The Terry Kath era of Chicago is the REAL Chicago.

A few years back, I was at a used book store that sold albums and a young lady was trying to decide between Chicago II and Chicago X. I told her she had to go with Chicago II, but she wanted the one with “If You Leave Me Now”. So she went with X. So I bought Chicago II and caught up to her and gave it to her. It’s that important of an album I couldn’t let her walk away not knowing what she would’ve missed!

When Jimi Hendrix says Terry Kath is the greatest guitarist he ever heard, you must pay attention!

'Chicago Transit Authority' is really a MONSTER album from start to finish. Just listen to the first killer track 'Introduction' and you're immediatly inside the music of this band, made of a lot of styles all perfectly mixed together. Stunning, great and huge debut album.

Way to go! Kath years? The only years that count.

Have you seen The Terry Kath Experience documentary? It really opened my eyes to his full talent, and what we lost.

25 or 6 to 4 is one of my ALL-TIME favorite guitar solos. Just mind blowing

When Kath died so did Chicago.

Being from Chicago I can appreciate this. Terry was the man.

Chicago's early years show how complete a band they were. They can play anything. Many people talk about their horns, but their rhythm section is absolutely fantastic.

Thank you for doing Chicago - The Terry Kath years. I grew up listening to all these albums. Justice done here for the REAL Chicago. After Terry's passing in Jan 1978, there weren't Chicago anymore. Period. Terry Kath - the most under rated rock guitarist of all time !!!

Terry Kath was something else, such a tragic loss.

Hard to believe that Chicago started off as a "counterculture" band. Personally, I'd put Chicago II over CTA because I'd say the material is uniformly stronger. I love the Suite It Better End Soon. Other than that I'd rank them just as you did. If people want to SEE Terry Kath and Chicago at their best, then enter Chicago Tanglewood and watch that concert from 7/21/70. It's absolutely astounding! Rest in peace, Terry...you were one of the greatest. Also, his vocals were very powerful and sonorous. When he died Chicago lost most of its muscle. Great job on your channel; I really appreciate it. Peace!

I would rank them in order of release: 1 through 7. “Introduction” is one of the greatest jazz rock songs ever.

A while back in Classic Rock magazine they asked famous guitarist to name their fave solo..The legend that is Tony Iommi had 25 or 6 to 4 as his..Top man he is!

Highly recommend two somewhat recent documentaries: 1. Chicago: Now More Than Ever - great vintage footage, everybody participated except Cetera. I think it’s still streaming on Netflix 2. The Terry Kath Experience - made by his daughter, Michelle, this gives a very full, touching account of Kath’s life. There is a thru-story here of Michelle tracking down Terry’s classic guitars, but it also gives a good sense of the band’s actual Chicagoland roots. This was streaming at one time as well.

1 - CTA 2 - Chicago II 3 - Chicago III 4 - Chicago VIII 5 - Chicago VII 6 - Chicago V 7 - Chicago VI 8 - Chicago X 9 - Chicago XI One of the most important bands in history. As a drummer/musician..I learned more playing to and studying these albums than any other single group. I learned, rock, jazz, swing, odd meters, blues, funk, ballads, how to setup horns, how to play behind a singer, how to solo and how to support a song. Danny Seraphine will forever be in my top five most influential drummers for me. Make no mistake....this was a full on...rocking band that happened to use horns. Losing Terry marked the end in my interest with this band. They were never the same afterwards. Chicago IV - Live at Carnegie Hall is my all-time favorite Chicago album by far...and to this day is one of my top five live albums ever.

VII has become my favorite. It’s their perfect balance of experimental and pop imo.

I totally agree with the Chicago albums. This is when they were musicians and played extremely well

Terry was Jimi Hendrix's favorite guitarist I believe

Remarkable band, with a great duo: Terry Kath & Peter Cetera. I love their horns so much.

Fricken' Poem 58. Kath, Serephine, and Cetera...one of the best power trios that weren't. Officially.

I was advised to hear the discographies of REO Speedwagon and Fleetwood Mac....glad I took the advice as the back catalogs from these guys is killer! Next : Chicago.

Chicago was the 70s for me.. every song reminds me of my youth... thank you so much for this...

My sentiments EXACTLY!! I only listen to Chicago with Terry Kath. When he passed away he took the group's heart & soul with him. They were never the same again. When he died I bought the next album to see how they sounded. "Hot Streets" 😫That was the last one I got! They were watered down BIG time. I got the compilation album "Only The Beginning" and that was it.

I didn’t know Steven Wilson had remastered Chicago 2 I will have to buy this as soon as possible.

The solo Terry played on This Time is by far my favorite. So much restrained emotion and perfectly harmonized with the horn arrangement. This was the epitome of his musical maturity.

At age 13, my first favorite bands were Chicago and Deep Purple, talk about ends of the spectrum. Chicago had the guitar work of Terry Kath and that horn section...attack, release what a sound. I have either read or saw a video that quoted Jimi Hendrix saying he had always admired the guitar work of Terry Kath, and complemented him by saying Terry was a better guitar player then himself. They both left us way too soon.

I've just bought the 10 albums you just ranked. I'm in shock. What a incredible sounding band. Just listened to the 1st album and you are so right. Never heard guitar work like it. Amazing. Truly amazing

Man ! id love to hang out with you for a weekend talking /listening debating. You always are spot on , your advice is to be considered, always a pleasure Pete

Came back to watch this one again. Pete, you are the reason I checked out Chicago, and for the last year, I don’t think there’s a band I’ve listened to more. Love the first four studio albums especially

First Chicago album is still in heavy rotation and I’ve been listening to that album for 33 years.

Thank you for making this video! As a huge Chicago fangirl, I felt really sad and disagreed when some online acquaintances said that Chicago started to suck in 1973, even though, in my honest opinion, they had solid albums until around 1979. Also, their newest album, from the parts I’ve heard, is good. I feel like many people are missing out a lot on Kath-era Chicago. Chicago are a musically versatile and artistically underrated band.

Glad someone appreciates early Chicago. Seriously some of the best stuff to come out of the 70s. You probably have the closest music taste to me!

When Chicago put out "Hot Streets" in 1978, that was it!! The song "Paradise Alley" (from 1979 "13") might have been the movie theme song starring Sylvester Stallone in 1978 BUT I did NOT seen that movie!! My favorite is the "yellow" album from 1974!!!

I'm 66 now, and was in High School in L.A. from '69-'71. My best friend in High School was (and still is!) an outstanding guitarist, and one day he invites me over to his house and says, "Got something that you MUST listen to!" He put the needle down on the opening cut for their 1st album (Chicago Transit Authority), which was "Introduction". WOW, WOW, & WOW!! - - I was HOOKED within the first few notes!! Kath was a MONSTER GUITARIST that NEVER got the credit he was due. Sadly, Chicago would never be the same post his death, though that's not to say that they ceased to be a great band and group of musicians, but the 'Chemistry' they shared was irreparably shattered when he died. (My wife and I got to see them 2 years ago in concert, and to their credit, it was still a great concert w/Jeff Coffey (since departed) on bass and lead (tenor) vocals, and Keith Howland doing a very admirable job as their guitarist for the last 15+ years). Ironically, it was during my High School years in L.A. that Chicago was the 'House Band' for the 'Whiskey-A-Go-Go' (in L.A.), and you could hear them for nothing more than a 'Cover Charge', but unfortunately my best friend and I couldn't get in, as we were under 21 (again, we were in High School)! My all-time-favorite group, though the 'Kath Years' will always be the 'Real' Chicago to me, with no disrespect intended whatsoever towards the lineups that followed; its just that once Terry was gone, so was the 'cornerstone' (imo) that made this group the POWERHOUSE that they were!! And, as was mentioned by Mr. Pardo, IF you THINK that Chicago is the Soft-Rock Ballads of the 80's (as good as some of them were!) you OWE IT TO YOURSELF to listen to the 'Real' Chicago, which without question, WAS 'The Kath Years' !! Thanks for the great review Mr. Pardo, and for the acknowledgement and accolades re Terry Kath, one of the GREATEST guitarist that most people have never had the privilege to truly study and listen to!!

How did I miss this one!?! Fantastic once again thanks Pete!

Very well done review, Pete. Was familiar with your channel from your prog reviews, which are always great, had no idea you were so knowledgeable about Chicago. My initial favorite band as a youngster (b4 Genesis, Yes, and Camel).....my favorites in order were: II, VII, and CTA. Couple of years ago on their summer tour they played II in its entirety, and then did all of the other greatest hits afterward......A Springsteen-length performance!

I recently decided to purge my vinyl collection . We were moving and I hadn’t been listening to my vinyl for a few years and had 7 milk crates that I was moving all around .. I listened to all of my Beatles and LZ - I had every one - I sold about 1/3 of them - I mean who need Hollywood bowl and presence , but I couldn’t part with any ! Of my Chicago lps that Terry played on, could listen to these over and over..

This is why I dig this channel, love the eclectic range going from Megadeth to Chicago as I'm a fan of both- once again Thank you Pete!

“God bless America, todaaaaaaay” (Tell me/Electra Glide in Blue)

Kath’s gunshot wound was indeed self-inflicted, but it’s pretty clear that it was an accident due to carelessness. There are a lot of rumors about him playing Russian Roulette and so on, but that’s not what happened. Just putting that out there.

I’ve had “South California Purples” playing in my head since 1970. CTA was always going to be the number one! One of the best albums of all time ever! Even better than the guitar playing is IMHO, the brass section compositions. There are chords in there I have never heard anywhere anytime! Just unforgettable.

I know what you’re talking about! I am so grateful for older siblings to turn me on to this stuff as a kid-i’m 54 now! Great albums all of them. I like the way you chased down the musicality of the albums and not necessarily just your favorites based on emotion. Also loved your comments about Chicago eight! Keep up the great work!

When Jimi Hendrix says your guitar player is better than him, you know he's a bad ass. Kath is one of my favorite guitar players. Ever. When Kath accidentally shot himself Chicago ended IMO. The 80's David Foster era stuff was bigger sales but Chicago became a different band. The horns were phased out and I think had he lived Kath would have left.

Wow, another excellent show, Pete. I've been listening to a lot of early Chicago the last three months, so this is a valued validation and education around what I've been digging on these albums. I must say, Peter Cetera's bass playing (and tone) was also sensational in these years, supporting and weaving in and out of Kath's all-galactic, single coil chops (ref. Poem 58). Truly great.

I’m 41 years old and just bought my first Chicago album- CTA. Holy crap this is good! Thanks Pete!

I have watched and enjoyed many of your videos. I was pleasantly surprised to see you are a fan of the 60/70's Chicago. Great band and Kath was a top (and under appreciated) guitarist of the era. You nailed the ordering as well. I'd probably put VI ahead of VIII, but they are close. You really knew the music! Agree on Poem 58 - Kath is on fire. Thanks for doing this. People need to listen to before the lousy 80's ballad stuff - the Kath years are the real Chicago.

About 42 years ago, my college roommate introduced me to the Chicago beyond the well-known pop hits. And I was blown away. Chicago V, VII and VIII are my top three. I love all three pretty much equally. Terry Kath was indeed a prodigious talent, taken away from us too soon. I would have loved it if he and Hendrix had lived long enough to produce some big band music together. Big band music punctuated by fiery rock guitar solos, that is!

I did what you asked Pete. Your channel did make me aware of these early Kath Chicago albums prior to this video, and they have become the soundtrack to my year. (so thank you!) The guitar wail at 6:00 minutes into Poem 58 is, like you say, otherworldly.

WOW that debut album is stunning. The musicianship, drive and energy in this album is outstanding. Love tbe whole album. 5/5. Now i will check out Chicago 2. Great work i watch you to help me decide what albums to get.

What's amazing is just how prolific a band Chicago was in the '70s. The power and energy of youth. Imagine 11 albums, nearly half of them double LPs from 1969 to 1977. Other than Blood, Sweat and Tears I can't think of any other band that featured a horn section so predominantly. You had Herb Alpert in the '60s but his band was geared mainly toward an older audience and I don't consider it Rock'n Roll. In the liner notes to Rhino records re-release of the one and only "Chicago Transit Authority" I think it was keyboardist Robert Lamm who said Chicago was always a rock'n roll band. They were never trying for a jazz rock fusion sound though that's how they were initially labeled by some music critics. I think that's correct because when you look at early rock'n roll from the 1950s you had hits like "Jail House Rock" which featured "Spider Murphy on the slide trombone" and there were other r n r songs from that era that had horn sections. What was a rarity was that most of the musicians in Chicago were academically trained musicians who really knew their craft which was why they were so good both in the studio and on stage. I would argue that they were the pinnacle of rock'n roll bands in their '70s prime.

Thanks Pete for highlighting this kind of forgotten band at their peak. One of my first true loves as a kid thanks to a cool Uncle ! Terry was a tremendous loss to music.

i owned the 4 album 'live at carnegie hall' back in the day...wore my needle thru that brilliance...one of the best horn sections ever....

I was hoping to find a Chicago thing on your Channel...then I see this. And it's brand new, 03/28/20. Happy Birthday to me! Thank you! Their debut would be a 'desert island' album for me.

I love the song Jenny, the vocal and guitar of Terry Kath is a Magic. Congrats...fan of Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Kath years; the only Chicago that matters. Thanks Pete.

Just today I bought my first Chicago album, Chicago Transit Authority, a secondhand vinyl copy. It's unbelievably great! From start to finish a masterpiece, with a blistering Terry Kath. I need more Chicago!

Another 70's guitarist way ahead of his time was John Gatto from The Good Rats - Listen to their "Tasty" album from 1974

Been waiting on that Pete! I love them all. I would go from the bottom - VI, VIII, XI, X, III, V, VII, I and II. Kath was brilliant and the band was so good. CTA was the first album I had - Christmas of 69. Glad you appreciate them so much. The last Kath album came out my senior year of high school. His death hit me very hard. Pankow's horn arrangements were great!

The only Chicago albums worth listening to are the ones with Terry Kath! Thanks for reviewing and ranking! The first three Chicago albums and the quadruple live album are incredible. Thanks.

Thanks for doing this one, Pete! In the 70s I owned them all through VIII, so that's what my list comprises. What a great band in those years, they could do it all - radio hits, jazz, blues, you name it they did it. A group of supremely talented and prolific musicians. Kath was the heart of Chicago and his death ripped that heart right out. 1. Chicago Transit Authority 2. II 3. VII 4. V 5. VI 6. VIII 7. III The top two could flip depending on the day, they are that close, but today #1 is the first LP. What a massive debut, maybe the best ever. And I happen to dig "Free Form Guitar", I'm kind of weird that way. Just like the other day when I had "An Italian From New York" playing on my phone, you shoulda seen the looks I got from the family lol.

Debut is easily one of the best albums of all time. Stunning album. I'm all about the I'm A Man cover. Omg. Danny drum god.

That debut album is Chicago at their absolute finest. Mostly very raw and nasty with plenty of legendary play by Terry. They rarely ever sounded like that again.

First, I appreciate you doing this on Chicago! As you say, most people only view them as a sappy love/ballad song band. I saw my first concert by them around 1972 as they were really starting to take off. I also appreciate your love of Terry Kath; he was definitely one of the best around and I was also mesmerized by his tremendous skills. I know you qualified this video up front by saying it was a tribute to Terry but......there were others in the band with equal talent; be it playing or songwriting. Robert Lamn carried the load as composer in the early days. Pankow wrote some great tunes and did most all of the horn arrangements. Peter Cetera was an underrated bass player but also wrote a few good tunes and was a great vocalist. Selfishly however, I think the drummer, Danny Seraphine, was probably the most overlooked talent, especially during the early days! A monster technician who could play any style and really drove the band, particularly on the rocking tunes you referenced! I saw him play about six weeks ago and he is still smoking it and he will be 72 in a few months! I was a little disappointed (but not surprised) when you did not list him as one of your favorite drummers. Again, thanks for the Chicago love; few and far between by most all because of what they turned into later!

I dig this band a lot and my my favorite albums are indeed with this line-up.

KATH 4EVER!!!

Love you Pete. Terry was one of the most underrated guitar players. I always wanted to be Terry. Great guitar player with a wonderful voice. Closest thing to Ray Charles without being the man himself.

For me, Chicago II is their masterwork, followed by their incredible debut. All their studio albums up to V are essential... and VII was an incredible experimental jazz fusion set. Terry Kath needed to be a guitar virtuoso, considering that he had to play both rhythm and lead parts in a seven-member band with horns. Quite a feat!!!

Agreed with CTA! this was the one that got me very interested in Terry as a guitarist. His solos were amazing. Enough to turn even Jimi Hendrix's head. I learned guitar from this album which also got me into " Jazz Chords" Being a Chicago native, I seen the band from Kath times to present at least 8X. Thanks

I feel exactly the way you do about Terry Kath! Amazing, amazing amazing. However, where we may differ is that for me, I get off on the live albums of artists and judge them on where the artist goes above and beyond the studio album. So for me, Live at Carnegie Hall is it - a total masterpiece from beginning to end. I went through two sets of LPs and finally the CD came out thank God because I played it so much.

Great video segment Pete!!!! I love this band, especially the great years you covered here. My ranking of Chicago albums from 1969 to 1978: #1. The Chicago Transit Authority #2. Chicago 2 #3. Chicago 7 #4. Chicago 5 #5. Hot Streets #6. Chicago 6 #7. Chicago 8 #8. Chicago 3 #9. Chicago 10 #10. Chicago 11

I saw the original lineup twice. 1969 RIT and 1972 War Memorial-Rochester, New York!

Thank you so much for turning me back to those original Chicago records. The first 5 are golden. And TK was a unique guitarist and no wonder Jimi Hendrix loved him.

yes terry kath died the band lost their edge, after that they sounded like a middle of the road pop band, like the album they released after kath died ' hot streets 'they sounded like a totally different band.

So many great albums. My fav is Chicago VII, the mix of great songs fits me like a glove!

Great list! The "Live in Japan" album (recorded in 1972) is well worth checking out as well. That original lineup was a great band!

Chicago V great album, Robert Lamm's masterpiece!

Chicago II all the way for me. What an incredible album that is.

Thanks Pete for doing this. My first album at 15 was CTA. I must have listened to it everyday for 6 months. It's a wonder my parents didn't throw it away. I was and am a huge Chicago fan of the early years with Terry. Crushed when he died. After that I was embarrassed to tell anyone I was a Chicago fan because of what they became. But this ranking and tribute to a great band is just what I needed to get through this tough time. I actually got into jazz because of them. I listen to the last Chicago album I ever bought Chicago VII and I think what could have been. As far as rankings I'd go with: CTA II V VII III VI Love this channel. Keep up the great work. Thanks!

It better end soon- Kath' voice at its most emotional best. South California Purples- I thought I was the only person who loved this song. In the middle, it has an amazing Kath guitar solo. Song of the evergreens- I'm the only person who loves this song. An hour in the shower- Kath's great voice and lyrics. Monumental. From a big Kath fan!

Thanks Pete. Nice post!!! Terry Kath is for sure an overlooked guitar hero but he was also an amazing vocalist. Ray Charles meets Gregg Allman style.

I don’t as a rule watch analysis videos but I watch you.You are articulate,share my taste and interesting.I especially share your love for the real prog ranging from Yes to Genesis,etc.

I’ve been binge watching your channel, and it’s mf amazing, and are music taste are so similar, it’s so cool to hear you talk about kiss and maiden, and Van Halen. You earned yourself a sub, amazing rock channel👍

Terry Kath is the guitarist i didnt know i needed to hear, until i heard him.

...Hey Pete , Your Show is Kickass and feels like home .....Thanx for sharing and putting yourself out there ....Terry Kath is in my Top Mad Axeman of all Time....Like we know that CTA is Epic and my Early Initiation ....Keep up the Good Work ....!

Ty for the video Pete. I was going through my record library that has been packed away and found my Chicago albums that I never listened to. I was looking through your channel and saw you ranking Chicago Terry Kath years. So I just started listening to them and your right they are good. I have all except for Chicago 111

Three weeks before starting high school I was with a friend in his back yard (hii mom locked him out of the house when she was at work) and the next door neighbor gave us a joint. We smoked it and broke into his house so he could let me hear the new albums he had just gotten. I was really into Stax and Soul/Funk and Jazz and Blues but really didn't like Rock other than a few songs here and there. The first time getting high and the first time I every listened to a Rock album all the way through was 'Chicago Transit Authority'. I still own it and listen to it.

I'm glad you picked their first album CTA as your number one pick I totally agree

Grew up in the 70s loving Chicago's hits and then as a teenager I enjoyed Chicago's "manilow" period but at around 2000 I was handed a bunch of original Kath-era vinyl and started from CTA album all the way to Hot Streets (of course, without Terry) and just took it all in. So I'm a fan of both periods as if they were just two different bands. Kind of like REO Speedwagon and Van Halen.

It's good to see Chicago VIII ranked where it lands. One single that I've always loved since 1975 was Harry Truman. Why this song has been omitted from a lot of their greatest hits compilations is a head scratcher. Glad you referenced this song...one of my favorites. And yeah, the Kath era of Chicago is the real Chicago. The wife loves the eighties stuff, and I'm always going to be the Kath era fan. And I own all the Mobile Fidelity releases of the early Chicago albums.

Thanks Pete! Kath was a great underrated Guitarist! No question they rocked back then!

One of my fav bands! I’m glad I’m not the only one loving early Chicago. Thanks Pete for giving Kath the love and reverence he deserves. Check out the documentary on Kath streaming on Prime

Chicago - the Terry Kath Years: A very eclectic band. A pure treat for your ears!

I had an older cousin by nearly three years, and it was through him while driving around in his car that I heard a lot of the new music of the day that might not have been played or heard on radio. Like everyone else, he had an 8 track system, with all the quirks of that format. I remember hearing Chicago II on a long snow skiing adventure, but he would only play maybe two of the 4channels, skipping all the jazzy experimental stuff. Nonetheless, it was a great listen. In my present day music collection is their 1st and 5th albums, both on vinyl. Glorious listens! I used to own their 2nd, and the 4 album live At Carnegie Hall box set. I've also seen them live a number of times over the years.

Thanks I had no idea Steven Wilson did a remix of 2. Awesome thanks!!

Never grow tired of their earlier music. They were never afraid to take chances which made for a great variety of styles and sound on their albums.

Terry Kath - extremely talented, under appreciated but will be discovered by a new generation

You cannot beat the first two Chicago albums! Simply amazing and groundbreaking

Love Kath era Chicago. Their first 3 albums are probably my favorites, though I love the entire Kath era. I have a massive soft spot for Chicago VII.