Chicago Chicago II Numbered Hybrid Stereo SACD
Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: Longtime Audiophile Favorite Now Possesses Reference-Caliber Separation, Tonalities, Balance
Introduction of Classical Elements, Advanced Progressive Changes Reflect Original Band at its Peak
Includes the Smashes 25 Or 6 To 4 and Make Me Smile
Chicago shortened its name on its second album but altered little else. Improving upon the creative synthesis shown on its debut, the ensemble ups the ante for pop, rock, and jazz fusion on its 1970 sophomore set, introducing classical signatures as well as a penchant to delve even deeper into unchartered waters.
Ambitious arrangements and brazen interplay remain, yet further addition of multifaceted melodies and seamless syncopation finds the group stepping up its songwriting. Witness 25 Or 6 To 4 and Make Me Smile, smashes that resonated with the mainstream.
Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelitys hybrid SACD lavishes Chicago II with a clarity, transparency, and detail no previous digital edition has ever enjoyed. Pulling back the curtain on the recordings, this collectors version exponentially expands the soundstaging dimensions, imaging proportions, and dynamic information, allowing the songs to breathe and enjoy a roominess that enhances the stellar performances and interwoven structures.
In particular, the harmonic vocals naturally carry and possess lifelike decay, never in competition with but always in sympathy with the telepathic instrumentation. Yes, the sonics here are as good as gold.
As reflected by the 7-part, 13-minute Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan suite, Chicago II draws from classical as well as traditional rock and jazz influences in presenting an experience that eviscerates disparate when pertaining to musical styles. Paired amidst progressive rhythms, a surfeit of driving horns and gritty R&B vocals again affords the band the privilege of rocking as hard as any of their contemporaries. And yet, due to the collectives diversity and prowess, Chicago also lends poignant sensitivity to ballads such as the prom favorite Colour My World.
The septets command of switching between aggressiveness and intensity, softness and sensuality, defines Chicago II. Such dichotomy is represented in the form of guitarist Terry Kath, a secret weapon whose contributions on Mobile Fidelitys exquisite version emerge with newfound energy and emotionalism.
Highlighted, too, are the groups forays into thematic lyrics, with the politically barbed It Better End Soon and grim Poem for the People speaking to the records original dedication that states With this album, we dedicate ourselves, our futures and our energies to the people of the revolution. And the revolution in all of its forms.
Chicago Chicago II Track Listing:
1. Movin' In
2. The Road
3. Poem for the People
4. In the Country
5. Wake Up Sunshine
6. Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon
Make Me Smile
So Much to Say, So Much to Give
Anxiety's Moment
West Virginia Fantasies
Colour My World
To Be Free
Now More Than Ever
7. Fancy Colours
8. 25 or 6 to 4
9. Memories of Love
Prelude
A.M. Mourning
P.M. Mourning
Memories of Love
10. It Better End Soon
1st Movement
2nd Movement
3rd Movement
4th Movement
11. Where Do We Go from Here
