For those of you who are familiar with Chicago as being cheesy ballad heavy schmoozers’, you will not recognize the music played on this record. Originally called Chicago Transit Authority on their first record, that was shortened to just Chicago for this their second record in 1970.
This album is quite experimental in its execution, as the band are playing around with extended arrangements and sounds. However, there were two hit singles on the record: Make Me Smile, and the one everybody’s heard of, 25 or 6 to 4. The centrepiece for the whole album is Ballet For A Girl in Buchannon, which is split into seven pieces – a very ambitious adventure. 1970 was a very turbulent time in the US with Vietnam and segregation, and this album reflects that especially on It Better End Soon. Terry Kath was a bit of a guitar whizz of the time, and his playing is very tasteful and plays for the song, but when he let loose he sure could play.
This album is very much of its time, but it’s also great to hear how amazing this band were.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
