to impress, at the expense of crafting truly engaging music.
4/10
This album was great fun. Different to what I was expecting. Listen and Question 67 and 68 are great tunes. I am man could be Hendrix, I love that song! Favourite song: Im a man Least favourite: Free from guitar never needs to be listened to again. Album artwork: Its a cool cover.
Good R&B record. I never listened to Chicago much growing up but I was familiar with many of the iconic songs on this record. I would say that this album is overly long and they could have left the improvisational Hendrix-like guitar tracks off. I am not saying that the guitar tracks are bad but they seemed out of place with the tone of the rest of the album.
Parts of this album are like warm sunshine on my brain and it’s difficult to separate the quality of the songs from the love I have for the memories associated with that horn/guitar/vocal combo. And then there’s parts of the album that need to be tightened up: do I really need to hear six minutes of guitar feedback?
Fuck yeah
Something about double albums as debuts, they're usually just too long. Did we really need 7 uninterrupted minutes of someone playing a guitar with what sounds like a screwdriver? The mixing is spotty in places, especially on the ham-fisted political "Someday". There are sparks of jazz and psych and blues influenced genius here, but it's buried. Favorite tracks: "Poem 58", "Southern California Purples"
Surprisingly I enjoyed this record. I was expecting Peter Cetera pop ballads, which isn't really this sound of this one. A shame Chicago didn't stick with this sound.
Great assorted bag of fun! Never expected this music from the picture of those (now old, granted) dudes over at the streaming service' "about the artist" bit. Only reason it's a 4 from me, is - not Free Form Guitar, that was fun, too - that I've been dishing out 5s like candy.
I'm not really a fan of prog, find an album like this feels like it was written to try and be epic and it all comes across as slightly silly. Some of the songs are alright, the jazz-rock fusion reminded me of Bruce Springsteen a bit, maybe the use of brass was an influence on him I was ready for the album to end after the 7 minute long instrumental in the middle though. It sounds more like a chainsaw than music, WTF
Catchy
3.5 Surprised to see a Chicago album where I hadn't heard of a single song. Started off really strong (especially Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is and Beginnings) and I was leaning toward a 4. By the end I heard some solid 2/2.5s (I'm looking at you, Free Form Guitar). I'll settle at 3.5 because the rules don't matter here.
It's good, but I know II is better.
Reminds me a lot of 'Yes'. Great album, would have been a 5 if it didn't have that terrible free form guitar song
Sure. Enjoyable enough outside of the guitar feedback one, and even that wasn’t as bad as I expected.
Soul, Rock, 1969 -> 2
Fucked w this more than I thought I would
This has negative vibes when listening high but the next day it got better when I realized it was largely instrumental jazz rock before it got worse again when it turned into noise rock for like 5 minutes and then played clips from Vietnam protests/the 68 democratic convention (I think). The protest clips were somewhat interesting but felt pretty different totally from the lighter rock at the start.
why the FUCK is there 7 minutes of noise in the middle of this album. feels like eating something soft and suddenly you feel something crunchy, except in this case you're chewing for an hour
Started out really well but went a bit to experimental for my taste towards the middle. All in all very enjoyable album.
Some bangers!
Nearly a 5-star, but I cannot forgive them for "Free Form Guitar". I will indulge most guitar solos but I cannot tolerate 6 minutes of Kath proving he can make the guitar sound like a motorcycle. The other songs are great. Early Chicago was the bomb.
Big band influences were unexpected.
I have always liked the Chicago sound with the brass section. This album was a little too freeform for me. I definitely like their later stuff.
Its cool, like the horns. Not so much the six minutes of a guitar screeching like a car. I cant decide between a 3 and a 4.
Chicago Transit Authority is a better name than Chicago. I didn’t like this very much - too many different styles and it sounded more like a jam session. The longer songs were obnoxious. A lot of musical talent though. Low 3.
Totally surprising. I liked this a lot. Enjoyed the rock, blues, jazz, funk and other styles on here. The one noise song was annoying but whatever. Rest was great.
So much better than what they became. Poppy, Jazzy, Rocky in a single package. It’s too bad they didn’t stay on this course.
Totally different sound from the band Chicago that I’m familiar with. This was pretty cool. A lot more experimental and political than I expected.
Bombastically lame 80s soft rock....oh wait no. Pleasantly surprised, but not blown away.
OK - Free Form Guitar - ROCKS! I wasn't so sure about this album at first, but this track saved the entire album.
A couple of the songs went off the rails with jams but it had some good tunes and greatest hits
This was genuinely pretty good! I dig the upbeat vibe, the big band feel, and rock/jazz blend. Some songs are just jams, which isn't terrible either.
Funky and exciting but some transitions and parts are to high pitched for me
You know it’s gonna be a banger when an album has a track called “Free Form Guitar”
Very good orchestra. I think their later stuff is better.
A little too experimental for my taste
Heyrðu, heyrðu, heyrðu! Ég hef hlustað á þessa hljómsveit áður án þess að í rauninni vera eitthvað að spá í henni eða að leggja mig fram við að hlusta á hana... en hún var líka svona bara frábær þessi plata að undanskildu einu lagi, Free Form Guitar, sem dregur hana niður um eina stjörnu af því að mér fannst það bara ekki passa inn á plötuna. Hún hefði annars fengið fullt hús stiga.
A nice jazzy album. I liked Introduced, Poem 58 and Someday the most.
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is Beginnings I'm a Man Liberation (first 2 and last 2 minutes) Love the chord progression: Bb, Eb, C7, F7 Gm, Eb, C7, Eb with chromatic movement (later used in a James Bond theme)
Okay, I like Chicago, but this is weird
Wonderful sound
Some good. Some not good.
A lot of sounded like it would belong on an 80s porn VHS
Some good tracks, mostly experimental but did appreciate the guitar sounds very evh but years before him
Unbelievable that the debut from Chicago was such a massive hit. It's good, but it's also extremely long and complex. I'll bet good money that in most households, LP1 is in significantly worse condition than LP2.
Chicago was a brute force of sheer creativity starting with their debut album and all the way up through the 70’s. Their complex jazz rock and many records exceeding the 1 hour marker was somehow what people were looking for. I for one completely understand.
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Beginnings Questions 67 And 68 Free Form Guitar I'm A Man
Yeah that free form guitar track is shit and kinda ruins the mood. The rest is ok although looong and not cringe free
Love them. Own an album. The August 29th songs reminded me of the Chicago riots and the Democratic national Convention.
This album is a lot like a ride on the actual Chicago Transit Authority: it takes too long and has some garbage in it (Free Form Guitar).
It's a really good album! Great instrumental parts, the less singing the better, brass section was amazing, the flow of the album was just spectacular. The more conventional songs with vocal parts were rather average and it really brings the whole experience down, but still, really nice time spent listening to the record.
A pretty forgettable album. Next please!.
Oj. Píslargangan mín að klára þetta ógeðslega albúm.
It's alright. Hated the free flow guitar song, though. That was horrible.
Not bad, got some early classics on there
basically didn't know any chicago past 25 or 6 to 4 (which is kinda lame but gotta admit is still a banger) this is pretty fun and well made, and the boys are technically good musicians, but it's a little too long and just kind of cheesy. overall: solid but not a hit for me
Some parts were ok; some parts were just noise.
"Does anyone Really Know What Time It is?" and "Beginnings" are the only two that I remember hearing from this album. The rest was not my thing.
I love when I get a band that hails directly from Chicago. Illinois might be a shit state, but that city birthed some seriously cool bands. And Chicago is one of those. Before the name change, they were called Chicago Transit Authority. Until they got sued by the actual fucking CTA. So I’ll just refer to them as Chicago. This groups fits in with the same kind of jam bands, like Steely Dan or Grateful Dead. This is basically just Steely Dan, but with less yacht-rock and less session musicians. Except unlike that group, this album does not take its time. There are no slow ballads. There is no large build up to a big and fast climactic moment. This has one speed. And aside from some very brief moments, it rarely slows down. You make the argument that the songwriting is weaker and more one-note because of that. But I don’t necessarily agree. I think what the band is playing here is still great. This consists of some really solid, jammy jazz music infused with late 60s rock motifs. More experimental than I was expecting, but I’m always open to that. Except occasionally it doesn’t play out so well. Some of these songs maybe do drag on a little longer than is really necessary. And Free Form Guitar is cool in concept, but virtually unlistenable. My favorite part is by far the brass. The horn arrangements on this album are so fucking tight, it just elevates this to the next level. And this record would not be nearly as memorable without them. For 1969, and as a debut, a double album that stays as consistent as this is impressive. At some point they may have fallen from the glory this album brought, but Chicago Transit Authority’s roots were strong. Rating: 7/10
Quite pleasant but on the border if I’d like to revisit again. I guess it just about makes it. It’s a bit too long - but it’s surprisingly eclectic l.
Unending guitar solos aside, this is a really good album.
First half of the album was great, second half… not so much.
I really enjoyed this. Less sappy than the later ballad-ballad-ballad-teary-eyed-mopeyness stuff they did in the 80s and also more enjoyable. Kind of like Boston in both form and aesthetic. Definitely a great listen.
Head and shoulders above their other albums. A magnificent debut.
Nice jazz rock
It was okay
Woh! Where the chuff did this come from? Chicago Transit Authority is unrecognisable from the AOR Chicago shite. Is it really the same band? The horns are lovely, the tunes are uplifting. There's clearly a Sergeant Pepper hangover happening here. No bad thing. Free Form Guitar worried me for a while. But then it's back to the white funk. Horny.
Quite good. Aside from the 7 minutes of noise in the middle at least.
It sounds like some sort of historic milestone… Ok! Great, I’m happy for you all ;-)
Ohne Free Form Guitar wäre es besser.
Important album as Chicago (Transit Authority) hits the scene. Carrying their trademark sound with the heavy horns, they are certainly rock n roll. This album has a couple of hits and got the group rolling into a legendary career path. This is not, however, where the majority of heir hits lie and I felt, to be honest, that the album ran about 30 minutes long. From around the point where “Free Form Guitar” starts caterwauling, this train comes off the rail. What begins as a refreshing departure from the “everyman’s guitar rock” (which I actually love), becomes long in the tooth and almost made me feel anxious; like I was missing out on something while wasting the time listening to this. Gotta go 50/50.
Does Any One Really Know What Time It Is Questions 67 and 68 South California Purples I’m A Man Starting the album off right with that intro. Breathtaking. Could’ve gone without “Free Form Guitar.” I wish all of “someday” was like the ending. As soon as I was like “oh this is getting good” it was over. Nice change of pace over all. Pleasantly delighted.
What is this band even about? Like yeah, they can play their instruments and sing technically well, but these songs lack any…depth or sincerity? Are they jazz? Are they rock? Are they soul? Because they lack any soul or funk to make that work. And then they have a 7 minute experimental fuzz song right in the middle of the album? This is a band in search of a reason to be a band….also every song is TOO LONG holy shit!
loving Questions 67 and 68, I’m a man and Poem 58
this just felt like a good sandwich (very vibey) bar free form guitar.
The first track was fucking badass and I absolutely loved it. Does anybody really know what time it is was then super jolly. It felt very of its time but in such a wholesome way that you just had to love it. Free form guitar was cool but just sounded bad though. Ultimately this was an awesome awesome album but just a little too long for me.
A fun album but a little on the long side
Ok, à part le tintamarre d’abus de guitare sur la fuzz pedal, c’est quand même un banger d’album
weird album would be completely unremarkable, if not for the guitarist despite not really being music, free form guitar is the best song on the album by far really enjoyable, but many of the songs fall flat hard, especially at the start mayb 7-8/10
There's a very cool sound that combines brass, jazz, and rock to be found here, even if it is executed better on some tracks compared to others, particularly in the back-half of the record. I did find that at decent chunk of these tracks are sort of carried by the guitar playing of Terry Kath. Lyrically it's really nothing to write home about, even with some of the clear references to the anti-Vietnam War sentiments at the time in the last few tracks. "Liberation" is a great closing track. bro think he jimi hendrix on "free form guitar"
Nice fusion of rock and jazz.
I heard it before. These days they are mainly known for their soft rock. Their first couple of records (this is the first one) sound more like Deep Purple with horns. It's great, but the songs are too long. Favorite song: does anybody really know
going into this listen, i was only familiar with the radio hits. but this album is pretty great. while admittedly the songs on the album can be a little too long for my taste, it still packs a punch. highlights: “does anybody really know what time it is?” “questions 67 and 68” “south california purples”
Songs are too long and when they get jazzy, it’s gross. Other than that, there’s some good stuff here.
Listened to this album while driving around, so I'm mostly going from memory and gut feel here. Things that stood out to me: 1. This band seems like they are trying to be a lot of things. Jazz rock seems like an okay classification, but they also dip well into Blues Rock, psychedelia, and jam. 2. The prominence of horns in their sound is both a boon and a burden to me. I like it in some songs, but find it a bit much in others -- gives an almost big band swell to their compositions. 3. For me, the drums bring the soul to a lot of these songs. Love the variation of fills and the groove that they engender. Poem 58 is the most rewarding song on here IMO. Starts as a lengthy blues-rock instrumental jam sans horns, and midway through the song flips inwardly introduces horns are rips all the way through to conclusion. Also love Beginnings and the jammy elements of Introduction. South California Purples was also pretty tight playing into more of the blues-rock sound. Some of this felt a bit bloated, especially Free Form Guitar. I'm all for instrumentals and guitar noodling, but this felt completely unnecessary and like it should have been left on the stage at Woodstock. I was grooving to a lot of this and there were some really sweet moments, but overall this runs pretty mid for me. 3/5
Big band, jazzy, funky rock n' roll? Nails all my favorites. I would love to listen to this on a day where I'm feeling a bit more spry, but it has all the makings of a 5 star album right out of the gate. Didn't love Free Form Guitar much, but that's gotta be the only blemish on this one. All other guitar shredding songs on this album make up for this though. I think this one deserves a re-listen because I'm a bit distracted at work, but I am erring on the side of "fuck yeah this album was awesome" that will hopefully be even better after a second listen.
I need to listen to more Chicago because that rocked. The jazz prog combo was hitting me in all the right ways. It almost sounded like Frank Sinatra was singing at times but with a much more awesome band behind him. I really liked how some of the songs emphasized on the horns and others were absolute guitar shredders. The Free Form Guitar was giving me the chills with the reverb and scratchiness.
I know a couple Chicago songs but pumped to delve deeper into their catalogue. Introduction is a great introduction for this album with some serious sax work going on. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? is such a classic and builds up so well into that trumpet. Beautiful song. Questions 67 and 68 is a jam and has some background shredding throughout. Really loving the horns on this one. So upbeat. Slowdown in Poem 58 is sick leading into the guitar solo. Apparently Free Form Guitar was an influence on the noise rock genre. Makes sense. I can appreciate it in small doses, very Hendrix-esque. Also love that it takes you to acid-town and then back to Earth with a normal next song. Random Beatle lyrics in South California Purples? Feel like I've heard I'm a Man in a couple things, but not necessarily Chicago. Faded into the background a bit towards the end but still loving the horns. Little too long but damn I always thought Chicago was way more soft. High 4. Also reading about one of the founders Terry Kath, who Jimi Hendrix once called the greatest guitarist in the universe. He was playing with a gun with his friends and his last words were "What do you think I'm gonna do? Blow my brains out?" and did just that, accidentally. Sad.
Der Beginn einer glanzvollen Karriere, Rock mit bläserbasierten Jazzelementen, eine der Vorlagen zum Jazzrock.
Really unmemorable
Would have enjoyed it a lot more if it was like half the length, as it stands it's just a drag to listen to.
Some nice guitar / bass parts but this is as far away from my cup of tea without being totally unpleasant.
The story goes, or at least the story that members of Chicago like to tell, is that Jimi Hendrix gave them their big break and proclaimed, "Your guitar player is better than me." If that story is even remotely true, there's no way Hendrix was ever exposed to the track "Free Form Guitar" from this album. I'm not trying to completely shit on Chicago guitarist Terry Kath. Frankly, the band went completely downhill after his bizarre death. But his 7 minute nonsense of guitar noodling smack dab in the middle of what was previously a damned good record stops everything cold. We're talking fingernails on the chalkboard here. Maybe Hendrix really did tell the band that, and it right to their heads, thinking they better set aside some space to just let Kath take over and cook. That glorious misstep aside, this album is something of a joy, and a great reminder of what this band could do before Peter Cetera buddied up with David Foster and thought cheesy ballads were the path to glory. And I love cheesy ballads! But maybe Hendrix was on to something. Terry Kath at least kept this band on the right track. At least when he wasn't puking out 7 minutes of annoying nonsense.
Some big band, classic
Pretty weird. Not a fan
I've heard Chicago on the radio all my life, but never listened to an album until this one. Wow. I didn't realize they were so jam-band-y (back then, at least). On the one hand, kinda cool, kinda interesting. On the other hand, this album really meanders, and not always in a good way. The worst is definitely "Free Form Guitar". I'm certaintly not against jams and freakouts, but if this album had been reigned in and made even a little bit leaner, it'd be so much better. Still, it's a good listen. Solid 3/5. Good to spin on a Saturday morning, but next time I'll skip the guitar screeching.
The best!!!
Maybe it’s because it’s a much-needed 70 degree day after weeks of shitty cold weather when this one popped up for me, but I was feeling it. The horns! Nice, surprisingly adventurous guitar work at moments too. I can see coming back to this one on many a summer BBQ.
Not bad at all. I rather enjoyed this
Me aburre
Classic love songs and sound from great band.
the only memorable thing about this album is the free form guitar. it has some good moments but overall quite dull – makes decent background music I guess?
A powerful blend of jazzy soul that went a little left field at times. A powerful album.
Yeah Free Form Guitar is unforgivable.
I was really digging this until that atrocious and torturous Free Form Guitar track. Jesus Christ. What a sudden and jarring departure that was from the playful lounge act schtick they were doing up until that point. The first half of the album is a fun swinging time, but the back half really falls apart. The track lengths are bloated and overindulgent at times too. This album is good at the foreplay, but then it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to actually getting down. And I do mean A LOT. Yikes.
Honestly other than the track “free form guitar” this album is absolutely fantastic. I love the combination of brass band with classic rock.
Vi que es del 1969 y cambia todo mi analisis y perspectiva. Estaban bien alante mezclando funk y jazz americano con metal y con toque de los beatles y una fuerte influencia de rock psicodelico y con rock progresivo como moody blues. Pienso que lograron incorporar todos esos generos eficientemente en un mismo sonido que no es algo facil de lograr. Este es el mejor LP que esta banda ha sacado en sus 50 años. No es mi favorito pero en contexto es el mejor musicalmente y los arreglos estan muy fuera de control y lo hacen un LP unico ue abrio camino para otros grupos Quizas hay demasiados solos de guitarra y despues de un rato cansan pero sogue siendo un excelente LP
FUCK Free Form Guitar. Everything else is amazing. Ez dump on bad music. Great drums, bass and guitar. Ez 4.5
Fantastic instrumentation, wish it was shortened a bit though. 4.5
Musicianship is stellar. Wild mix of jazz and lasts 60s guitar rock
One of the worst things I've heard.
If you leave me now, that would be just fine.
an embarrassment to the L system frankly
First half: Sounds like the soundtrack to a proggy theatre musical. Has some nice bass lines though. 1.5/5 Second half: Noisy, experimental rock (some Hendrix vibes). 3.5/5 Overall: let's just average it out and call it 2.5/5
trumpets do not make a good album.
Not a fan of Chicago at all
It's like three bands in one: soul/r&B with horns (very much like Blood, Sweat & Tears), late 60s pop/rock (Spencer Davis, etc) and late 60s heavy guitar rock (Fleetwood Mac, Cream, Zeppelin, etc). Ignoring the Hendrix-influencing (yes, an influence on Jimi) guitar solo and the noisy section of Liberation, this is an accomplished collection, political and musical statement.
By white people for white people. At time it sounds like funk music, but often times sounds like white old fart music. Play it in your headphones while you're gerrymandering.
This album is at its best when it’s doing bluesy freak outs. Pretty enjoyable.
Interesting band composition and chemistry. I liked the horn section.
A really great, jazzy rock album. Really enjoyed the second half
great band sounds throughout, personally think Chicago's best songs aren't on this album but still a nice listen. loses some of its strength and cohesiveness in the middle, especially with Free Form Guitar
South California Purples, I'm A Man
Good. Too long, but good. Great musicianship and horn lines. Not really made for singles but there were a few great ones. "Someday" was phenomenal
Ils m'ont déçu sur la fin
Good
The First half of the album is transcendent, the second half faffs around way too much, still top marks.
Good bluesy album never heard before despite hearing loads of their songs.enjoyed guitar solos on long numbers
Not good, not bad.
Not for me at all. I made it through the entire album while I worked but there were definitely moments where I wanted to tap out.
Classic Chicago Reminders of college
I thought I’d like them more than I did. Obvious talent but didn’t land. Also that guitar improv sucked.
I only know Chicago from the 80´s. Chicago from 1969 is new and not really my kind of music.
Nice
All the songs were too long. The live songs were unnecessary. Not my kind of music.
Nah, what is this? Is it rock n roll? I don’t get it. Twice I listened, twice I sat disappointed.
Yea, this was damn good
Solid album, a little to much Jazz for my taste but I enjoyed it overall.
Very nice 3*
it was a great album with some really good easy to listen to tracks, some fell a bit too long and i felt they dragged on too much but i still really enjoyed it i’ve been meaning to listen to chicago for a while so im glad i got this recommendation. i like their style a lot, very distinct, ill be interested to hear more from them.
Great album
Neat
For some reason I thought Chicago was dad rock so I was pleasantly surprised that it was late 60s funky. Started as a definite 4, went on a bit & became a bit self indulgent so teetered... But sure, I'll go 4
Very very high 3! Really solid album, with great blues and jazz and psychedelic moments. I loved the cover of I’m A Man- just not more than the original. Ranking this a 3 because there aren’t any standout tracks to me that I’ll necessarily revisit.
Free from guitar is wel echt heerlijk kut
Free form guitar was mij iets te “free”
Breaking the law
God this was all over the place. ‘Free Form Guitar’ give me strength, that was awful!
this is kind of wanky and i think i wouldn't like it if it didn't have such a sick horn section, but it does so it's a 4 stars
Jazz
I tried but it was all kinds of irritating to me. Objectively I can see that it’s good stuff but I didn’t enjoy it. It’s jazzy, middle of the road stuff.
4/5
Favourite tracks: I'm a man; liberation
This album was objectively, really good. It had sick ass guitar solos, fun big-band horn sections, and a diversity of rhythm and sound. But, I’m a Gen-Z with a short attention span, and the songs are LONG. Long with very few lyrics. Unfortunately, subjectively, I would give it a 3. But objectively it’s definitely a 5.
Eclectic mash up of funk, rock, and soul. I had my reservations at first, but getting into the groove of 'Listen' and 'Poem 58' and the layering in of thick bass. Shows why Chicago ending up with greatness post-debut.
Hmmm love Chicago 3
This was pretty good.
Ghastly. The vapid and empty sound of UmS Imperialism
Groovy!
This band went through quite an evolution from their start to their later material. They moved from a more jazz/rock sound to a more pop/pop ballad kind of sound. There are good things to hear in the various iterations but they are different. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings and I'm a Man are classics.
Klassik Rock, geht so
I didn't really care for it. It seemed more like random noises thrown together. That may have been the intent, but not for me.
I had never listened to Chicago before. I was expecting some slow soft rock, but this was something else. It's a jazzy, funky jam session. For a debut album it's quite extraordinary. However some of the songs overstay their welcome and could have been cut down a little.
I love this. I know Chicago tangentially through some of their bigger hits and especially when they became a far more commercial band. But this debut is great! Kinda a jazz infusion with a wicked lead vocalist and a killer guitarist. It’s a shame that the track “Free Form Guitar” exists because it’s truly awful to listen to. 4.5/5
i liked it
My parents would have given this a 5. The musicianship is top notch but it’s just not for me.
Loved this album! Shared with a bunch of people and added songs to playlists. Will seek this out to listen to again.
There are a few songs that I really like from this album. However, there is just too much repetition for my taste. Too many guitar riffs and drums that repeat and repeat and repeat. I am not a fan of repetitive music.
A classic. HArd to believe it is was recorded 50+ yrs ago. Still Rockin" Only the Beginnings is the first "Hey Jude"- sweeps you up and into it.
Not sure why I thought Chicago was an 80s rock band. They've missed my radar my whole life I guess. This was good, plays like a very lively jam session, clearly great musicians. Though most of the tracks feels quite long.
The debut album from Chicago is notable in a lot of ways. It is an auspicious debut, reaching #17 on the US album charts, and selling double platinum. It includes several really great songs including 2x top 10 singles (Beginnings and Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?) and another top 25 (Questions 67 &68). This was a new sound, horns like this kid had never heard (in pop music). Killer guitar, shifting soundscapes.an impressive start. It's also a bit audacious. How many bands release a double album as a debut? And there's the rub. 32 minutes of this album are outstanding; really really great. But the album runs 76+ minutes, and a good bit of that is not compelling. I wish they had been more concise, maybe cutting a song or two (looking at you, Freeform Guitar and Poem 58). I just wish the whole thing was a bit more concise. It could've been stunning, instead it's just really good. This is early Chicago, before Tery Kath (guitar) died, and before soft rock stardom took over. Full disclosure, I own this album. All in all 4/5
Someday and Listen save this neverending over-indulgent w*nk of an album from getting one star. I don’t want to listen to this band ever again
Listened Before? N Cool album. The horns and big band kind of sound mixed with the jamming style really well. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
Ziemlich cool! Sollte ich nochmal hören.
Not particularly my cup of tea, as the majority of the experience felt like a big jazz jam session. Objectively, the arrangements were hefty with a big brass sound. I found the lyrics were pretty lacking, which is understandable if the focus of the album is on the instrumentals.
Nice vibe. Nice music. Free Form Guitar a bit annoying though
chicago really spends MULTIPLE tracks on this record explicitly yelling at the listener like “AY YO LISTEN UP. THIS IS THE REALEST SHIT YOU WILL EVER FUCKING HEAR. IF U DONT GET IT YOU SHOULD DIE.” and then immediately after they’re like just kidding teehee 7 minutes of Guitar Noise™️ :3
Beginnings gave it a boost.
OG Chicago!
This was a bit of a rollercoaster. I expected to dislike it, was surprised by it being pleasantly jazzy at the start, and then the whole thing devolved into a heap of noodles. I don’t think any of these tracks needed to be anywhere near as long as they are.
There are some good spits highlighting their talent but this just isnt for me.
Hmm. One point for cow bell. But demerits for way too much noodling.
This is not what I expected from this band; I thought it would be like the Peter Cetera 80s ballads, but it was jazzier and funkier than that. However, it's a thin line between jazz and jam band, and this crosses it a few too many times. There's a good 45 minute album in here somewhere. Also, the freeform guitar track is fairly dreadful.
Free Form Guitar 🤪
surprisingly good
Think I enjoyed this album a little bit more more with each listen. Didn't think I'd like the horn/brass stuff as much as I did, but damn they made it work very well. This album had a little bit of everything, good and bad. Probably could have done without the 7 minute guitar solo in the middle, but I really enjoyed the rest of the album. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is and Beginnings are classics that I remember on the radio back in the day. Southern California Purples, Listen, I'm a Man and Poem 58 had that funk/soul sound I really enjoy and I would call my "surprise" good songs. While Peter Cetera wasn't prominently featured on this album, I really enjoy his voice. He left Chicago and had a few sappy love song albums in the late 80's and early 90's. And while I called them sappy, what can I say, sometimes I really dig a sappy love song. I liked this album. For the most part really enjoyed the sound and the groove. Went a little long, but a solid album I'm going with a 3.5. Almost feel like I'm underrating here, but shit, that what I seem to do with a lot of these albums. Scoreboard will show 3, but damn close to a 4 for this listener. 3.5
2.5 Chicago? Great city, great hot dogs, not so great pizza. The band? Ehhhhh. I’ve never really been a big fan of these guys. They’ve always come across to me as generic dad rock but with horns - horns that really do nothing to save the music from mediocrity, and somehow makes it feel even more MOR than it already is. I knew this was going to be a slog the second I saw that the introduction was 6 and a half minutes long. But that’s just kind of the thing with this album - every song here is way longer than it needs to be. Like, they’re not even doing anything particularly cool or overly jammy on most tracks, it just feels like padding. And the one time they do attempt something improvised and experimental results in Free Form Guitar, an absolute ear massacre that is sure to turn off even someone who was genuinely enjoying the album prior. It’s like they were trying to prove they were hard or something here, but it’s just cringe-inducing. Maybe you could classify the closing track, Liberation as a better example of a jam-out track, but either way, I was long over the album at that point. Not a ton of standouts here for a 76-minute album. I was curious what the group would have to say about Southern Californians with their song about Purples (whatever the hell those are), and yet them quoting The Beatles ended up feeling more insulting than anything negative they could have said. The August 29, 1968 tracks ended up being the actual charged tracks here, which I guess are about cops beating up anti-Vietnam protestors on said date in Chicago. I respect the energy (assuming they’re supporting the protestors - I can’t really tell), but given that the songs pop up a good hour into the album, the sudden political messaging feels a bit out of left field. Overall, meh. Not bad, but a pretty forgettable classic rock record.
Komplett überraschend - wenn man nur Chicago‘s 80ger Jahre im Ohr hat. Mir gefällt es besser als Hard to say I‘m sorry!
Look, there are things I love about this album. I love the jazz/rock synergy, for one. Great musicianship overall. Fantastic voices abound. But there are things I loathe about it, too - primarily their complete inability to edit themselves. Let's just look at the Steve Winwood masterpiece "I'm A Man" that Chicago covers on this album. The original succinct, tight little pop/rock and roll tune comes in at 2:58. These long-winded mofos in Chicago turn that into a 7 minute and 43 seconds long atrocity. MORE is not always BETTER. Not every musical inclination need be indulged. Sometimes, and I think this is the case here, less could have been much, much more.
Still sounds great after 50+ years.
Excellent classic rock!
Although I’ve heard parts of this album many times over the years, I hadn’t really realized what a great album it is. Boy, I missed out not seeing them live at some point, they would have been amazing. I can’t believe this came out so long ago. The musicianship is amazing, I never really heard it from this perspective previously. I have a whole new appreciation for Chicago for sure. Can live without the one guitar noise tune though, a bit self-indulgent.
Smells like Demon Dogs
I truly thought I would love this- remembering Saturday In The Park. There were moments when the harmonies reminded me of The Bee Gees. But overall, tedious & too much ‘noodling’ for my taste.
Tons of energy! Possibly too much for a 76 minute album, but a fun listen nonetheless. 6/10
Loved the raw rock and great sounds of this 1969 ringer!
Loved it. Excellent use of tons and a great perspective of potential jazz
אחלה של אלבום!
Just a pretty fun album start to finish. Love the long outro track. Chicago just has a good vibe about them always.
Some really good songs.
Nope.
It's prog, it's funky, and it has HORNS?!
Algunos tracks muy buenos y clásicos, pero otros muy malos. Le hubiera dado 4 estrellas si no es por esos tracks
Loved this. Could do without free form guitar, but I get it. Terry Kath is exceptional
Cetera’s bass playing is underrated
Right about now, the prog funk brother. This album sounded like proto-phish. Not a fan.
Absolutely love this album. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is is towards the top of my favorite songs and the rest rip as well. Bass lines through the whole thing are delicious.
Chicago’s brand of Broadway-esque Pop/Rock has never really rubbed me the right way, and not even the stronger influence of Prog on this album can win me over fully. I will say though, as a whole, I enjoyed this a lot more than my previous exposures to the group. Several solid tracks on here and the full-band sound really elevates a lot of them. I just can’t stomach when they really dive into the sort of whimsical on-stage storytelling voice like they do on Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, which unfortunately is more often than not. Also, speaking as a guy who loves to jam, Free Form Guitar is truly an awful track. Top tracks: Introduction, Beginnings, I’m A Man, Liberation
I enjoyed this a surprising amount
This one was tough because the highs are so high, but it got really rough when it was bad. I want more Chicago, but the band definitely had kinks to work out
Terry Kath's guitar is awesome. This album is filled with unique arrangements and lots of trumpets and clean vocals. A nice mix of jazz and rock.
An assault on the eardrums, with a few exceptions.
This album is absolutely crazy. It starts with some jazzy tunes, has a really interprative free form guitar jam, and is straight rock opera by the end. What a journey. I definitely liked the beginning half more than the end half, with my favorite being Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?. Overall, great album.
The actual songs here are fairly good. Too bad this album has so much guitar wankery. It literally ruins a good album. If it weren't for all the extra jerking off, this would be a 4.
Not for me
Rock / funk combination that disappears so far up its own backside it can see the back of its own teeth.
This album contains my all-time favorite Chicago song, Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?, this is a great example of where the group came from as opposed to the sugary songs of the 80s from the Peter Cetera led version of the group. An excellent album!
chicago's debut album is, shockingly, a double album, but it doesn't fall into the usual pitfalls of a double album. despite the length, the album isn't boring and doesn't go for too long with the same sound. chicago kept it fun and refreshing. infusing jazz with rock is peak chef's kiss. chicago leans more towards jazz on the whole, but "poem 58" proves they can do straight rock music, too. the end of the album showed chicago's ability to work within the progressive rock genre, too, which isn't what i expected, given how synonymous chicago is with jazz rock.
Chicago is one of those bands that seems ethereal and timeless, like they've just been around forever, a constant staple and sensation. Therefore, it's weird to look at this debut album and look at it as the album that "started it all"; they just feel like they've ALWAYS been huge and larger than life. This is yet another band who came out swinging, knowing their sound immediately and being great at it. This jazz rock sound is so synonymous with Chicago. And while they evolved their sound over the years, it has always kept this core. There is a lot more prog rock and psychedelic presence here than I expected from Chicago, too. It makes sense, considering the album came out in 1969, that it would have those kinds of influences, but I feel like those sounds definitely became more subtle over time in their music as they honed further in on the jazz rock sound. Now, all that said, I will definitely critique and say this album has a place on this project and has good music, but in my opinion is far from their BEST work. I'm kind of bummed that this is the only entry from them.
jazzy
Not a fan