Chicago II (Remastered)

After deleting “Transit Authority” from their name at the request of home town officials, Chicago released their second album in 1970 to a warm critical reception. Chicago II tightened up the sometimes sprawling jams of the group’s debut without losing the their experimental essence. Those with a casual knowledge of the album have doubtlessly heard the wistful “Colour My World” and the galloping “25 Or 6 To 4.” Beyond these enduring hits, the music here is an ambitious tapestry of interrelated pieces, traversing a range of moods within cogently-arranged structures. “Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon,” a six-song suite, adds classical tones to the band’s jazz/rock/blues palette. Tracks like “Fancy Colours” and “The Road” radiate a sunny optimism. Contrasting with the lighter fare is the politically-charged suite “It Better End Soon,” a defiant response to the Vietnam War. Singers Robert Lamm, Peter Cetera and Terry Kath combine voices to sterling effect, while the horn section is by turns brash and lyrical. Eclectic yet focused, Chicago II is alive with the energy of a band approaching its creative peak.