Seriously, you two should check out that Tanglewood performance of this song- I don't know anyone who is not impressed with Terry Kath's guitar work on this one.
Actually, a neat idea for a series..Im A Man, first the original by the Spencer Davis Group, then Chicago’s version, then Traffic’s ( with Steve Windwood from the original Spencer Davis Group updating his song with Traffic in the mid 70s). Would make a great three-fer on one reaction for you guys!
THE TANGLEWOOD CONCERT !!! - Terry was on FIRE !!! - As others are saying Terry's guitar solo was unbelievable. Up there with the G.O.A.T. Also from Tanglewood "Ballet for a Girl In Buchannon" and "I'm A Man" - From the 1st album there is the grossly overlooked "Questions 67 & 68". It is their 1st power Ballad and Peter's vocals made me sit up and take notice of greatness. Then Chicago teamed up with the great backing vocals of the Beach Boys for "Wishing You Were Here"
I’d like to add something to the discussion of this wonderful song and it’s guitar solo. A big difference between 70’s rock and current music is that the solos were actually improvised back then. So, between this version, Tanglewood, the Carnegie Hall live album, and the three times I saw Chicago live with Terry, I heard six totally different and awesome guitar solos for this song. I miss that. Also, Terry did the singing on “Introduction” (which has a nice little guitar solo of its own) and it’s Peter Cetera here.
Terry Kath is the guitarist for Chicago, and plays on this song. Peter Cetera, the bass player, was the lead vocalist on this song. If you want to hear Terry Kath's vocals, he sings the lead on "Make Me Smile", one of Chicago's best songs.
@@stevet7487 Does Anybody Know What Time it is? Questions 67 and 68, Make Me Smile, Beginnings, Dialogue, Saturday in the Park, Another Rainy Day in New York City, Policeman, and the mighty Take Me Back to Chicago are other great songs written by Robert Lamm. Kath or Cetera sang Lamm's songs as much as Lamm.
A recent album - Now has some great songs by Robert Lamm: Naked in the Garden of Allah, Free At Last...also, More will be Revealed. Something's Coming I Know
Their catalogue from back then is just about unmatched. They were unique, innovative, and extremely talented in many ways. 3 vocalists that all contributed to very memorable music.
And "25 or 6 to 4" refers to Rob Lamm (the band's keyboardist and one of the main songwriters) trying to come up with a song idea as Twenty-five or Twenty-six to Four AM.
Terry Kath!! One of the best guitarists I've ever heard!! RIP!! By the way, Terry Kath, Peter Cetera and Robert Lamm are three of the vocalists I remember most from their early works.
It's great that you guys heard the studio version first, it's what everyone heard on the radio all these years. But on this song in particular, now watch "the Live At Tanglewood" video. Guitarist Terry Kath goes off!
Just a little bit of trivia. The second album, Chicago (II), sold better because of the hits '25 or 6 to 4', 'Make Me Smile' and 'Color My World' #nicknlexrequest. As a result, there was a resurgence of sales of the first alum, which did not sell all that well when first released. However, because of the success of the second album, songs on the first album began to chart better than initially released and sales of the first album did better than when first released. 'Make Me Smile' and 'Color My World' are both from the suite; 'Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan' #nicknlexrequest which takes up almost all of side two. 'Make Me Smile' in my opinion has an even better guitar solo than the one on '25 or 6 to 4'. This would be great to play in its entirety, but would probably get blocked unless maybe you interrupt it a lot? One of my favorite non-hit deep tacks is 'In the Country' #nicknlexrequest . Also, the four part 'It Better End Soon' #nicknlexrequest war protest song would be quite fitting for what is happening in Ukraine. Yes, Chicago did war protest songs. Also, the real Chicago Transit Authority in Chicago gave them grief about the band name hence the shorter name of the band on the second album. 'Does Anybody Really Know What Time it Is?'#nicknlexrequest , 'Beginnings' #nicknlexrequest , 'Questions 67 and 68' #nicknlexrequest and 'I'm a Man' #nicknlexrequest are all great tunes from the first album. 'I'm a Man' is actually a cover of the song by Spencer Davis Group.
All great points you brought up. I also love Terry Kath's "In The Country" on the eponymous second album. Terry's mellow ballad "Byblos" on Chicago VII is a fantastic track, and contrasts with the mind blowing guitar funk of "Poem 58" on the Chicago Transit Authority debut album.
@@debrabrabenec3731 "Byblos" reminds me of my high school first love. We were too shy to hook up back then, we're married to other people now but still friends 2000 miles apart and 45 years after we met. I introduced her to "Byblos" after we reconnected and told her what it means to me, and she loves the song now too.
The story goes Jimi Hendrix was once asked, "What does it feel like to be the greatest guitar player?" Hendrix supposedly answered, "I don't know. Let's ask Terry Kath." I was fortunate that the first rock concert I attended was Chicago in 1976, before Terry Kath killed himself and the band morphed into the '80s pop ballad band they became known as. As far as those blase ballads go, I think their albums through Chicago XI stay in this vein, as XI is the last one with Kath. After Kath's passing is when the overall sound really started to change.
They were great in both eras, but their earlier days, they frickin rocked. And they could've amped it up in the 80s, but they chose the safe and comfortable easy route. They got rich, why not?
Definitely the song that got me into Chicago and still one of my favorites by them. I love the lyrics because it's a song about writing a song! It contains one of my absolute favorite guitar solos too. Oh yeah and two amazing drum tracks.
I played trumpet in high school and I loved Chicago. Chicago III was the first album I owned along with a Creedence Clearwater Revival album (my brother bought them both for my birthday). A couple of my favorite Chicago songs are "Beginnings" and "Make Me Smile".
25 Or 6 To 4 was one of Chicago's best songs, bar none, and the signature song for the band. Big AM radio hit in the early 70's. You mentioned how "fast" Terry's guitar licks were. Terry picked it up from listening to the masterful jazz guitarist, George Benson amongst others. Terry apparently had the ability to combine the two forms with brevity and not over dominate. He knew the reality of spaces but shined in his leads.🎉
Peter Cetera was the lead vocalist on this and Terry Kath did that smokin' guitar solo. Terry Kath was the guitarist that even Hendrix was jealous of!! 25 or 6 to 4 is and will always be my favorite Chicago song. I feel I missed out on them in my youth because I didn't grow up listening to them. Sure, I knew the hits and loved the hits, but I didn't dive deep into their catalog until recently.
Saw them live back in the day 14 times.....there is a "live" version of this song that is legend as one of the greatest live performances....1970...Tanglewood.
Chicago's producer/manager Jim Guercio stated in an interview that while CTA was performing at The Whiskey a Go Go, Hendrix said he wanted to produce the band. Guercio stated that he told Jimi "I need to do this Jimi, let me do this and then we can talk about it". Hendrix reluctantly agreed and asked Guercio to have Chicago open for him on a series of west coast shows. I'm sure there were some great moments between Kath and Hendrix during that tour!
Great reaction. The late great Terry Kath on guitar. Jimmy Hendrix himself was a fan, saying that he played better than Jimmy did and that he was the best player in the Universe. High praise from the praise worthy I guess.
Being a hit or being widely popular doesn't make a song one to be ignored. This is a banger! Great drama, relatable situation, great horns and guitar work, and Peter Cetera's unmistakable voice.
My wife & I saw Chicago play this song in August 2019 at the Biltmore Concert grounds in Asheville, NC. They sounded just as good then as they did back in the 60s.They even had some of the original band members. It was amazing!
I'm glad that y'all reviewed this. I heard this growing up as a kid due to my father playing this all the time on his reel to reel. I actually got to meet original drummer, Danny Seraphine several years back at a drum clinic in Dallas, and I purchased the Zildjian splash cymbal he used, and he autographed it. It would be cool if you would give"Devil's Suite" from Chicago VII a listen. Danny's drumming with brushes and sticks is incredible!
Make Me Smile! I had one of their early 8 tracks, I would listen to every night before bed. Color My World was also one of my favorites. Terry Kath really had the better voice out of the three lead vocalists…, unfortunately he mixed guns and alcohol together too much.
If you listen to "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon", from "Chicago II", it is 7 song cycle that starts "Make Me Smile" (album version), then moves into "So Much to Say, So Much to Give", "Anxiety's Moment", "West Virginia Fantasies", "Colour My World", "To Be Free" and concludes with "Now More Than Ever" (which was added to the end of an abbreviated version of "Make Me Smile" by the record company to create the single version of "Make Me Smile").
After what seems a lifetime of hearing this track, I only recently found out its meaning: trying to write a song, awake all night with no luck undecide whether to try to sleep or keep at it. Looks at the lock - 25 or (twenty) six (minutes) to four - almost dawn. The experience becomes the muse for the song - it has written itself! Kath's solo - blistering, Cetera's vocal - spot on, but often overlooked is Seraphino's drumming - world class. A classic.
Yes, and Robert Lamm wrote this song from his personal experience. Surprising how often he is left out when praise is being handed out by fans. He wrote their first hits; Beginnings, Does Andybody Know What Time It Is, and 25 or 6 to 4, amoung many others.
Chicago - Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon - Tanglewood - Be sure you do the 14 minute one because it has been cut up. It includes "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World". They were cut out of 'Ballet' to meet the 3 minute limit of A.M. radio which was standard in cars at the time and therefore King.
At the very beginning of the lyrics: “Waiting for the break of day,” i.e. waiting at around “25 or 6 to 4,” which was still a good time before daybreak. In other words, around 3:34 a.m. (26 to 4) or 3:35 a.m. (25 to 4) . . . . Love this song. I was in my 20s when it was released, and I sat on the floor many times listening to the whole album, as well as their first album.
Correctamundo. I was hoping someone would point this out. The whole song is about being up late with writers block trying to write something. (Everyone came up with loads of wild theories about what the lyrics and title meant.)
As a 16year old in ‘70,when this dropped,i rushed out and bought the album. Was NOT disappointed. Check out my favourite by these great musicians….Feelin Stronger Every Day. STILL sends chills today.
This was such a treat to see you two discover this awesome track. I can see Nick playing around with the solo sometime in the future. The live version of this from Tanglewood is a must see if you ever get the chance. This is a very talented band and by covering a second song you only leave about 100 greats songs still to hear by these excellent musicians. Thanks for making my night.......again! Have a great week.
I have never heard another guitarist copy Terry Kath's solo note for note except Sergey from Leonid and Friends, who also sounded exactly like Robert Lamm.
Loved your reaction. For an up tempo follow up, do “I’m a Man” from their first album. It has two lead singers, taking turns on the verses, a long percussion break (by the drummer and the horn players), and tons more dirty guitar. You will not regret it.
I first heard this and loved it a short time before I started learning to play the trumpet. Now, over fifty years later, I am honored to be in a band (Reck-n-Crew) that will be playing this Saturday night along with other Chicago hits, and dozens of other great songs by the bands we grew up on and still love. Thanks for sharing your musical journey!
Luv you both .. this was my fave Chicago song back in the day .. I’m 62.. mainly cuz of guitar solo.. but it has it ALL and holds up!! .. what a group.. Terry really had a small handful of peers
Song (from just this album "Chicago" - aka Chicago II afterwards) Ballet for a Girl From Buchannon (which includes "Make Me Smile", "Colour My World" and "Now More Than Ever") and Fancy Colors. From their first album "Chicago Transit Authority" (Before the lawsuit that forced the name change) are: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "Southern California Purples" and their version of The Spencer Davis Group (Steve Winwood tune) "I'm a Man"! These were some of their essential tunes. Many more followed.
You can drop the needle almost anywhere on those first two Chicago albums and be blown away. FYI - this song was written by keyboard player Robert Lamm and the horn arrangements were done by trombonist James Pankow. The band had three lead singers: Peter Cetera who sings here, Terry Kath, and Robert Lamm. The voice on a song was determined by what voice was appropriate as determined by the group - the composer did not necessarily sing his own songs. They had three main composers: Robert Lamm, guitarist Terry Kath, and James Pankow. Cetera did a little writing and everyone contributed somewhat to arrangements. This song is a great example of their synergy: written by Lamm, brass arranged by Pankow, vocals provided by Cetera, and a monumentally great guitar solo by Terry Kath.
Been listening to Chicago since 1970... Yes the early years are so great. Make Me Smile Questions 67 and 68 and my fave from later 70s Street Player.... Thanks you guys love
While stationed at Ft. Carson in the early 70's was forced by some of my friends (armed with a case of German wine) into a road trip to Denver to see Chicago. Well worth the hangover for sure!! A couple of us still in touch still talk about that trip!!!
Terry Kath was a real team player - he was one of the most talented guitarists of that time, yet played background rhythm guitar on many of their horn driven songs. He, keyboardist Robert Lamm, and trombonist Jimmy Pankow were the primary songwriters for the group in those days, while Kath, Lamm, and bassist Pete Cetera were the primary vocalists. Three suggestions - I'm a Man from their first album is a rocker that showcases all three of the vocalists; Beginnings from the first album is an upbeat love song which highlights the horns again in a fabulous outro; and Dialogue, Parts 1 & 2, from their fifth album is my all time favorite Chicago song that really shows off their writing and performing talents.
On "Introduction", Terry Kath (guitar) was the vocalist, on this song, Peter Cetera (bass) did vocals. The other lead vocalist they have is Robert Lamm (keyboards). If you are looking for something more progressive by them, there is an instrumental called "Devil's Sweet" from Chicago VII from 1974.
Another fantastic song from this group, once you hear this song you can't forget that beginning hook just like you did. This group first became poplular while I was in high school. My brother who was in college introduced me to their music. This song came out while I was in my second year of college.
This brings back memories of my childhood me running around loose with my shorts and tube top barefoot and hitch hikers standing with their finger sticking out for a ride. Good memories
A simply perfect song! I still get chills from that exquisitely dissonant finish. I agree with checking out "I'm a man" I'm not generally into drum solos, but this is a full band drum solo. You will have to listen to know what I mean.
Chicago was my first concert. I was about 14 in 1976. My mother dropped my friends and I off at the old Colosseum in New Haven and said "Have a good time". I can't imagine that happening today.
Chicago was a soul rock band with a ton of jazz influence... Terry Kath was also a self-taught guitar hero revered by guitarist - including Jimi Hendrix who looked up to him. If you saw the Tanglewood concert version you'd say the recording on Chicago II pales. The same with the song Introduction, they were ten to hundred times better live than on recorded albums. 25 or 6 to 4 is likely one of of Chicago's simpler songs harmonically (most their songs were quite harmonically complex - a ton of extensions and poly chords) -Anyway the verse is Am Am/G Am/F# F E ... and the chorus if I remember correctly F C G F (I always liked that descending chromatic country like 5/3 lick on the C chord - listen closely) the guitar solo begins with a cross between the A harmonic and natural minor (aeolian mode) scales...
I will go along with EVERYONE else who has said this... watch the live version THEN let's talk about the guitar solo. Nick, you owe it to yourself to see it. The Tanglewood one is crazy good... Nick, YOU MUST see it. (and we want to see your reaction) Lex, you'll like it as well. Terry Kath's guitar is dirty and just wonderful, the dirty guitar works so well with those clean beautiful horns and vocals, they compliment each other so well..... PLEASE watch the video. Terry Kath's passing was a real loss because he could play incredibly well and his enthusiasm when he played has to be seen. as always great job and keep on loving each other.
This is the Chicago that is so R&B / rock based. Later, Chicago became a ballad band - great if you like that. I personally like the older Chicago like this. Peter Cetera is lead singer on this one. This whole album is fantastic.....you would like "Beginnings".....fire....
I have read a review a while ago and to paraphrase '3 horn players with one set set of lungs, a demon on guitar (Terry Kath), 3 vocal stylists, a madman on drums, a killer keyboardist, and with Peter laying down the bass and such a voice>"
This is one of my favourite songs ever, my dad is a big Chicago fan (mainly the early stuff) and this is THE song I heard as a kid that made me want to play guitar. Such a kickass and memorable solo!and it’s way crazier live, check out the “Live at Tanglewood” version. The guitarist, Terry Kath, was actually one of Jimi Hendrix’s favourite players at the time! There are a lot of fantastic songs in the early Chicago catalog, my suggestion for what to check out next would be “Beginnings”. Thanks for the great video as always!!
It's so awesome seeing a young, fresh reaction to a staple song I've listened to for over 50 years! Jimi Hendrix thought Terry Kath (Chicago guitarist) was the greatest, and I can't disagree. My first concert in 1972 (16 years old) was Yes, followed two months later by Chicago, both at the Arie Crown Theatre in Chicago, so it's really cool that you guys are reacting to both these bands now! React to the Chicago hit "Make Me Smile" next!
“Listen” off of their first album, a proto-funk song with what I can only describe as “psychedelic cowbell” 😊 is a must-listen-to song. The song describes Chicago’s early days when they were playing in bars, struggling to get by, and trying to get the crowd to actually pay attention to their music as they were playing it.
'I'm A Man' has been suggested a lot below. It's a great version of the original by the Spencer Davis Group, which featured a 16 year old Steve Winwood on organ and lead vocals. Steve then formed Traffic and made some brilliant albums, breaking off for a while to form the supergroup Blind Faith with Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker and Ric Grech. I would be fascinated to see your reaction to Traffic's 'The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys', title track from their 1971 album #nicknlex request. 11 minutes 41 seconds of utter brilliance! I just love this channel!
Danny Seraphine on drums did some double tracks for drums if you listen carefully. You can really notice it during the guitar solo. He talks about it on a YT interview.
From this album, "Chicago" sometimes called Chicago II, do "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan". The whole thing (about 12 minutes). It is the best thing on the album and maybe the best thing they ever did.
See the interview on The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum channel called "Jimi Hendrix meets Terry Kath + Talks About Recording With Chicago". The first time I saw Chicago was when my high school and a neighboring one pooled our resources and had them play a school dance while they were touring to promote their first album. For a song from their first album with a lot of guitar soloing try "Poem 58".
Your just getting started. Lots of great material. The late Terry Kath on guitar. They were a band with multiple lead singers. Peter Cetera on this one. If you want to smile try listening to Make Me Smile. Terry Kath on guitars and vocals a great drum part and horns out the wazoo. Lots of great music in your future. Can’t wait. Enjoy! 😀
The band also put out a 4 album live concert box set back in the 70's. If you can find it, it is a treasure and a MUST listen! Came with a large 6' by 6' poster which hung on my wall for many years!
This is the song that got most of my generation hooked on Chicago. The song is basically about writing the song early in morning after an all nighter. 25 or 26 minutes to 4 in the morning. Terry was an amazing guitarist and a vicious vocalist. As suggested below, Make Me Smile is probably the next to try out. I saw them live in Toronto for my 16th birthday (1972) ... Awe inspiring night! There is a Canadian band from the same era called Lighthouse that had a similar musical bent (horn section) that you might enjoy also. One Fine Morning and Hat's Off To The Stranger are but two of their pieces that shine.
Chicago II is one of those albums that needs to be done from start to finish! 25 or 6 to 4 is from it. The whole album is right up your alley. Prog rock with horns and great harmonies and SOUL.
I agree with the Tanglewood Concert as being one of the best live performances ever. Just before this song begins the drummer has to do some adjustments with his drum kit and then Terry starts the riff and the drummer who is still working on his drum, starts rocking with his foot pedals. Always gets me going.
