First Listen - Chicago "25 or 6 to 4" (Hip Hop Fan Reacts)

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[@GrandmaMoysis]

Dude! Chicago isn’t doing “marching bands”. Marching bands are doing Chicago! Love you! Keep up the reviews!

[@susanherrig437]

A marching band? Incredible musicians. Terry Kath was an incredible guitar player who even Hendrix cited as one of the best.

[@thundernels]

Many upon many a marching band was inspired to give this song a try upon release. And to think Chicago was capable of creating such a cacophony of sound.

[@angelomicciche3044]

Terry and Jimi left us much too soon.

[@lindabergman3127]

Agreed100 and I saw the Chicago Tribute band cover this n many other artists songs live 2 weeks ago Kansas City they’re Fantastic!!the Real Chicago band likes them n actually met them n put their songs on their website 😁that speaks volumes ❤

[@alpetrocelli4465]

This studio version is great, but you really MUST watch the live version from Tanglewood. Kath goes off for a 5 minute solo that slays. Hendrix called him one of the best. I saw them in ‘69 in Chicago and they rocked. ✌️❤️🎶

[@suecook1326]

Totally agreed! That's the best version!

[@frankmerris8821]

i concur

[@michaelrawling9085]

Terry at Tanglewood is unbelievable

[@pauldixon5778]

Superb live video!

[@stratfanstl]

It's not a drug song. It's about working nearly non-stop as a band living together in a house in CA writing / practicing while waiting for their producer James Guercio to seal them a deal with a record company. "Sitting cross-leg on the floor / 25 or 6 to 4... (am)" in the morning trying to perfect a song. Phenomenal players, 4 great writers (Pankow, Kath, Lamm, Cetera), 3 great vocalists (Kath, Lamm, Ceterra), and a great guitarist (Kath). They were on the same label as Blood Sweat & Tears which broke through with a similar pop / rock / horn-based jazz sound but IMO Chicago did it far better for a core period of 69 to 77. They went on well into the 80s after losing Terry Kath but became much more love song / pop ballad oriented under Peter Cetera's preferences.

[@Timshot100]

That's what they say but I'm not buying it I think it's about doing Coke or H

[@antarcticorb9197]

Went downhill after Terry died.

[@markmurphy558]

Bullshit.

[@markmurphy558]

​@@Timshot100 LSD, more likely. Heroin is a rocket to oblivion. Coke is a rollercoaster of euphoria and depression. LSD is a long strange journey that seems like it will never end, which is what the lyrics so eloquently describe. I have never discussed this song with anyone who has actually tripped on acid that didn't agree that the song is about LSD.

[@jdbeards1]

@@antarcticorb9197 The band died to me with Terrys passing.

[@lathedauphinot6820]

This is a fantastic band. This was written by the keyboardist, Robert Lamm, sung by the bass player, Peter Cetera, and guitar is Terry Kath. Those three are also lead singers. When Terry Kath died in I think 1978 the band went downhill. They were so creative that their debut album was a double. I would put on Side 1 of Chicago Transit Authority, the first album (“Introduction” by Terry Kath), and let it play. You’ll maybe be amazed. 25 or 26 minutes til 4:00 AM by an old non-digital clock. P.S. Yes, the Tanglewood 1970 live version of this is the way to go. Anything from that show is great.

[@rickeylucero3955]

OMG... a marching band? It is rock. Rock time. Makes rock . No matter the instruments. Their debut LP is a double and is one of the top debuts ever. CK it.

[@TZack-cc7it]

lol......yup

[@TZack-cc7it]

It's so funny he has never heard brass led jazz jazz/fusion before. But he has heard horns in marching bands playing music with....horns...thus his reaction.

[@bcafed]

All of us can only process the world with the categories we know, and then we are exposed to new categories. He was just exposed to a new one but can only refer back to a familiar one to describe what he hears. That’s the whole premise of his channel - hip hop guy listens to categorically different music. It’s awesome.

[@rickeylucero3955]

@@bcafed I would agree. But he has reacted to Miles.

[@jasonremy1627]

You've got to check out the live version from Tanglewood in 1970. It's unreal good.

[@Frau44]

Agreed!! Fantastic!

[@Brandi6666]

No

[@LeeKennison]

Agreed, One of the best live performances out there. Especially Terry Kath's guitar solo. Syed just needs to make sure he gets the right video. The one with the most views has great production quality, the other one not so much, even though they are from the same concert. The crappy one focuses on the drummer most of the time, with sloppy camera work and has inferior audio. The one Syed wants is the Official one with 25 million views.

[@thomasgruseck7971]

Between the guitar of Terry Kath (the most underrated rock guitarist of all time) and complete brass section, Chicago gets my vote for the greatest American rock band of all time.

[@DTH3000]

The “marching band” reference is hilarious! Never heard that before. Your channel’s entertaining!

[@marleneobstnash5517]

Not a marching band!! An innovative, highly creative rock band!! Like NO OTHER!!! ❤❤❤

[@AppStateSpanky]

This song would have been a massive hit with no words! I've always heard that this song is about writers block.

[@thomasgruseck7971]

As someone who has sadly had more than my share of all-nighters through college, grad school and law school, I can definitely relate to this song.

[@izzonj]

I had a late night session trying to write an English paper during which I forgot how to spell the word "who". I sat there thinking "what the hell letter is that at the beginning??? Hoo? That doesn't look right!"

[@zonacrs]

As I approach the end of my career, and the stresses involved with that, I have come to realize that this song is really just expressing frustration about lack of sleep that stress can cause IMHO. The cause of the stress is different for everyone. Never really understood the song when I was a kid. Just loved the bad ass wall of sound.

[@tonydagostino6158]

Must say, never heard Chicago described as a marching band before. Interesting take. Don't think it'll be very popular though. Many blues bands have horn sections, (e.g. Room Full of Blues). Are they marching bands too? The fusion of the basic rock band with a horn section was called rock/jazz fusion among other things. Blood, Sweat and Tears was another band with horns. Guitarist Terry Kath was an amazing player known for his speed and creativity. I grew up in Chicago when the band broke out. The urban legend was the 25 referred to 25mcg of acid and the "6 to 4" which was heard as 624, referred to the label on Quaaludes. So the question was do more acid or take a downer and go to sleep?

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Make Me Smile is another great Chicago song, sang by the guitarist, Terry Kath. His voice has a lot of grit and soul, it's incredible.

[@cspaikido]

You've got to check out the live 1970 Tanglewood performance of this song. It will blow you away.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

In the US, different regions developed their own styles of rock as it was evolving. The Chicago style borrowed heavily from regional traditions in music such as R and B, Motown and Jazz, so you are going to hear more horns, more jazz drums and sailing vocals.

[@z-man2343]

This band was one of a kind...three outstanding vocalists, a three part horn section that was second to none, a world-class drummer and guitarist, and years of road tested gigging before they became the "band" known as Chicago Transit Authority. This album in particular, Chicago ll, is spectacular, beginning to end.

[@ramonalfaro3252]

Chicago (Studio version) of - I'm A Man!!! So Freaking badass!!!

[@thomasgruseck7971]

You should check out Chicago's entire debut album from 1969, a double LP album entitled Chicago Transit Authority. It is amazing from beginning to end.

[@paulkingartwerks7981]

You're one of the few reactors that does a bit a research before listening.... I like that! Terry Kath was a GOAT lead guitar player; left us too early (January 23, 1978) age 31. His death left a vacuum in the sound of the band and moved the group in a new direction musically; softer and more ballads. I prefer the Kath years of Chicago; bangers.

[@raymeedc]

No Doubt A Bout It ☑️

[@markpekrul4393]

Terry Kath was one of the best guitar players of his era - not enough awareness of his work. Of course as a horn player myself, Lee, Jimmy and Walter were my favorites.

[@raymeedc]

I recall Hendrix saying at one time and/or another that Kath was his favorite guitarist at the time.

[@vandergrad]

Oh man, Chicago had so many, many hit songs and great albums. Chicago had a very unique sound and style. Keep listening to their tracks. You have a lot of amazing music ahead of you!

[@mikefetterman6782]

The liner notes say the Peter Cetera had a broken jaw and had his jaw wired shut while singing this. Wow. An Terry rips faster than anyone.

[@mikefetterman6782]

1 trumpet, 1 sax, and 1 trombone. That is their horn section,

[@Xcris_crosX]

It's writer's block not a drug trip. Maybe looking at a city apartment window seeing flashing neon lights or reflecting streetlights against the windowpane. Now you gotta check out the live version

[@michaelt6218]

Once the Beatles ended, Chicago was the most *musical* of any major band in the 1970s (Santana, maybe, would be second). Strong influences from jazz, blues, classical, folk, pop, even C&W later on - they could do it all, and were extremely innovative. After their first 7 albums, however, things go downhill pretty quickly...

[@happymethehappyone8300]

This MUST HEAR Classic Is From Early In Their Careers,, Chicago "Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?"

[@geoffn54]

I'm so jealous Syed... you're hearing all this great music for the first time. What a gift. I've lived through all of it and there's still incredible music I've never heard. I caught a great track from Megadeth a couple of years ago - Trust - that had gone completely under my radar. How did I miss it?

[@ungadin]

I would say big band sound instead of marching band. Also i think that being over-tired will let you experience somevof the same feelings. Great reaction!

[@marksanders8028]

That’s all B.S. he’s saying 25 or 26 minutes to 4:00 am. He stayed up all night trying to write a song. Read the words . Searching for something to say, trying to stay awake, should I try to do some more. He’s writhing a song about trying to writing a song.

[@blaxbro8098]

Terry Kath was an absolutely insane guitarist. Jimi Hendrix actually mentioned he was his favourite guitarist of all time. Tragic what happened to the guy. RIP

[@elisaabolafia9542]

🔥🔥🔥🔥Their debut album was all over the RADIO FM stations, non stop. They had to shorten their band name from " Chicago Transit Authority" to just the short and sweet " CHICAGO". The city of Chicago literally called their public transportation system " Chicago Transit Authority". Didn't matter to music lovers...this was an EPIC BAND 🎵🎵Keep diving into more, you will love their complexity and tightness.

[@ArniePorter]

Jazz rock fusion and they were the kings of that genre. Now watch them play this song live at Tanglewood . Terry Kath the lead guitarist will blow your mind.

[@renlessard]

Terry Kath RIP was a monster. What a talent

[@benhinds2971]

Chicago had 3 singers The one you need to hear is Terry Kath ("Make Me Smile"), who is also their amazing guitar player. Hendrix liked Terry so much that he asked Chicago to open for him on some dates.

[@tireshredderjoe8894]

They integrated brass with rock music. You must listen to more of their early music to truly appreciate their greatness.Awesome band!

[@bmeggs19]

Hendrix said his favorite guitar player was Terry Kath.

[@aandpman]

1 Trumpet. 1 Trombone. 1 Sax. ;-)

[@WolverineFootballalumni]

One bourbon, one scotch and one beer.

[@PaintingandExercise]

I remember being in the Drill Team in high school in the mid 1970s. We performed with the marching band at our football half time shows. Chicago made brass instrument popular and worthy of a half time show. WE copied THEM. Chicago combined a lot of brass instruments with rock while Electric Light Orchestra combined orchestral string instruments with rock. Both bands were trailblazers and original.

[@quietwoodworking]

The city of Chicago has a rich history of Jazz and Blues music, so it was probably natural for a rock band to emerge with those two influences.

[@mitzifrancis9843]

Another heavy brass filled band that's one of my all time favorites is Blood Sweat and Tears. At least 3 or 4 times a year (since the 1970s mind you) I do a mini-vacation listening session of their songs like Lucretia MacEvil, And When I Die, God Bless the Child and a few others. So satisfying!

[@chrisbanks5925]

Watch the live version now . . Terry Kath is mind blowing on lead guitar.

[@alansmith7626]

once you see the Live at Tanglewood you will have better understanding, is So worth it!

[@lessaleadr]

Syed, thank you! I just knew you'd like this one, and that it'd be in a style new to you. Great reaction as usual, and I understand your reference to a marching band. You've reviewed and reacted to several songs with some brass; Supertramp and the Stones come to mind with saxophones, but they're not used in the same way that Chicago and a couple other bands use brass. Your description of it as "musically rich" is exactly right.

[@ohfour-seven6228]

Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears both put out first albums around the same time. Both were rock bands with horns and jazzy, soulful influences. Al Kooper, the first lead singer and keyboardist of BS&T, played organ on Dylan's Like a Rolling Stone. Both debut albums are phenomenal. I'd suggest checking out the first song on Chicago's first album, Introduction. It is a true introduction to the band and an absolute jaw-dropper. Great reaction!

[@brianbraswell434]

The song is about the creative process of songwriting while on the treadmill of success. The band was touring behind their first album which was getting extensive airplay on college FM radio stations. At the same time they were writing, rehearsing and recording material for their second album (a double album)... the band had drug problems to be sure, but they did not manifest themselves until later on in their career.

[@bobtedeman5975]

finally lol ... wait until you do it Live at Tanglewood 1970 ... the whole acid thing never occurred to me, but now I see it. Thanks for all the great reactions.

[@dangaiser4729]

Great song and great reaction. We lost Terry Kath to an accidental self infected shotgun wound. Never play with guns boys and girls 😢

[@sandyboudreaux-barber9586]

Terry Kath was a guitarist. Watch the Tanglewood concert

[@markantone7989]

REALLY DIG YOUR CHANNEL BIG FAN HERE IN VANCOUVER BC CANADA 🇨🇦

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

I typed my comment before you spoke. True! Terry Kath was a fantastic guitarist also.

[@ls1959]

I recommend the song Beginnings from this early era of the band. Great music.

[@charliecochran3035]

This is one of the most widely played songs among school sports bands so it's not too off target to compare to a marching band. You really should watch the live at Tanglewood version of this. He goes absolutely crazy in the guitar solo and just keeps coming up will killer licks one after another. It's amazing. He is rarely mentioned but was among the most skilled rock guitarists of the time if not the most skilled. Jimi Hendrix thought so.

[@cazgerald9471]

Watch their Live in Tanglewood version if you want your face melted with Terry's guitar solo

[@jerrymiller2891]

6 months ago I had no clue who did this song. From then I til. Ow I bet I've listened to it 1000 times. Great song.

[@kengunter6903]

U gotta c the live version my man it's AWESOME!!!

[@dannymoore6886]

Terry Kath was the MAN!!! Hendrix loved him. He was great. His unfortunate death so young took the heart and soul of this band.

[@inexplicablyleft2729]

Chicago is almost alone in making their brass section such an integral part of their sound. It is so good, and allows them to produce such a high-energy and complex sound that you have to assume that the reason almost no one else tried it was a lack of talent. A lot of us think of Chicago as part of an American equivalent of Prog Rock with the difference being that European Prog groups blended American sounds with traditional European forms to create their sound, American groups like Chicago, Captain Beefheart, Frank Zappa, etc. worked to blend Blues, Rock, Jazz and other strictly American sounds to create high art.

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Ha❗ I was just listening to my favorite CAPTAIN BEEFHEART song last week " Click Clack"🎵🎵 We are so fortunate to have been alive for the greatest ERA in ROCK MUSIC. Some were straight up genius like ZAPPA.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Speaking Of Classics & Groups With Powerful Horn Sections,, The Ides Of March "Vehicle" ..Nuff Said.

[@craigw1911]

If you liked that guitar (Terry Kath, total badass player!) then go to their debut album as The Chicago Transit Authority and listen to the very first track "Introduction", with Terry on lead vocals. then jump to "Poem 58" for 9 minutes of PURE FUNK. The opening half is all instrumental led by Kath on guitar, Danny Seraphine on drums, and Peter Cetera on bass. Dude that was music of 1969 that still kicks ass 50+ years later!

[@michaelasay8587]

Just a fantastic song

[@kevindohn6776]

That's where jazz guitar solo meets rock guitar solo for an awesome fusion, which is pretty much what the whole band sound is , Amazing band !

[@phillipharrison7283]

Syed, thanks for this. one of the best late 60s early 70s rock bands. Self described as 'Rock and Roll with Horns'. They have a huge catalogue. Try 'Saturday in the Park', 'I'm A Man' and 'Listen'✌

[@theresastuppiello9589]

It's about trying to finish writing a song. One of the best bands ever.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Great band with many great songs. Is it about an acid trip? Well no but most people heard it that way and the band knew they would. The horns gave a distinctive sound and the guitarist was the best. Great reaction. Thanks

[@geraldbryden6720]

Trumpet, Saxophone and Trombone. They were a Rock Band with horns. A very deep well.

[@randy8297]

Allow me to be the first one to suggest you watch the live version from Tanglewood!

[@a2zme]

Compared to today's 'pop' music, this level of musicality is just staggering to listen to.

[@markantone7989]

Seen them 5yrs ago, still sound awesomeness

[@ndpd11]

This song is about trying to write a song while working all night on it. They are exhausted by 3:34 or 3:35 a.m. (25 or 26 minutes before 4 am). It's not about doing drugs. Also, Chicago didn't use a marching band to make this song. They had a trombone player, sax player, and trumpet player who were permanent members of the group. The vast majority of Chicago music uses the brass played by their members. It was one of the things that set them apart from most other rock bands of the era. In 25 or 6 to 4, Peter Cetera (bass) is the lead singer. Terry Kath (lead guitar) is the lead singer in "Make Me Smile", and Robert Lamm (keyboards) is the lead singer in "Beginnings" and "Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?" You really should listen and react to all of these songs.

[@stuartbloch28]

I saw flashing lights against the sky in my acid days. Staring blindly into space...describing some of my "trips" fairly accurately.

[@denisetowe895]

You should def check out the live version at Tanglewood and see Terry Kath go crazy on his guitar….amazing! Great musician & artist RIP Love early Chicago ❤

[@lindabergman3127]

Chicago was up at 25 or 6 to four practicing and wrote this song🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@chitownlee]

Jimi Hendrix told Terry Kath he was his favorite guitar player.

[@paullanoue5228]

The horn section is the jazz influence in their music.

[@kareng4658]

Chicago has many different sounds, but all rock! Geniuses.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

70s Chicago nothing better go down that rabbit hole love you

[@paulbroadhurst5350]

There is a live version of this which is spectacular

[@troyturton8197]

Its my favorite Chicago song. And a few others right behind it as well. Then I wondered why the band suddenly changed styles, since I LOVED this totally unique and new style. I had no idea, that the guitarist, Terry Kath. Had accidentally shot and killed himself. And even though the band carried on and became even more famous to say? I liked the music without him, but it was always MISSING him, Terry. And just didn't carry the same awesomeness to it, without him.

[@jeffrubinelectronics]

What you call "Marching Band" used to be Jazz. Funny how perceptions evolve.

[@MarkChappell1]

As some have said, early Chicago clearly different from later Chicago. Terry Kath passed and the band went another direction. Less Horns and more ballads. Peter Cetera (the lead singer for this song) took more creative control, and eventually teamed up with David Foster to write and/or produce some of the 80's ballads (Hard Habit to Break, Hard to Say I'm Sorry, You're the Inspiration, etc.) I'm a big fan of the early Chicago, so many great hits. My favorite is "Dialogue, Pts. 1 & 2.

[@CalumCarlyle]

That was great, what a good choice of song to review!

[@chiprobeson3074]

Appreciate your honest take , and opinions on these classic songs, and understand the marching band comment. The sound strength of those horns is what you hear in m bands. Truly, one of the top rock groups back in the day! Check out, I’m a man!

[@shemanic1]

a tune I love to spin on vinyl 45 & I usually follow it with "Vehicle" by The Ides Of March, another Rock band that incorporates brass.

[@MrRandyv]

As I requested, in an earlier post, the live version, from 1970 in Tanglewood, Ma; is the way to go. Terry Kath’s improv, on his guitar solo, is off the charts🙀🎸

[@MultiMediaEvan]

Yeah I hear what you're saying. I think the term you're looking for is "Concert Band". The kind that you would find in a High School band. It has many of the same instruments such as a brass section with prominent trombones. And of course like you said this style is blended with Rock.

[@raymeedc]

Marching band? Never heard that one used to describe this beat. Most, including myself, would call it Rock.Terry Kath must be turning in his grave 😆

[@inexplicablyleft2729]

Since you're a fan of Dylan, too, you should check out his song that is nominally about writer's block, Watching the River Flow.

[@brentfreeland5834]

Every High School marching band in America played this song through most of the 70s. ✌️

[@rk41gator]

Such an amazing band with such a huge catalog. Their influence was profound. You should see the video of this live. Marching band? ah, no. A jazz band!

[@cosybully]

I had never heard this explanation for this song, that it describes an acid trip; but it makes a lot of sense! Love your channel; keep up the good work!

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

The early Chicago output was incredible. Stay away from the 80s schlock 🖖🏼

[@anahatatutu]

Jazz winds ≠ to marching band. Iconic tune from the never surpassed late '60s - '70s era.

[@zonacrs]

Or it's just a beautifully arranged piece of music describing someone suffering from insomnia. Always loved this song. Thanks for bringing it back to my playlist.

[@russallert]

Unlike some people, I like the use of the term "marching band" to describe the horn sounds. How many generations of high school bands, and especially marching bands, have performed this song since it first came out in 1970? I suspect a lot. And I'll add to the chorus of recommendations for checking out the live version from Tanglewood. It starts with an informal jam to kill time while the drummer fixes some issues with his kit, and turns into a Terry Kath guitar explosion. That's as much of a spoiler as I'll give you.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Personally,, Being A Former Singer/Songwriter/Musician Myself,, It Accurately Describes Experiencing Writers Block & Some Of The Actions & Emotions One Goes Through..Which Is What They Said The Song Was Written About.

[@markmurphy558]

It's a standard jazz section. Listen to some Benny Goodman from the 40s for the inspiration. Paired with Terry Kath's insane guitar work, Chicago made one of the great songs of the era.

[@ginog1398]

Jimi Hendrix once said Terry Kath (the guitar player) was the best guitar player he knew, he even toured a few times with Chicago i believe

[@StevesFunhouse]

I believe from an interview I read about, yes, they were up late writing, and you are correct. It was not about an acid trip ... it was about cocaine, and is clearly alluded to in the song's lyrics, Wanting just to stay awake Wondering how much I can take Should I try to do some more Twenty five or six to four

[@sueharviel6510]

If you like this song, you would love a band called "Blood, Sweat & Tears". "And when I die" is one of my favorite tunes of theirs.

[@geraldbryden6720]

I agree you must find the Tanglewood live version. Terry Kath blows it up!

[@Bekka_Noyb]

great song! ♥