Chicago Chicago II on Numbered Edition Hybrid SACD from Mobile Fidelity

1970 Double Album Ups Ante for Pop, Rock, and Jazz Fusion

Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: Longtime Audiophile Favorite Now Possesses Reference-Caliber Separation, Tonalities, Balance

Introduction of Classical Elements, Advanced Progressive Changes Reflect Original Band at its Peak - Includes the Smashes "25 Or 6 To 4" and "Make Me Smile"

Chicago shortened its name on its second album but altered little else. Improving upon the creative synthesis shown on its debut, the ensemble ups the ante for pop, rock, and jazz fusion on its 1970 sophomore set, introducing classical signatures as well as a penchant to delve even deeper into unchartered waters. Ambitious arrangements and brazen interplay remain, yet further addition of multifaceted melodies and seamless syncopation finds the group stepping up its songwriting. Witness "25 Or 6 To 4" and "Make Me Smile," smashes that resonated with the mainstream.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity's hybrid CD lavishes Chicago II with a clarity, transparency, and detail no previous digital edition has ever enjoyed. Pulling back the curtain on the recordings, this collector's version exponentially expands the soundstaging dimensions, imaging proportions, and dynamic information, allowing the songs to breathe and enjoy a roominess that enhances the stellar performances and interwoven structures. In particular, the harmonic vocals naturally carry and possess lifelike decay, never in competition with but always in sympathy with the telepathic instrumentation. Yes, the sonics here are as good as gold.

As reflected by the 7-part, 13-minute "Ballet for a Girl in Buchanan" suite, Chicago II draws from classical as well as traditional rock and jazz influences in presenting an experience that eviscerates "disparate" when pertaining to musical styles. Paired amidst progressive rhythms, a surfeit of driving horns and gritty R&B vocals again affords the band the privilege of rocking as hard as any of their contemporaries. And yet, due to the collective's diversity and prowess, Chicago also lends poignant sensitivity to ballads such as the prom favorite "Colour My World."

The septet's command of switching between aggressiveness and intensity, softness and sensuality, defines Chicago II. Such dichotomy is represented in the form of guitarist Terry Kath, a secret weapon whose contributions on Mobile Fidelity's exquisite version emerge with newfound energy and emotionalism. Highlighted, too, are the group's forays into thematic lyrics, with the politically barbed "It Better End Soon" and grim "Poem for the People" speaking to the record's original dedication that states "With this album, we dedicate ourselves, our futures and our energies to the people of the revolution. And the revolution in all of its forms."