Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Start here — This track exemplifies Chicago's blend of jazz and rock elements, featuring a reflective narrative that questions the passage of time. Its iconic horn arrangement became a defining feature of the band's sound.
-
→
25 or 6 to 4 — A staple in Chicago's repertoire, this song combines a catchy melody with an urgent sense of longing and nocturnal imagery, making it one of their most recognizable hits.
-
→
Make Me Smile — This track showcases the band's signature use of brass instrumentation and uplifting harmonies, embodying the essence of joy that characterizes much of their work.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- patient unfolding of rich themes
- for reflective afternoons
- inviting sing-alongs with friends
- headphone detail hunting experience
Maybe skip if you
- prefer concise, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A retrospective compilation showcasing Chicago's catalog, not a primary entry point.
- Themes
- late-night introspection· orchestral jazz fusion
- Career context
- Released in 1991, Group Portrait captures Chicago during a transitional phase, following their commercial peak in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This album serves as a retrospective compilation, showcasing their greatest hits while also reflecting a shift towards more mature themes. By this point in their career, the band was diversifying their sound and audience appeal after various lineup changes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Earth, Wind & Fire· Steely Dan· Blood, Sweat & Tears
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Introduction 6:35
- 2 Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? Start here 4:35
- 3 Beginnings 7:55
- 4 Questions 67 & 68 5:02
- 5 Listen 3:23
- 6 Poem 58 8:39
- 7 I'm a Man 7:40
- 8 Make Me Smile 3:29
- 9 So Much to Say, So Much to Give 1:01
- 10 Anxiety's Moment 0:56
- 11 West Virginia Fantasies 1:33
- 12 Colour My World 3:00
- 13 To Be Free 1:30
- 14 Now More Than Ever 1:11
- 15 Fancy Colors 5:12
- 16 25 or 6 to 4 4:52
- 17 Where Do We Go From Here 2:50
Disc 2
- 1 Flight 602 2:46
- 2 Free 2:18
- 3 What Else Can I Say 3:14
- 4 Mother 4:30
- 5 Lowdown 3:35
- 6 A Song for Richard and His Friends 6:25
- 7 A Hit by Varèse 4:53
- 8 Saturday in the Park 3:56
- 9 Dialogue (Part I) 2:57
- 10 Dialogue (Part II) 4:14
- 11 Alma Mater 3:51
- 12 Feelin' Stronger Every Day 4:14
- 13 In Terms of Two 3:30
- 14 Critic's Choice 2:48
- 15 Just You 'n' Me 3:45
- 16 Something in This City Changes People 3:42
Disc 3
- 1 Life Saver 5:20
- 2 Happy Man 3:33
- 3 (I've Been) Searchin' So Long 4:28
- 4 Sunny Boy 5:11
- 5 Byblos 6:19
- 6 Wishing You Were Here 4:36
- 7 Call on Me 4:03
- 8 Brand New Love Affair Part I & II 4:30
- 9 Harry Truman 3:01
- 10 Old Days 3:31
- 11 You Are on My Mind 3:22
- 12 If You Leave Me Now 3:56
- 13 Together Again 3:53
- 14 Another Rainy Day in New York City 3:02
- 15 Hope for Love 3:06
Disc 4
- 1 Take Me Back to Chicago 5:16
- 2 Mississippi Delta City Blues 4:42
- 3 Baby, What a Big Surprise 3:04
- 4 Prelude (Little One) 0:49
- 5 Little One 5:47
- 6 Not Tell Lover 4:12
- 7 Closer to You 4:56
- 8 Gone Long Gone 3:59
- 9 Alive Again 4:07
- 10 Must Have Been Crazy 3:24
- 11 Doin' Business 3:27
- 12 Song for You 3:40
- 13 Thunder and Lightning 3:32
- 14 The American Dream 3:17
- 15 Beginnings (live) 6:18
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Aja
Steely Dan
Merges complex jazz harmonies with polished rock, delivering introspective themes and rich arrangements.
All 'n All
Earth, Wind & Fire
Blends orchestral elements with sophisticated melodies, creating a vibrant yet reflective late-night atmosphere.
The Bridge
Billy Joel
Features heartfelt storytelling and lush instrumentation, for late-night introspection like Chicago's sound.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.