One of the slow-rock staples, Chicago was first known as the Chicago Transit in Authority in 1968. A year later, they dropped the rest of the name. They only kept the name of the city they were formed in. The rest, they say, is history. Starting their repertoire with political songs, they later moved to ballads - fusing classical, jazz, pop, and R&B elements.
As a testament to their signature brand of music, they are among the few acts to have five consecutive albums to top the Billboard 200. To add color to your world, here are three Chicago albums, all in vinyl format, you still can find on Amazon.
Chicago VII
While it is "Chicago 7," it is actually the band's sixth album. Following "Chicago IV", "V," and "VI," it is the first album from the band to feature new material since the 1971 album "Chicago III." It was also the first double album since "III."
As a Chicago album, it is also notable among fans for gathering songwriting work from all members of the band. They were able to experiment further and have their members play new roles. Peter Cetera (bass,vocals) played guitar and Terry Kath (guitar, vocals) played bass. Lee Loughnane, who played trumpet and flugelhorn, wrote a song and sang lead for the "Song of the Evergreens."
Own one of the band's most revered offerings in a 12-inch, 33-rpm vinyl record format. Listen to smash hits "(I've Been) Searchin' So Long," "Call On Me," "Lifesaver," and more. This 180-gram record, encased in its original 1974 designed sleeve, is available now on Amazon.
Chicago X
"Chicago X," their eighth studio album, was released in June 1976. In the band's history, it is a landmark release since it is their first album to earn a platinum certification. In commemoration of the band's achievement, their label Columbia Records awarded the band a 25-pound bar of pure platinum from famed jeweler Cartier.
This Chicago album also spawned the group's first number one hit in the US, "If You Leave Me Now." The album was also supported by two more Billboard Hot 100 singles, "You Are on my Mind" and "Another Rainy Day in New York City."
Own this limited 30th anniversary edition, pressed in 2016. This 180 gram audiophile vinyl is a reissue of the original 1976 album, in a gatefold cover. Get your copy now on Amazon.
Chicago
Known to some fans as "Chicago II," this 1970 Chicago album is the first release to use their shortened name. It also sports on its chrome-silver cover art the signature Chicago logo that will appear in most of their works and releases in the decades to come.
A successful album in its own right, it managed to secure a gold certification within the first four months of its release. In terms of sales, it climbed up to No. 4 in the US albums chart and No. 6 in the UK. It also spawned three top ten singles in the Hot 100 - "Make Me Smile," "Colour My World," and "25 or 6 to 4."
Set your turntable to awesome with this 2015 reissue of a timeless classic. Friday Music gives your the same easy listening feel with this double vinyl record, in a gatefold sleeve. For new Chicago album collectors, this vinyl record is the best place to start. "Chicago II" is still available on Amazon.
For more great vinyl record finds, check Bjork Albums Filled With Big Time Sensuality or the 4 Beastie Boys Albums Filled With Solid Gold Hits.
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