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Chicago is the second most popular American Rock band of all time, just behind the Beach Boys, based on album and single sales. Are you surprised? You aren?t alone ? in addition to being extremely successful, Chicago has also been extremely underrated since its inception.
The band was founded in 1967 as a politically charged rock band, and progressed into a softer sound with age, with their most popular singles being hits. The band?s first album, "The Chicago Transit Authority," as they called themselves then, was certainly daring ? a double album with extended jams that included jazz and latin rhythms. Some of the hits from the album included "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?" "Beginnings" and "Questions 67 and 68."
Their second album, also a double-disc, titled "Chicago" was a massive success, including "Make Me Smile" and "Colour My World." While the songs were softer, there was still social commentary, including "It better End Soon." From that album on, the band released more than two albums per year through the end of the decade. A number of ballads followed, which caused strife in the group because while frontman Peter Cetera was certainly displaying his vocal talents, the style of music prevented the band?s goals for music.
The band seemed to fade from the spotlight momentarily, until the release of "Chicago 16," which featured the hits "Hard to Say I?m Sorry," and "Chicago 17," including "You?re the Inspiration" and "Hard Habit to Break." After the success, Cetera left the group and Jason Scheff took the head spot. The hits continued through the ?90s, with successes like "Look Away" and "I Don?t Want To Live Without You."
While the band?s studio efforts have lessened in number, touring has certainly increased ? they spent several weeks at the MGM Grand Las Vegas in 2006, and toured with Huey Lewis & The News to promote their 30th album, "Chicago XXX."
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