THIS was the norm back in OUR day of the 1970s. Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire...part of the greatest decade of music. AND, they all are STILL performing today influencing the young generation! Good job fellahs!
I'm one of the biggest Chicago fans ever. Love them so much, have been to many concerts and I own every album they've ever put out. That being said, you folks need to do a search for Leonid & Friends and listen to their Beginnings or any other famous Chicago song. They are the ultimate tribute band and if you know Chicago like I do, you'll see that they play the songs note for note. Since all of the original Chicago guys (inlcuding me) are old dudes now, Leonid & Friends are a re-birth of Chicago. Catch one of their concerts. You won't be disappointed.
…and they all are Russians with heavy accents…some don’t even speak English. To me that makes them even more impressive. They really blow my mind!! They sound identical to Chicago!
I first heard this as a high school music student in the '70's. My music buddies and I were floored. Nobody had ever heard anything like it before. Still a fantastic example of early jazz-rock fusion.
@@pamnicklas5536 I remember that tour. My friend and I actually won back stage passes from the radio station. Needless to say, as high school band kids we were completely awe-struck and overwhelmed. We managed enough nerve to get a few autographs, but Jimmy was totally unapproachable as he was jumping up and down whooping and yelling. Being the '80s, our assumption was that he'd had a bit too much powder.
The really should have renamed Chicago after Terry Kath death. The band was never the same. I don’t care for their later cheesy love ballad soft pop songs.
This lineup was just so. Damn. Good. There really isn't a bad song in the catalog,, only varying levels of greatness. This is a masterpiece. Great reaction guys! Thanks!
Back in those days, a group like this was SO creative and they were free to try all sorts of things… it would never happen now, not in a pop song on the radio… I love the whole ending… this is what they were inspired to do… and Ryan is right about Robert Lamn… great voice and songwriter
The drummer, Danny Seraphine, is the bomb! He is touring again this year, and his tour is called "Back To Chicago," so I'm hoping he will be playing some Chicago songs. We will see him in November. SO excited!!
Next Up: Make Me Smile. Terry Kath, the lead guitarist also performs the vocals. Killer song and another instant classic with that unmistakable old school, can't miss sound of Chicago.
CHICAGO, "BEGINNINGS". I was 10 years old when I first was blessed by one of finest bands ever. Their early days were the favorite of many fans of the Era. More excellent Chicago. Now it's Terry Kath turn doing lead vocals, "MAKE ME SMILE", "SATURDAY IN THE PARK", "DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?", DIALOGUE PARTS 1 AND 2", "QUESTIONS 67 AND 68", "I'M A MAN"...✌ 🎶 Rock On MAN 🎵
I have commented before...but just imagine hearing this (being in the sweaty part of your youth) 🎉 kaboom... and knowing what become a master class song!!! Filter that again KABOOM... ❤
Yep. I was alive then, and early, brassy, jazzy Chicago is best Chicago IMO. I mostly stopped listening to them when they went soft and whiney after the mid '70s.
Got into this group - with the release of their first album - because I Love Horns. The more I listened to them the more I started to appreciate ALL of the musical/songwriting/vocal talents this group presented for listening enjoyment. Some said that a rock group with horns won't be around long - so wrong! This song, was released off their first album in 69/70, composed/lyrics/vocals by Lamm. Also off their first album are "Introduction" - which is composed to be an intro into their type of music with rock sounds containing strong melodies from a fantastic horn section. Each person in the group gets to perform a little ditty to showcase their particular talent/instrument. Song written by Kath (whom did not read music) and each vocalist gets sings a verse. Then there is "Question 67 & 68". It features 3 tempo changes and the middle musical break, normally for guitars, is ALL Horns - Fantastic. Also written by & composed by Lamm with Cetera lead vocals.
I grew up with this great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "Colour My World", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "If You Leave Me Now", "Old Days" etc.
Back in the 70s, the band used this song to finish the show. It left the crowd hopeful and excited about future CHICAGO recording to come. As one of their best loved early works, this song was sure to please .
The horn solo you heard was a Trombone (James Pankow), followed up by a solo on a Trumpet (Lee Loughnane). The Chicago horn section was unique at its time, much like the Tower of Power and EWF horn sections.
All of Chicago were Jazz Musicians. I believe they started out as a Jazz band, before they adopted rock into their music. The drummer is Danny Seraphine, who was a jazz drummer, and it's why his drumming stood out so much.
Ryan, you nailed it this time. I was there in the beginning (when it was released) and the ending was an integral part of the song. Remember, we came from the transitor radio era and we never heard percussion like that. ( except for Santana)
Chicago Live at Tanglewood to see this great band in action. On I'm A Man, you'll hear the 3 singers taking turns, starting with Terry Kath, guitarist, switching to Robert Lamm, keyboardist and then Peter Cetera, bass guitar. They sound just as good live! Make Me Smile features Terry Kath's growl on vocals. I believe Robert Lamm sang Saturday In The Park as well. I grew up with Chicago during the Terry Kath years and those are my favorites. Great reaction, so glad you all enjoyed it! Their musicianship is impeccable!
Oh, this was so, so gooooood...............Terry had the most recognizable voice. Chicago was and remains amazing. You have GOT to listen to "Wake Up Sunshine"
Other great Chicago songs sung by Robert Lamm are Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? and Saturday In The Park. They had a lot of members but remember three of them make up the horn section. 🥁 Danny Seraphine on drums 🔥
Lamm wrote most of the stuff for their first three albums. [Drummer] Danny Seraphine said "Lamm carried us for the first 3 albums because he had a stack of songs written early." Robert Lamm on lead vocals here, on their most famous song, "Saturday in the park", with Peter Cetera., lead vocals on other great ones.
Early Chicago was as great a band as any other. And they really took musical chances. The voices of Robert Lamm (lead) with Peter Cetera and all-time guitarist Terry Kath. Fun watching you guys enjoy THIS CLASSIC!
Wow. How does someone listen to this song and want to cut off the ending?!! Just. Wow. So much respect to Ryan, who appreciated the greatness of this masterpiece. The ending in this song just keeps growing, elevating the emotion. It can literally bring tears to my eyes. Definitely in my top five songs of all time.
Man do I envy you Cats, hearing these songs for the first time and enjoying something that has been in my life for over 50 years. This is truly why I watch reaction channels and there are so many bands and songs that are part of the early soundtrack of my life. I was a freshman in high school when this debut and it remains one of my most favorite albums of all time. It is hard to explain this era because the music scene was exploding and there were so many bands that were blazing new and wonderful trails. Living in Northern California I was listening to album cuts on "underground FM stations" like KSAN and KMPX. So, the long vinyl cuts were preferred but not friendly for AM radio play. So many great guitar solos end up edited out to make the commercial play list. Like so many albums the debut LP is often my favorite, and this is no different. The first 3 records were double LPs, and the 4th was a 4-record set and all of that released in a 3-year period. To say they were very talented and prolific would be an understatement. Great Reactions!
Guys, If you want to know what Chicago's BEST is all about, first song, first album (Chicago Transit Authority). It's called "Introduction", and all that weird, wonderful stuff was written by guitarist Terry Kath who also sang it. Understand, it was HIS band. This rockin', soulful guitarist's band. Trust me and give it a listen. Thanks for what you do.
I’ve owned this album since it was released and have loved the percussion fade-out of Beginnings with a passion. It just makes the song elevate from great to classic.
@@michaelasay8587 Yeah, my parents got it for a Christmas present in 1969. It’s still pretty much scratch free, and the album cover is only slightly scuffed at the top right corner. It beats having an old 8 track cartridge copy..heh heh heh.
The drummer(very underrated I might add) is Danny Seraphine, amazing things he's doing in this song! Plus the horn section: James Pankow on trombone, Walter Parazider on saxophone, and Lee Loghnane on trumpet all deserve mention in this and many other songs! One of my favorites is a song called Now, please react to this! Thank you!
You've heard Peter Cetera's tenor and Robert Lamm's smooth baritone, but you haven't lived until you've dig Terry Kath's soulful gravel. Try "Make Me Smile" off their second album for a taste of it. Or even better, do the entire "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" that generated two big hits from separate radio edits.
Ryan I agree with you, Robert Lamm's voice is my favourite of the 3 Chicago singers. If you want to hear another song by him you should listen to "Saturday In the Park" and "Does anyone really know what time it is".
Kudos, guys. This studio version has been reacted to almost never, in lieu of a live version, which obscures and muddles the sound. Kudos for noticing Danny Seraphine, whose drum fills are extremely satisfying and clean. Almost no one ever mentions him, but he's captivating in driving this song. Thanks so much. Enjoyed that you played it and also enjoyed that you really listened. :)
This is one of my all time favorites. Keep going with older Chicago. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is and Color My World should be next. Great job!
there are 3 singers in this group: Robert Lamm(keyboards); Peter Cetera(bass guitar); and Terry Kath(lead guitar). Robert Lamm wrote most of their songs, but other members, especially James Pankow (trombone) and Cetera, wrote or co-wrote quite a few. Pankow wrote "Make Me Smile". The first song on their first album (Chicago Transit Authority) is called "Introduction" which basically introduces what this band called "Chicago" is all about. Really the first group that incorporates horns into the melodies, not relegated to only background. If you can get the actual album (CTA), the inside jacket will explain the logic in changing their name to "Chicago", which reflects where they started as a group. They had to consider a name change because the Chicago Transit Authority said using the name was infringement and threatened to file suit. So, they just re-named themselves to"Chicago". Early Chicago, '68-"76 was their best years. They had more Top 40 hits than any other group in the 70's. After Kath (RIP) died they started a focus more on ballads which highlighted Cetera's vocals more (great tenor). Still believe that they were all under-recognized for their talents with their respective instruments, especially guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drummer (Danny Seraphine) and for their vocals/harmonies and Lamm's songwriting talent. They only did one cover (I'm a Man - which is on this CTA album and a good drum solo). If you want a focus on the horn section, listen to Questions 67 & 68 (vocals by Cetera, written by Lamm and was their actual first release).
Dudes early Chicago was just an experience. Pretty much every song of theirs was an orchestration. I didn't discover them until maybe 2010 ish and my mind was blown. I could not believe this was the same group that recorded You're the Inspiration or Hard Habit to Break. This track is definitely up there for me along with Call on Me and Make Me Smile. They had 3 main lead vocalists - Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm and Terry Kath.
Chicago was a band that could start out slowly with a guitar solo, add drums, horns then the vocals come in clearly and precise. Gradually they layer in more percussion and the full horn section till you have a perfect rock symphony.
This song is the epitome of what they were trying to do in the 80's but they never topped this one. Really tight, swinging, swaggering stuff!! Loved it when I first heard it in high school and still do.
Disagree. By the '80s Chicago's sales and popularity had long been on a downward track, and many felt their creative juices had dried. They were dropped from their long-time label (Columbia), and as part of their contract with Warner they brought on outside song writers for the first time. They hit gold in the collaborative energy of producer/songwriter David Foster and bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera, leading to Chicago 16 and 17 the latter certified six-time platinum with four top-10 hits. Part of this formula was a conscious decision to push the horns back to a more traditional backup role or to even eliminate them completely. By the time Chicago 19 dropped, none of the four hits on the record were sung by an original member or featured any horns to speak of.
Another fantastic song from Chicago Transit Authority is the first song on the album--Introduction. The guitarist, the late Terry Kath, introduces the band with this song--hence Introduction. He’s not introducing them by name but with what each brings to the group. Best first song off of a first album ever…. IMHO
The guy on the trombone did/ does a lot of their arrangements and wrote several of their songs. Still preforms with them today and is quite flamboyant on stage. 😊
I love this song and would crank up my car stereo every time it came on in the '70s. There Is a radio edit that fades out right before the very long percussion section at the end, but I don't mind that section. Chicago's cover of "I'm a Man" is the definitive version and is super funky, with most of the singers in the band getting their individual moment in the sun. It's a great song and you guys will love it!
When Chicago Transit Authority was touring, Danny Seraphine was one of the drummers of the era that impressed Buddy Rich. Yes, THAT Buddy Rich. Just as Jimi Hendrix telling Chicago their guitar player was better than Jimi himself, there was respect from a legend in his craft for Seraphine.
This is the real Chicago, the original seven, a hard-driving rock and roll band with horns. Check out the first song on this debut album, “Introduction”, or “Poem 58”, where Terry Kath shreds like no other. Another great one is Terry Kath’s “Oh Thank You Great Spirit “, which is his tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
Thank you for your reaction to this Chicago song. I hope you would also react to their song, "Make Me Smile" - that is probably my favorite. This lead singer is Robert Hamm. He was lead singer in many of their songs. He also wrote many of their songs.
I love Chicago's songs from the late sixties through the seventies! Try Free, I've Been Searching So Long, Just You And Me, Make Me Smile, Lowdown, so many more as well! And drummer Danny Seraphine's drumming is way too effortless!!! One of my all time favorite drummers!
@@michaelasay8587 As far as the complexity of the arrangements and the sophistication of the recordings, there's no comparison: Chicago was better. But Zep was more innovative, musically. They created a whole new genre of music!
@@rhwinner In reality, Chicago was more innovative because they're credited as being the first rock band with a horn section. Zep didn't create a new genre because they were playing their own variant of what Cream, Vanilla Fudge, and Hendrix had already done. The creators of Hard Rock (The Kinks and Yardbirds) came before all of them.
So many people really have no clue how incredible this band was before Terry Kath died and David Foster took over a few years later and started producing and made them an 80's massive hit machine.
Chicago's first two albums were so creative. They were successful with Foster but when Terry Kath died they lost their soul and then they booted Seraphine and they just became a pop hit machine. I know they are still playing with a few original members but it to me is a bit sad. Can't complain about older guys who can still earn a living playing their hits though.
Talented musicians and singers.
Not just dancers with piped in music and autotune.
Real fucking music and real fucking musicians and singers.
Rule #1 with early Chicago, if you think it's over, it's not
We had the best music in the world. This was the beginnings of one of the best bands of the 70’s♥️
Terry kath is an under rated genius. He could play rhythm or lead and switch back and forth
THIS was the norm back in OUR day of the 1970s. Chicago, Doobie Brothers, Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire...part of the greatest decade of music. AND, they all are STILL performing today influencing the young generation! Good job fellahs!
Yes indeed!!!❤
I'm one of the biggest Chicago fans ever. Love them so much, have been to many concerts and I own every album they've ever put out. That being said, you folks need to do a search for Leonid & Friends and listen to their Beginnings or any other famous Chicago song. They are the ultimate tribute band and if you know Chicago like I do, you'll see that they play the songs note for note. Since all of the original Chicago guys (inlcuding me) are old dudes now, Leonid & Friends are a re-birth of Chicago. Catch one of their concerts. You won't be disappointed.
…and they all are Russians with heavy accents…some don’t even speak English. To me that makes them even more impressive. They really blow my mind!! They sound identical to Chicago!
I first heard this as a high school music student in the '70's. My music buddies and I were floored. Nobody had ever heard anything like it before. Still a fantastic example of early jazz-rock fusion.
The Terry Kath Era of Chicago was the best! On the debut album as The Chicago Transit Authority you MUST listen to "Poem 58"!
You R correct sir
Can't agree with you more!! I did see them on their first tour after Terry's passing....it was 1982. They were still great.
@@pamnicklas5536 I remember that tour. My friend and I actually won back stage passes from the radio station. Needless to say, as high school band kids we were completely awe-struck and overwhelmed. We managed enough nerve to get a few autographs, but Jimmy was totally unapproachable as he was jumping up and down whooping and yelling. Being the '80s, our assumption was that he'd had a bit too much powder.
The really should have renamed Chicago after Terry Kath death. The band was never the same. I don’t care for their later cheesy love ballad soft pop songs.
@@pamnicklas5536 he passed in 1978 I was in the Navy seen his last performance in Oakland about 2 weeks before he passed
I call that era of Chicago, “The Terry Kath” years. The best years. Incredible talents, all of them.
Pull up a picture of Danny Seraphine’s drum set from back then and you’ll be amazed how much sound he gets out of such a small set. Just incredible.
This lineup was just so. Damn. Good. There really isn't a bad song in the catalog,, only varying levels of greatness. This is a masterpiece. Great reaction guys! Thanks!
They're known as a "Superband", and for good reason.
They are known for THE HORNS!
Whoever sings they always have 3 great backup singers for great harmonies
Terry Kath is the G.O.A.T (RIP). At that time he was the best lead guitarist in the business and maybe still is. I absolutely love this group.
The brass and saxophone players were EXCELLENT!
I agree with Ryan, so creative authentic musicianship. Love all of it. At the end it was like a African style improv. Great stuff.
Back in those days, a group like this was SO creative and they were free to try all sorts of things… it would never happen now, not in a pop song on the radio… I love the whole ending… this is what they were inspired to do… and Ryan is right about Robert Lamn… great voice and songwriter
The drummer, Danny Seraphine, is the bomb! He is touring again this year, and his tour is called "Back To Chicago," so I'm hoping he will be playing some Chicago songs. We will see him in November. SO excited!!
He's one of my favorite drummers! ❤❤
Yes . I was thinking how awesome is this drummer. Are you hearing it?
Danny Seraphine....the most melodic drummer....ever.
Last I heard he had a band called California Transit Authority.
You're the first commenter I've encountered in two years listening to reactors who mentioned Danny Seraphine! :)
@@christopheryochum3602 👍 He doesn't get the respect he deserves.
Next Up: Make Me Smile. Terry Kath, the lead guitarist also performs the vocals. Killer song and another instant classic with that unmistakable old school, can't miss sound of Chicago.
Yes!!!
The horns at the end raise the song into the stratosphere. Remind me of Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass
CHICAGO, "BEGINNINGS". I was 10 years old when I first was blessed by one of finest bands ever. Their early days were the favorite of many fans of the Era. More excellent Chicago. Now it's Terry Kath turn doing lead vocals, "MAKE ME SMILE", "SATURDAY IN THE PARK", "DOES ANYBODY REALLY KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS?", DIALOGUE PARTS 1 AND 2", "QUESTIONS 67 AND 68", "I'M A MAN"...✌ 🎶 Rock On MAN 🎵
This is one of the best endings to a song ever
I have commented before...but just imagine hearing this (being in the sweaty part of your youth) 🎉 kaboom... and knowing what become a master class song!!! Filter that again KABOOM... ❤
This is an amazing song all the way through by Chicago. You should listen to Make Me Smile, and Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is.
I love early Chicago music it's passionate, creative, eclectic, and gold. Watch Ryan's face in the beginning of the song. Pure joy ❤
Chicago's first 3 or 4 albums are their best!.... Check out, Make Me Smile (extended version). Terry Kath one of the greatest guitarists and singers!
Yep. I was alive then, and early, brassy, jazzy Chicago is best Chicago IMO. I mostly stopped listening to them when they went soft and whiney after the mid '70s.
@@kqr573v2 First 11 albums were all with the original group before Terry Kath's death. Those albums are their best work!
Extended version is epic
I've Been Searching from same album beautiful song.❤ Good group changed alot and made it through decades...easily made it from rock to pop
Got into this group - with the release of their first album - because I Love Horns. The more I listened to them the more I started to appreciate ALL of the musical/songwriting/vocal talents this group presented for listening enjoyment. Some said that a rock group with horns won't be around long - so wrong! This song, was released off their first album in 69/70, composed/lyrics/vocals by Lamm. Also off their first album are "Introduction" - which is composed to be an intro into their type of music with rock sounds containing strong melodies from a fantastic horn section. Each person in the group gets to perform a little ditty to showcase their particular talent/instrument. Song written by Kath (whom did not read music) and each vocalist gets sings a verse. Then there is "Question 67 & 68". It features 3 tempo changes and the middle musical break, normally for guitars, is ALL Horns - Fantastic. Also written by & composed by Lamm with Cetera lead vocals.
I grew up with this great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "Colour My World", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "If You Leave Me Now", "Old Days" etc.
They began in the sixties btw - I love their songs from that time!
@@pollynicklas5220 Yes I know. They were known as Chicago Transit Authority then.
One of my favorite groups of the 70's and my very first concert.
"Make Me Smile" is so good that it's mentioned twice in this comment
Loved that last part, all in the beginning, what I want to feel forever….
Back in the 70s, the band used this song to finish the show. It left the crowd hopeful and excited about future CHICAGO recording to come. As one of their best loved early works, this song was sure to please .
The horn solo you heard was a Trombone (James Pankow), followed up by a solo on a Trumpet (Lee Loughnane). The Chicago horn section was unique at its time, much like the Tower of Power and EWF horn sections.
All of Chicago were Jazz Musicians. I believe they started out as a Jazz band, before they adopted rock into their music.
The drummer is Danny Seraphine, who was a jazz drummer, and it's why his drumming stood out so much.
You guys HAVE to give “Wishing You Were Here” not only because it’s an amazing ballad, but because The Beach Boys actually do the background vocals!
One of their greatest tunes and my favorite one after all this time!
Everything from Chicago in the 70's was FIRE
I love when I'm transported back in time to those days when I listened to these songs on the radio.
Ryan, you nailed it this time. I was there in the beginning (when it was released) and the ending was an integral part of the song. Remember, we came from the transitor radio era and we never heard percussion like that. ( except for Santana)
There will never be a band this good ever again. For the same reason we don't build cathedrals anymore. It just isn't economically viable.
Chicago Live at Tanglewood to see this great band in action. On I'm A Man, you'll hear the 3 singers taking turns, starting with Terry Kath, guitarist, switching to Robert Lamm, keyboardist and then Peter Cetera, bass guitar. They sound just as good live! Make Me Smile features Terry Kath's growl on vocals. I believe Robert Lamm sang Saturday In The Park as well. I grew up with Chicago during the Terry Kath years and those are my favorites. Great reaction, so glad you all enjoyed it! Their musicianship is impeccable!
The vocals on I'm A Man went Kath - Cetera - Lamm, then instrumental break, then Cetera & Lamm repeating their verses.
Oh, this was so, so gooooood...............Terry had the most recognizable voice. Chicago was and remains amazing. You have GOT to listen to "Wake Up Sunshine"
Other great Chicago songs sung by Robert Lamm are Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? and Saturday In The Park. They had a lot of members but remember three of them make up the horn section. 🥁 Danny Seraphine on drums 🔥
Lamm wrote most of the stuff for their first three albums. [Drummer] Danny Seraphine said "Lamm carried us for the first 3 albums because he had a stack of songs written early." Robert Lamm on lead vocals here, on their most famous song, "Saturday in the park", with Peter Cetera., lead vocals on other great ones.
Early Chicago was as great a band as any other. And they really took musical chances. The voices of Robert Lamm (lead) with Peter Cetera and all-time guitarist Terry Kath. Fun watching you guys enjoy THIS CLASSIC!
Wow. How does someone listen to this song and want to cut off the ending?!! Just. Wow. So much respect to Ryan, who appreciated the greatness of this masterpiece.
The ending in this song just keeps growing, elevating the emotion. It can literally bring tears to my eyes. Definitely in my top five songs of all time.
Man do I envy you Cats, hearing these songs for the first time and enjoying something that has been in my life for over 50 years. This is truly why I watch reaction channels and there are so many bands and songs that are part of the early soundtrack of my life. I was a freshman in high school when this debut and it remains one of my most favorite albums of all time. It is hard to explain this era because the music scene was exploding and there were so many bands that were blazing new and wonderful trails. Living in Northern California I was listening to album cuts on "underground FM stations" like KSAN and KMPX. So, the long vinyl cuts were preferred but not friendly for AM radio play. So many great guitar solos end up edited out to make the commercial play list. Like so many albums the debut LP is often my favorite, and this is no different. The first 3 records were double LPs, and the 4th was a 4-record set and all of that released in a 3-year period. To say they were very talented and prolific would be an understatement. Great Reactions!
Guys, If you want to know what Chicago's BEST is all about, first song, first album (Chicago Transit Authority). It's called "Introduction", and all that weird, wonderful stuff was written by guitarist Terry Kath who also sang it. Understand, it was HIS band. This rockin', soulful guitarist's band. Trust me and give it a listen. Thanks for what you do.
they were all music professers just imagine that..... the talent up and down
I’ve owned this album since it was released and have loved the percussion fade-out of Beginnings with a passion. It just makes the song elevate from great to classic.
@@michaelasay8587 Yeah, my parents got it for a Christmas present in 1969. It’s still pretty much scratch free, and the album cover is only slightly scuffed at the top right corner. It beats having an old 8 track cartridge copy..heh heh heh.
I'm A Man from that same album is still my favorite Chicago tune. You would love it. Trust me. Killer guitar and same kind of percussion layers.
And over the manic closing percussion sequence: "ALL ABOUT THE BRADYS! ALL ABOUT THE BRADYS!"
The drummer(very underrated I might add) is Danny Seraphine, amazing things he's doing in this song! Plus the horn section: James Pankow on trombone, Walter Parazider on saxophone, and Lee Loghnane on trumpet all deserve mention in this and many other songs! One of my favorites is a song called Now, please react to this! Thank you!
You've heard Peter Cetera's tenor and Robert Lamm's smooth baritone, but you haven't lived until you've dig Terry Kath's soulful gravel. Try "Make Me Smile" off their second album for a taste of it. Or even better, do the entire "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon" that generated two big hits from separate radio edits.
Ryan I agree with you, Robert Lamm's voice is my favourite of the 3 Chicago singers. If you want to hear another song by him you should listen to "Saturday In the Park" and "Does anyone really know what time it is".
Sat in park - yes great like fancy colors!!
Totally Agree.ROBERTS Voice Is MY Favorite Too!!
SATURDAY IN THE PARK MY FAVORITE 🎵 🎶 🎵 SONG!!
LOVE THIS!! DANNY SERAPHINE ON DRUMS.
The brass and saxophone made Chicago unique among rock & roll bands.
That was the Beginning literally! It was the first song on the first album... 😎
Kudos, guys. This studio version has been reacted to almost never, in lieu of a live version, which obscures and muddles the sound. Kudos for noticing Danny Seraphine, whose drum fills are extremely satisfying and clean. Almost no one ever mentions him, but he's captivating in driving this song. Thanks so much. Enjoyed that you played it and also enjoyed that you really listened. :)
This is one of my all time favorites. Keep going with older Chicago. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is and Color My World should be next. Great job!
there are 3 singers in this group: Robert Lamm(keyboards); Peter Cetera(bass guitar); and Terry Kath(lead guitar). Robert Lamm wrote most of their songs, but other members, especially James Pankow (trombone) and Cetera, wrote or co-wrote quite a few. Pankow wrote "Make Me Smile". The first song on their first album (Chicago Transit Authority) is called "Introduction" which basically introduces what this band called "Chicago" is all about. Really the first group that incorporates horns into the melodies, not relegated to only background. If you can get the actual album (CTA), the inside jacket will explain the logic in changing their name to "Chicago", which reflects where they started as a group. They had to consider a name change because the Chicago Transit Authority said using the name was infringement and threatened to file suit. So, they just re-named themselves to"Chicago". Early Chicago, '68-"76 was their best years. They had more Top 40 hits than any other group in the 70's. After Kath (RIP) died they started a focus more on ballads which highlighted Cetera's vocals more (great tenor). Still believe that they were all under-recognized for their talents with their respective instruments, especially guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, and drummer (Danny Seraphine) and for their vocals/harmonies and Lamm's songwriting talent. They only did one cover (I'm a Man - which is on this CTA album and a good drum solo). If you want a focus on the horn section, listen to Questions 67 & 68 (vocals by Cetera, written by Lamm and was their actual first release).
“MAKE ME SMILE” is a Chicago MUST! 😁❤️
This remains one of my favorite all time songs. The music perfectly captures that feeling when you first fall for someone new…..it’s so exciting
My favorite chicago song. S tier.
Dudes early Chicago was just an experience. Pretty much every song of theirs was an orchestration. I didn't discover them until maybe 2010 ish and my mind was blown. I could not believe this was the same group that recorded You're the Inspiration or Hard Habit to Break. This track is definitely up there for me along with Call on Me and Make Me Smile. They had 3 main lead vocalists - Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm and Terry Kath.
Chicago was a band that could start out slowly with a guitar solo, add drums, horns then the vocals come in clearly and precise. Gradually they layer in more percussion and the full horn section till you have a perfect rock symphony.
This song is the epitome of what they were trying to do in the 80's but they never topped this one. Really tight, swinging, swaggering stuff!! Loved it when I first heard it in high school and still do.
Disagree. By the '80s Chicago's sales and popularity had long been on a downward track, and many felt their creative juices had dried. They were dropped from their long-time label (Columbia), and as part of their contract with Warner they brought on outside song writers for the first time. They hit gold in the collaborative energy of producer/songwriter David Foster and bassist/vocalist Peter Cetera, leading to Chicago 16 and 17 the latter certified six-time platinum with four top-10 hits. Part of this formula was a conscious decision to push the horns back to a more traditional backup role or to even eliminate them completely. By the time Chicago 19 dropped, none of the four hits on the record were sung by an original member or featured any horns to speak of.
Just thinking that there's absolutely NO ONE ONE making this kind of great music today! Hate to say it but it is a lost art!
I believe this was Danny Seraphine on drums .... and on this song, its like he has a freakin drum solo the whole damn song!
Another fantastic song from Chicago Transit Authority is the first song on the album--Introduction. The guitarist, the late Terry Kath, introduces the band with this song--hence Introduction. He’s not introducing them by name but with what each brings to the group. Best first song off of a first album ever…. IMHO
Their first album is killer. I wore out the vinyl, got the cassette, later the CD and now its on my iPhone.
HAHA Nick! Love the face! Such an amazing song all around! Only the beginning for Chicago!
The guy on the trombone did/ does a lot of their arrangements and wrote several of their songs. Still preforms with them today and is quite flamboyant on stage. 😊
I love this song and would crank up my car stereo every time it came on in the '70s. There Is a radio edit that fades out right before the very long percussion section at the end, but I don't mind that section.
Chicago's cover of "I'm a Man" is the definitive version and is super funky, with most of the singers in the band getting their individual moment in the sun. It's a great song and you guys will love it!
When Chicago Transit Authority was touring, Danny Seraphine was one of the drummers of the era that impressed Buddy Rich. Yes, THAT Buddy Rich. Just as Jimi Hendrix telling Chicago their guitar player was better than Jimi himself, there was respect from a legend in his craft for Seraphine.
Ive always loved this song. Its one of my top 10 on my ipod list. ( Several lists) sacredly on my funeral list!
Layered perfection....
Thanks for your cogent analysis. Your musical insight is invaluable.
BEST SONG EVER!!!
Chicago was on fire in 1871...and again in the 1970's! 😍
What an ARRANGEMENT!
The drumming, the brass and the overall sound of this song is a combination of big band meets rock
So much talent for 50 years now….
This is the real Chicago, the original seven, a hard-driving rock and roll band with horns. Check out the first song on this debut album, “Introduction”, or “Poem 58”, where Terry Kath shreds like no other. Another great one is Terry Kath’s “Oh Thank You Great Spirit “, which is his tribute to Jimi Hendrix.
This is an awesome song by Chicago! If you haven’t already please do a Rare Earth song! They’re also fantastic. ❤
Ends in the perfect 1970's drum circle!!!! so many memories
Yep. We played this in marching band.
Make Me Smile should be next. Its a song that will make you all happy! 😂
Thank you for your reaction to this Chicago song. I hope you would also react to their song, "Make Me Smile" - that is probably my favorite. This lead singer is Robert Hamm. He was lead singer in many of their songs. He also wrote many of their songs.
I love Chicago's songs from the late sixties through the seventies! Try Free, I've Been Searching So Long, Just You And Me, Make Me Smile, Lowdown, so many more as well! And drummer Danny Seraphine's drumming is way too effortless!!! One of my all time favorite drummers!
Love the creativity, spontaneity of that early Chicago.
Those first few albums, Chicago was as good as any band on the planet....
@@michaelasay8587 As far as the complexity of the arrangements and the sophistication of the recordings, there's no comparison: Chicago was better. But Zep was more innovative, musically. They created a whole new genre of music!
@Michael Asay It is apples and oranges. Totally one's own taste.
@@rhwinner In reality, Chicago was more innovative because they're credited as being the first rock band with a horn section. Zep didn't create a new genre because they were playing their own variant of what Cream, Vanilla Fudge, and Hendrix had already done. The creators of Hard Rock (The Kinks and Yardbirds) came before all of them.
@@michaelasay8587 You're wrong. Different but just as amazing.
Thanks guys for reacting to my very favourite Chicago song.
Chicago: Wow, that was a great recording session. Let's go get a beer. Hey, anyone seen the percussion section?
The percussion section: 11:04
full version thank you
The entire song is a jam!
You're right Ryan, it is "FIRE!"
So many people really have no clue how incredible this band was before Terry Kath died and David Foster took over a few years later and started producing and made them an 80's massive hit machine.
Chicago's first two albums were so creative. They were successful with Foster but when Terry Kath died they lost their soul and then they booted Seraphine and they just became a pop hit machine. I know they are still playing with a few original members but it to me is a bit sad. Can't complain about older guys who can still earn a living playing their hits though.
Love the percussion
This was my favorite CTA song. It takes me back..fond memories. Loves I had, left, and found.