The reprint of Chicago II on vinyl for the fifty -five years

Fifty -five years after its debut, the album ‘Chicago II’ continues to stand out for its uniqueness and innovation. Published in 1970, the second work of the Chicago band is characterized by a fusion of styles that ranges from orchestral music to Heavy Rock, contributing to its commercial success, with a peak to number 4 in the rankings and three songs that have reached the top ten.

On April 25, a new mix of the album was released, curated by Steven Wilson, in Dolby Atmos format, together with stereo mix, quadrophonic and 5.1 in high resolution, available on Blu-ray disc. Last May 23rdinstead a version has been published in black vinyl 2 LP. This remix represents the first time the album will be presented in 16 -track Dolby Atmos, with Wilson who has worked on multitrack ribbons to improve clarity and definition of sound, bringing to light details that had previously been submerged.

In 1969, the Chicago recorded the sequel to their debut album, ‘Chicago Transit Authority’, which was included in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2014. When ‘Chicago II’ was released in January 1970, he immediately had great success, thanks also to the composers James Pankow and Robert Lamm, who wrote songs that have become successful as “Make me smile“,”Colour My My World” And “25 OR 6 to 4“The band, made up of members such as Terry Kath and Peter Cetera, found a way to produce another double LP album while on tour.

Wilson’s work underlines the band’s extraordinary creativity at that time, highlighting how ‘Chicago II’ is a masterpiece that combines moments of beauty, powerful riffs and jazz-rock influences. The album, certified platinum from the Riaa immediately after its release, also includes ambitious works such as the 13 -minute song cycle “Ballet for a girl in Buchannon” And “Memories of Love“, arranged for orchestra. The variety of styles and the unique personality of each member of the band have contributed to creating a cohesive and extraordinary work, which continues to enchant listeners even after decades.

Chicago II

Blu-ray tracklisting

“Movin ‘in”
“The Road”
“Poem for the People”
“In The Country”
“Wake Up Sunshine”
“Ballet for a girl in Buchannon”
“Make me smile”
“So much to say, so much to give”
“Anxiety’s moment”
“West Virginia Fantasies”
“Color My World”
“To be free”
“Now More Than Ever”
“Fancy colors”
“25 OR 6 to 4”
“Memories of Love”
“Prelude”
“AM Mourning”
“PM Mourning”
“Memories of Love”
“IT Better End Soon”
“1st Movement”
“2nd Movement”
“3rd Movement”
“4th Movement”
“Where do we go from here”

2LP Tracklisting

Side a

“Movin ‘in”
“The Road”
“Poem for the People”
“In The Country”

Side b

“Wake Up Sunshine”
“Ballet for a girl in Buchannon”
“Make me smile”
“So much to say, so much to give”
“Anxiety’s moment”
“West Virginia Fantasies”
“Color My World”
“To be free”
“Now More Than Ever”

Side c

“Fancy colors”
“25 OR 6 to 4”
“Memories of Love”
“Prelude”
“AM Mourning”
“PM Mourning”
“Memories of Love”

Side d

It Better End Soon
“1st Movement”
“2nd Movement”
“3rd Movement”
“4th Movement”
“Where do we go from here”