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.

“Questions 67 & 68,” from 1969’s ‘Chicago Transit Authority,’ is an early glimpse into the genius that is Robert Lamm.

One of Chicago’s crowning achievements, “Beginnings” boasts a near-perfect arrangement only marred by a good but too-long coda.

“Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?” is one of the great triumphs of Chicago’s 1969 debut, ‘Chicago Transit Authority.’ Here’s why.