You guys think this song is A+ or S?! Because I'm having second thoughts..leaning S ❤‍🔥

"only the beginning, what I want to feel forever". That says it all.

A&A, you'll love their “Feeling Stronger Everyday”, “Make Me Smile”, and “Question 67 And 68”!!! Terry Kath era Chicago is best!

The kind of song that makes you ask, "Why doesn't EVERY band have a brass section?" Seriously, there's something about good horn players that gives you that carefree, glad-to-be-alive feeling like nothing else.

My wife was a huge Chicago fan. I wouldn't have listened to them that much had she not been such a fan, for that I'm thankful. They are fantastic. She would have loved to have seen your positive reactions to this song. I've been missing her a lot tonight and your video made me feel her presence again. Thank you.

That horn arrangement. That Bass. Those drums. Perfection.

Finally! This song is almost a spiritual experience. For over 50 years this has been one of my favorite songs. S-tier. Period.

These guys were amazing. When Jimmy Page says they were one of his 2 favorite American bands that speaks volumes

I am reliving my youth right now was about 18-19 trying to figure out my future. Music was the language of my generation and it was amazing

"feeling stronger everyday" "questions 67 and 68" "make me smile" "dialogue part 1 and 2" !!!!!!!!!

THIS is Chicago for me. The early era when it was new and experimental and fresh. I was just a kid of 9/10 when this was released but this tune really touched me.

Dude, that trombone at the end is HUGE. I love that bone. It gets featured so rarely, but THIS. It is key to the end of the song.

Life-long Chicago fan here. Seen them live 32 times. THIS is my favorite song by them.

S tier all the way. One of Chicago's finest songs. A gorgeous, expansive masterpiece.

Trombone solos are what rock was missing at this point.

The drummer is founding member Danny Seraphine. A beast on the drums who got one of the rawest deals in Rock and Roll, but went on to do quite well for himself.

This is what happens when you put together classicly trained bad ass musicians, you get true INCREDIBLE!

This is one of the best introductions to themselves that a band ever had. Side A of their first album. It was a double album. That takes guts to make your first album a double. This song was part of the launch of a great band. I'm glad that Leonid and Friends have worked hard to keep all o0f this great musicality alive. They knew good musicianship when they heard it.

I can't believe how musically spoiled I have been. This album played, in tight rotation, with other classics at my 11 year old summer camp. I was well versed in this band before puberty. I had slow danced, not alone, to half of this stuff. No wonder I'm a music snob.

The drummer, Danny Seraphine, was a jazz trained drummer. Robert Lamm di the vocals and keyboards. Terry Kath was lead guitarist. He died in 77 from a gun related accident. Bass guitarist and one of the lead vocals was Peter Cetera, he sang lead on many of their songs, like 25 or 6 to 4. The horn section was Lee Loughnane on trumpet, Walt Parazaider on alto sax and flute, and Jimmy Pankow on trombone. Though there has been many turn overs with the original members, the group is still going strong. They are amazing. But I will say that I miss every one of the original members. Peter Cetera went solo in 1985. Danny Seraphine left next, Walt had to retire due to health reasons. So there are 3 original members left. Just a bit of history on the greatest but most underrated rock group in the rock genre. Do some research on them. They have a great story. Sad, funny, but awesome story.

It's an S Tier album." Introduction" is great, "Questions 67 and 68" is great, you guys already did "I'm A Man", and "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is". If I were to say where to go next, it would be "Make Me Smile" off of Chicago II, similar sauce to this one.

What a fun reaction! That outro is epic. When you come back around to Chicago again, PLEASE react to “Wishing You Were Here” - Terry Kath on lead vocals, members of The Beach Boys providing harmony vocals for the chorus, and Peter Cetera singing the bridge. It’s absolutely sublime!

It’s the “Beginnings”of a love affair. “When I kiss you, I feel a thousand different feelings”

Danny Saraphine is an awesome drummer. Terry Kath was in the top 3 guitar players from that era. Such a collection of greats.

The horn break, particularly the trombone solo just leaves me out! The whole song is perfectly done, flawlessly performed, and it’s a classic! Chicago, as famous as it is, is one of the most underrated rock bands ever. Incredible music! Particularly those first two albums.

Chicago has been on the charts for a long long time with its first big hit in 1970 MAKE ME SMILE sung by guitarist Terry Kath. Chicago has had 21 top 10 singles, 11 number one singles and Chicago is the first American rock band to chart top 40 albums in 5 decades, what an accomplishment. My top 3 Chicago songs are FEELIN' STRONGER EVERYDAY, BEGINNINGS and DIALOGUE PT 1&2. Love your picks guys and the diversity.

“Make Me Smile” is the song you’ll want to hear next. Same soulful, gritty vocals and magnificent horns as “Beginnings,” only turned up to 11, plus a great guitar solo. And be sure to listen to the single version: The album version just segues into the next song, while the single adds a spectacular ending. (EDIT: The 4: 25 single, not the 3-minute single!)

There was a book I read in the 70’s called “Eric”, written by Doris Lund, which was the true story of her son’s losing battle with cancer. It was an unforgettably powerful story. Throughout his illness, Eric would listen to “Beginnings” by Chicago, which would lift him up with hope and confidence whenever he felt defeated and sick. Ever since I read that book, I’ve felt this song as a truly uplifting experience. Will always be in my top ten.

This is very emblematic of the incredible musicianship in the 60s and 70s and the great bands were always trying to one-up each other. This is an amazing recording.

A&A Danny is a phenomenal drummer. Check out the studio version of “ feeling stronger every day” he’s amazing!!

One of their most important songs for us in HS was "Colour My World" because you could slow dance to it. We sang it in Choir and anyone could play it on the piano. 🎹 ( I think more were conceived to Colour. Don't underestimate the slow dance A&A)

I am so glad you gave a shout out to Leonid and Friends. That's fantastic. They are awesome.

The lyrics are about the beginning of a relationship when everything thing seems magical and all things are possible. The music just elevates it to another dimension.

I've been waiting for this one. When I was in high school in 1971, the "Stage Band" played at halftime of a basketball game, with a big brass section, bass, full drums, and guitar. The band teacher, who played jazz trumpet on weekends, took center court with two student trombone players, and played this song to a standing ovation. There were 8 of us in the stands playing percussion instruments, and I got to play the wood blocks, which I think was the first percussion instrument here. We played for 5 minutes at the end, and everybody went nuts, and it was one of the highlights of my time in the band.

You know the music is special when it brings tears to your eyes. So so good.

Chicago was originally inspired to form a band with a huge horn section when they heard the Beatles song "Got To Get You Into My Life" with its big horn section. That's why Bobby Lamm sings that line as a tribute, "I've got to get you into my life"

i don't know what's more mesmerizing- listening to this song which i've always loved or looking at your faces during the song

This was a super popular song for Chicago. I love this song, thank you for your reactions. The vocals, the drums, the horns, Claves and shakers at that end and muted cow bell. Chicago had a drummer and a percussionist. Holy Crap the production on this song is perfection. This is easy S tier for me. ..and think about what year this dropped! 8 or 16 track analog tape. Chicago were masters. What do you say, guys?

Definite S. The only problem I have with Chicago is they made me think I could fulfill my Rock and Roll dreams even though I only played the trombone. Turns out Rock music only has so much room for trombones.

The composition is so freakin' tight and matches perfectly with the feeling of the lyrics. This has been an S tier song for me over several decades.

70,s music will never be duplicated! Talent isn,t required now day,s?? Just name recognition, and a computer, and pro tools!!

I have always believed that Chicago, at the very beginning, was the very best band that there was. This may be one of the very first albums I bought, and this was one of the first songs I played. "introduction" was probably the first.

This song, along with "Make Me Smile" & others, were all huge radio hits in the early '70s.

Danny Seraphine is amazing. Most listen to the vocals and horns, but if you listen to Danny, you'll hear how incredibly difficult the drums are with Chicago. Doubs and trips all over the place, complicated kick adds and so much more. Just incredible.

Chicago is just so damn amazing. So grateful I grew up with this music! My high school years had the absolutely freakin' best music!

Glad you did the long version of this. The end part was usually cut off on the radio

A proper introduction to one of the most successful distinct and enduring bands in rock history. That was their original name.. 'Chicago Transit Authority', the name of our public transit system here. That is until the CTA said no no no can't use it, and they became simply Chicago. Best advice they ever got!

In answer to the question “can they do it live?” I saw them do it live at least a half a dozen times and the answer is a resounding yes! My favorite band in the seventies, especially the first two albums.

Beginnings is My favorite Chicago song, I have been WAITING for you to get to this!! The drums are insane, and When the horns go Ham, I just lose it. It’s a masterpiece.

If you live this you wil love Blood Sweat and Tears- "I Can't Quit You" since it is as if Chicago and CCR had a baby

I don't know if this has been mentioned. All the original band members had music degrees from DePaul university in Chicago, except for the guitarist Terry Kath who the other band members said was the best musician in the band. Robert Lamm composed and sang lead vocals on this one. Imaging having 3 lead singers! Makes for fantastic harmonies. S tier!

Freshman year of college, 1972/73. I’d come back to the dorm from the library or the gym or from getting a late bite to eat. Walking down the hall to my room, as you passed open doorways you could hear Chicago, Steely Dan, War, Rod Stewart, Elton John, The Moody Blues, and many, many others. It was an amazing time for music. Thanks, guys, for bringing back so many good memories.

Check out Chicago's live version of "Beginnings" at the Tanglewood concert in 1970.

Yes, they were awesome live!!! Fingers crossed for Donnie Iris “Ah! Leah!”🤘🔥

You guys talked about them doing this live, well, this early vintage of the band were filmed live at Tanglewood and it’s definitely worth a viewing. The film is unusually good for the era. Great reaction.

I'm 70 now and through high school and several years after this was my favorite band. The mix of brass and rock is perfect.

Literally cut my teeth on Chicago, back in '69, I was 10, and showed interest in music to the point that my mom bought me this album and I was immediately hooked, Years later, l was a AM jock at the local radio station, playing this music to the masses, and turning a new generation on to this "once in a generation" band. Rock ON!!

Great song with outstanding vocals from Robert Lamm, one of the 3 truly great original lead vocalists in the band (along with Cetera and Kath). Still with the band, recent live recordings of this song show his vocals are just as good as ever. This song is now the fan favorite of Chicago concerts due to Lamm (better than Cetera impersonation vocals, since nobody can sing like him).

Peter Cetera's bass playing style reminds me a lot of Paul McCartney's. It's very melodic. I don't think he gets enough props in that regard.

Chicago is one of the greatest assemblies of musicians ever. This still sounds incredible nearly 60 yrs later! You'll love "Purples" Andy and Alex

Only the Beginning … of What I want to Feel Forever ! Great Love song !

"Feeling Stronger Every Day". It combines everything great about this band.

Most underrated band of our time. and the most DIVERSE....

Danny and Peter absolutely killed it, killed it, KILLED it on this song!. There is no overstating how great they were.

My rating: A+. Hey guys, how about Blood Sweat and Tears?!? “And When I Die” and “God Bless the Child”! I’m tellin’ ya, I don’t give up easy. On another note, you’re the best of all of my music reaction subscriptions!! Seriously, I’m not just saying that.

To me the greatest song they ever did! I was in HS when CTA hit. BOOM! Crazy good. Seraphim the drummer is too under appreciated. Phenom. Had 3 lead singers, interchangeable. Brass crew is better than USC Band. If you ever get a chance to see them you’ll lose your mind. Thank y’all for this b

If you haven't done "Make Me Smile" yet, watch Rick Beato's "What makes this song great" review of it. It makes me love that song even more!!

....and we're back.....Dude, I've been listening to this song since I was 7. I am now 61! It's ALWAYS been S tier for me.

"How many honorroll students were concieved to this song?" is still my favorite A&A line - and there are so many good ones.

The live version of this song from Tanglewood is outstanding. The whole show actually and it’s here on KZfaq

Would love to see you guys react to Leonid & Friends. They are a cover band out of Russia that does mostly Chicago songs and many people have said they sound as good if not better than Chicago itself. Just about everything they've put out is flawless. Their version of 25 or 6 to 4 is absolute fire! ❤‍🔥

Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon studio version off Chicago II is a must, It is simply perfection. Make Me Smile as well as Colour My World are part of this piece. The band is firing on all cylinders here.

The Lyris are actually pretty simple: Only the Beginning of what i want to feel forever: The feelings of love and with that special person you hope last a lifetime and forever not just when love begins: It's a cool love song that becomes so dynamic and more meaningful per electrifying horns and percussion power. Easy to get so lost in this song and the words considering the amazing instrumentation and musicianship here. Terry Kath and "Beginnings" Chicago their initial releases and albums was amazing. This album hit and the singles and Chicago already became legendary.

I hope they go through a lot more than just a song from this LP it's amazing

Robert Lamb sings this, having three lead singers, Pete Setera (bass) and Terry Kath (guitar) plus the horn players singing gives them such rich vocals. I'm fairly certain that James Pankow (trombone) wrote most of their songs. He was the leader of the group, even though Pete Setera was the only member to go solo.

The best trombone solo in rock n roll! What?? A trombone solo in rock n roll? Hell yes!

Probably the best drummer and lead guitarist of any rock outfit.

I love the lyrics of this song. The lack of rhyming meter gives it a sweet honesty that is particularly endearing. The excitement of a new love is pure joy. And the bombastic jamming the drums and horns mirror conveys that emotion well. This song always makes me smile.

The last 2 minutes of the song has always felt to me like a celebration of love ❤️

Make Me Smile needs to be heard in the multi-part song cycle known as "Ballet for a Girl in Buchannon." It is Chicago at their best. Approximately 13 minutes in length. C'mon guys, you can do it!

This album came out when I was a junior in high school.. I went to many dances where they played this song. I just loved it I love the way he describes his feelings and how to express them and the colors that are involved in what you're feeling. This this is one of my favorite songs

Love this song so much. It still gives me chills. When I was in high school, I played it in my room so often and so loud I’m sure everyone could hear it. My poor dad. He played trombone and he hated rock n roll, but I like to believe he secretly kind of liked the horns in this song - especially the trombone solos.

This is an amazing song. It's amazing how great this band was from 69-74.

I'm glad you guys play the songs all the way through without interrupting them to talk, like so many other reaction channels do.

I saw Chicago 4 times in the first years that they were touring. Live, this band would just flat wear you out from rocking you so hard. Fantastic live band. The first album is a masterpiece.

Introduction is the BOLDEST first track off a first album maybe ever. It’s a musical carnival, and it’s brilliant. DEFINITELY worth a react!

Three cheers for PERCUSSION (and HORNS)!!! 🎺🎷👏🏼💕

Only my all time FAVORIE Chicago tune! Great Reaction as usual..SO much musicianship in this band...

Terry Kath was a GOD given talented genius... his era of Chicago cannot be topped in the bands history.

You’re gonna love ❤️ this tune. Also, it only beat Elton John’s Madman Across the Water, by 3%. So, definitely gotta check that out soon. 😃

Why are the production values so good on these bands from the 60s and 70s, it's crazy how good these producers/engineers were that decade?

Such a great reaction, guys! Cannot begin to tell you how many great 50+ year old memories this song brings to mind. Chicago’s musicianship was brilliant and unparalleled, especially for its time. More, please!

seems no one ever reacts to the first song on this album, called Introduction....it's actually a 7 min+ intro to the band that is kind of spectacular...although my fav from this album will always be South California Purples...never a big hit except on late night FM shows of the time....give it a listen!!

Song absolutely belongs to Danny Seraphine.

This whole album is my absolute fave of theirs. So glad you guys got around to “Beginnings.” S tier, IMO. It never fails to give me goose bumps. 🥰

You guys need to do more Chicago...they have a couple HUNDRED great songs.

So many great voices - rhythm guitar and horns and percussion and drums and vocals and and and. Hats off to the engineers and producer to get them all "blended" while giving each a pathway to cut thru at just the right time. Outstanding all the way around.

Danny's drumming 🥁👍

Guys, you passed up the first 2 songs: "Introduction" and "Does Anyone Really know what Time it is?" are both 6+ minute songs. Great Songs. I saw them play the album one their first tour in 1969 in San Francisco. Great, great band. BTW they played that full album as 2 single set...non stop.

❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍 Chicago was nominated for The Grammy's 1969 Best New Artist on the strength of this album The Chicago Transit Authority. Thank you for this reaction. I look forward to more reactions from this album.