Back when you actually had to be talented to get airplay. Chicago was absolutely unique in their sound when they came out, and we fell in love with them immediately! PS - This was about an acid trip they were taking early in the morning!
@@JungleScene i think it went...someone asked hendrix how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world and his answer was...i dont know, you have to ask terry kath
@@kenbelke8549 That is a myth. That quote has been attributed to many including Einstein about Tesla, which that wasn't true either. I am sure someone said it sometime about someone, but it wasn't Hendrix.
Rock and roll Chicago, before Kath died, was sooo good. The Tanglewood version with the extended solo is flawless. Damn shame Terry died so young and Chicago became an insipid ballad band in the 80s.
Again, I have to say how much pleasure I get from watching younger people than I experience music that exicted me as a young one myself. You need to listen to these guys some more.
Songwriter Robert Lamm was awake in the middle of the night trying to write a song about writing a song, looking out the window at the lights on the signs flashing in the darkness. He looked at his watch and it was 25 minutes or 26 minutes to 4 AM. In many interviews Robert Lamm made, that's what he explained was the meaning of the lyrics. Nothign deeper than describing his writing a song. Bass player Peter Cetera, a tenor, sang lead vocals, and guitar player Terry Kath absolutely SHREDS. And yes, the Tanglewood 1970 performance of this song terry Kath on his Strat is a MASTERPIECE! If you want to hear more of Kath, breaking out the funk, go to their debut album as Chicago Transit Authority and bust out "Poem 58". THAT will leave your jaw on the floor! The first 4 minutes of Kath's guitar, Cetera's bass and Danny Seraphine's drums show Chicago's origins were vastly different than the sappy ballads when Cetera and David Foster took over after Kath's death in 1978. Funk, soul, jazz, rock and blues fused together so perfectly!
Peter Cetera sang lead on this track - despite his jaw being wired shut. A few months before the recording session, the band went to a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, where their hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, beat the Dodgers, leaving four marines angry and ready to take their aggression out on someone. That someone was Cetera, who was singled out by his long hair as much as his team loyalty. The ensuing brawl sent him to intensive care with a jaw broken in three places. When it came time to record the song, his jaw was still wired shut. Cetera did his vocal through clenched teeth, which he adopted as a trademark singing style.
SO BAAAAAAAAADDD !!!!!!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD !!!!!!!!!!! So tight, and so bad - The best thing ever to come out of a song writer's wee-hours with writer's-block session.
Fantastic band!!! Fabulous horn section, Terry Kath on guitar (Jimmy Hendrix thought Terry was THE best), Peter Cetera on bass, Danny Seraphine on drums...tight harmonies. They were SO GOOD!!!
That is one of the most underrated guitar solos of all time, in my opinion. 2 of my other favorites Chicago songs that are worth checking out at Make me Smile and Beginnings. That would also cover the 3 original singers.
In an interview, I forget where, band members explained that they were pushing hard to get the last few songs written for their album. They were literally sitting ‘cross legged on the floor’ in the wee hours of the morning, trying to come up with something to write about. One of them called to the janitor, asking about the time, to which he responded “ it’s 25 , or 6 to four”. That began a conversation that turned into a song.
The song was written by Robert Lamm, keyboard player and singer. It's about trying to write a song, with the title describing the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). From Lamm, "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus."
That's the irony of this, isn't it? It's a banger song about having writers block while trying to write a song. Looking for something to say is what they were doing, so it became what they said.
Simply incredible!! Huh?? Thank you Van.. the way this band put it all together... killer.. man the fusion of rock with horns.. damn.. btw thats only 3 horns (trumpet, trombone and sax)
I think this is a top 10 all time rock song. It's unique, diverse, features virtuoso musicians and vocals, and has one of the best guitar solos ever. It checks every box. The content is even cool as hell. I love it when the most mundane moments turn into great songs.
Terry Kath shredding that guitar 🎸 Hands down my favorite jam by Chicago. Oh and Peter Cetera's voice is amazing. Check out " Make Me Smile " Terry Kath sings lead on that one. I've heard Terry described as the " White Ray Charles ".
Always excellent musicianship from Chicago. They have 3 different singers. Terry Kath years are the best. Make Me Smile, Beginnings. You will love them.
Chicago has such a deep catalog! They are supremely talented. Saturday in the Park is a cool mellow groove and Color My World is a great love song. You really can’t go wrong with any Chicago song.
One of my favorite bands and songs of the 70s!! I loved this band because of the horns. If I remember right, I think this song was written about writing this song - it was 25 or 6 to 4am. Tired, got up to splash his face, etc.
This is probably the song where Chicago goes hardest. With the exception of “I’m A Man”, their other songs are much more similar to ballads. If you like this, you really should check out “Vehicle” by The Ides Of March. Another banger that really utilized the horns. Chances are if you’ve ever been to a high school or college football game with a band, they played it lol. True banger!
You’ve discovered another great band, Van!!! This song is one of their best! I recommend “STRONGER EVERY DAY”, “COLOR MY WORLD”, “SATURDAY IN THE PARK”, “JUST YOU AND ME”. “BEGINNINGS”…Truly a class act!!!!! Lots more!
Thank you for showcasing this band who were, and still are, incredible musicians. Maybe todays generation will continue to carry the torch for Chicago.
He's referring to 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning. Doing hallucinogenics to try to expand his mind and clear it in order to think of More lyrics to write for the song. It was a popular thing musicians used to do back then
Chicago's first 3-4 albums are my all time favorites. Although I have so many more of their albums. Now that you've heard Chicago you need to check out Blood, Sweat & Tears. I wouldn't say I 'm a rocker but I do love music of all styles and Chicago was amongst my favorites from their beginning.
I grew up on the Rock, Soul, Funk, sounds of Chicago trying to learn every Rif of Terry Kath's guitar. As the the story goes, Chicago was in the studio for 16-18 hrs. Drained, both musically & physically somebody asked the engineer what time it was & he told them it was 25 or 6 to 4 AM !! Now it even makes the lyrics make more sense when you can picture it.
One of my favourite song ever, you must be the first one in internet, I have ever seen or here doing an a reaction video of this song/ band Thankyou so very much!:)
You knocked it out again Van! Terry Kath and the rest of the boys just rock! If anybody’s having a bad day, you just play some Chicago and you should feel better! These guys are timeless..
WOW!!! This song brings back so many awesome memories!!! We played a lot of Chicago in My High school band at football games!! So happy you found them!! Such an awesome band!! Always look forward to your reactions!! You sir are awesome!!!
And Van's mind was blown 🤪 Dang I loved your reaction! So glad you did this one first. Now you need to go play One ( is the loneliest number) by 3 Dog Night. There was pure joy on your face with this song.❣️
Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. Since we're coming up on the Holiday season, you might want to find and save for later "Chicago 25". That's their Christmas album, released in 1998. It's one of the coolest holiday rock albums ever. They recorded a "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" you can dance to. I KID YOU NOT! I play it every year when I deejay Christmas parties.
So happy you got the chance to groove on this brassy eargasm! This and "Fancy Colors" are Chicago songs that have stayed in my rock/pop playlist for DECADES!!!
So, picture 6th grade me, growing up in a very rural area in the midwest, this song comes out in 1970, and that moment when it dawns on me that these are not just nonsense lyrics, chosen for how they fit the music or to mystify the listener. This is the writer describing the writing process, what time it was, how he felt, how tired he was, having some writer's block! Genius! Now picture me trotting off to school and laying this theory on my school mates, and having one who was growing up around some rougher influences, an out-of-work father, an older brother who had started getting into trouble with his friends, and the friend who was my age telling me I'm full of it, and it's really about drugs. He then launches into this elaborate thing about 24 previous formulations of LSD and the guy got it right on number 25, and that it produces a 10-hour high (from 6pm to 4am), and then starts giving this double meaning to all the lyrics I had worked out under the "songwriting" umbrella -- and his interpretation starts to make sense, too! So at this point, I don't know what to think. Until a somewhat dreamy-eyed, poetically-minded girl I had a few classes with (and for whom my young self had started to feel more than a friendship attraction), pointed out that it was obviously both, and that my not knowing what to think, that was the point! Mind blown! She always saw layers of meaning like that, even at such a young age. I never did end up dating her, although I tried, all the way up through high school and until we lost touch. But I wanted to, very badly, and not just because of the usual adolescent-boy reasons. Kathy was someone I could _talk to._ And that, as I was to eventually discover, could be an even bigger 'turn on' than the other thing. But that guitar riff was amazing, wasn't it? And that horn section! Soundtrack of my youth....
My 1st guitar hero as a kid, Terry Kath, the heart and soul of Chicago. He put the stank on top and he could sing too "Make Me Smile" is an example of how great a singer he was on top of being one of the greats on guitar.
I have Terry Kath senior yearbook. He wrote his favorite things are the guitar and “Jackie”. And Jackie is now married to Walter Parazaider. And Terry Kath’s wife (when he died) Camille is now with Jeff Lynn of ELO and has been for over a decade.
Saw them a couple of years ago. They still perform with as much energy as their early days. Some of the original horn players are still touring with them. 4:03
Your audio is so great. I've never enjoyed this song so much. Such a wonderful song about not a damn thing except the fact that he's up all night into the wee hours trying to write a song AND CAN'T. Hilarious.
Since I was 19 when this came out, I had lightning reflexes and would whip the needle up and put it back into the groove between the tracks in half a breath, because I always had to listen to this one twice! ✌ Only Peter Cetera could sing this great with a broken jaw!! 🎤🩸👍
This was written by Robert Lamm, who is a keyboard player and singer for Chicago. It's about trying to write a song, with the title referring to the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). Lamm explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song that I was writing. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus.
The voice of Chicago back then was the amazing Peter Cetera. I mean, Chicago had the best of everything, vocals, guitarist, drummer, wind section. They were off the hook! Believe me, I grew up listening to this music back in the 70s and 80s. I am glad that this new generations has discovered them.
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I grew up listening to this Chicago and I still do !!! So I feel lucky!!!
Back when you actually had to be talented to get airplay.
Chicago was absolutely unique in their sound when they came out, and we fell in love with them immediately!
PS - This was about an acid trip they were taking early in the morning!
According to my dad, it was the time it takes for LSD to wear off. Something like 25 was the dose and the buzz would last from 6 to 4.
Terry Kath is one of the most under rated guitarist. Hendrix once said he better than himself. Live at Tanglewood is a must see!!
Absolutely, live at Tanglewood is 100% worth seeing, amazing. 🤘😁
Agreed!
I dont think hendrix claimed terry was a better player, he said terry was his favorite american player.
@@JungleScene i think it went...someone asked hendrix how it felt to be the best guitarist in the world and his answer was...i dont know, you have to ask terry kath
@@kenbelke8549 That is a myth. That quote has been attributed to many including Einstein about Tesla, which that wasn't true either. I am sure someone said it sometime about someone, but it wasn't Hendrix.
Their whole first album “Chicago Transit Authority” is a flawless album. So good!
My dad had that on an actual record and we played it loud when I was a little kid.. amazing
@@worldfamouslanglois4805 That and Chicago II are in my collection. Great albums.
Rock and roll Chicago, before Kath died, was sooo good. The Tanglewood version with the extended solo is flawless. Damn shame Terry died so young and Chicago became an insipid ballad band in the 80s.
@@worldfamouslanglois4805 mine too!
I think it's one of the best debut albums ever made.
Live performance in 1970 @ Tanglewood is a must, Van. You'll see Terry Kath shred that stratocaster 😎🎸
Yes!
THIS
100%
Beginnings, Make Me Smile,Feeling Stronger Everyday, Saturday In The Park and Does Anybody Know What Time It Is. Just a few 😁♥️
Those are all in Chicago's top 10 for sure (with 25 or 6 to 4, of course).
Good list.
Yes to all!! 👏👏👏
The “horn section “is what I miss most about the 70s. A lot of great musicians all on the stage at once
This song was recorded in 1969
@@bigmike2464
Released in January 1970.
What’s your point? It was written in 1969 so it’s not 70s music?🤡
@@bigmike2464
No comment big Mike? Good call!
“ better to be thought a fool than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt“
💯
Watch the concert from Tanglewood to see Terry Kath playing that incredible guitar.
I agree, song jams live!
HORNS! Yes! They are bad ass, in concert, still to this day!
Again, I have to say how much pleasure I get from watching younger people than I experience music that exicted me as a young one myself. You need to listen to these guys some more.
Songwriter Robert Lamm was awake in the middle of the night trying to write a song about writing a song, looking out the window at the lights on the signs flashing in the darkness. He looked at his watch and it was 25 minutes or 26 minutes to 4 AM. In many interviews Robert Lamm made, that's what he explained was the meaning of the lyrics. Nothign deeper than describing his writing a song.
Bass player Peter Cetera, a tenor, sang lead vocals, and guitar player Terry Kath absolutely SHREDS. And yes, the Tanglewood 1970 performance of this song terry Kath on his Strat is a MASTERPIECE!
If you want to hear more of Kath, breaking out the funk, go to their debut album as Chicago Transit Authority and bust out "Poem 58". THAT will leave your jaw on the floor! The first 4 minutes of Kath's guitar, Cetera's bass and Danny Seraphine's drums show Chicago's origins were vastly different than the sappy ballads when Cetera and David Foster took over after Kath's death in 1978. Funk, soul, jazz, rock and blues fused together so perfectly!
This and their cover of “I’m a Man” are epic.
Especially since Van loves percussion.
Peter Cetera sang lead on this track - despite his jaw being wired shut. A few months before the recording session, the band went to a baseball game at Dodger Stadium, where their hometown team, the Chicago Cubs, beat the Dodgers, leaving four marines angry and ready to take their aggression out on someone. That someone was Cetera, who was singled out by his long hair as much as his team loyalty. The ensuing brawl sent him to intensive care with a jaw broken in three places. When it came time to record the song, his jaw was still wired shut. Cetera did his vocal through clenched teeth, which he adopted as a trademark singing style.
Wow thank you I didn’t know this ❤️❤️❤️
SO BAAAAAAAAADDD !!!!!!!!!!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAD !!!!!!!!!!!
So tight, and so bad -
The best thing ever to come out of a song writer's wee-hours with writer's-block session.
They were Chicago Transit authority CTA now they're just Chicago start down the rabbit hole with the first album.
Songs like introduction , I'm a man.
Before it even starts I know you're going to appreciate this band they are probably one of my favorite bands they've been around for a long time
Fantastic band!!! Fabulous horn section, Terry Kath on guitar (Jimmy Hendrix thought Terry was THE best), Peter Cetera on bass, Danny Seraphine on drums...tight harmonies. They were SO GOOD!!!
They're excellent! Try checking out Chicago, "Make Me Smile", and "Beginnings". Both are among some of their best but everything they do is amazing!
Those are the exact 2 that I just suggested.,
^^^^THIS^^^^
That is one of the most underrated guitar solos of all time, in my opinion. 2 of my other favorites Chicago songs that are worth checking out at Make me Smile and Beginnings. That would also cover the 3 original singers.
In an interview, I forget where, band members explained that they were pushing hard to get the last few songs written for their album. They were literally sitting ‘cross legged on the floor’ in the wee hours of the morning, trying to come up with something to write about. One of them called to the janitor, asking about the time, to which he responded “ it’s 25 , or 6 to four”. That began a conversation that turned into a song.
The song was written by Robert Lamm, keyboard player and singer. It's about trying to write a song, with the title describing the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4).
From Lamm, "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night.
I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus."
This song always makes me happy. The lyrics might not be particularly joyful but hearing people creating something so extraordinary makes me happy.
Creating a song ... about ... creating a song.
@@ckobo84 Genius! 😁
This song is pure perfection!!!
That was one of the most knowledgeable reactions I have ever heard. You have great ears for specific sounds. Thank you!
Wow, thank you!
This song is about grinding all through the night to get the album done.
it's about whether or not to do another line of cocaine ""wondering how much i can take"" take came from a james pankow interview
That's the irony of this, isn't it? It's a banger song about having writers block while trying to write a song. Looking for something to say is what they were doing, so it became what they said.
Proof that two drum tracks on one song can be magic.
Simply incredible!! Huh?? Thank you Van.. the way this band put it all together... killer.. man the fusion of rock with horns.. damn.. btw thats only 3 horns (trumpet, trombone and sax)
I think this is a top 10 all time rock song. It's unique, diverse, features virtuoso musicians and vocals, and has one of the best guitar solos ever. It checks every box. The content is even cool as hell. I love it when the most mundane moments turn into great songs.
Terry Kath was an excellent guitarist and singer. Lost way too young. This song is Peter Cetera singing
Trumpet, trombone and sax. One of each. That's it. They were phenomenal.
Terry Kath shredding that guitar 🎸
Hands down my favorite jam by Chicago. Oh and Peter Cetera's voice is amazing. Check out " Make Me Smile "
Terry Kath sings lead on that one.
I've heard Terry described as the
" White Ray Charles ".
Always excellent musicianship from Chicago. They have 3 different singers. Terry Kath years are the best. Make Me Smile, Beginnings. You will love them.
They were ALL good.
"I'm a Man", "Beginnings", "Make Me Smile" oh and try the LIVE version of "25 or 6 to 4" at Tanglewood.....
Yeah 🎸 🎸 🎸
You have to see the live version
In Tanglewood
You gonna be FLABERGASTED
Keep the good work VAN ✌
Your just listened to one of the best rock guitarist of all time. He left us way to soon. Terry Kath.
my high school band used to play this at every football game-it was their best song imo-
Best reaction to this song I have ever seen. They were righting a song about trying to right a song.
You got to see the live version 1970 to really appreciate the guitar solo! Regards from Israel
Sweet where from? Im up in Yagur.
Chicago has such a deep catalog! They are supremely talented. Saturday in the Park is a cool mellow groove and Color My World is a great love song. You really can’t go wrong with any Chicago song.
One of my favorite bands and songs of the 70s!! I loved this band because of the horns. If I remember right, I think this song was written about writing this song - it was 25 or 6 to 4am. Tired, got up to splash his face, etc.
This is probably the song where Chicago goes hardest. With the exception of “I’m A Man”, their other songs are much more similar to ballads. If you like this, you really should check out “Vehicle” by The Ides Of March. Another banger that really utilized the horns. Chances are if you’ve ever been to a high school or college football game with a band, they played it lol. True banger!
Um... California purples, Poem 58, Dialog, I can think of dozens of great hard songs they did it all depends on Terry Kath or no Terry Kath.
@@JoeSmith-ey2xp Like Free, Sing a mean tune kid, Now that you're gone, What's this world coming to, Oh thank you Great Spirit & many more.
Chase ~ Get it On.
@@JoeSmith-ey2xp I was referring to ones that got decent radio play. It generally doesn’t help UA-camrs reacting to deep cuts. Not as many views.
Heard the song a million times. Watching with you was inspiring! Keep great music alive! Thanks!
Thank you.I think every reactor should hear" 25 or 6 to 4."It is an exuberant experience.
Terry Kath! The guitar GOAT!
This song will always kick ass. They don’t make a thing like this today - virtuoso musicianship.
You’ve discovered another great band, Van!!! This song is one of their best! I recommend “STRONGER EVERY DAY”, “COLOR MY WORLD”, “SATURDAY IN THE PARK”, “JUST YOU AND ME”. “BEGINNINGS”…Truly a class act!!!!! Lots more!
Thank you for showcasing this band who were, and still are, incredible musicians. Maybe todays generation will continue to carry the torch for Chicago.
Brings back great memories. Played this back in high school, added guitar too, in regular orchestra. Just the coolest.
He's referring to 25 or 6 to 4 in the morning. Doing hallucinogenics to try to expand his mind and clear it in order to think of More lyrics to write for the song. It was a popular thing musicians used to do back then
One of the best songs of the ‘70’s! 😁❤️
your pleasure in listening to this excellent song is pure joy to watch!!
Bruh your Smile says it All. Chicago, WILL NEVER let you down !!!
I became a fan as a child after seeing them live for a Christmas event back in the '70s. So good.
Chicago's first 3-4 albums are my all time favorites. Although I have so many more of their albums. Now that you've heard Chicago you need to check out Blood, Sweat & Tears. I wouldn't say I 'm a rocker but I do love music of all styles and Chicago was amongst my favorites from their beginning.
I grew up on the Rock, Soul, Funk, sounds of Chicago trying to learn every Rif of Terry Kath's guitar. As the the story goes, Chicago was in the studio for 16-18 hrs. Drained, both musically & physically somebody asked the engineer what time it was & he told them it was 25 or 6 to 4 AM !! Now it even makes the lyrics make more sense when you can picture it.
"Make Me Smile" and "Feeling Stronger Every Day" are other Chicago songs that totally _rip_ .
Watching your joy during this reaction was delightful! Thank you!
Van, they are one of the most complete bands ever. Great reaction.
Got to see their live performance of 25 or 6 to 4 Tanglewood.
Also Beginnings at Tanglewood 🔥💯
One of my favourite song ever, you must be the first one in internet, I have ever seen or here doing an a reaction video of this song/ band Thankyou so very much!:)
You knocked it out again Van! Terry Kath and the rest of the boys just rock! If anybody’s having a bad day, you just play some Chicago and you should feel better! These guys are timeless..
WOW!!! This song brings back so many awesome memories!!! We played a lot of Chicago in My High school band at football games!! So happy you found them!! Such an awesome band!! Always look forward to your reactions!! You sir are awesome!!!
The best reaction to this song! 💜
I knew you would get it, get it all.
🎵🎵🎵🎵🌱💜🌱🎵🎵🎵🎵
An epic song written about writing an epic song? Epic...
You make me smile! Thanks for your reactions. Chicago has a huge hit list. Find them and play them. Play that thang!!
6:20- this is an amazing reaction
I love how he ends that guitar solo! It’s my favorite Chicago song. Well, maybe a tie with Saturday in the Park.
My oldest brother is 77. He introduced me to them. I am 61. They were still popular in the 80's
Growing up with this music. I was told this was about a speed trip. Great reaction LFR. God Bless you and yours.
I've watched this reaction a couple of times just to see your reaction to this group . Keep up the great job
You have to watch the live version. Terry Kath LIGHTS IT UP on the guitar!
And Van's mind was blown 🤪 Dang I loved your reaction! So glad you did this one first. Now you need to go play One ( is the loneliest number) by 3 Dog Night. There was pure joy on your face with this song.❣️
Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. Since we're coming up on the Holiday season, you might want to find and save for later "Chicago 25". That's their Christmas album, released in 1998. It's one of the coolest holiday rock albums ever. They recorded a "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" you can dance to. I KID YOU NOT! I play it every year when I deejay Christmas parties.
So happy you got the chance to groove on this brassy eargasm! This and "Fancy Colors" are Chicago songs that have stayed in my rock/pop playlist for DECADES!!!
4:03 - I love how you could hear this technical detail.
So, picture 6th grade me, growing up in a very rural area in the midwest, this song comes out in 1970, and that moment when it dawns on me that these are not just nonsense lyrics, chosen for how they fit the music or to mystify the listener. This is the writer describing the writing process, what time it was, how he felt, how tired he was, having some writer's block! Genius! Now picture me trotting off to school and laying this theory on my school mates, and having one who was growing up around some rougher influences, an out-of-work father, an older brother who had started getting into trouble with his friends, and the friend who was my age telling me I'm full of it, and it's really about drugs. He then launches into this elaborate thing about 24 previous formulations of LSD and the guy got it right on number 25, and that it produces a 10-hour high (from 6pm to 4am), and then starts giving this double meaning to all the lyrics I had worked out under the "songwriting" umbrella -- and his interpretation starts to make sense, too! So at this point, I don't know what to think. Until a somewhat dreamy-eyed, poetically-minded girl I had a few classes with (and for whom my young self had started to feel more than a friendship attraction), pointed out that it was obviously both, and that my not knowing what to think, that was the point! Mind blown! She always saw layers of meaning like that, even at such a young age. I never did end up dating her, although I tried, all the way up through high school and until we lost touch. But I wanted to, very badly, and not just because of the usual adolescent-boy reasons. Kathy was someone I could _talk to._ And that, as I was to eventually discover, could be an even bigger 'turn on' than the other thing. But that guitar riff was amazing, wasn't it? And that horn section! Soundtrack of my youth....
He was on acid.
"Should I try to some more..."
25th song... and 6 to 4am in winter. ;-)
I loved Chicago when I was a teenager! I had a 10ft x 10ft poster of them up on my wall. It came in an album.
Loved your reaction to this and your perma-grin! Chicago is a HUGE rabbit hole you must explore. ❤️😎
My 1st guitar hero as a kid, Terry Kath, the heart and soul of Chicago. He put the stank on top and he could sing too "Make Me Smile" is an example of how great a singer he was on top of being one of the greats on guitar.
Gotta watch this live in tanglewood, it's awesome to watch the masters at work...especially the guitar solo❤
I have Terry Kath senior yearbook. He wrote his favorite things are the guitar and “Jackie”. And Jackie is now married to Walter Parazaider. And Terry Kath’s wife (when he died) Camille is now with Jeff Lynn of ELO and has been for over a decade.
It is so cool to see young people discovering and enjoying the music i grew up with
This song would have been a massive hit even without singing. I love the entire musicianship of this song!
This was released in June of 1970. From that time on every High School band in America played this song. 😊
Omg yes!!! Amazing musicians ❤
New too the LFR family . Thier version of Im the Man is just incredible . Keep up the great reactions !
Thanks for reviewing such great music! You're the man.
Just saw these guys a few weeks ago they still put on a phenomenal show
Great song. One of the ultimate guitar solos by Kath. Genius!
One of the best groups ever to Grace our ears!!
Van's reaction to Chicago is funny/ awesome. He's also 100% right.
Saw them a couple of years ago. They still perform with as much energy as their early days. Some of the original horn players are still touring with them. 4:03
Love how people react to the guitar solo ! …but haven’t heard the live Tanglewood version yet. Their mind would be blown! It’s so bad ass!
Your audio is so great. I've never enjoyed this song so much. Such a wonderful song about not a damn thing except the fact that he's up all night into the wee hours trying to write a song AND CAN'T. Hilarious.
Yep. Still epic. Visited this reaction 7 months ago, and yessir, still as good as I remembered.
Since I was 19 when this came out, I had lightning reflexes and would whip the needle up and put it back into the groove between the tracks in half a breath, because I always had to listen to this one twice! ✌ Only Peter Cetera could sing this great with a broken jaw!! 🎤🩸👍
Try their extended version of "Beginnings", it has an added percussion outro that is out of this world!
Short one color my world. Big time wedding song. Also feeling stronger every day . Enjoy your channel van
They are always awesome ! 😍😍 keep up the great journey ! I am enjoying it !
This was written by Robert Lamm, who is a keyboard player and singer for Chicago. It's about trying to write a song, with the title referring to the time of day: either 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) or 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4). Lamm explained on The Chris Isaak Hour: "I was living with a bunch of hippies up above Sunset Strip. One of the advantages of this particular house was that it was in the Hollywood Hills and I could look out over the city late at night. I wanted to try to describe the process of writing the song that I was writing. So, 'waiting for the break of day, searching for something to say, flashing lights against the sky' - there was a neon sign across the city. That song came from the fact that it was 25 or 6 to 4 a.m. in the morning when I looked at my watch - I was looking for a line to finish the chorus.
The voice of Chicago back then was the amazing Peter Cetera. I mean, Chicago had the best of everything, vocals, guitarist, drummer, wind section. They were off the hook! Believe me, I grew up listening to this music back in the 70s and 80s. I am glad that this new generations has discovered them.