Chicago II: The Steven Wilson Remix
Rhino, 2017
9/10
Listen to Chicago II: The Steven Wilson Remix
This sophomore album from Chicago has been remixed before, but it’s never sounded like this, as Steven Wilson got his hands on the 16 track master tapes that allowed him to illuminate elements from the 1970 release that were previously buried in the mix.
“Movin’ In” starts the listen with the horns sounding clearer than ever in the soulful opener, and “The Road” follows with a punchy and melodic delivery, while “Poem For The People” is full of the timeless soft rock the band built their name on.
An album that produced some serious hits for Chicago, “Make Me Smile” highlights the crisp percussion and soaring vocals, and “Colour My World” displays sublime piano work alongside equally pretty singing. “25 or 6 to 4”, one of their signature songs, then showcases incredible guitar work, bright horns and some of the best singing on the record.
An adventurous outing for Chicago, the 13 minutes of “Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon” sounds more emotive and stirring than ever, and “Memories Of Love” shines in its bare climate that even brings in an orchestra.
A record that sounds as great today (and in this version, even greater), as it did 50 years ago when it was released, whether you’re a diehard Chicago fan, a casual listener or even a first time listener, this period of Chicago has plenty to offer in its jazz, pop and soft-rock friendly execution.
Travels well with: Chicago- VI Decades Live; John Fogerty- Fogerty’s Factory