Chicago Transit Authority Songs Ranked

The Chicago Transit Authority is the self-titled debut album by the Chicago-based rock band Chicago (then known as Chicago Transit Authority). It was recorded and released in 1969. For this inaugural recording effort the group was nominated for a Grammy Award for 1969 Best New Artist of the Year. The album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. The album stayed on the Billboard 200 for 171 weeks, beating the previous record for a rock album’s longevity of 155 weeks and has been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Here are all of Chicago Transit Authority songs ranked.

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12. Liberation

“The album’s closer is Pankow’s mostly instrumental showcase for the band’s playing abilities. The exception comes nearly 13 minutes into the 14-1/2-minute song as Kath sings, “Whoa, thank you, people.” It sounds absurd but his deep, soulful baritone voice made it work. And the horn section — Pankow along with trumpeter Lee Loughnane and sax/flute man Walt Parazaider — are at their brazen best on this one.”

11. I’m a Man

“Spencer Davis Group did the original version of I’m A Man which is great as well but I really believe that their version is better. The instrument arrangements are great considering this was the first time Chicago put an album together.”

10. Poem 58

“Poem 58″: A long, smoldering song from Lamm, a strong declaration of love. The title is a total mystery to me, but maybe Lamm was trying to suggest just how difficult it was for him to write something like this, to express himself in the face of something as profound as love.”

9. Beginnings

“Beginnings”: This was another Lamm song, opening with a breezy acoustic guitar part. Lyrically, it was a pretty standard love song, but the band delivered it with such gusto, and Lamm sang it so convincingly, that the cliches didn’t matter.”

See more: Chicago Albums Ranked

8. Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

“Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” is composed by Lamm; in the early days of Chicago he was the main composer & vocalist. It’s a pop song, though catchy, doesn’t really go anywhere.”

7. Listen

“Listen”: A short, punchy song by Lamm, driven by Kath’s distorted electric guitar. Lamm declares that if people think the band is just here for the money … well, they could be making lots more money doing other things (this would quickly change for Chicago, to be sure, as their hits started piling up).”

6. South California Purples

“South California Purples”: Essentially a slow blues song by Lamm; the clever title refers to the band’s relocation from Chicago, where they formed, and the blues of that city, to the smog-infested, purplish skies of Los Angeles.”

5. Someday (August 29, 1968)

“Someday (August 29, 1968)”: Lamm and trombonist Jimmy Pankow cowrote this song inspired by the ’68 Democratic National Convention. An ominous song about political upheaval and personal sacrifice, sung by Lamm and Cetera.”

See more: Chicago Songs Ranked

4. Prologue, August 29, 1968

“Prologue (August 29, 1968)”: Sound effects from protestors at the 1968 Democratic Convention (“the whole world’s watching … the whole world’s watching”) credited to producer James William Guercio.”

3. Free Form Guitar

“Free Form Guitar”: Well … what can I say? This is six minutes and forty-seven seconds of Terry Kath making the most howling, obnoxious, anti-melodic music he could possibly wrench out of his electric guitar. Virtuosic? Undoubtedly. But all these years later, it’s a pretty hard listen, frankly — even more soaked in feedback and noise than Jimi Hendrix’s take on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

2. Questions 67 and 68

“Questions 67 and 68″: Another relationship song written by Lamm, sung by Lamm with bassist Peter Cetera. I still don’t know EXACTLY what questions 67 and 68 might be, but I don’t care, either — clearly, it’s from the point of view of someone excited by the prospect of commitment, but a person who also has lots of fears and questions.”

1. Introduction

“Introduction”: Written by guitarist Terry Kath, this song was the perfect opening number and, yes, introduction to the band. The jaunty lyrics announced the presence of this act even as the singer (Kath himself) admitted, “We’re a little nervous.” The music sounded like Stan Kenton meets the Spencer Davis Group.”