Reviews (page 7 of 9)
This is surprisingly bad ass, I thought Chicago was soft rock or something. Not this album, like Cream or some noisy rock mixed with jazzy soul. I really dig this!
Terry Kath
November 25, 2023 Top marks for the talent. They do like to take their songs for a walk. I'm going curling today.
this is way too jazzy
Superb musicianship, but to me the songwriting is lacking. The album also felt thrown together and not cohesive.
funky but a little too much at times
HORNS! Great band.
Very good, groovy, cool instrumental and vocals.
Groundbreaking for the time, but doesn't hold up in 2023 in my opinion. The composition is solid, but feels primarily like music written for a stage play of yesteryear. I'm over the lead vocalist.
Jimi Hendrix was right, that white boy on the guitar knows what he's doing. I didn't think I was ready for a double album worth of prog rock today, but it won me over. Groovy. Still probably 1-2 songs too long, but I was never bored. Also "Free Form Guitar" was pretty cool. I can see why most people could go without it though.
Nice to hear the early stuff with Terry Kath
Starts off well then such long boring guitar solos 2
dont really care about it idk
Did not like, worse than expected
An interesting album, one of the best blends of guitar and horns I've heard. The drummer is phenomenal!
Nice change of pace. I enjoyed it.
The start of a legendary band, who I don't generally like a whole lot. I hadn't heard this album, but it's cool because of it's focus on prog rock more than pop. It's a pretty interesting jazz and prog rock album.
Not bad. I knew some of these songs and I enjoy the horns and guitar.
I found this album very difficult to listen to. At the best times, I found it to mildly interesting, but I found most of the album tolerable, and there were moments and entire songs that were annoying to listen to. Jam bands and this sort of jazz rock are not genres I generally enjoy, but I'm only giving it 2 stars instead of 1, because the talent is obvious from the playing of the instruments to some of the complex compositions. When it comes to Chicago, I'm really only interested in Peter Cetera "soft rock" era, though.
too much of a jam session, would've been better if it was 20 minutes shorter, Free Form Guitar was awful
Quite good
Heerlie
Quite a decent album until Free Form Guitar.
Favourite songs: South California Purples, Questions 67 and 68, Listen Least favourite songs: Free Form Guitar (an almost 7 minute squelchy guitar solo was unnecessary), Liberation 3/5
Was not into this. Too much jazz than rock for me. Some of it was fine, like "Beginnings" but "Free Form Guitar" alone made this listen a drag.
Always down for some Chicago. A little jazzy for me vs the hits
Parts of this are brilliant, others the prog rock guitar groans do my head in. I couldn’t get through free form guitar without skipping, but enjoyed the rest of this album.
The only song on this album that I was previously familiar with was "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", which I've always found amusing. Guy walks up to Robert Lamm and asks him what time it is, and Lamm gets all philosophical: "Like, does anybody REALLY know what time it is, man? Think about it." I imagine the guy's reply being something along the lines of "Sounds like whatever you just smoked is top-notch, but I just wanted to know if I'm late for my dental appointment." Anyway, this was much funkier than expected. My only complaint is that many of the tracks are overlong. I'll have to go back and listen, but I feel like "Poem 58" would have worked as two different tracks (think Zeppelin's "Heartbreaker" and "Living Loving Maid"), in which case I would prefer "Poem 59" (aka the latter, funkier half of "58"). Regardless, we've hit a stretch of albums that haven't really done it for me, and this was the best one in a while. Let's call it a 3.5.
Solid dad rock. I've always enjoyed this band. 3.5 stars
its alright, might give it another listen
Good sound mixing but ultimately boring. I can understand it may have been impactful or fresh at its time, but sometimes I listen to music to enjoy it and engage with, not reflect on its place in history.
This is certainly Chicago Transit Authority's best work, whether or not it is Chicago's best work I'm less certain. Certainly one of their top though, a very good listen!
Keys a tad annoying in the intro to “does anybody really know what time it it?” I’ve had a fever since yesterday and while there are some nice elements to jam along to there’s too much noice & exhausting stuff for my head rn 2/5
I’ve heard this several times before. Fun, jam band sound. Obviously the start of quite a legacy from Chicago. Honestly not something I’d listen to much on my own, but enjoyable to listen every once in awhile.
Skön jazz
Impressive musicianship. It's an interesting blend of influences. Kinda Motown bass and drums, with blue-eyed-soul vocals, rock guitar, and Latin percussion elements. I get why they're influential. But the result is kinda goofy. Beginnings has a really cool chord structure and harmony halfway through. And Free Form Guitar is a complete left turn into experimental noise guitar performance. I dig the willingness to abandon genre and venture into weirdness. But ultimately, it feels like a worse version of its component parts. I appreciate it, but if my rating requirement is whether I'd choose to listen again, I'd have to say I won't be returning to this one.
This album has the genre of rock but it gave me more of a jazz vibe. I did enjoy this album a lot though, it's a nice chill up beat album that's perfect for anytime of day. One of the reasons this album works is the amount of intrumental sections there are, it's sometimes nice just to listen to the talent of playing the instruments. Stand out tracks are Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is, Questions 67 and 68, and Someday.
Their own description of 'rock with horns' is fairly apt. The jazz influences are there plain enough (chordal choices, the changes, etc.). The progressive label that gets attached is interesting; fitting insofar as their compositions are more ambitious than always writing 3-minute verse-chorus-verse pop. Drummer Danny Seraphine is a real highlight, outside of the obvious horn section, which is also tight enough to sound like a single instrument. 'Maximalist' is a good word for Chicago. In today's terms, they're a lot. Surprisingly, it never seems indulgent on an individual level (save for the nearly seven minutes of Terry Kath's Free Form Guitar) -- every player contributes interesting, memorable musical ideas, whether melodic or rhythmic hooks. Vocals are good but not standout, but that's the whole conceit: they're a seven-piece band that sounds completely cohesive and in-sync. The downside of a cohesive seven-piece prog-jazz-rock band writing ambitious 6- to 7-minute songs is that it can get a bit dense. That's not to say that Chicago is impenetrable on this debut, but it's hard to recall anything after it's happened. It needs and merits further listens. It's catchy as heck from the get-go, though. Give this a spin: you get some danceable jazz-rock driven by the horns in the first several, some singable radio rock in the middle, utter (talented) nonsense when Kath goes Free Form (probably inspired by Hendrix, at a guess) and by the time you're at South California Purples, you could be listening to a groovier Sabbath tune. It's a trip.
This double album debut is a massive 76 minute blast of horns, percussion, and (free form!?!) guitar backing competent vocals from Peter Cetera and Terry Kath. They stuck with this formula for two more good albums during the early 70's before running out of steam. This album is generally good, if not spectacular, but does represent a landmark sound from the time.
The prominence of horns is interesting. It straddles the lines between jazz fusion, classic rock, funk and pop, and sometimes finds a nice balance. There are some strong, tuneful, lively songs on here - a lot to like, in the end. Unfortunately it's hard to really love, as it's prone to being a bit proggy, a bit self-indulgent (track 7, I'm looking at you) and a bit bloody long (both the individual tracks and the album as a whole).
It's great for what it is, but I still can't handle over an hour of jamming.
Favorite Song(s): I'm a Man, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Overall a really strong debut album for the Chicago Transit Authority. Lot of bops that I would put on my playlists, and a couple songs I can forget but not every song in an album can be a banger. I could be a bit biased though as a trombone player as I love hearing horns in general.
I like the jazzy tracks
Interesting 3*
Man, would've loved to see these guys back when they sounded like this. Great musicians.
The good: The version of I'm a Man is superior to Spencer Davis Group's version. Peter Cetera can play bass. Damn. In fact, the musicianship on this album is terrific. The bad: The Free Form guitar solo is nothing but noise and is damn annoying. They became sappy balladeers in the 80s. Overall, it's decent albeit a bit all over the place.
Amazing, experimental, incredible that this was from Chicago.
I quite enjoyed this album so a definite 3*
I think I would probably like it more if I listened again so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Definitely better than later era Chicago, but I've never been a big fan of all the big jazzy horns in rock, like this or like Blood Sweat & Tears. There are some really good moments on this album, but also a lot of jams that are just too long and indulgent. Overall it's pretty good but not great. 3 stars.
This was NOT the Chicago I was expecting. In fact I Googled "Chicago Transit Authority" because I was sure it must be a different band. This was bluesy, catchy, with more depth and complexity than the 80's Chicago I was familiar with- the synth piano, ballad band. This wouldn't be at the top of my playlist, but I enjoyed listening to it.
Appalling. Nearly switched off during the ‘Free Form Guitar’ thing as it is like nails on a blackboard. And that last track is 14 AND A HALF MINUTES LONG!!! Jesus. The only reason I forced myself to listen all the way through is because that is the spirit of the project. The worst of technical musicianship. My ex probably likes it
It's Chicago. Jazzy. horns. A whole album of that is a lot.
I grew up with Chicago, they were a staple of musical life. I never loved them, but several songs in their career are of significant sentimental or nostalgic value to me. I haven't listened to this album before, Does Anybody Really Know What Time it is? is the only song I am familiar with. But this really shattered my perception of Chicago (the band). I mean, wtf is Free Form Guitar? I love it! This album isn't perfect, but it's a lovely experimental side of Chicago that really should be experienced.
I listen to a lot of Jazz-Rock/Jazz-Fusion/etc. but this one is just so impressive like one of the coolest albums I’ve heard all year - 10/10
ok 5.5/10
When they remixed this album, they won the loudness war by turning those horns up to eleven.
Able playing unfortunately coupled with the most vanilla songwriting.
They'll just throw anything on here.
Un album de ville-américaine-rock à l'image de Boston (à ne pas confondre avec l'état-américain-rock, représenté par Texas). Ces Illinoisans abuseront des trompettes mais ce n'est pas moi qui vais m'en plaindre.
Je me disais en écoutant l'entame de cet album "tiens c'est bizzare, Robert nous a proposé trois bons albums d'un coup ??". Mais pas d'inquiétude, grâce aux multiples bruits de moto imités par Chicago avec leurs guitares ultra-saturées sur la deuxième partie de l'album, on retrouve bien notre générateur ignoble. Quel superbe contre-pied de la part de Robert une fois de plus.
My POP had this record on vinyl and I'm not going to lie to you, I used to rock out to some of these jams. The playing is still outstanding but now when I try to take the whole album in as a statement I'm just not as impressed as I was when I was 7 or 8.
Interesting at first sight, the "Chicago Transit Authority" album offers an initial allure. However, as you delve deeper, the sound occasionally presents itself as somewhat dull. The omnipresence of the horns is undeniable, and at times, they seem to drill their melodies into the very core of your consciousness. The vibe often mirrors that of a lackluster high school band, an impression that's further reinforced by the vocals. While the band's talent may be evident, the overall execution on this album just does not resonate with me.
Fun, a lot of turmpets. Great guitar solo in "Poem 58".
Fui al remaster porque el original no se puede escuchar del ruido que tiene encima. Cetera tiene re cambiada la voz. Bien pero no lo volvería a escuchar.
Me gustó mucho
De Chicago solo conocía los baladones ochentosos que escucha Geny. Este está bien pero me aburrió un poco. 2.5
This took me by surprise: When I saw Chicago it was lots of ballads and the popular songs I knew that were fun, but didn't stand up to their showmates Earth, Wind, & Fire. This comes off more as a glorious processional. Lots of well articulated and harmonized horn parts with long running songs and solos. It almost comes off as a fusion of jazz and jam. Tons of energy and style choices, this was really one hell of a debut.
This album has great musicality and is just feel good music! Did I need the random 7-minute screechy guitar solo in the middle...maybe not but what can you do?
I can see exactly why they would open for Hendrix: really enjoyed this album. Love a little bit of funk with powerful guitars and a disco-esc main singer. I have no clue why this isn't so rated bc I had a really fun time and could see multiple tracks getting stuck in my head via a daily mix.
A couple duds, but mostly great.
I remember hating this record when I first listened to it. Always thought that songs from this debut album could be used as soundtrack for that ridiculously campy "Love Boat" TV series. Brings a big stupid grin to my face. That funky bartender was a cool dude, was he not? Too bad I can't remember his name, or the ones of the other characters. That's how high my cheese-o-meter actually is when I think about Chicago. I make a point listening to whichever record is popping out in this app, at least if I'm not deeply familiar with it. I've been doing this everyday for a year and a half now. And this implies checking on records I thought I hated. There's been a few cases when I actually changed my mind about a musician or artist. And I always keep that in mind... So I was about to listen to that Chicago album again, after browsing through the top of the review section. Until I found this conclusion in one of the reviews: "If you can’t fall in love with this album, there’s something wrong with you." Seriously? I know that when people are enthusisastic about an album, they can get carried away. But there's a limit. This conclusion gives you the (probably wrong) impression that all fans of Chicago are twats. Which is a bit of a problem. Thing is, I don't want to end up like a twat. So I'll stick to my first impression that this Chicago debut is a cheesefest of epic proportion that has nothing interesting to bring musically except overblown jazzy horn parts and pyrotechnic (read *self-indulgent*) guitar solos. And I'll also stick to my initial impression that those many flourishes can't hide how frigging naive, dumb, trite and derivative the songwriting and basic compositions actually are. So I think I'll take the day off, for a change, and listen to 2023 albums instead. Maybe Geese's *3D Country*, or that latest Lana Del Rey LP. Or Shame's *Food For Worms*. Or *Mid-Air*, by Paris Texas. Well, anything *but* Chicago. Call that a protest of sorts. If really loving this record makes you utter that sort of line I've just quoted as a result, I'd rather not take that risk. In other words, you can't bully anyone to love an album. Oh and if that reviewer is reading me now, hear this out : If you can’t fall in love with Pixies's *Doolittle*, there’s something wrong with you. *Deeply* wrong. So tell me, pal: how does it feel taking your own medicine? The real issue is not that we are disagreeing about an album. It's the *way* you're expressing your opinion. Even that review you wrote about the Rolling Stones' *Sticky Fingers* (a record I actually love) had wrong moments, amid takes about it that were admittedly great. So don't expect to sound convincing for another record made by a band that has been overrated for decades. Especially when said album is clearly fifty notches under that Stones classic. 1.5/5 for the purposes of this list (I'm grading the album here, not that person's review, lol). Which translates to a 6.5/10 grade for more general purpose (5 + 1.5). The final build-ups of "Beginnings" and "Poem 50" are quite good, to be honest, and "I'm A Man" has a catchy chorus. Too bad that track is actually a cover. Didn't realize that before listening to the song again, by the way. But I guess it makes sense that the only tune worthy of interest comes from outside the band. Because, yes, I did listen to this record again, eventually--and this in spite of my earlier protest. I love music too much to let a reviewer with badly-phrased takes ruin my passion for it. Number of albums left to review: 483 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 245 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 115 Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more essential to me): 155 (including this one)
An amazing first album from CTA/Chicago. Possibly the best album they ever made. Rich and vibrant, jazzy, horn-laden sound. A little jammy, but in all the right ways. I love the older albums with Terry Kath playing mind-bending guitar and the shared vocals between Kath and Peter Cetera. There's a soulfulness and grit here that is absent from the band's later work. There is so much nuance and care in every single song, with something new to appreciate each time I hear it. "Free Form Guitar" is a little bonkers, and "Liberation" is waaaay too long. But when the band gets it right, it's stunningly good. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Beginnings, Questions 67 and 68; Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?; I'm a Man; Introduction; Listen; South California Purples; Poem 58; Liberation; Someday (August 29, 1968); Prologue, August 29, 1968; Free Form Guitar
Expected pop, brass, jazz, big band. Didn't expect guitar masturbation
They are very good, generally very catchy and well built, but also original and experimental at times
I fully expected this to be shit, but it was really great. Expected bland MOR pop but got this fusion of soul / funk / a bit jazz. As inventive as you’d possibly want with lots of changes which keeps it interesting. Absolutely loved Poem 58, Listen, Introduction, I’m a Man, Someday were all highlights. Will return to this
Never heard of Chicago before. The first track blew me away, it was so inventive, loads of tempo and time changes, I thought we were on for a 5 star. The rest of the album was quite good but a lot safer, what I would expect from a jazz/funk/rock band, and the fact the first track promised so much left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. Free form guitar was pointless filler. I think it's probably a 3.5, I'll round up to 4 but it could have been so much more.
Chicago's Greatest Hits is another one of my car CDs. I would give that 5 stars, but am happy to give this a solid 4. There are about 3-4 tracks that are excellent (I'm a Man, Questions 67 and 68, Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is off the top of my head) but the screechy guitar song ruins it a bit. Great band.
The album has a soul/jazz/rock/funk fusion going on that I quite enjoyed. It made it quite an interesting album, I was never bored. "Free Form Guitar" is easily the worst track, at first I thought they were recording some dodgy car engine before I read the title. Would listen to again, a nice surprise. Highlights: Questions 67 and 68 Poem 58 I'm a Man
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
This leaves me mostly unimpressed. It's not bad, but Chicago's later material is much, much better. This is mostly inoffensive, easy-listeing blues and soul. 2.5/5
3/5 Best: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Worst: Free Form Guitar
First of all, the latter half of the album talking about the civil rights movement is pretty great, but the whole album was just really really good jazzy rock.
Side A was fun rock jazz with big band horns that really worked. Got a little experimental for me on B side but the highs were high
Was really into the first few tracks. Jazzy rock with almost a big band feel to it with all the horns. Second half starting with Free Form Guitar got a little too jammy for me
So sixties. Sub Hendrix or cream. Pretty dated now
Fuck me what an awful album to sit through, and i skipped through parts of most songs. It's genuinely left me with a stress induced headache, those horns were absolutely relentless. Even the keys were grating and I've never felt grated by keys before. The corny uppity vocals fucked me off like nothing else too. It is so hard to imagine any situation where it would be appropriate for a person to put that on and listen to it for pleasure. I know I should listen to each album in its entirety but I am not physically capable of listening to all of this. To describe it as grating doesn't even begin to cover it, this album has rattled me. Fuck this album. 0.5
GRATING. So so grating. Beyond the intended (I guess) unpleasantness, I found the vocals annoying twee and coy and the lyrics with nothing to say. Some of the instrumentation worked and there were a few nice transitions, I can see the appeal for some, but boy it ain't me. One and a half. Fave track: I'm A Man
Not great. Not so heinous that I bomb it with a 1 star rating, but fairly unremarkable album. Is it groovy? Sure. Is it lame as all hell? Kinda. The longer songs that would perhaps be the more interesting tracks turned into a bit of a chore at times. Some good percussion, but overall a snoozer for me. Fave track: Listen
Amazing & classic!
Kinda fun. Bit long though. What were they thinking with Free Form Guitar...
Oooo the pre-pop days of Chicago. Great band.
De fanns bra saker och dåliga saker, för långttttttt dock. Å idk kanske ja ba int gillar chicago. Trummorna va koola dock
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
Some really good stuff in here, but also some stuff that sounds like the background music from a 70’s porno. Not a fan of that seven minute “guitar solo” either. Lots of hits and lots of misses. 3/5
One of my favorite albums of all time. Great songwriting and arrangements. Robert Lamm particularly shines with his fine vocal performances on numerous tracks. Additionally, you will rarely here Terry Kath as featured in the songs or as adventurous as is playing is on this record.
not my favorite jazz rock band in the world but this album deserves some credit. not terrible at all though i thought the first half was stronger than the second
Jazz-rock sesentero. Vinilo.
Bien, pero un poco largo y rollo las musicales.
Never understood the attraction.. Includes the iconic "I'm A Man", but little else of interest.
This is the only Chicago album I actually have listened to in full before and so I knew what I was getting into. It's fine music. Still hate the 7 minute long noise track though since it feels very un-Chicago like. Do love me some good horns. It's an interesting debut album.
Chicago! Lets go! Didn't realize how jazzy they were! Diggin this! the first one was just instrumental. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? I've heard this one! Wow Poem 58 is awesome! Very Hendrixy
Free Form Guitar was a bit much, but generally good.
Some enjoyable songs for background work music, but also some long songs and some that were not enjoyable at all.
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.
The distinct feeling here is: I'm so glad it's over! Don't get me wrong, some of the songs were OK. Lots of guitar solos, nice vocals - feels very jazzy. Not sure this is my cup of tea really. Feels very much like an album of it's time. Some other thoughts: Poem 58 has fun guitar. Favourite track so far. Freeform guitar isn't even a song. it's a crappy soundcheck. Kinda ruined the album for me. I'm a man is quite decent. Sounds like a typical 70s rock ballad, a song of its times. still good. Could've been played on the Life on mars tv show soundtrack. Someday - vocals sound autotune-y. how is that even possible when this is a late 60s album? regardless, it is annoying and I dislike it. I'm being very generous with a 3 star rating.
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.
Started strong, got a bit toonexperimental and drawn out.
Super high four star, I had no clue Chicago was this good. Pleasantly surprised
I feel slightly less than neutral about this album. I have been waffling between 2 and 3, but I have to shoot just short for this one. The playing is exceptional, and some of the arrangements are really fun– I especially like the horns! And this is not the sound that I expect from Chicago– I don't know what I expected, to be honest. Much more versatility. To me, though, it just feels like Normal Music. As in, it's nothing astounding or notable, other than the really great playing, and maybe the feeling I get around it? It just feels like I'm hearing a band having a good time, at an outdoor blues festival. So I feel overall "meh" about it, even though the recording and playing are superb. Just didn't speak to me. 2/5
It’s really over the top but I can’t help but like it…
Totaalisesti jo unohtanut miltä tää kuulosti, mutta tais olla jotain himpun alle kolmosta. Voi mennä metsäänkin vaan en silti jaksa tarkastaa.
Aika jees. Välillä meni pelkäks kitaramölyks, nii vähän tuskailin kuuntelun kanssa. Kuitenkin kokonaisuudessaan päätä nytkyttävä pläjäys. 3/5
só pela introdução já merece 5 estrelas, sonzao impecável, vários sopros, progressivo, vocal tri
Incredible album! Just recently listened to this whole thing! Still enjoyed it the second time around! Pavement is such a great band,, so many incredible albums as well as this one!
There are some hits here, but also a lot of hap-hazard Jazz. Obviously these guys are classically trained, and unafraid to take chances on some licks, but the guitar gets a little out of control at times. I respect the melding of instruments and genre bending.
Technically, there is nothing wrong with this music, but I just can't tell what emotions this was trying to evoke. The only time it distracted me from my inner monologue was when it turned into dementia music
was expecting trash, was greeted by okay and then it turned too long and repetitive
Ganz nicer Classic Rock, aber manchmal extrem anstrengend z.B. dieser sinnlose Gitarren Track
a grab bag of rock genres with a nice horn section. unfortunately it degenerates into jam band tomfoolery and atonal noise. music that's more fun to make than to listen to
A good, but ambitious debut album.
Dont care
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.
Interesting and complex instrumentals, very jazzy but I appreciate the mix with lyrics. Its not often to have good jazz with lyrics incorporated in my experience. Its interesting to see the '69 version of rock from chicago. 3/5
I started off thinking this was quite interesting but it soon became a bit tiresome and overlong. Very white, bit funky, bit jazz, bit prog. All over the place really. Gotta admire the ambition though. I'm a Man is great.
Solid
into it!
Cheezy goodness
Not what I was expecting to hear from Chicago - this goes hard! Not my typical genre, but if I was doing to listen to something that sounds like this, this would be the album I go to.
Like many people coming to this for the first time I was completely surprised by the sound and the songs - not what I expected from the Chicago I knew from the late 70s/early 80s. Really interesting music and songs, then it over does the prog and meanders away a bit with guitar solos.
The tracks in this album take a long, meandering time to go nowhere in particular. It's very grand, layered and, at times, bombastic, but the end result is a little soulless and showy for its own sake.
Such a blast of sound... So solid. A positivity that belied the times antiwar movement. They stayed focus on the sound
might have been a 4/5 if they had decided to leave out Free Form Guitar
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.
A couple classics, but feels really dated.
Boring
Well. Not what I was expecting, which is lazy MOR rawk. Instead got a mix of jazz and my 12 year old son playing with my guitar and amp.
Crap.
This album has half of all of the unknown songs I heard from my dad’s radio growing up. They probably should’ve worked on their editing, though.
trut horn, lidt langhåret. humør musik.
Really good and definitely takes inspiration from a lot of other artists around that time it seems like, which I personally enjoy
It’s not bad just not my flavor
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.
A great jazz-rock, prog-rock collections of song with some really great musical achievements here. My problem with this album however that the direction of the album doesn't go anywhere, and it is particularly evident when an album is as long as it is (76 minutes). I often felt like the songs drag on forever. So it is a 3.5 instead of 4.
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!!
Dunno
Goed, sommige nummers iets te langdradig, vooral 2e helft
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.
3.5 They had such a great sound that nobody had before them. Rock with horns. Good stuff.
Enjoyed this one
technically solid but just not for me. horny yawny dad-rock? ⭐⭐
A good album held back by Free form Guitar.
Would have really enjoyed this more if it were just instrumental.
Chicago is still garbage… this album is passable though 6/10
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
Funky little album, would of given a 4 without all the solos
Probably a little long and one-note for me. I don't dislike blues rock or wah-wah type sounds, but I think by 30 minutes in I had got the idea. Maybe another listen would reveal more detail, but I probably won't get back to this one for a while.
I couldn't really get into this.
Hm, only knowing the sunny "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" didn't prepare me for how forward-thinking & experimental Chicago's debut could be. Has a great finale in "Liberation", with the superfast last couple minutes & the brazen, sirens/trombones (just around the 11 minute mark), but there's a few songs/jams in the middle I struggled to engage with tonight. HL: "Does Anybody Know...", "Questions 67 & 68", "Listen" March 13, 2023
Oh my God Chicago kicks ass
That was some of the proggiest funk I've ever laid ears upon.
Not the Chicago from the schlocky adult contemporary radio your parents played while you were captive in the back seat. A band experimenting with finding its sound…meh.
not what i expected. i think I had them mixed up in my head with the band "Boston". a lot of nice work on the horns, and some pretty big guitar freakouts. I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would. my favourite track was the final track, "Liberation" which was wa big guitar freakout before coming together at the end.
- enjoyed does anyone really know what time it is
Way better than expected. Does anybody really know what time it is? Lots of noisy guitar and horns. Some cheese. Peter cerera one of 3 singers
A little stiff, and weird tracks
Horny horn time!! That introduction was too long but the first real track is a banger! More of this please! YES! Shit just goes! Dump that boring intro and bring that heat! Horny horns and smooth crooning, hell yeah brother! Peter motherfucking Cetera in the building! Some ripping guitar!
Liked the instrumentals, liked most songs. 3.5/5
Really liked the style of this but I wish there was less singing. It wasn't that interesting compared to the instrumental. The introduction was my favourite track for this reason Absolutely lost my shit when Questions 67 and 68 started because Panic at the Disco sampled it lol
tässä on kaikkea... on kitaraa... rumpuja löytyy.... bassoa on...torvia... ja lauletaankin välillä... mitässitä muuta tarvitsrstee... tsigago...heh.. welcome to chicago.... heh....kitaran vängyttämistä ois voinut olla enemmänkin.. mitä kaikki valittaa taas... SUATANA POPPIA VETÄNÄ... ei aina tartte... poem 58
no
Jazzy upbeat prog from one of my favorite years in music? Sign me up. This just makes me want to get up and boogie.
Some decent, jazzy instrumentals. Track 2 has some good feels. Lyrics/vocals pretty meh. Too many horns.
Great album loses a star for the awful guitar noise track
Who doesn't like Chicago?! Classic
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.
The horns, combined with Terry Kathy’s phenomenal guitar work, just make this album a great debut My favorite Chicago album…
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.
Such and awesome blend of jazz and rock. One of my favorite bands
101 / 1069 Starts off really strong, Jazz Rock as the description states. The second half (or second LP as it were) isn't as strong. Had it only been the first half an easy 4, but given the second half taking it down to a 3. Should have been cut down.
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.
probably really good live but they couldn't write a hook line if their lives depended on it. can't remember a single song of this and there was over an hour of it.
Sucking the semen out of a frog passes the time better than listening to this steaming heap of cow shit.
Staff pie and chips
Surprisingly good.
This album starts well but quickly goes downhill. It's not bad per se but just feels disconnected. Some songs feel like noises put together to try to make them sound coherent.
Like Chuck Mangione and a prog band decided to record an album. 3 stars for being weird af.
Sí, esto estuvo aburrido
good rock instrumentals but too long
Average, songs got a bit annoying in the end.
Boring naff soft rock. Very bland addition to this list. Sounds like the band grew up listening to show tunes
Poor start but gets a bit groovy Enjoyed but don’t recall a stand out track
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
ekki slæmt en pínu leiðinlegt, mikið af hornum og funký
What a great rock album, while I didn't really enjoy the track "Free Form Guitar", the rest of the album was stunning. 5/5. Favorite Track: Questions 67 and 68
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
Horn-based rock/pop. Talented musicians, but not super interesting.
Good album. I enjoyed the rock and funk, but the instrumental interludes went on for longer than I liked
Enjoyed, didn’t know it before. Would happily listen again.
Best Song: Beginnings. Hits a fever pitch crescendo, where the many layers of instrumentals coalesce in a really nice way. Worst Song: Free Form Guitar. I wonder if at any point in planning, playing, recording, or mastering, anyone asked whether someone would actually want to listen to this. Overall: A group of highly talented musicians that sometimes seem more motivated in trying to show off their talent than to write songs people want to hear. Everything here - at the album level but also at the level of individual songs - feels like it is in desperate need of an editor to pare things down and trim the fat.
De "Chicago" solo conozco una canción (ya sabes cual). Esto está fuera de mi interés y no se me ocurre a quién le puede gustar de manera general. Me gusta el jazz, rock progresivo, música de los 60 y 70, pero esto no. Se va a quedar en 1 estrella y gracias.
Surprisingly I really enjoyed a lot of this
This is an interesting album. I was kind of looking forward to listening to it because I definitely know a few Chicago songs but really don't know anything about their style or what a full album would be like. I can't say I'm a fan but the album definitely improves as it goes on. It started out with some horn-heavy, jazzy, prog rock songs that are not my thing at all. As the album progressed it falls into more rock and jam-based songs. 'South California Purples' in particular almost sounds like Cream. Then, there's a crazy track like 'Free Form Guitar', which is basically just noise rock. It's cool they jump around but doesn't make for a very cohesive album. Standout Tracks: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, Beginnings, Poem 58, I'm a Man, Liberation.
Meh Like their 80’s stuff better
With the exception of the lead single (‘Do you really know what time it is?’), this album is a whole bunch of nonsensical pretentious noodling by CTA. 1/5
That free-form guitar songs a bit shit innit...rest was relatively pleasant, clearly talented artists, enjoyable voice
The first half of this album is an absolute snooze fest, then Poem 58 happens and it’s like a different band is making this album for a few tracks and then back to snooze fest, what a bummer. Poem 58 is a masterpiece and the rest is so bland also FUCK FREEFORM GUITAR
Great jazz rock album. I’d not heard it before and will listen again. A pleasant surprise.
Improv jazz meets classic rock. Fun, but a bit too wandery/rambly
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.
3.7
That was a tough one to get through. I enjoyed parts & and was exasperated by these long jamming sessions.
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
Erikoisia ääniä saatu kitaralla aikaan. Ei oikein mitään mieleen painuvaa paitsi free form guitar joka on pelkkää kitaran raiskuuttamista
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.
these guys can play their instruments like fucking champs. They are tight as all get out. This album is too long. every song seems to go on forever. probably would be amazing live.
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
Jammer, lots of classics on here
Too experimental for my taste
I'd never listened to this whole album before, so this was a great experience. As a casual Chicago fan over the past decades, it was great to experience their first work and hear where they came from. Several songs are ones that have always been in the background of my life's soundtrack, but I am glad to give them more attention. I appreciate its experimental, "lets try this!" feeling, which works more often than not. The sounds that really worked are the sounds that continued through their later work. ("Free Form Guitar" is simply unbearable, but we're going to chalk that up to a time when seven minutes of guitar noise seemed like something that was worth trying. Win some, lose some.) In any case, the rock-jazz monster that is Chicago is magnificent! I am compelled to continue to follow their albums and connect the dots of my favorite songs of theirs.
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.
Love the bluesy, hornsy sound of this band. Some of the songs go on too long (I had to stop Free Form Guitar and come back later), but great to hear the origins of some very familiar songs.
I’ve never listened to this debut album before, having mostly been familiar with Chicago’s greatest hits compilations until the 80s when I owned a couple of their cassettes. This is definitely Chicago, with a few little surprises. This album is funkier and bluesier in places than I expected. The guitar work gets heavy in the middle. I’m not sure I love the degree to which they take it in Free Form Guitar. It sounds quite skilled if not particularly pleasant or melodic. I can’t imagine I’ll sit through that song in its entirety again. Ready access to the skip track button would have been a good reason to get this on CD as soon as the tech was available… Other than that quibble, I loved the album!
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.
Surprisingly fonky, but a bit overstuffed.
I didn't love it nor did I consider any songs worth coming back to, but I'm not going to deny that this was a well-produced album. God the instrumentals were fantastic, so I was pleased that for once it was the forefront.
Meh. Some good tracks. LOOOOONG stretches of jamming descending into noise though. 3 out of 5
Honestly not even their best album. Still decent though. 5/10 if I could.
I found this to be not good. That is all. Sorry max bud
I get what old heads mean when they say they don’t make music like this anymore
One of my all time favorites. Automatic 5. I will enjoy the entire day listening to this gem. Greatest use of a sample ever on Someday.
found an upside to having tooth ache - it's a welcome distraction to listening to this.
This is how I like my Chicago, not the stuff they did in the '80s. Of course I've heard (and loved) the songs on this album that showed up on their Greatest Hits compilations, but it was great to hear some new-to-me songs in that same style.
Pretty good for background music
Not a fan
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.
This was ok and I recognized a few songs that are somewhat ubiquitous in the culture. Some of the songs were weird and annoying but mostly decent stuff. Nothing that especially stood out to me though, even the popular songs were just ok.
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!
Chicago's over-the-top, big band, lounge lizard vibe is definitely a jam... For somebody. Just not for me. I just can't with the big Boomer energy that drips off of this album. It doesn't feel good, it doesn't sound good... it doesn't do me any good. It feels like what it is. Namely, an expression of an era of extreme excess. The arrangements here feel almost gluttonous they're so thick and over the top. The only reason this doesn't get failing marks from me is because clearly this is a group of musicians that know their stuff. Like, these are great musicians. There's no way to argue with that.
I'm glad they went in the direction they did. There's a lot of wankery here. Some good songs, but a lot of unnecessary additions here.
Techincally, the band were called Chicago Transit Authority at the time of this album's release, but when they became successful, the actual Chicago Transit Authority threatened to sue, so they changed their name to Chicago. To my knowledge, that's about the third most interesting fact about Chicago. The most interesting is also upsetting: their guitarist Terry Kath died accidentally at a party when he fired his gun at his head in order to prove that the gun wasn't loaded. It was. The second most interesting fact about Chicago is that most people only like one song by Chicago, 25 or 6 to 4. It is transparent why this is the case: the main riff has a decent enough frug (as it should, considering it's swiped from the similarly sticky-fingered Led Zeppelin's Babe I'm Gonna Leave You), and the brass provides real propulsion. After that, the seam of interesting Chicago facts appears to be mined dry. Is anyone shocked that Chicago are a bit dull? Anyone scrunching up their eyes in bafflement that Chicago don't inspire rock n' roll myths worthy to ring out through the halls of Valhalla? I don't believe I'm slandering anyone's favourite band when I assert Chicago's tedious nature, in both the senses that I'm not uttering falsehoods and that Chicago is nobody's favourite band. One can say that Chicago were, like many dull bands, too worthy, too conscious of their artistry to inspire adoration, and this is a sizeable factor, but the main reason they're unloved is just that they're a bit dull. This, their self-titled debut, exemplifies all that made Chicago a quintessential also-ran in the public's affection. With a debut double album, they aimed high, but ignored the merits of concision. And there's the first wrinkle: the songs are just too bloody long. If we count Prologue, Augst 29, 1968 and Someday (August 29, 1968) as one song, then only two songs out of an adjusted 11 clock in at below 5 minutes, which doesn't detract from the pre-existing condition of worthy dullness. Another consequence of this length is the second wrinkle: the songs meander capriciously, stepping with rapidity from the occasional good riff to a spot of godawful proggy organ diversion. The listener pines for a strong producer to edit out the wanky parts and just leave us with that pleasant frug for which Chicago did have the capacity. That's a central frustration of this album: quite often you'll hear a snippet that genuinely appeals, only Chicago then decide to chance their hand and start invoking their jazz influences or attempting a bit of an experiment. You just want the band to make a solid rocker, not articulate their Thelonious Monkish faith. That solid rocker is here somewhere amidst the horns and the drum solos, and my 3 stars is in part a memorial to what could have been if Chicago took themselves a little less seriously and managed to be a bit more fun. NoRadio, signing off.
Loved it
I became acquainted with Chicago the version of the band (in the 1980s) that I am most likely to not listen to. This earlier work with it's progressive rock tendencies is more likely to capture my attention. I've never listened to the whole Chicago Transit Authority album before, but I was familiar with 4 or 5 tracks. There is an ambition to this record, and I think Chicago achieves some worthwhile music with most of the tracks. "Free Form Guitar" and some occasional noise on the other tracks might keep me from relistening to the whole album again.
I don’t like this jam band style. All of the songs seem aimless within the overall message of the album. They’re just…songs. Songs that are often too long and often meander too much. Now I know why I avoided this band.
The instrumental songs were the highlight of the album.
not bad
Music to sell aluminium to.
What a way to start a career in an interesting way and become one of the most generic classic rock band in history. Please don't name your band after a city.
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.
It's a very nice prog/jazz-rock and pop album from 1969 with a powerful introduction that might be one of the best instrumental moment of this band. Sadly, too long-winded so we loose interest in it.
Had no idea what to expect from this beyond AOR but certainly wasn’t expecting such a mix of things on one record. Can’t really imagine listening to it again but glad I heard it once.
Chicago do as they damn well please. I was expecting Soul horns which I was familiar with from Chicago 13 but here are Soul and jazz and prog horns. Chicago are playing whatever they damn well please. It’s refreshing in its own way. This is an elusive album but I kind of dig it.
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.
I mean, it was alright. A bit incomprehensible at times.
Mixed bag, lost stars for twidley guitar tracks
Really hard one to rate as it is so inconsistent. It would probably have been a 3 or 4 if it wasn't for shite like the free form guitar song.
Overall good, but had to skip a few songs
starts with a bang, making its intentions clear: strap in boys and girls this is going to be a wild journey and it absolutely delivered. almost lost me with the free form guitar but pulled me straight back in with the punchy bass line on listen.
Seems like they're stuck in limbo between an early and late 60s sound. Not all together bad but a bit confusing.
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.
A different Chicago than what most people are used to. In this album, it’s a lot of progress rock and instrumental solos played for long periods. Some of the songs were solid and showed similar signs of the jazzy Chicago. This album just seemed a bit out of form but it’s not that bad. 5.8/10
Nice rock music with horns and trupets
Teilweise sehr funky, hat much an Oceans 11 erinnert.
Ikke hørt på før, og ble underholdt. Låt ganske tidløst ut, som om det ble utgitt i går?
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.
Had to double-check to confirm that yes, they're the ones who brought the '80s ballad "Hard to Say I'm Sorry". The radio staple is far from the jazzy rock sound of their debut album. And it's surprisingly decent, considering I'm not a big fan of jazz. The tracks are overlong, however. A daring move for a debut album, tbh. Strip it down a bit and it'll be a nice eclectic jazz-rock album.
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.
Some of it is good, but a lot I didn't like
Awful
Not bad, but not really my thing
Not what I expected, being only vaguely-aware of their yacht rock radio songs. Funky, bluesy and psychedelic, like a much-better Small Faces. Lots of this is indulgent jamming, but the good parts are excellent
Guitarrero, setentero, con una muy buena voz vocal y muy de la época
amazing!!
Leuke verrassing! Er gebeurt zo veel op muzikaal vlak, dat ik deze wel nog eens ga beluisteren.
Fine, better than I expected. Not excellent but perfectly fine to listen to.
vilket mög
Horrible jazz-pop-rock fusion.
First listen, was very nice 👍
3/12, 25%
better than i thought it would be.
damn the opening songs really slap. but after a while it really starts to fall off, and objectively the lyrics are kinda meh and a lot of bits just feel like they're trying to be experimental, and that's just not where they shine, they have a really nice songwriting style and I love the way Chicago uses horns in their pieces, either as a build or for dramatic effect or just to highlight the melody, so when they don't use them or they try something vastly different most of their appeal sorta dissapears. like high 3
10/04 I tried man. But it didn’t work. Boring to me.
Some fun, toe tapping songs. A lot of stuff that sounds like some real white guy soul. Great musicianship. Overall not a bad album to start the day to.
1-2 okay songs maybe i just dont understand
This was an interesting one. Did not remind me of the Chicago I know, but I was a really interesting one. The songs are intense and the solos are real groovy
I wanted to like it, but there wasn't a single song that I really liked.
This is a somewhat tough one to rate because the high points of the album (particular the more blues and jazz inspired tracks: 5 stars) and really high and the low point of the album are really low (the jarring, psychedelic instrumental parts: 1 star).