What’s Chicago's Greatest Song of the '70s?
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- In today's livestream I discuss the band Chicago and we try to answer the question of what their Greatest Hit of the '70s was.
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25 or 6 to 4 isn't just Chicago's best song, but just about the best song that anybody did in the '70s. Stone cold classic! Long live Terry!
Especially the Tanglewood version. Someone using the name Mike Patton (could be him) said, "damn, Terry, what did that guitar ever do to you?".
Hide the guns and he'd still be here.
That Kath solo - when punches in the wah - OMG!
the guitar solo was impossible to beat...even hendrix couldnt have done it better...
Thank you Rick, finally there is someone out there that gets as excited about Chicago as I do. I bought their first album in 1969 when I was 11 years old. I used my lawn mowing money to buy it. I have been hooked for 55 years. I used to be in the school band so I understand a little about how music is put together. The complexity of their music sucks you in and doesn’t let you go. People used to say that Chicago’s songs run a little long, I say that many of their songs aren’t long enough. It’s like making love to a wonderful woman, you never want it to end. I have never been bored listening to Chicago. I believe that it was Devine intervention that brought these musicians together. The song “I’ve been searching so long” is extremely religious. If I ever get to heaven, I hope Chicago’s music is piped in. I totally believe that those little UFO spacecrafts are hanging around just to listen to Chicago’s greatest hits on FM.
I feel the same but I didn't hear Robert lamms name one time he wrote almost all the first few years of Chicagos songs. And Rick's favorite song was written and song by R.L. he gets no respect up and down the comments section either I can't understand it.
Rick, I know Dialogue pts 1 & 2 isn't on Chicago IX, but it really needs some love. The back and forth vocals by Kath and Cetera, the bass from Cetera and fantastic guitar by Kath along with the famous Chicago sound is fantastic. I believe this deserves one of your "What makes this song great"!
That song and Beginnings are my favorites.
My favorite Chicago song. Two lead singers, a meaningful message, and a time capsule.
Have you seen the video of their performance of Dialogue at a New Years Eve party TV show? 1975. Kath didn't look much like a rock star (on that show) but he sure was one. I hope is hasn't been removed.
Every song you played was a gem.
Great as always Rick, Colour My World is actually part of the Girl from Buchanan from Chicago II. I totally agree with the the Peter Cetera comment. No band had as many singers and could meld horns and guitars leads like this.
"25 or 6 to 4" and "I've Been Searchin' So Long" are my favorite Chicago songs; it's a tie !
Peter Cetera also does the greatest Stevie Wonder style vocals at the end of "Searchin'." Amazing tune.
5:38 "Beginnings is not one of my favorites." Rick, that is the first time I am hearing that song in 20 years. That song is amazing!
Imagine being Blood Sweat and Tears sitting in a room and 25 to 6 to 4 comes on the radio. Lol. Or their Manager.
I shopped at Pankau drug store. His uncle owned it.
Greatest band ever
Walter Parazaider Stopped touring with the band in 2017 due to health reasons. He is still counted as a member of Chicago, but Ray Herrmann Now Tours with Chicago. The only three original band members still touring Robert Lamb, James Pankow on trombone and Writing horn Parts And Lee Loughnane On trumpet and flugelhorn.. He also sings the vocal part on color my world which was originally sung by Terry. Kath
Easy "Saturday in the Park" awesome piano and horn song.
Ha, must have been the fourth of July.
So glad you highlighted Terri Kath . I grew up playing trombone in jr high band - all Chicago- since 8th grade! Robert Lamb! But Terry Kath - always trying to play this and his 2564 solo
Beach Boys did backing vocals in Wishing You Were Here. Unbelievable song
The best composition to me is "does anybody really know..." The reason you prefer make me smile is that it is a Kath composition with his blusey grittyness which "Does anybody really know..." doesn't have being more jazz based.
We certainly can agree that Chicago had some great intros and outros
I enjoy when you analyze songs.
One thing for sure they are a great band. Saw them in ‘69 when they were CTA
all great songs, but I would reverse "Saturday..." and "Searchin...."; I would also have bumped "Call on Me" to higher rating...the chords on that are SUPER COOL...the horns, smooth as butter...the vocal hamonies, top-drawer.....and the drums/percussion; as Barry White would say, "oh, what a GROOVE!".....
Feelin Stronger Every Day or I’ve Been Searching So Long
We were absolutely spoiled in the 70’s…….great music on the radio all day every day!
even the most random AM station was guaranteed magic in the 70s
That’s a good way to put it and I didn’t realize that until years later for comparison.
As a youngster, I always loved Feeling Stronger Every Day. After my wife died in 2005 at age 44, I rediscovered that song and made it my anthem for overcoming terrible grief. "Knowing that you would have wanted it this way I do believe I'm feeling stronger every day" gave me strength to move on and rebuild my life. The upbeat chugging finale of the song was inspirational for me going forward. I would love to tell Peter Cetera how his song helped me find a way through my personal tragedy.
FSED was my favorite as well-- among the many ultra-strong contenders. And "Alive Again" (best intro ever, and by far the best post-Kath track!) was a very worthy successor form Cetera and Pankow.
@@jackwalker4744 Alive Again is amazing!
God Bless you, sir.
Just wanted to say I’m
So sorry to read about this the loss of your wife and I hope you have been able to move on. I don’t you obviously but I’m sure your wife would want you to do whatever makes you happy, GOD BLESS YOU!
Peace. 🙏
This video has me tearing up. It brings back memories of my dad, who recently passed. He would buy a record and bring it home and play it after work until he got tired of it, then would get another one. This Chicago album was one that lasted a long time, so these songs just transport me to my living room I grew up in, yellow shag carpet, fake wood panelling on the walls, huge box TV, huge stereo cabinet with large speakers embedded on the sides. I'm not sure you realize how emotional these videos make your viewers. I'm sure I'm not the only one.
My dad was my introduction to Chicago... the last concert we went to together before he passed was a Chicago show in '98.
Condolences to you and everyone who knew and loved your Dad. Brings back memories of the "better" old days....buying Chicago albums at a "record" pace!
I own all albums from Transit Authority to 14. After that only cursory because of the shift away from the horns. It was never the same after Terry Kath. Plus Donnie Dacus never had a chance. No guitarist who followed right after Terry would. Terry Kath is so underrated and under appreciated not only as a guitarist but as a composer and a vocalist. You should watch his daughter's documentary about her dad. Truly moving.
Thank you for such a fantastic live stream of my favorite group of all time. Love hearing your comments. (Got such a kick out of hearing your appreciation for Terry Kath in I've Been Searching So Long”!!) Brings back so many wonderful memories…
Epic and glorious memories to have just wonderful 🤧
Chicago was definitely one of the greatest bands of all time. Had Kath not met his untimely death he would surely be classified as one of the greatest guitarists in rock history.
Agreed! I was born in 1984 so they were before my time but they have many timeless songs so people still can get into them. Some songs do sound dated but imo it’s not the actual song it’s how it was recorded like if they were recorded today they could be top 40! And to be honest my comment is really geared towards the listeners I feel that the few songs I’m thinking of are still fresh but ur every day regular person would say they sound old because of the organs and flute playing. I would also say the drums at times sound old not the style but how they were recorded. What’s amazing to me is how the horns don’t sound dated because they were recorded so well sounds hifi and the vocals man they sound like they were recorded yesterday very clean and clear hifi vocals so in key in the days before pitch correction. It sucks that people don’t know how much talent was required to be a musician like these guys back then. Nowadays ur lucky to have one person in a band that has half the talent that these guys did. It’s pretty safe to say that we probably won’t see a band with so many talented members ever again.
He was one of the greatest. Just relatively unknown.
Hendrix so highly respected Kath. Hendrix thought Kath was " the best guitarist in the universr".
I was lucky to see him twice with Chicago.
great guitar sound played on the early Lp´s
Picking "the best" Chicago song is a near impossible task.
I heard it said once that when you are going through the absolute best times of your life, at that moment, you don't realize it until much later in life....case in point: around 1974, Providence Civic Center I got front row seats to Chicago, I was 16 years old, I'm a music fanatic and historian, from a pure technical perspective their music stands the test of time, my favorites are, beginnings, make me smile, 25 or 6 to 4, questions 67 & 68, dialogue, I'm a man, feeling stronger, and I've been searching....if you see this and want mind blowing Kath solo performance, UA-cam Chicago live Tanglewood, MA "25 or 6 to 4", Terry shredding like Jimi said he could 🎶🎵💣🔥
Nope! It's flat out impossible. I've tried doing it many times, and always fail. I'm officially resigned to the fact that I can't do it...and that it's a good, no great...thing. 😀
Unless it is just the first album. Not much got better afterwards.
@@robkunkel8833 I'm watching 🏈 football, it's a commercial, after Kath died, I grew to loathe Cetera and his bubblegum garbage, he never could really write 🎵🎶 music
So true.
“Beginnings” is, in my view, Chicago’s opus and my all-time favorite from my hometown band
A fellow musician and good friend of mine from high school named his band after that song!!
@@frankgerace5997 extremely cool
That’s always been my favorite with Wishing You Were Here my fave ballad.
Agree w/ Every comment on this particular stream. 👍🏽
Agreed. Vocals, horns, everything--amazing!
Terry Kath, Peter Cetera, Robert Lamm, Walter Parazaider, Jimmy Pankow, Lee Loughnane, Danny Seraphine, & Laudir De Oliveira... One absolute unit.
One of my all time favorite bands, not just in the 1970s
@@johnreynoldsjr4157 Mine also..
Monseur De Oliveira snuck in later. The other 7 were in Walt Parazaider's Mom's basement when they originally agreed to be a family and not break up or fire anyone.
Not to mention bill Champlain and Jason scheff, but they came along in the 80s.
@@Jimmypagesgreat Jason's dad Jerry was Elvis' (Vegas Elvis) bass player - just read his autobiography - Way Down.
Chicago Transit Authority is IMHO the greatest double album ever released. It is Rock, Jazz, Blues, and Prog all blended into a lethal stew of ear candy.
Yes sir!
Maybe for horn infusion into rock/pop and a variety of instruments. "The Butterfield Blues Band/Live" from the same period is dripping with solid Blues and deserves to be on an equal status.....which they never got.
Agreed 100%. It begins with Introduction and ends with Liberation. I'm not crazy about Free Form Guitar, but the rest is great
Agreed 100%. It begins with Introduction and ends with Liberation. I'm not crazy about Free Form Guitar, but the rest is great
The Wall, Exile on Main St., Tommy, White Album, Physicall Grafitty, even Chicago II is a great contender. I do like CTA a lot, but definitely not the best double album IMHO.
“Wishing You Were Here” is my favorite from the 70’s. Gorgeous song.
Ohhh yeah, with those Beach Boys harmonies, what a collaboration, just gorgeous (and really captures the hollow feeling of missing someone). ❤
25 or 6 to 4, the guitar of the late Terry Kath and his powerhouse vocals backed by the intense Danny Seraphine drumming and of course, the rest of the band. This was their showcase and most powerful piece of music
I'm with you on that. Easy choice.
plus the strangest harmonies ever played by the horns right at the end
That song's solo is also a masterpiece
I’ve not heard another rock song that really matches the raw unrelenting energy of 25 or 6 to 4. By the end of that solo it sounds like the track is about ready to collapse in on itself.
Make Me Smile and their rendition of Stevie Winwood’s I’m a Man are my favorite ,
Make Me Smile is an all-time favorite. Kath’s vocals still give me chills after all these years and I’m 60.
I hope you enjoy the full version
@@barkbarkwoof1 Absolutely!
@@barkbarkwoof1 The full long version is incredible. I wish they had put that version on the greatest hits.
My fave. Then my HS marching band played it in early 70's lol
The full version of Make Me Smile is called Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon.
Dialogue (Part I & Ii) is easily one of their best songs and belongs at or near the top of the list. Leaving it off the greatest hits album is a huge oversight. The jangly guitar part, the call and response with the meaning of the lyrics is completely off the chart. The chords/harmonies aren’t as complex as some of their other songs but the beat throughout is absolutely phenomenal. Part I sets the stage for a part II that is an ever increasing crescendo that feels like a rocket launch. All the parts ratchet up in intensity until the roof blows off with an a cappella part that feels like a religious experience. Don’t forget to notice the meter changes in part II. Just a phenomenal song.
It’s on greatest hits II, but for some reason it’s just part 2
I agree. Everything you said is on point. I still have the 45 in my basement. It’s a magical song! Thank you for the excellent analysis and love for great music.
Totally agree...its their best hands down
In the same vein, I'd also put "Introduction" and "A Song for Richard and his friends". Both were too long for popular airplay, but just cover soooo much musical territory so seamlessly.
Dialogue is a perfect song
Lets face it, that early 70's lineup was phenomenal. All superb musician and 3 singers that could also harmonize. The songwriting collaboration from each member. Just a great great band.
Feelin' Stronger Every Day. That's my #1 Chicago song. The ending still gives me chills to this day...🙂
100%
I love the end segment where you can hear the background vocalists singing "Jumping jack flash It;s a gas gas gas".
Absolutely agree!!!
It’s Saturday in the park by Chicago
Mine too.
Chicago was the soundtrack of my life in the 70’s. I still get chills every time I hear Searching & Feelin Stronger.
Yes, these Chicago songs still give me the goosebumps. Good stuff. Good memories of listening to music on the radio at home when I was a kid.
Absolutely the greatest band of my life!!! And I have been blessed to work 5 of their shows over the last 30 years. Very first concert I ever attended. Sept 20th,1971. Lake Spivey Calloway Gardens Ga. Didn't tell my parents & I was hooked. In highschool I was in advanced band in what they called Jazz lab. I played electric bass. This band is my favorite, hands down. Robert lamm took the time to talk to me after a show in Tunica. He asked me what was the first concert I ever saw them. My answer stunned him. He couldn't believe I remembered the date. Hell I remembered everything!!!! Opening song & even what he wore. There's a band by the name of Leonid and Friends. They do a phenomenal job on all their songs. Thank you for this!!!
Reminds me of playing high school football in the fall of "72" . Then I saw them at Big Surf in Tempe Arizona the next summer. Good old times for sure.
...the build up in "Searching" knocks me out
I know 25 or 6 to 4 was written in the 60's, but it was released in 1970, so it qualifies. None of their other tunes compare. That guitar solo alone is epic. How the horns come in at the beginning gives me chills. The drums are great and Cetera's vocals, as well.
It’s the reason why I bought the album in 1970!
I saw them twice this year. The beginning of 25 or 6 to 4 blows me away every time.
This is the correct answer.
Best rock guitar solo of all time.
Absolutely. 25 or 6 to 4 is the greatest guitar solo of all-time
It’s amazing that songs with this amount of intricacy were ever on the top of the charts. It makes me feel sad for today.
It’s amazing and sad at the same time because it reflects how far the quality of popular music has fallen. It also serves to highlight how rock music is almost totally dead in the 2020s.
Music was real back then, today it's just quick marketing tools for Making execs rich, nothing surprising, as soon as music began selling albums, the whole industry - funny word for a creative endeavour - began orienting itself toward big bucks.
I am a child of the 70's. My father looooved Chicago. Todays standards for good music are so much lower. We were spoiled and so lucky at the same time. The best music.
Horn section is a distinction of Chicago, James Pankow, Walter Parazaider and Lee Loughnane, how they incorporated it in the songs is absolutely brilliant!
that´s their main characterístic, the Horn section
Unsure what song you’ll choose as the best but ‘Make Me Smile’ is my very favorite. Terry Kath’s vocals and guitar are incredible, the horns, keyboard, drums, bass absolutely superb. Just as great, 25 or 6 or More and Dialogue, Saturday in the Park. Quite frankly, like Queen, The Beatles, U2, Neil, CSNY….Chicago has almost too many from which to choose. Terry Kath, we miss you. Great video!
I agree! I would add that that Danny Seraphine's drumming was also amazing on the extended version of that song (when it was released as "Make Me Smile/Now More Than Ever.") That is one of the songs I categorize as "perfect" -- absolutely flawless.
My favorite too.
Leonid and Friends chose a great band to emulate and it's a lot of fun to hear them. For me, I keep returning to I'm A Man because Terry Kath was right on top of it. Listening to his complete abandon in his guitar and vocals is like following a whirlwind, expecting it to break apart at any second, but it never does. He was a force of nature and we were lucky to have him for the time he was with us.
I've seen them twice and they were almost just as good live as they are in the videos. Stumbled on them a few years ago by chance and happy I did.
question 67 & 68
HAving said all that, they use more voices and horns in their band to get the effect. Rick is correct
Was Terry better than Clapton? Yes, I know the Hendrix story.
Some players didn't like his 'tone' but he always was perfect on the albums.
Search for Chicago ISO guitar and the cat blows you away.
Going to go see them in June in Virginia.
BEGINNINGS -- 100% -- even though it was recorded in 1969, it only hit the charts in 1971, and it my absolute favorite of theirs. After not hearing it for maybe two decades, about two years ago, I played the long 7 minute version about a hundred times one day, dancing and singing -- such an up, spirited, passionate song.
this song is FANTASTIC and made possible due to FM Radio at the time. They never thought that music that went past 3.4 minutes would work but it worked on FM Radio and this song was one that broke that paradigm.
Oh, yea, 100% agree!
Love it ! Love It especially the long version with the maracas ending the song.
@@joelliebler5690...yep! 👍
NO DOUBT ABOUT IT -- takes me back to 1970, 71 & my college relationship with my bombshell girlfriend.
Before I watch I'm saying 25 or 6 to 4 cause Terry Kath was Chicago in the 70s and he kills that track with the solos on it.
I watched a live show where Terry kills that solo. Mind blowing. The studio version is so friggin good but, live?!?!
25 or 6 to 4 is my all-time favorite Chicago song and in my personal Top 10 Classic Rock tracks.
agreed.
@@bryangirod9173 Exactly. That Tanglewood 1970 performance that's on YT is insane. Kath blows the lid off the place.
Mine too. As talented a singer as Michael McDonald is, he never quite did it for me like Peter or Terry.
Was chilling this morning surfing Spotify, and while Chicago didn’t make this particular session, it was fun to look at the original release dates. Doobie Brother Toulouse Street 1972 - 50yrs ago😂
Rick, you are correct! These songs never get old. It was Terry’s band before he left us. He owned the stage with his power, virtuosity and presence that transcended the rest of the amazing musicians in this incredible band.
I'm glad you shouted Pete out for his bass playing - And the fact that after he left, they found Jason Scheff, another amazing bass player, is just spectacular. Bass work for Chicago is very underrated and it's a big part of why their music is so good.
I remember hearing they were having such a hard time trying to find a replacement for Peter Cetera (a bassist who could also sing tenor), they almost had to hire two separate people until Jason Scheff came on their radar.
@@TheJohnnyCotts Very close to what happened. They actually decided to break the job up, and brought Jason in as a singer. He auditioned and they loved him right away, and asked him if he could play any instruments. He had his bass with him because he thought it was an audition for the bass player job, and they said they'd see if he could maybe play a little if he got the job. He practically begged them to let him play one song with them, just because he was a huge fan and always wanted to play with Chicago. They got about halfway through the song with him on bass and they just stopped and realized they had their man.
Cetera really is such an underrated player. Also always loved the tone he got.
@@SLagonia If I remember that story right, the song was "Just You 'n' Me."
Make Me Smile will always be my favorite Chicago tune! Terry Kath looked and sounded like an NFL linebacker, but gave so much emotion and soul to his singing and guitar playing. Damn shame he's gone.
Make Me Smile and Just You And Me are my two favorites.
I'm A Man too, but that's a cover.
Came here to say the same, best Chicago track imo.
His vocals in Make me Smile have a Ray Charles quality to it. Just awesome!
@@870expressmag spot on!😁
Make Me Smile, and Just You And Me. My favorites. Sometimes I think of them together like a medley.
I'm 66, and you're helping me learn to listen with new ears. Great commentary on one of the musically richest bands of my youth.
100%
Get the original CTI listen to I'm a Man
@@Art-w1oABSOLUTELY!!!
Indeed‼️💯
"Old Chicago" was the bomb. Love the horns.
Chicago 1-2-3
I will always vote “Feelin Stronger Everyday”. Always. What an amazing song!!
Listening to a Quad 8 track tape of that on a regular 8-track was a treat. You hear all of the guitar parts isolated in the right front speaker. The Jumping Jack Flash riff really stood out on it.
@@jhnstn1 😎
100% agreed! The ending sends chills down my spine.
I saw Danny Seraphine in concert last month, on his "Take Me Back to Chicago" tour. His entire set was almost exclusively all Chicago songs, and it was fantastic -- not just Danny, but also the rest of the band. His finale was "Feelin' Stronger Every Day." In fact, here is the entire set list:
Street Player
Old Days
Call On Me
Beginnings
Movin' In
You're the Inspiration
improv jazz by pianist
Does Anybody Know...
Colour My World
Just You and Me
Make Me Smile
My Girl
Ain't Too Proud to Beg
Hard For Me to Say I'm Sorry/Get Away
Saturday in the Park
25 or 6 to 4
Feeling Stronger Every Day
Danny had a heart attack last spring, so his original date was postponed until Nov. I'm so glad he is healthy again, especially well enough to get back to drumming and playing tour dates.
So cool
Danny Seraphine is grossly represented, in the rock drummer annals.
Glad to hear he's still killing it. He's one of my five drumming gurus. Brilliant.
What kid rock said about Danny @ the R&R HoF was just spectacular and made everyone laugh in good humor
@@brianvernon249 I am not familiar with that quote. Do you remember the gist?
Possibly the most talented band ever if you add up all the players. Just incredible musicianship, songwriting, arranging, vocals, instrumental performances, etc. Absolutely incredible!
Being out at the lake with our girlfriends and backing the car up to the shore and cranking the 8-track of this album! What a memory. Such great songs! I played the hell out of the records and wore thgrooves out of them!
Does anybody really know what time it is? Fav
They're definitely in the discussion, along with The Eagles and maybe a few others.
Agreed,
how they all work as a tight unit, doesn't seem like no one tries to outshine or do too much ,just incredible, To get that many guys to agree on ideas and have so many hit songs and they were so young, makes it all just phenomenal .....Just can't say no more , We were blessed with a lot of great bands in that era but Chicago, when you start breaking their songs down in detail , Talk about stars aligning, literally
@@TimTim3000 Rush
chicago was insane 1969-1977. powerhouse of the era. 1980’s chicago is another pop beast in and of itself but the 1970’s original lineup is hard to top overall. great american band.
Agreed. I lost interest after Terry’s passing. I wasn’t a fan of their ballads w/o him. Of course-their radio hits were so overplayed I grew tired of those songs. Of course they had 6-7 great writers, so …
Terry was the bands soul, Robert was the choreographer. When Terry passed, Robert went into deep depression. Somehow Peter took over the leadership which led to the bad bubblegum ballads.
@@deantait8326 I had a photo of Kath on my wall and was heartbroken when I heard he was gone. But in fact by 1978 I was losing interest in the group.
Dialogue Part 1 and 2 is one Chicago song that every instrument shreds wall to wall with great vocal interchanges.
One of my favorites as well. The bass lines are of the most complex 70’s ever played.
And wasn't on here, just like Harry Truman and Old Days.
Yes this! Catching the spirit of the times with Terry and Peter's best vocal together
Dialogue was damn good! Great tune! I totally agree!
The lyrics still hold water after all these years too. They say things that we still need to be reminded of.
Danny Seraphine is fantastic! One of the most underrated drummers ever. It’s a shame that he was let go.
Seriously. His beats and fills just hit different. Four on the floor jazzrock. The other Dude, whoever he was, that played drums with Blood Sweat and Tears, though? That dude coulda sat on that Chicago drum stool too
It was the END for Chicago as we Know them
@@jhamler1 do you mean Bobby Colomby?
Respectfully, I believe his tempo issues and overplaying didn't fit where the band wanted to go. JMO. Still love his playing, particularly on Chicago 2. I have spent countless hours learning that stuff and know every note!
Fantastic drummer.
Not an original Chicago song, but one of the best covers of any tune I've ever heard... their version of "I'm a Man" is for me one of the best listens possible. The opening bass lines, followed by the percussion, then the keyboard fades in and shortly after you get the killer guitar licks. Damn, it's an amazing job.
And 3 lead vocals.
Absolutely!
💯
He should do a show about the best cover songs of all time...that should definitely make the list
Who wrote the original? Steve Winwood from the Spencer Davis Group?
To not even mention Questions 67 and 68 just blows my mind. The horn section plays non-stop throughout, the lyrics are great, and the horn section bridge (especially the ta, dat, datta, dat, da, tadat, dat, dat, da) is one of the slickest melodies ever written. That horn bridge gives me chills every time I hear it. BTW, Searchin So Long is a much more interesting song than the made for mass appeal tripe that is Saturday in the Park.
Questions 67 and 68 wasn't on their Chicago IX Greatest Hits album. Plus, it originally came out in '69...
@@MrSilkySweat
Ah, the old argumentum ad populum. Just listen to the song and then try to tell me it's not a better crafted song than Saturday in the Park, Colour My World, or many others on the supposed greatest hits. In my opinion, the only song on the greatest hits album that can compete with Questions is Searchin So Long. And Rick opened the 1969 gate by talking about Beginnings.
@@Dr.TJ1 It's a good song, no doubt. Personally, I gravitate more towards the dirtier, harder stuff like Poem 58 or South California Purples.
Gotta put in 2 big thumbs up on this song. Love it, love it. Agree with your comments. Also great guitar fills, great bass lines, and vocals, too. And literally dozens of chords. That does not give points by itself, but it's not usual and you don't even notice that because it's so well written. And not on the same level, but for a short burst of craziness with great horns and vocals, I'm a fan of Free.
@@MrSilkySweat Good points. Questions 67 and 68 and Beginnings were re-released as singles after Chicago II. As brilliant as CTA was, none of the songs were hit at the time. After the band had hits from Chicago II, the record company released those two songs as singles.
I think Wishing You Were Here is on par with Brian Wilson's In My Room or God Only Knows.
The songwriting and production never failed to transport me to a special place when I was a teen in the '70s, and still does.
The Beach Boys sang on the backroound vocals on Wishing You were Here.
"Feeling Stronger Every Day" is also amazing.
@@paulastiles5507
Yes! Inspired songwriting.
One of the best to lift me up 👍
@@paulastiles5507 for sure. I thought of that after I poster but definitely top 10
On “Wishing you were here” … no one seems to sing backing vocals with dynamics anymore. This song is a great example of expressing dynamics in backups. Without using automation. A skill that is definitely waning.
Having The Beach Boys doing backup vocals on it doesn't hurt neither!👍👍
Exactly. Out of the debate about the changing styles, the new trends, the lost musicality and the lack (or not) of talent in modern music, bands or records, I think that a key part is that THERE ARE NOT DYNAMICS ANYMORE. An acoustic guitar crescendo, a voice shivering first, then building up from the side of the stereo field... Those were the things that made 60s, 70s music the common ground and the solid base on which EVERYTHING STANDS UPON.
In my very humble opinion.
@@rohanroll Well said, man!👏👏
Agree. I disagree with Rick a little when it comes to the level of awesomeness of this song.
The current music paradigm is tone deaf
My favorite is feeling stronger every day! It's almost like two incredible songs meshed together. And Peter Cetera's vocals are incredible. Of course, every instrument sounds incredible and timely
"Saturday in the Park" is 'the whole musical package' for sure! There's a song for everything on their greatest hits. Love it!
I love the imagery of SITP. You can see the whole scene in your head, feel the warm sun & cool breeze. I love how old songs are a universe in three minutes.
@@scattysafari7742 I agree - the picture that is painted in my head always leaves me in a great mood
My go to karaoke song 😁
We were lucky to have Chicago and Blood Sweat & Tears at their peaks at the same time. I loved them both. One was jazz/rock and the other was rock/jazz.
I have been fortunate to experience both bands live in concert.
@@jod4343 As did I, in the same hall about 6 weeks apart.
When I think back on the two bands you mentioned, and all the others (Steely Dan, Little Feat, etc.) we were fortunate indeed to have such rich wonderful and original music. Never before and certainly not since. Blessed I tell you!
Same producer
Stone fact, that. Literally my first albums. Even my stodgy parents appreciated the sophistication!
Watching Terry play the guitar solo on 25 or 6 to 4 at Tanglewood in 1970 just blew me away, never saw anyone that rocked like he did, simply amazing.
Yes, 25 or 6 to 4 has everything, just what a great song needs to have.
That Tanglewood solo is in my top 5 solos of all time. Simply amazing.
Complete authoritative command of the instrument.
Yes! I love how he starts it while they’re trying to fix the drum kit position and extends it till they are done. 😃
I can’t argue with any of these but Introduction put me on the floor… permanently
Rick is right on about Chicago!!! Saturday in the Park still gives me goose bumps after all these years. Love Chicago!!
I don't think I could pick a greatest 70's Chicago song. They have so many great songs!
I love watching Rick love a song.
They are all great, but I've Been Searchin' So Long is my favorite. The message, the slow build, the vocals, the strings, the majestic horns, the mystical feel and Terry's guitar solo are all peak Chicago. I've listened to it 1000's of times and it never gets old.
I'm having a real hard time picking a favorite, but agree, your choice is a good one. "Searching" opens up so dark and foreboding with those weird chords, but midway it's like the sun coming out. Two, two, two songs in one!
Rick’s reference to Leonid & Friends is on point. What Chicago did with 7 band members, Leonid uses twice that. They are a great tribute to Chicago, but what Chicago produced over 50 years ago is simply amazing!
not fair.....L/F recreates "live", what Chicago did, "studio", which (obviously) needs more personell, to duplicate....
Just watched 1970 from Tanglewood.... MONSTER PLAYERS. Incredible chops... Kath and Seraphine are killers
Totally agree!
Phenomenal!
That video perfectly captures them at my favorite phase (mostly the first two albums). I was lucky to see them a few months after Tanglewood and they did a similar set.
That show is SO great!
💯
Saturday in the Park IS iconic. I was in grade school and that song defined summers driving around in the car, picnics, beaches, and singing along.
Well said. Chicago's "Saturday in the Park" (among others), Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life" (My All Time Favorite Album...Period.), The Carpenter's (Pick One), The Jackson 5, The Commodores, Bread...These Great musicians, and some I've failed to mention, were the soundtrack of my childhood, and WHY I call the 1970s, the greatest and the "Last American Decade".
When I hear SITP, I can visualize the Chicago skyline as clear as the day I visited!
This song never fails to make me happier even in the worst of times. The only thing I would change is the ending. It sort of just muffles at the end.
One of my all time favs. Have you seen the Russian band recreating Chicagos music ? They’re so good, even members of Chicago have endorsed them saying they themselves never sounded that good live. Give them a listen if you have a minute. Leonid and Friends. They even tour here in the US. Really remarkable.
yes Leonid and Friends
I like them better than Chicago
A lot of incredible Chicago songs, but "If You Leave Me Now" is pure genius in all facets. Hard to believe it's not acknowledged on this video. "Saturday In The Park" is right behind it!
Agree, its a tremendous piece of song
I think he left it out; just to get comments! Leaving out one of the best songs of all time - is going to get commented on...
cheerz!
I believe he said his picks were from Chicago IX from 1975. IYLMN came out in 1976
@@christopherfasone4006 The caption read; Chicago's greatest song FROM THE 70'S...HENCE 1970-1979
So by leaving it out, I for one am outta here. Kinda like if Zeppelin left out Stairway.
I’m not a fan of Chicago, but I’ve always said “If You Leave Me Now” is their one great song. Not making a statement about Chicago - good or bad, and everyone has different taste - but how he left that particular song off the list baffles me
Thank you for this video. Chicago's first two albums are always overlooked and they're amazing. Terry Kath is criminally underrated
Kath is not underrated by players who grew up in the 70's. He's an icon.
"I've Been Searchin' So Long" has been my favorite Chicago song since I first heard it as a teen. It inspired me to restring my guitar as a bass so I could learn that great line! And the lyrics spoke to a young girl who was trying to figure out life. A fantastic song, and I'm glad someone else loves it as much as I do.
Don't forget the great song writing of Robert Lamm
Free is an underrated song in my estimation; that horn section break in the middle is dazzling and hard as hell for even a seasoned player to pull off.
The bass on that song and Kath's vocals were absolute killers.
And it's just barely over 2 minutes!
yep it was a tuff song to play....
My favorite Chicago tune...
I have always said that is the baddest horn lick period.
Ballet For A Girl In Buchanan is Chicago's best piece of music, in my opinion. Starting with the expanded version of Make Me Smile, transitioning eventually into Color My World and more instrumental sections to wind up back at the great ending of Make Me Smile. Phenomenal.
👍
One thing that gets overlooked a lot is their 3 lead singers of Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera and Terry Kath. Three different sounds, all could easily carry the lead.
The harmonies were so good, especially on "All Is Well".
James Pankow was good too !
what's this world coming to is a fine example of that.
@@casparuskruger4807: He has a man crush on Kath and Seraphine. 😎
@@casparuskruger4807 very weird especially since Saturday in the Park is his #1 song and Bobby sings lead on it. Strange indeed?
Feeling stronger every day.. the bridge is just too good
Thank you for comment on Peter’s bass playing. Terribly underrated, he was amazing!
He rocks I'm a Man
I’ve listened to Chicago since I was a little kid in the ‘70’s. My dad would throw the record on his turntable while he was working around the house. I’ve always loved “Introduction” on their first album. It has so much energy and the lyrics provide a background on the band and what they can do to entertain their audience. The horn lines are incredible and the whole band sounds like a well oiled machine.
Not on the album but Introduction sets the stage for everything they do. That is their best song for me
That’s one of mine too. Along with Make Me Smile and 25 or 6 to 4.
Introduction and Beginnings.
i'm with you 100%, Introduction is great and my favorite hands down...and love it that they've consistently used that as opening song in their concerts.... unlike many of their great ballads, i never get tired listening to it and it always moves me.... just like they suggest in the lyrics "Now we put you through the changes
And turned around the mood
We hope it's struck you different
And hope you feel moved"
Absolutely!!
Introduction is a masterpiece.
How can you pick the best. What a phenomenal contribution to music Chicago was.
@@thomastimlin1724 Agreed. Though Rick is obviously having fun with it, just to highlight how great so many of the songs were. In that sense, I really enjoyed his piece here. Watching Rick talk about this stuff is insanely enjoyable, in my opinion. :)
But overall, I completely agree with your point. The talking heads in sports are forever launching into forced conversations about GOATs just to stimulate clicks and conversation. Such a waste of time. Jordan was great, Kareem was great, LeBron is great, etc. That's enough for me.
I think James Pankow wrote most of their horn arrangements. It is a great lesson as to why keyboards do not do as great of a job on horn parts as opposed to real horns. Dynamically the three players are spread over a couple octaves instead of clustered into a triad. Sonically this is a huge difference in the way a chord sounds. The 70s had a lot of horn parts which added incredible warmth to the already good writing skills bands had.
Pankow indeed did virtually all of the arrangements for the horns. And, actually, sometimes they're clustered tightly together, other times they're spread over a couple of octaves.
@@christophercrommett it's interesting in the way that Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears wrote their horn parts. What a majestic sound that has been lost to most modern music.
I recently watched on a loop the live performance of Chicago in Tanglewood from 1970, they played two of my favourite songs "25 or 6 to 4" and "I'm a Man". Terry's guitar playing is incredible.
That guy was a monster!!!!
IMHO that Tanglewood Concert is the best concert video on YT. They were a machine in those days.
Im a Mqn is badass!!!
Tanglewood also hosted incredible shows that year by The Who, Santana and Jethro Tull. 🎸
Tanglewood, for an outdoor place, has GREAT sound. I live about a hour from there. One of the greatest sounding performances I've ever heard there is John Denver, believe it or not.
Rick, your enthusiasm is contagious. I need to get the vinyl Chicago vi now.
It has to be 25 or 6 to 4. Not just the brilliance of the individuals but put them all together and WOW! that song blew me away when I first listened to it, and it still does now. Everyone in the band compliments each other and for its time it was cutting edge. That recognisable riff and those horns. The galloping drums and bass. Nothing comes close.
The whole song is just soooo cool! The musical rifts and the change in beats and the strange words! LOVE IT!!
Listening to Chicago just always puts a smile on my face. The depth and breadth of their playlist is just fantastic.
@@michellemonet4358 did you win a Gibson Trini Lopez Guitar too ?
Terry Kath was so underrated. What a talent - - voice and guitar! I saw Chicago the summer of 1970 at the Steel Pier in Atlantic City and was blown away. I played drums and was so impressed with Danny Seraphine's playing. What a great band!
Terry Kath, who Jimmy Hendrix called the best guitarist he ever heard 🏆
Why do you think Terry was "underrated?" Musicians the world over recognized his talent. Some of the most iconic guitarists mentioned him as one of the best. As a member of a "horn band" he was never going to get the type of spotlight attention afforded to guitarists in 3- and 4-piece bands. But Terry's talent has been acknowledged since Chicago put our their first successful albums. Terry Kath was never going to be featured as "THE" main player, because Chicago was a multi-faceted, multi-talented group. I miss him greatly, and only our imagination can lead us to what might have been.
Right on. Underrated?!? Underrated by who? Lol
Color my World is part of the make me smile Suite
I agree. I think Chicago Vll is when the band was in their best, the bands climax, imho
Sorry. I just found this. I played this album every day and drummed along when I was in junior high school. Danny shaped my music forever.
What I love about Chicago are their horn section, their tight vocals and tight rhythms. A timeless band with so many great songs.
Love the Beatles, love Journey , love the Eagles, but Chicago is the band of my life. Greatest time period, greatest memories, of love and laughter.
Totally agree. Same for me.
24:45 Feeling Stronger Everyday is my personal favorite. incredibly positive theme, every note holds your interest, etc. I’ve put the song on a loop many times while I’m working and it’s almost supernatural how it never gets old.
Amen. Great post. :)
Mine too. Great summer memories are wrapped around that song.
It's a wonderful rainy day song.
Really like to say thank you mentioning just how awesome a Peter cetera is. I grew up with three of the greatest bass players of all-time in my estimation and he was one of the other two were Chris squire and John Entwistle. But nobody ever talks about Peter and he was an awesome bass player
Yes! He absolutely kills it on their debut album, and sings pretty good too!
Haven't even listened to Rick yet, but 25 or Six to Four for me. But wait, Rick is including the first album (which was released in '69). If that's the case, then it's got to be "Introduction". Such a ballsy song to start your very first album with. It was prog rock with horns, I loved it.
IMO one of their top 3!!
“Old Days” is my favorite. A wonderfully nostalgic song about nostalgia.
Yes x100
I'm instantly in grade school when I hear that song.
One of mine too!
Masterpiece, for sure.
Rarely played live because Pete hated Howdy Doody
You can't possibly listen to Make Me Smile or Saturday in the Park without feeling wonderful. Love this channel, love your take on all of this timeless, phenomenal music.
It is pretty terrific.
YES - Pete Cetera is one of the most underrated bassists ever!
Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'll put in Rutgersson from ABBA in that category.
Paul McCartney?
And let us not underrate him as a singer, Chicago and soloist.
@@davidc5820 -he's up there with him.
Chicago's cover of I'm A Man does it for me. With Terry Kath's vocals and brilliant guitar I'm surprised Rick didn't at least give it an honorable mention.
Fool of him..!
Listen to A Hit by Varese. Terry's fills on that are insane!
1969
My favorite of their great songs.
Yes, I definitely would have included I'm a man,it really showcases the sheer talent of the whole.band.Kath is just amazing on this one.Fancy coulors would be my honorable mention.
When FM radio started playing Chicago hits (I was around 17yrs old) I loved Danny Seraphine's playing style. A drummer's playing style is the sum of all the other drummers you've studied over time plus your own contributed style of playing. Danny's style has been a major influence in my playing style and he is my favorite drummer to this day.
100% the same for me!
He surely is one of the most underrated drummers of that era. The combination of Terry, Danny and Peter on bass were the rhythm foundation of the band.
I also agree with others that Peter is another one of the most underrated bassists.
Hey, Rick! My 1st concert, saw Chicago Transit Authority in June 1968, @ the Fillmore, San Fran., 1 yr. b4 their 1st album, right after I moved to Bay Area @ 13, from 30 miles north of small town, central Wa. state, end of the paved road!
Opening was Santana, also yr. b4 1st album. Headliner was Big Brother & The Holding Co.with Janis Joplin!
Wow, as a drummer who loved horns, I was in heaven!
& there was this strange,, thick, sweet smell (northern Ca. homegrown, i later deduced); not like today! Scene was Eye-opener!
Dig up Sons of Champlain, Bay Area horn band with radio airplay in 60's. Lead singer/keys Bill Champlain later joined Chicago for years, & wrote & sang several hits! Saw them & Chicago several times + scores of others.
Also check out spot-on Chicago tribute band Leonid & Friends, from Russia; they do other great horn songs of the era!
Thanx for all the insight!
Leonid and Friends renewed my love for classic Chicago songs. The fact that Danny Seraphine likes them too says it all.
@davidenorth I discovered them last year through the comments section. They are awesome! Have you seen them play Stormbringer by Deep Purple! If not, check it out!
Go see L&F in concert, it is well worth it!
There great. The drummer is powerful. Still love Danny though.
P.O.S. tribute band ripping off songs performed and written by the real Chicago. Not even worth discussing
Feelin Stronger is what I love about so many longer rock songs of the time. The build up in layers that seeming is about to lose control at the end but pulls it all together. Radar Love is another example of this.
Not sure what album it came off of, but Question 67 and 68 is my favorite. It is an instrumental masterpiece, great lead and harmony vocals. Terry Kath tears it up.
Yes that is my favorite Chicago song among all their great songs. Does not get enough appreciation I think.
I think it was the third album but might be wrong. Great tune!
@@Closertotruth2 nope it’s from their first album
From Chicago Transit Authority (1969)
"25 or 6 to 4" is from Chicago II
Saturday in the Park was one of my favorite songs in the 70s. I now feel like re-listening to CHICAGO. Thank you.