Chicago will be excellent throughout the Terry Kath years, but rarely, if ever better than this deep cut. “Poem for the People” is the sound of a band that can do anything and do it well.

You know an album is good when even the filler tracks, like this one from ‘Chicago II,’ are outstanding.

A new cohesiveness sets apart “Movin’ In” and, inevitably, the entire second album that followed Chicago’s brilliant debut.

Those who prefer conventional fare might be put off by Chicago’s “Liberation.” Others looking for something more freewheeling may find a lot to like.

With ‘Someday,’ Chicago’s Robert Lamm made the first of many political statements – and he did so with an exclamation mark.

Chicago swung for the fences repeatedly on this first album, and that included taking on a popular rock song – perhaps the height of hubris for a new band.

In the ’70s, Chicago came very close to their original goal of becoming the ‘American Beatles.’ It all starts here.

Chicago made numerous love songs, some of them hugely popular, but few were as personal – and none were as challenging – as “Free Form Guitar.”

When people scoff in disbelief that Chicago used to open for the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, I pull out “Poem 58.”

I love the horn section’s raw sound on ‘Chicago Transit Authority.’ As time went by, Chicago smoothed that sound out – but not here.