VII [Original recording reissued]

Chicago | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 28, 1995)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued
• Label: Chicago Records
• ASIN: B0000021RL
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #207,094 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Prelude to Aire

2. Aire

3. Devil's Sweet

4. Italian from New York

5. Hanky Panky

6. Life Saver

7. Happy Man

8. (I've Been) Searchin' So Long

9. Mongonucleosis

10. Song of the Evergreens

11. Byblos

12. Wishing You Were Here

13. Call on Me

14. Woman Don't Want to Love Me

15. Skinny Boy

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Definitive Chicago CD, March 10, 2000

By 

J. Conrad Guest "J. Conrad Guest" (Northville, MI United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: VII (Audio CD)

Originally released as a double LP (remember vinyl?), this single CD epitomizes everything this band proclaimed itself to be in its infancy: diverse. Not only does it contain no less than four monster hits - (I've Been) Searchin' So Long, Call On Me, Wishing You Were Here (with a little help from the Beach Boys), and Happy Man - it very successfully pushes the limits of contemporary music with all of its supporting material. Guitarist Terry Kath never sounded better on Song of the Evergreens, Byblos, Aire, Italian From New York, and Life Saver. The rhythm section is tight and exciting (Hanky Panky and Mongonucleosis), while the horns sound big and brash. But again, it's the diversity of the material that makes this CD sizzle. From the contemporary sound of the aforementioned four hits to Mongonucleosis (the ultimate party song of the 70's), the bluesy Skinny Boy, the biographical Woman Don't Want to Love Me, and the jazz influenced sounds of the instrumental pieces (the first 26 minutes of this CD contain no vocals!), this CD has it all.

While Chicago would go on to record perhaps more popular songs, perhaps motivated (driven?) by the change in the FM radio format (AM radio in stereo, replete with jingles and giveaways), never again would they match the creative energy found on this compilation. A classic in every sense, it's hard to comprehend why Chicago VII never received far greater acclaim, but then the critics have always loved to hate Chicago.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CHICAGO's best overall album, May 10, 2000

By 

Gordon Majack (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: VII (Audio CD)

The boys from The Windy City blew into 1974 on a serious roll: six consecutive platinum albums, two consecutive #1 albums, and the status of a world-class supergroup. Ensconced in the creative safe-haven of their Caribou Ranch studios high in the Colorado Rockies, the band defied all sense of convention by producing a brilliant 15-song set that remains their richest and most stylistically diverse album ever. From progressive instrumentals ("Aire") to Latin pop ("Happy Man") and jazz ("Mongonucleosis") to acoustic ("Byblos") and electric ("Lifesaver" and "Woman Don't Want To Love Me") rock to funky blue-eyed soul ("Skinny Boy"), Chicago VII showcased their dazzling musicianship to full effect. This was an incredibly original and innovative band at their personal and professional peak.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This CD Really Shows Musical Skills, January 28, 2000

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: VII (Audio CD)

As an ex-brass musician, I always appreciated Chicago for their blend of jazz, rock and plain old musical skill.

In the boxed set, this was considered their "jazz" album. It is challenging to listen to, few pop ballads, the 1st half is almost all instrumental. It is also a fascinating listen.

For non-instrumental songs, three of Chicago's best are here, Call on Me, Byblos with its wistful lyric, and Happy Man, my favorite Chicago song (danced to it at my wedding)

Over the years, my tastes have moved more towards jazz, because rock musicians embrace ignorance. Chicago VII is evidence to the contrary, that skilled musicians who care about playing well, can play rock.