Put on a little 'Chicago' watch a little 'Conan the Barbarian' life is good.

If bands such as Van Halen, AC/DC and Blondie are Hall material then Chicago is a no brainer what with their incredible commercial and pop success not to mention longevity.  It's been said many times but deserves to be repeated:  no American band besides the Beach Boys has been more successful than Chicago.  Add the creativity of guitarist Terry Kath and the novelty of a rock band with horns and it would seem the induction judges must have apersonal bias against the band to keep them out of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

With their jazzy rock sound and smooth listening they have stayed at my number one favoirte band of all time.

I'm with Oscargamblesfro on theese dweebs.I fart in their general direction.

A tad arrogant and grandiose to name one's band after a big city. In this case i think that Hicksville (Ohio) more apt.

Regretfully gets a point off for their post-Cetera (almost post-Kath too) stuff.

Chicago was such a great group before they gave in to the pop scene. They were the first group to incorperate horns into their style which made them unique.

Vote for Chicago (and other deserving but overlooked bands and artists) into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at: http://www.rateitall.com/t-2529-deserving-of-the-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame.aspx

I have to disagree on the category here..."soft rock?" Sure based on their '80s output, maybe. But these guys have been making music since the late '60s. Nothing on their debut album, Chicago Transit Authority, is "soft rock!" I will leave the comments about their '80s and '90s career to those posters who only know "You're the Inspiration." This band was in peak form from 1970 to 1976. "VII" and "X" are their best records and have gotten better with time--just like a fine wine. "17," the David Foster-produced slick record from 1984, sounds like 1984. Listen to "VII" for an unmatched listening experience. Quite simply one of the greatest records of the '70s.

These guys rock!

If we are talking about the very talented original Chicago that was very good up till c.1972, it would be a 4. If we are talking about the 1973-1976 version of that original band, that began its easy listening descent into musical Tartarus but would still put out a decent tune from time to time it's about 2.5 If we are describing the Peter Cetera huge hit ballad/ post- Terry Kath's unfortunate death era, of the 80's and beyond, a one is too kind. Overall, a three because they were great in the early days.

I like their stuff from the 70s, but I don't care for their sound after that.

I never sat down and listened to a early album from Chicago before, but i say they made some great hits. I think they were at their peak when Peter Cetera was in the band. I guess they are still together, but i have not heard any hits. The only recent album i seen was a christmas album. About two years ago, i purchased Rhino's two CD set of The Very Best of Chicago/Only The Beginning. It comes with 39 hits from the years 1969 to 1995 plus a book with a biography and pictures. Great Buy!

A few hits but otherwise over rated and usually over produced. How did all those guys eat?

I still remember getting kicked out of church when I was 3 for singing Just You and Me at the top of my lungs for 15 minutes straight. Just you me, simple and free... life is so easy, when you're beside me ... ohhh girl! come hold me close, yeah... never release me...oh! baby don't release me! LOL :-) Their four CD box set of nothing but hits speaks for itself.

I remember listening to Chicago in the 1970s when i was in high school. I loved some of their music. I liked the fact that they had a larger sized band so not only did you hear just guitars, keyboard and drums. there was also a lot of brass included. some of my favorites were Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?,Make me Smile,etc, I only have a couple of their albums. but they bring nice memories. Not only did I like the songs but also the instruments.

Once Peter Cetera left an eon ago, I lost interest. Nice harmonies in their 70's and early 80's material.

This group of unmerry men started out purveying Vegas schmaltz masquerading as 'Jazz Rock' and ended with truly unlistenable ballads that virtually defined the current 'Adult Contemporary' format. Truly a band ahead of its time!

Say what you will about their music. When a group can sell over 120 million records they must be doing something right. I'm tired of being fed a constant formula of indiscernable ranting and teeny-bopper Pop. music that is so prevalent on the airwaves today. Instead, I'm going back and listening to groups like Chicago for the type of songs that have musical, lyrical and production intergrity that is matched by few bands throughout recorded music history. While they may not all be the "prettiest" guys in the business, it's all about the quality of songs in this band - not about fashion statements. They've demonstrated over the years their ability to write/play music that exhibits qualities of Rock, Jazz, Latin and country. This was long before this type of practice/musical interpretation was in vogue. Bravo, Chicago! One of the few FIVE STAR bands!

For all the negative posts... If you only ever heard a couple of songs or one tape, it makes sense for your poor ratings of Chicago. This band has a truly diversified sound that can only be appreciated by digging a little deeper than listening to Rick Dees' top 40 or reading Rolling Stone Magazine. Both of which continue to worship the pop idol of the week.... Chicago has released some fluff, but other than perhaps The Beatles, who hasn't? I wonder what you would do to keep your job for 36 years and counting....

The group keeps getting better and better. I have been a fan since I first saw them in 1977. Great music and musicianship. I dare anyone to name a better group of musicians. Their original rhythm lineup (Kath, Cetera, Seraphine and Lamm) may be the best ever put together. Kath is completely underrated and Seraphine is the finest drummer I have ever heard.

One of the most diverse and talented bands to ever play. Should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Talented group of MUSICIANS who can do it all - compose, arrange, sing, and play any type of material from rock to jazz to ballads. Their success is rather obvious, with 20 Top 10 hits, about 50 hit singles, and nearly 20 albums of original material over 35 years. They went through some tough times after the untimely death of Terry Kath and released some pretty lame stuff, but to their credit reinvented themselves as a pop band (though I prefer their older material). This band has always been subject to criticism, mostly I think because people like to put a label on things and this group can't be easily categorized. They were at their best when they were creative and experimented with all different types of music. Looks like they are rated like most bands: you love 'em or you hate 'em, and it all averages out to 'OK'!!

Chicago is a criminally underrated band. I mean, really, give the general record buying public of the '70's some credit, these guys had a lot of merit. Their songwriting prowess ranged from sure-fire pop (Saturday In The Park, Feelin' Stronger Every Day) to all-out rock (In The Country, 25 or 6 to 4), to heartfelt ballads (If You Leave Me Now, Just You'N'Me). It's sad how corrupt corporate moguls like those in charge of Rolling Stone Magazine keep this band from getting its due. Some Chicago albums that warrant checking out include: CTA, V, XI, and 19. This band has an unparralleled range of material, and is perhaps the most needlessly overlooked Classic Rock outfit for modern listeners.

Wow, you could not possibly come up with greater more creative album titles than these guys did. Chicago I, Chicago II, Chicago III, Chicago XXXVII...but that's not what I don't like about them. I find them to be kind of annoying. There is only one of their songs that I really like, and that's "I Don't Wanna Live Without Your Love". But most of their work is love songs that have become so cliched that it's hard to enjoy them anymore. I wish I could give them a higher rating...their instrumentals are great. But the songs are just not innovative or meaningful enough for me to enjoy them more than most catchy love songs. Take care, everyone!

THE BEST BAND OF ALL TIME! And I dont mean by popularity or how many people they get in concert..their collective skill as musicians is beyond compare! They epitomize the TEAM concept, something that a band full of egos or solo artists miserably fail to comprehend in today's business.

A band so great they named a city after it!

These guys are the BEST! All accomplished musicans dedicated to bringing us the best music of it's kind anywhere.

love their music, and especially Bill Champlin

By intergrate the hornsection in rock they added something complete new to rockmusic. They also were capable in writing beautiful songs.

One of the truly great bands of all time. 35 years, numerous line-up changes, yet these guys have done it all. I can't think of a more diverse group, the Beatles come close, yet they don't have the catalog of music Chicago has. I've seen them live 48 times, they simply cook on stage. If you haven't seen them live and you are afforded the chance to do so, I hope you go to see them. You won't be dissappointed.

Great music for all tastes. Many think they are only a ballad band. For years, the ONLY ballad was Colour My World. 39 hit singles. Three vocalists-tenor,midrange,and bass give outstanding harmony.The horn section blows any band away. The number one American band without a doubt.

one of the best bands in history!

I have been a fan of this great band for many years and in my opinion they are the best thing to ever happen to the music industry. Jason, Tris, James, Robert, Keith, Bill, Lee, Walt they all belong in the rock and roll hall of fame and I hope that one day it will become a reality, till then thanks for 35 years of great music and here's to many more.

They most certainly deserve to be in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. They have been around since 1967 and STILL tour!!!!! Their last album (Chicago 25 live) sounded great.

A wonderful long lasting band. Still touring and yes, great love songs.

Great only for Bill Champlin who has been the only reason I show an interest in this band.

The best band ever!

just a great collection of rock songs that stand the test of time. very uplifting and positive from a true rock giant

Chicago forever!!!!

Truly a pioneer in the rock industry... Radio killed there innovation on vinyl and CD but not when performing live...Look beyond the ballads that the record producers and radio demanded and you will see what I mean...

terrible!

one of the greatest bands of all time, think about it three great lead vocalist, peter cetera, terry kath, robert lamm, the chicago horns #1,now everyone uses a horn section, terry kath awsome on guitar one of the worlds greatest, and danny serphine on drums,how many bands pound for pound can top this line-up,think about???

I am a sucker for a good sappy ballad and these guys make great ones.

I love their early work. They used a unique combination of rock and jazz. One of the best groups of the 70s.

Sucks!

Tho their musicianship was somewhat limited, they did compose a few nice songs and they're good people.

Chicago is one of the best groups of all time.

Great love songs and still going strong after 34 years !!!!! As a matter of fact they still tour and will be returning to the studio to record Chicago 27 in 2002. It's too bad ellajedlicka 21 doesn't understand that Chicago's popularity is based on the fan level and not the so called 'experts'. If an 'expert' gives a bad review to a movie I guess ellajedlicka 21 wouldn't go see it, right? Hey, how about a little independent thought!! If it makes you that sick, go see a doctor..... You have my vote for 'dumb post of the month'.

one o the greatiest