This is the best album Chicago did, followed by Chicago II and III (don't get me wrong because they did do some great music in later albums but just not as powerful). Why do I say this? Because they blended hard rock with jazz better than any group I've ever heard of that era and that includes Blood, Sweat and Tears. They were political revolutionaries and having lived during the turmoil of the late 60s, this just appealed to me. They were a new sound at that time and they hit a home run with this monster. The late Terry Kath was one of the best guitarists of his generation and belonged in the company of Hendrix IMO. Robert Lamm and Peter Cetera lead the group with powerful vocals. James Pankow was the leader of brass arrangements and Daniel Seraphine played the drums with precisioned rhythm. Together the group presented a definite message that lives today and belongs in the library of any classic rock enthusiast. Highlights include: 'Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?, 'Beginnings', 'Questions 67 & 68' and the Spencer Davis Group remake 'I'm A Man'.

I saw CTA in concert about the time the second album came out. The tore through most of the material on the CTA album. Amazing performance. One of the tightest and musically gifted groups ever. Too bad they started to fade after the second album. Ah well it was great in those early days and probably the majority of listeners prefer the softer, gentler later version of the group. Terry Kath was a terrific guitarist.

Best thing they ever recorded. Sounds dated now, but when it came out no one had the balls to lay down solid horns (BS&T sorta) like this. Worth having for "I'm A Man".

If you have heard one Chicago song you have heard them all. More pop then Rock and not much to it.

Easily their best album, "Free Form Guitar" is an unnecessary feedback drenched experimental instrumental, but everything else works, though "Liberation" is way too long. "Poem 58," especially the second, somewhat ominous part of it is great, as is "Listen," the bluesy "South California Purples" and the hits "Questions 67 and 68," an outstanding take on the Spencer Davis hit "I'm a Man," "Beginnings," and "Does Anyone Really Know What Time It Is?" They wrecked their legacy after, say, 1972, but in this period, they could play and sing very, very well, especially underrated drummer Danny Seraphine,the great guitarist Terry Kath, keyboardist/ vocalist Robert Lamm, and Peter Cetera, who at the time was a great tenor and magnificient bassist, and not a recorder of saccharine drivel that one might hear as the background music for an episode of General Hospital.

anybody who trashes this album is a terd not only does my godfather play on this album but its the only album with that experemntal guitar solo from my godfather

This band started very well, but went downhill fast after their first 4 albums. This, their first, is excellent.

Chicago, when they first started, and when they stole the show from other acts appearing that same night.

one of the top 25 most important albums of the 70s!

CTA is easilly the best Chicago album in terms of quality. Terry Kath's guitar prowess is at it's highest caliber, and you will see that the Jazz Rock label is actualy a gross misnomer, and Chicago is really and truly a rock and roll band with horns! Robert Lamm's compositions (merely calling them 'songs' just doesn't do them justice) are stellar. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is is a still-valid social commentary, augmented by a Lamm piano intro. Questions 67 & 68 is destined to go down as one of the most overlooked tracks in the band's catalog, and rarely gets the airplay it deserves. Peter Cetera's soaring vocals, and the majestic horn lines turn this into a true gem. Beginnings proves to be a most heartfelt song, possibly the least mushy love song the band recorded in a career full of unusually mushy love songs. I'm A Man allows Kath, Cetera, and Lamm all a chance to sing lead, while Kath's guitar just burns through this Steve Winwood cover. Introduction, Poem 58, Liberation, and South California Purples all allow extended jams, to show the enormous skill of the Kath, Cetera, and Seraphine, with the horns punching in at all the right moments. But there are weak spots. Liberation, clockng in at 14 or so minutes tends to drag, while Beginnings and I'm A Man have needless percussion codas. Free Form Guitar is absolutely useless. Terry's real mettle is shown in the album's other tracks, not this avant-garde garbage. Overall, CTA shows you just want Chicago is capable of more than any other band, and outlines the astronomic talent and potential these seven musicans possess.

The first ever to truly integrate Horns With Rock...Terry Kath is incredible...Try to realize this is these guys first ever album... And then accept the depth of some of the material found on CTA....

the greatest album of all time

The alblum that started it all. Again, how the hell can these guys continually get overlooked for the Rock N Roll hall of Fame!!!!!????

A great album !!!!

This is a fantastic album!!! "Beginnings" is my very favorite Chicago song! I still remember getting this album when it first came out....MANY years ago!!

Chicago is the all-time best group. Just think about it...who else has had so many top hits and been around for 34 plus years. Their music is timeless and ageless. I've been to two concerts this year and have 3 to go, what I notice at each one is the range of ages attending. I also belong to their fan club...there are 15 as well as 50+ people participating. The band members are also very genuine. They are a great group of guys. I know I speak on behalf of alot of Chicago fans when I say we are sure they will be in the Hall of Fame soon! Thanks!