Reaction to Chicago Beginnings song.This was the American band pre Peter Cetera,and they sound so different. #chicagoband #musicreactions #musicvideoreaction
CTA - my favorite Album but they had so many. Was 18 when this launched their career. I remember,r the radio stations always faded out before the ending…unless you had an FM station that let it play out. Love this era of Chicago and even beyond til later in the 70’s.
@@John_Locke_108 Yes... after Terry Kath died the group went downhill and descended into overproduced power ballads, drowning out the horns, and no matter how successful those early 1980's records were, it was NOT Chicago to me anymore. Some how they lost their soul and originality. ironically on the last album Terry Kath played on, the single "Take Me Back to Chicago" has become my decades long complaint theme song about them lol
I agree. When Terry Kath departed us way too soon, everything changed and not for better. When they did slow songs back then, you got Wishing You Were Here with Kath’s beautiful vocals.
I loved the early Chicago. Saw them in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1973 at Veterans Auditorium. Cetera is on the bass, btw. They changed after Terry Kath died. Danny Serafine's drumming is underappreciated.
💯 agreed! You should check out Leonid n friends Chicago tribute band they're simply awesome and sound exactly like Chicago 😁👏👏👏👏I've seen Chicago in the 70's when Terry Kath was with them n they were fantastic 😍
I grew up with this great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "Make Me Smile", "Colour My World", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "If You Leave Me Now", "Old Days" etc.
Good choices Dagmar S. I bought this CTA album on vinyl , 8 track, cd and lastly Itunes. I am both ashamed and proud because the music is that good. (I skipped buying it on cassette.)
I always thought that Chicago's version of I'm a Man, which was co-written by Steve Winwood, was and is better than than the original done by The Spencer Davis Group because it has more energy.
Sung by Robert Lamm, one of the three main singers of the original lineup. He still tours with Chicago. You can hear Peter Cetera and the rest in the harmony. Chicago is the best pop-rock band ever.
@@viacrucis2509 They are remarkable musicians, in addition to being able to emulate Chicago's lead vocals. When they performed 'Vehicle', one of the 'Ides Of March' group thought it was their own version.
@@stratcat3216 I don’t know, definitely jazz, rock and ballads. Their first new number one was in 1977 “If you leave me now” . Pretty pop. Just like Colour my World, I’ve Been Searching So Long” and Wishing You were here” pop-rock. But I’m not mad about their resurgence and n the 80’s. They were probably as big as they ever were at that time. I grew up as a fan and was glad to see them come back up in the 80’s.
@@jerrylarocque9600 The first few albums Chicago made, still are as impressive, perhaps more, and rate with the best double-albums EVER recorded. This is one of the five albums I’d take to a deserted island, if I was ever Robin Crusoe with a record player!
I feel soooo fortunate to have been in my teens and early twenties when all of this amazing music was floating around for us to take in. This is a perfect example of greatness that we often took for granted because there was so much of it. Thanks for revisiting another classic Harri. 🌺✌️
We’re probably close to same age. To me, from a small rural area, felt like I had to make up for my perceived slow start after high school. Looking back, I wish I’d slowed down a lot! But I’d have missed a lot I didn’t!
@@stratcat3216 Definitely not all the same people. The same horn section and keyboard player. I can't speak for any of the other guys. They lost a major part of the band when they lost Terry Kath.
Peter Cetera was always in the band, this was when Terry Kath was still alive, a great guitarist. Peter Cetera is the bass player. Cetera, Robert Lamm and Terry Kath all sang lead on different songs. The live at Tanglewood will amaze even those who aren't fans.
Terry Kath era, when Chicago was a rock band with horns as opposed to the insipid ballad era of Peter Cetera. A few bands give you trumpet solos, many give you sax solos, Chicago gives you Trombone solos!
Blood Sweat & Tears also featured an occasional trombone solo and even a tuba solo on Go Down Gamblin', but for me James Pankow of Chicago was the best!
This original band remains at the top of My. Everest along with Tower of Power , & Blood , Sweat & Tears albums 1-4 . Where virtuosity and excellence intersects pure groove .
Check out The Electric Flag, they started around the time that Chicago did, maybe just before. Also, Sons of Champlin. They were fronted by Bill Champlin, who much later joined Chicago. I agree with you about TofP and B,S&T. I've always thought that BS&T were better musicians, and Chicago, on average, had better songs. Although I do really love "Sometimes in Winter" and their version of "Maiden Voyage", one of my favorite jazz tunes of all time. I always loved playing it. And, no, I am not saying that Chicago were bad musicians, they were excellent. Pankow was a superb composer and arranger. Have a great day.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you need to review the songs from the Live Tanglewood concert in July of 1970. You will really get a great feel for the band from this concert. Beginnings, Make Me Smile, Ballad for a Girl in Buchanan, 25 or 6 to 4, etc. This concert really showcases Terry Kath's guitar playing ability as well as the musical talent of the rest of the band. According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s. They have sold over 40 million units in the US, with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums.
Yep, this is Robert Lamm, pianist for the group. He's still a part of Chicago that is still touring. He also sang on some of the other songs and Cetera was backup/bass guitar and Terry sang backup and of course, guitar on this one. So each singer had their own unique sound with the band, kinda like Three Dog Night when they switched between leads with Chuck, Danny and Cory. Early Chicago had more of the horns also. The drums were always exceptional but overlooked because of the horns at times.
@@annmarie2730 Yes, he is, and I believe some or all of the horn players are still in the group per Wikipedia. Our Senior Prom in high school was Color My World, ha ha, seems like 50 years ago this year!
@@annmarie2730 LOL, I don't want to be nostalgic! LOL...but our old fart songs are some of the best still around 🙂that is for sure and glad other generations are hearing this beautiful, fine music!
On this recording they have two drummers (or one drummer and two tracks laid over each other). Love this Chicago.....not so much later when the "love song" Chicago took over.
Only Danny Seraphine on drums, likely 2 tracks like Danny did on 25 Or 6 To 4. Later they added Brazilian percussion player Laudir de Oliveira around Chicago VII.
I love them so much - and as one other commentor said, they are still touring! This is my favorite vocalist, Robert Lamm, who wrote many of their early hits. When David Foster came around in the '80s, he told Robert he would not sing lead again and wanted only Peter's voice. While Peter is a great singer, it was sad to see them get so commercial. Thanks for featuring their early work, Harri!
Also known as "schlockmeister" David Foster, who single-handedly ruined the Chicago sound (as well as other artists). Fortunately we have pre-Foster Chicago (which is pretty much the only Chicago that matters).
Peter Cetera was part of Chicago from the start. On this first album, he sings Questions 67 & 68 which is an excellent tune, itself! The change in Chicago's sound was caused by two major events - the first was Terry Kath's accidental death, depriving them of a great singer, songwriter and guitarist. The second was the hiring of David Foster as a producer who forced them into becoming a ballad band for the sake of commercial benefit and Foster knew Cetera's voice would drive those hits.
As a drummer for 52 years now, I can tell you how tricky this is. A lot of stuff on top of the beat, crazy amount of ghost notes, crazy fills. Danny Seraphine is the drummer that made me keep playing as a young man.
I saw Chicago and Earth,Wind & Fire live in concert a few years ago. It was a glorious 3- hour concert; with the group's joining forces for the last hour.
Thank you for doing this masterpiece. It’s so often overlooked, and to me, it’s one of the greatest rock songs ever written. Every time I hear it, it literally gives me chills. Almost a spiritual experience. Also, please consider interrupting less, and waiting until the end to discuss your reaction. A brilliant song like this deserves to be heard in it’s entirety with no distractions.
DYNAMITE SOUND, EXCELLENT ARRANGEMENT....Along with Level 42, Stealy Dan WONDERFUL Competent MUSICANS can Play their "AXE"...Classic Chicago....Peter Cetera excellent Singer/Songwriters..Just frickin real🌞✌️
Brings me back to my elementary school days...my first favorite group along with Earth, Wind, and Fire...and would you know? They still tour today, and sometimes together! The "early" Chicago was their BEST...the "band" sound can't be beat!! And of course, missing Terry later didn't help...LOVE IT!!
This song is one of my favorites Terry Kath is one of the most underrated guitarists this guitar is the only song where the open high E string is played through the whole song
Might be the greatest first album by a group ever. Double Album no less. 55 years later its still fresh. Crazy how great they were right from the start
Yes this is not Chicago. It is Chicago Transit Authority or CTA as we called them back in the late 60's. They became Chicago in 1969... the year I graduated from HS. Prior to that they did local gigs doing other people's songs. Most of them were students at DePaul and Roosevelt (where I later worked). Around the time of the Democratic Convention riot (1968) things changed and they headed to the West Coast, started doing their own songs and changed their name to Chicago after a smashingly good first album... Chicago Transit Authority. That album rocketed practically out of nowhere to stardom. Chicago 2 or the Chicago album sealed their destiny as the group we all know as Chicago. The actual name change happened after the CTA album was released. second half of '69 or maybe early 1970. I don't remember exactly when. The people are basically the same but they come from different places or musical spaces if you wish. I still have the original CTA vinyl album (and Chicago 2 vinyl). I was born in Chicago and I LOVE this group and always have.
Groups that can jam like they do at the end of this are the true definition of musicians - improvisational creativity.. when you see bands in concert it’s awesome .. seen them do it, allman brothers, grateful dead! , Santana which was - best non- Bruce concert I’ve ever seen..,
Robert Lamm wrote and sang lead on this....this is hands down one of THE best debut albums ever and it's a double album to boot, they were something, those first 5 albums are gold.
Peter Cetera was there since the beginnings (pun intended) 1967 to 1985 Robert lamb the keyboard player and composer sang it and CETERA was backing vocals and bass!
Cetera was with them from the beginning . He was great during this era and later became a lounge singer . They had 3 great singers during this era of Cetera , Lamn and Kath . Once Kath had passed on this group really went downhill though they have managed to stay around all these years ... Danny Serphine is one of the best rock drummers ever . All you have to do is sit down with a good pair of headphones on and listen to this guy play drums. A true virtuosoe . The "beginning" of the end was after about the 7th or 8th album . this initial album is one of the all time classics and a masterpiece .
For me, the inclusion of Robert Foster and the “reduction/ elimination/ banishing” of the horn section & the heavy handed dose of “syrup” assured I would never again purchase a Chicago album. ☹️
The Terry Kath era is the best of Chicago. He was the soul of the band and when he died that era of Chicago's music died with him. They have gone through several iterations since then but know that the singer and writer of this song keyboard player Robert Lamm and the trombone player (Jimmy Pankow) and the trumpet player (Lee Loughnane) are still touring and making music to this very day in 2022 with support musicians. Can't keep music like this down. More than 50 yrs of music.. quite an accomplishment.
When I was a teenager 16 yrs old I use to listen with my best friend to them & most people just called them funky. Now it's great to hear them at 67yrs old.
Actually Peter was there then. It was David foster who changed their sound on the 16th album. They went from a jazz rock band to a ballad band. Such a great band sold out to commercial success.
Definitely watch the "Saturday In the Park/Does Anybody Know What Time It Is" performance from their 1974 ABC concert special at Caribou Ranch, Colorado! It's on here!
Hey there Harri, Chicago is what you would call "Rock & Roll Royalty!!!" I've had the privilege of seeing them perform live on several occasions and they never disappoint!!! Please react to another one of their classic gems titled: "CALL ON ME" you'll be glad you did too!!!
There's a Russian group that has toured the U.S. for the last few years and they are called 'Leonid & Friends'. They are the most polished musicians and singers you can imagine and many Chicago fans think they're actually superior. Leonid & Friends do many, many Chicago songs in addition to Beginnings and if you listen to them on CZcams they will blow your mind !
@@wallihaley5194 Just an amazing ensemble of talent, whether we're talking vocally or musical instrument perfection. However, throughout all of Russia they were not able to find someone comparable to Peter Cetera and had to go to Ukraine in order to find him.
Peter Cetera was always there from the beginning; he's playing that bass line you're talking about, AND that's his voice near the end singing "ONLY THE BEGINNING" yes that's Peter Cetera. As the years would progress, his voice contributions would definitely increase. He was part of alot of their 70s vocal sounds as well as later when the band became a soft rock outfit (much to my dismay frankly)
On this same debut album is Poem 58. It opens with a funk sound you would never believe came from seven white dudes from Chicago, the soul and funk is pure mind blowing music. Terry Kath's guitar playing shows why Jimi Hendrix told the band that their guitar player was better than Jimi himself. Peter Cetera underlays that track with some great bass and Danny Seraphine on drums makes for a beat you won't believe. That opening 4½ minutes instrumental will leave you gasping for air before the song takes a turn that only Chicago could have pulled off. Trust me on this. Poem 58. It is a MUST for anyone experiencing early Chicago. THAT WAS CHICAGO! 🎸
So great Harri!!! Chicago phenomenal band!!! 25 0 624 is a MUST LIVE...IT'S ON CZcams. Or any of Chicago's songs live version. ..Harri you would Love I Promise you. "Diamonds in your ears " ♡♡
This is the REAL Chicago to all who grew up with them!
Yes, up to about 78!
Absolutely
Yep.
As soon as this song begins all these memories come rushing back in my head. ❤
CTA - my favorite Album but they had so many. Was 18 when this launched their career. I remember,r the radio stations always faded out before the ending…unless you had an FM station that let it play out. Love this era of Chicago and even beyond til later in the 70’s.
I'm a huge fan of the early Chicago with Terry Kath. More rock and horns than the later stuff with the ballads.
I think most people consider that the true Chicago era. He was the heart and soul of the group.
@@John_Locke_108 Yes... after Terry Kath died the group went downhill and descended into overproduced power ballads, drowning out the horns, and no matter how successful those early 1980's records were, it was NOT Chicago to me anymore. Some how they lost their soul and originality. ironically on the last album Terry Kath played on, the single "Take Me Back to Chicago" has become my decades long complaint theme song about them lol
I agree. When Terry Kath departed us way too soon, everything changed and not for better. When they did slow songs back then, you got Wishing You Were Here with Kath’s beautiful vocals.
Terry Kath was the greatest guitarist in music history even Hendrix said so.
Absofuckinglutely! This is the best era of Chicago.
I loved the early Chicago. Saw them in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1973 at Veterans Auditorium. Cetera is on the bass, btw. They changed after Terry Kath died. Danny Serafine's drumming is underappreciated.
You were there, too? I guess I saw you! Lol! Saw some good shows at big ol' noisy echo-y Vets over the years!
@@dggydddy59 Yep. II remember you. I took my girlfriend (now my wife) with a couple friends.
💯 agreed! You should check out Leonid n friends Chicago tribute band they're simply awesome and sound exactly like Chicago 😁👏👏👏👏I've seen Chicago in the 70's when Terry Kath was with them n they were fantastic 😍
Danny is the man!
Under appreciated?! By Who? 🙄
I grew up with this great band from the 70's-80's. They were a rock & roll band with horns & blended elements of classical music, jazz, R&B, & pop music. They had a lot of great songs such as "Make Me Smile", "25 or 6 to 4", "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?", "Beginnings", "Questions 67 & 68", "I'm A Man", "Where Do We Go From Here?", "Free", "Lowdown", "Saturday In The Park", "Make Me Smile", "Colour My World", "Hard To Say I'm Sorry", "You're The Inspiration", "Will You Still Love Me?", "Look Away", "Feelin' Stronger Every Day", "If You Leave Me Now", "Old Days" etc.
Good choices Dagmar S. I bought this CTA album on vinyl , 8 track, cd and lastly Itunes. I am both ashamed and proud because the music is that good. (I skipped buying it on cassette.)
Do yourself a favor and listen to Leonid & Friends doing tributes to
many Chicago songs. You will think the old Chicago group is back !
I always thought that Chicago's version of I'm a Man, which was co-written by Steve Winwood, was and is better than than the original done by The Spencer Davis Group because it has more energy.
This is probably my favorite Chicago song. Sweet romantic lyrics- jazzy -beautiful!
Yes, my favorite Chicago song, as well.
My favourite Chicago song and favourite Chicago vocalist singing.
Same here !
My favorite ❤❤
My favorite, as well.
Sung by Robert Lamm, one of the three main singers of the original lineup. He still tours with Chicago. You can hear Peter Cetera and the rest in the harmony. Chicago is the best pop-rock band ever.
They used to be a rock band.. sad they turned to pop.
Check out Leonid & Friends and you will think the original
Chicago group was reincarnated into them.
@@ridgemanron seen em, they actually take diction lessons to sing it in n English.
@@viacrucis2509 They are remarkable musicians, in addition to being able
to emulate Chicago's lead vocals. When they performed 'Vehicle', one
of the 'Ides Of March' group thought it was their own version.
@@stratcat3216 I don’t know, definitely jazz, rock and ballads. Their first new number one was in 1977 “If you leave me now” . Pretty pop. Just like Colour my World, I’ve Been Searching So Long” and Wishing You were here” pop-rock. But I’m not mad about their resurgence and n the 80’s. They were probably as big as they ever were at that time. I grew up as a fan and was glad to see them come back up in the 80’s.
Their best music by far was their first two albums. After that they only had a few songs I liked. You should listen to their cover of I'm A Man.
The only nonoriginal they ever did as I understand.
I blame my hearing loss on listening to I'm a Man at top volume when the CTA album came out. Lol.
@@jerrylarocque9600 The first few albums Chicago made, still are as impressive, perhaps more, and rate with the best double-albums EVER recorded.
This is one of the five albums I’d take to a deserted island, if I was ever Robin Crusoe with a record player!
This old Chicago is the best Chicago ever! Terry Kath was one of the best guitarist ever!! No comparison with the newer soft stuff!!!
This has been my favorite Chicago song since I was a kid. I love the drum section at the end.
Yes, my favorite, too.
Same!
I feel soooo fortunate to have been in my teens and early twenties when all of this amazing music was floating around for us to take in. This is a perfect example of greatness that we often took for granted because there was so much of it. Thanks for revisiting another classic Harri. 🌺✌️
We’re probably close to same age. To me, from a small rural area, felt like I had to make up for my perceived slow start after high school. Looking back, I wish I’d slowed down a lot! But I’d have missed a lot I didn’t!
This came out in 1969 I believe, I was 13 years old then and a fan to the end
These guys are still touring. The lead guitarist, the late Terry Kath, had such a soulful voice. Not to mention that he was an incredible guitarist.
not the same band today.... kinda weak and popish
@@stratcat3216
Definitely not all the same people. The same horn section and keyboard player. I can't speak for any of the other guys. They lost a major part of the band when they lost Terry Kath.
@@stratcat3216
And they're still playing a bunch of their big hits.
Peter Cetera was always in the band, this was when Terry Kath was still alive, a great guitarist. Peter Cetera is the bass player. Cetera, Robert Lamm and Terry Kath all sang lead on different songs. The live at Tanglewood will amaze even those who aren't fans.
It shows how much influence Terry Kath had on the band. They lost a big part of their original sound with his passing.
Check out Leonid & Friends and you will think Chicago has
been reincarnated into their group.
Kath being great is an understatement!
Peter Cetera left the group in 1985 to pursue a solo career
@@davidhattman7649 Cetera was arrogant, I saw them in "84" & they were great but not the same without Terry Kath.
Terry Kath era, when Chicago was a rock band with horns as opposed to the insipid ballad era of Peter Cetera. A few bands give you trumpet solos, many give you sax solos, Chicago gives you Trombone solos!
Blood Sweat & Tears also featured an occasional trombone solo and even a tuba solo on Go Down Gamblin', but for me James Pankow of Chicago was the best!
This original band remains at the top of My. Everest along with Tower of Power , & Blood , Sweat & Tears albums 1-4 .
Where virtuosity and excellence intersects pure groove .
Check out The Electric Flag, they started around the time that Chicago did, maybe just before. Also, Sons of Champlin. They were fronted by Bill Champlin, who much later joined Chicago.
I agree with you about TofP and B,S&T. I've always thought that BS&T were better musicians, and Chicago, on average, had better songs. Although I do really love "Sometimes in Winter" and their version of "Maiden Voyage", one of my favorite jazz tunes of all time. I always loved playing it.
And, no, I am not saying that Chicago were bad musicians, they were excellent. Pankow was a superb composer and arranger.
Have a great day.
Agree pankow charted most of hornsections
If you haven't already, I highly recommend that you need to review the songs from the Live Tanglewood concert in July of 1970. You will really get a great feel for the band from this concert. Beginnings, Make Me Smile, Ballad for a Girl in Buchanan, 25 or 6 to 4, etc. This concert really showcases Terry Kath's guitar playing ability as well as the musical talent of the rest of the band. According to Billboard, Chicago was the leading US singles charting group during the 1970s. They have sold over 40 million units in the US, with 23 gold, 18 platinum, and 8 multi-platinum albums.
YES! Can't say it enough: Tanglewood concert GOAT.
Yep, this is Robert Lamm, pianist for the group. He's still a part of Chicago that is still touring. He also sang on some of the other songs and Cetera was backup/bass guitar and Terry sang backup and of course, guitar on this one. So each singer had their own unique sound with the band, kinda like Three Dog Night when they switched between leads with Chuck, Danny and Cory. Early Chicago had more of the horns also. The drums were always exceptional but overlooked because of the horns at times.
I believe lamm is the or one of the founders of Chicago.
@@annmarie2730 Yes, he is, and I believe some or all of the horn players are still in the group per Wikipedia. Our Senior Prom in high school was Color My World, ha ha, seems like 50 years ago this year!
I agree. 50 years is a long time. Back then we were invincible. Now we’re nostalgic.
Robert Lamb is the only origional vocalist still in the band.
@@annmarie2730 LOL, I don't want to be nostalgic! LOL...but our old fart songs are some of the best still around 🙂that is for sure and glad other generations are hearing this beautiful, fine music!
On this recording they have two drummers (or one drummer and two tracks laid over each other). Love this Chicago.....not so much later when the "love song" Chicago took over.
Only Danny Seraphine on drums, likely 2 tracks like Danny did on 25 Or 6 To 4. Later they added Brazilian percussion player Laudir de Oliveira around Chicago VII.
The single best band of musicians in the history of Rock ‘n Roll.
"Beginnings".... my all-time favorite Chicago Song! 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖
Beginnings was the start of Chicago. This was their first album. They were incredible. All top notch musicians. Danny Seraphine was a drum machine.
I love them so much - and as one other commentor said, they are still touring! This is my favorite vocalist, Robert Lamm, who wrote many of their early hits. When David Foster came around in the '80s, he told Robert he would not sing lead again and wanted only Peter's voice. While Peter is a great singer, it was sad to see them get so commercial. Thanks for featuring their early work, Harri!
David Foster for some reason had a thing against the horn players cause you barley hear them on those albums he produced.
I saw them in Atlanta about 4 years ago with REO Speedwagon. Omg it was amazing still.
Also known as "schlockmeister" David Foster, who single-handedly ruined the Chicago sound (as well as other artists). Fortunately we have pre-Foster Chicago (which is pretty much the only Chicago that matters).
Peter Cetera was part of Chicago from the start. On this first album, he sings Questions 67 & 68 which is an excellent tune, itself! The change in Chicago's sound was caused by two major events - the first was Terry Kath's accidental death, depriving them of a great singer, songwriter and guitarist. The second was the hiring of David Foster as a producer who forced them into becoming a ballad band for the sake of commercial benefit and Foster knew Cetera's voice would drive those hits.
This is my favorite Chicago
As a drummer for 52 years now, I can tell you how tricky this is. A lot of stuff on top of the beat, crazy amount of ghost notes, crazy fills.
Danny Seraphine is the drummer that made me keep playing as a young man.
To me that’s the best opening to any song of the era!
Such a timeless and excellent song~
One of the greatest performances ever recorded.
Chicago is a one-of-the-kind band. They’re magnificent in every way.
The first and best song and one of the greatest tunes in rock history!
This is far and away my favorite Chicago song
This is my favorite Chicago song, bar none! If I only had a dime for every time I played this song on my record player when I was in high school. 😁
This song makes me so very happy ❤
Same!
This is absolutely incredible music......it doesn't get any better than this!
I saw Chicago and Earth,Wind & Fire live in concert a few years ago. It was a glorious 3- hour concert; with the group's joining forces for the last hour.
Thank you for doing this masterpiece. It’s so often overlooked, and to me, it’s one of the greatest rock songs ever written. Every time I hear it, it literally gives me chills. Almost a spiritual experience.
Also, please consider interrupting less, and waiting until the end to discuss your reaction. A brilliant song like this deserves to be heard in it’s entirety with no distractions.
It's a great LOVE song, too.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE those early Chicago songs. Oh, man, such a great sound!
DYNAMITE SOUND, EXCELLENT ARRANGEMENT....Along with Level 42, Stealy Dan WONDERFUL Competent MUSICANS can Play their "AXE"...Classic Chicago....Peter Cetera excellent Singer/Songwriters..Just frickin real🌞✌️
A song with deep emotion. Probably their finest hour. Alot of subtext especially in the climatic second half. Completely stirring and unforgettable.
I just saw Chicago in concert and they played 100% their old music with no new music. They blew the roof off.
Beginnings is my favorite song from any band. Ever. Chicago is my favorite band. Being an Illinois girl, I’ve loved them my whole life.
Tied for favorite with Make Me Smile as all time favorite Chicago song
This was their one outstanding album.
This sound is a treat to your ears, a classic tune tha will never die
One of the best outros ever!
Welcome brother!!! Start at the beginning and listen thru.........What you will find is the sound tracks of millions of peoples lives.....
This song is a masterpiece. Always loved this.
The horns... I love good music..they are Blood, sweat & Tears ... and Chicago...
.....Chicago kicks ass.
Nothing beats early Chicago before Terry's death. That's when Chicago changed direction
Oh the other lead singer was great also...saw them in 2004...they played for almost 3 hours .. fantastic.
if by changing direction you mean plummeting off the cliff
@@chetstevens4583 Exactly. They changed direction WAAAAY before Kath died.
Chicago was my very first concert at the age of 13 in 1974 at the Houston Astrodome. They were AWESOME
That whole album is the bomb!
thanks so much for playing these great songs! I was lucky enough to grow up listening to these incredible tunes! Love your channel!!!
Chicago 17 was my favorite album of theirs.
I'm surprised that there is not more reactions to this song. Old Chicago had many great songs, but this one may be my favorite.
Welcome to early Chicago, love it.
This song has such a big band sound to it that was the predominant sound in the 40s love early Chicago such a beautiful mix
The most beautiful and perfect love song ❤
Brings me back to my elementary school days...my first favorite group along with Earth, Wind, and Fire...and would you know? They still tour today, and sometimes together! The "early" Chicago was their BEST...the "band" sound can't be beat!! And of course, missing Terry later didn't help...LOVE IT!!
This song is one of my favorites Terry Kath is one of the most underrated guitarists this guitar is the only song where the open high E string is played through the whole song
Love "Chicago!" A really unique sound. You could always tell it was them. They had a string of hits in the 70's.
I like Chicago with Terry or Peter as lead. Their vocals are so different but excellent. Great comments and analysis Harri.
You are forgetting Robert Lamm who sings lead on this incredible song!
Thank you Joe! I don't want to forget him!
Just so you know Robert Lamm sings LEAD on this song, not Kath. Cetera and Kath are backing him. Lamm sang some good Chicago songs too.
Might be the greatest first album by a group ever. Double Album no less. 55 years later its still fresh. Crazy how great they were right from the start
The best album ever by CTA, The Chicago Transit Authority, as they were known then. Great song.
Yes this is not Chicago. It is Chicago Transit Authority or CTA as we called them back in the late 60's. They became Chicago in 1969... the year I graduated from HS. Prior to that they did local gigs doing other people's songs. Most of them were students at DePaul and Roosevelt (where I later worked). Around the time of the Democratic Convention riot (1968) things changed and they headed to the West Coast, started doing their own songs and changed their name to Chicago after a smashingly good first album... Chicago Transit Authority. That album rocketed practically out of nowhere to stardom. Chicago 2 or the Chicago album sealed their destiny as the group we all know as Chicago. The actual name change happened after the CTA album was released. second half of '69 or maybe early 1970. I don't remember exactly when.
The people are basically the same but they come from different places or musical spaces if you wish. I still have the original CTA vinyl album (and Chicago 2 vinyl). I was born in Chicago and I LOVE this group and always have.
My absolute favorite Chicago song!🥰
Horn and drum and voice together. Awesome.
I love this song. Thank you for doing the reaction!
The best Chicago song ever
One of the greatest debut albums ever.
Pete Cetera is playing the bass. Incredible bass work.
Groups that can jam like they do at the end of this are the true definition of musicians - improvisational creativity.. when you see bands in concert it’s awesome .. seen them do it, allman brothers, grateful dead! , Santana which was - best non- Bruce concert I’ve ever seen..,
Think of all the wonderful music there will be in Heaven, if we get such good music already on Earth.
Robert Lamm wrote and sang lead on this....this is hands down one of THE best debut albums ever and it's a double album to boot, they were something, those first 5 albums are gold.
Peter Cetera was there since the beginnings (pun intended) 1967 to 1985 Robert lamb the keyboard player and composer sang it and CETERA was backing vocals and bass!
that whole first album is fantastic
Cetera was with them from the beginning . He was great during this era and later became a lounge singer . They had 3 great singers during this era of Cetera , Lamn and Kath . Once Kath had passed on this group really went downhill though they have managed to stay around all these years ... Danny Serphine is one of the best rock drummers ever . All you have to do is sit down with a good pair of headphones on and listen to this guy play drums. A true virtuosoe . The "beginning" of the end was after about the 7th or 8th album . this initial album is one of the all time classics and a masterpiece .
This was my wedding song, 51 years ago. Chicago is a great group with great songs.
Terry Kath was a great blues guitarist and admired by Jimi Hendrix.
it's also different because Robert Lamm wrote and sang this song
Was always a favorite for me of Chicago !!
For me, the inclusion of Robert Foster and the “reduction/ elimination/ banishing” of the horn section & the heavy handed dose of “syrup” assured I would never again purchase a Chicago album. ☹️
Totally agree - David Foster ruined them.
Yup David Foster ruined them
Please do COLOR MY WORLD by Chicago featuring Terry Kath singing ! Love Chicago!
The Terry Kath era is the best of Chicago. He was the soul of the band and when he died that era of Chicago's music died with him. They have gone through several iterations since then but know that the singer and writer of this song keyboard player Robert Lamm and the trombone player (Jimmy Pankow) and the trumpet player (Lee Loughnane) are still touring and making music to this very day in 2022 with support musicians. Can't keep music like this down. More than 50 yrs of music.. quite an accomplishment.
When I was a teenager 16 yrs old I use to listen with my best friend to them & most people just called them funky. Now it's great to hear them at 67yrs old.
That build up with the trumpets love it
Actually Peter was there then. It was David foster who changed their sound on the 16th album. They went from a jazz rock band to a ballad band. Such a great band sold out to commercial success.
Definitely watch the "Saturday In the Park/Does Anybody Know What Time It Is" performance from their 1974 ABC concert special at Caribou Ranch, Colorado! It's on here!
I love just watching your face, the way you really get into the music and words, I can tell that you are a musician!!
Hey there Harri, Chicago is what you would call "Rock & Roll Royalty!!!" I've had the privilege of seeing them perform live on several occasions and they never disappoint!!! Please react to another one of their classic gems titled: "CALL ON ME" you'll be glad you did too!!!
There's a Russian group that has toured the U.S. for the last few years
and they are called 'Leonid & Friends'. They are the most polished
musicians and singers you can imagine and many Chicago fans think
they're actually superior. Leonid & Friends do many, many Chicago
songs in addition to Beginnings and if you listen to them on CZcams
they will blow your mind !
Agreed. Watching videos of them is truly rewarding thanks to their musicianship and their enthusiasm.
I love how you -most likely totally unintentionally- used ‘polished’ for a Russian band. 😁
Love Leonid and Friends!!!! Seen them twice!
I absolutely love Leónid and Friends! They do such note for note perfect versions of Chicago, and they are not to be missed!
@@wallihaley5194 Just an amazing ensemble of talent, whether we're talking
vocally or musical instrument perfection. However, throughout all of Russia
they were not able to find someone comparable to Peter Cetera and had to
go to Ukraine in order to find him.
I saw my favorite artist recently - bruuuuuce - and for this tour he has a five man horn section which is just incredible
Simply put,it's like a carnival going on in your head.
Terry’s guitar work is incredible in this song.
Peter Cetera was in the band at this time from 1967-1985
They are so so talented
Thank you Harri and Gray Beard Music Man!! Takes me back to the Beginning.
Chicago has that positive jazz vibe .
Peter Cetera was always there from the beginning; he's playing that bass line you're talking about, AND that's his voice near the end singing "ONLY THE BEGINNING" yes that's Peter Cetera. As the years would progress, his voice contributions would definitely increase. He was part of alot of their 70s vocal sounds as well as later when the band became a soft rock outfit (much to my dismay frankly)
Back then, big sound... 2 drummers.
This is the best album, forget the others
On this same debut album is Poem 58. It opens with a funk sound you would never believe came from seven white dudes from Chicago, the soul and funk is pure mind blowing music. Terry Kath's guitar playing shows why Jimi Hendrix told the band that their guitar player was better than Jimi himself. Peter Cetera underlays that track with some great bass and Danny Seraphine on drums makes for a beat you won't believe.
That opening 4½ minutes instrumental will leave you gasping for air before the song takes a turn that only Chicago could have pulled off. Trust me on this. Poem 58. It is a MUST for anyone experiencing early Chicago. THAT WAS CHICAGO! 🎸
So great Harri!!! Chicago phenomenal band!!! 25 0 624 is a MUST LIVE...IT'S ON CZcams. Or any of Chicago's songs live version. ..Harri you would Love I Promise you. "Diamonds in your ears " ♡♡