From the perspective of 15 subsequent platinum albums and 20 top-10 hits, it's hard to imagine that Chicago began their career as a bona fide prog-fusion act, an early FM radio favorite whose jazz-tinged, album-length suites found them a hip cult following even as they confounded label execs. Ironically, when the pioneering horn band (a contemporary of Blood, Sweat & Tears and inspiration for one-hit wonders like Lighthouse, Ides of March, and Ten Wheel Drive) relented and allowed their music to be edited down to single length, their success was explosive. Most of the "single edits" on disc 1 of this 39-track anthology provide ample evidence of that de facto formula: a catchy riff ("25 or 6 to 4," "Saturday in the Park," "Color My World") develops into a hook-filled, pop-savvy production rife with the band's trademark horn perfection. One could argue that that sensibility--and a midcareer tilt toward producer David Foster, songwriter Diane Warren, and the MOR ballads that became some of their biggest successes--degenerated into formula. Indeed, there's much on the second disc to support that notion. This set spans it all, showcasing newly refocused edits of some their biggest early hits and lesser-known tracks like their lively '95 cross-cultural collaboration with the Gipsy Kings on a cover of Louis Prima's swing classic "Sing, Sing, Sing." --Jerry McCulley

Subtitled - Only The Beginning. Double disc with 39 hit singles spanning Chicago's complete 35-year history. Including the #1 singles 'If You Leave Me Now,' 'Hard To Say I'm Sorry' and 'Look Away'. Booklet features detailed liner notes by Bill DeYoung. Rhino Records. Slipcase. 2002.

If you're as old as dirt, like I am, you probably have all the Chicago albums you ever want or need on vinyl. That's why this is such a must have for the jewel case or digital collection. The sound is great, virtually all their hits are here. What else could you want? (OK, still having Terry Kath would be nice...)

First of all let me say I was introduced to Chicago by way of Peter Cetera. I really enjoyed every one of P.C. albums and a friend of mine told me that he had been a part of Chicago before he went solo, so this was the very first Chicago CD that I purchased.

I was fairly familiar with most of the songs (Your the Inspiration, Baby What a big Surprise, Hard to Say I'm Sorry, Saturday in the Park) having heard them on the classic rock radio station in my town. It also includes a few of their lesser known songs (at least for me). I have since purchased all 32 albums and have thoroughly enjoyed each one.

If you are not very familiar with Chicago or just want most of their best songs, this would be a wonderful introduction to a great soft rock band.

However, as other reviewers have said if have most of their albums this is not the album for you.

I will say this though even though I have all 32 albums, I still listen to this album the most.

Not if you are of my generation . . . This music and this deal are unbelievable. These songs take me back (cliqued but true, and no pun intended). Time for my generation to get nostalgic . . . we had some great music back in the good old days (can you believe WE are saying that) and time to relive the experience and accept the reality that the days when we are the "old guys" are here . . . .

This is the best of the Chicago comps for a couple of reasons. Mostly that the bulk of the songs are album versions, and the other is the breadth. Thirty-nine songs over two discs, covering from 1967 to 1995. Disc one will likely tickle your nostalgia bone. When the band started, they were a power force between AM and FM radio, rocking with horns on "25 or 6 to Four" and with power ballads like "Searching for So Long." Heck, they even helped to resurrect the Beach Boys by having them sing backups on "Wishing You Were Here."

But from the albums Hot Streets to Chicago 16, the band went cold. The two albums between aren't even here. When Warners/Full Moon signed the band, it seemed like the height of folly. But the band veered sharply into Adult Contemporary land with wedding ballads like "Love Me Tomorrow" and "You're The Inspiration." Suddenly, with help of super-producers like David Foster and hitmakers like Diane Warren, the band was bigger than ever. They just jettisoned the progressive rock and horns for Peter Cetera's blue-eyed soul ballads. (Who eventually bolted for a solo career.) The band continues to soldier on, making ok albums and touring with original members Robert Lamm and James Pankow.

Still, this is good stuff. Missing is "Harry Truman" (could have easily replaced "Take Me back" or "Happy Man"). Even the 80's stuff - if you check the chart positions - often topped the charts. If that is what you're looking for, "Only The Beginning" will satisfy.

I purchased the album using the club membership. I saved money,and it came quickly.Back To The Blanket: A Native Narrative Of Discovery