"Chicago" is the second studio album by American rock band Chicago. It was released in 1970 following the success of their debut album "Chicago Transit Authority" released in 1969. The band, originally named the Chicago Transit Authority, officially shortened its name to Chicago after the release of their first album.
The eponymous album is a double LP and features 23 songs. It's notable for its extensive use of brass and jazz elements, paired with rock and pop, paving the way for the band's signature sound. Although the tracks seamlessly blend these disparate musical styles, each song stands out, showcasing the band's diverse musical influences and individual talents.
The album includes hits like "25 or 6 to 4", "Make Me Smile", and "Colour My World", each of which reached the top ten in the U.S. charts. "Chicago" was yet another commercial success for the band, achieving multi-platinum status and helping to establish Chicago's place in the annals of classic rock music.
"Chicago" was also significant for featuring a long suite composed by trombonist James Pankow called "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon". The song cycle, stretching over several parts of two sides of the original vinyl album, was a complex piece of music that exhibited the band's innovative blending of different musical styles.
As a product of concerted collaborative efforts from the band members, the album stood as a testament to their shared ethos and vision. It firmly established their experimental approach to music and displayed a maturity and sophistication that solidified their place in music history. Not only did it bring the band commercial success, but it also garnered significant critical acclaim and had a profound influence on the music of the time.
