The Ash in Chicago
71 min · 11 tracks · hard rock
A vibrant tapestry of twin guitar harmonies and melodic hard rock that captures the essence of live performance.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The King Will Come Start here — Opening with soaring guitars and anthemic melodies, this track exemplifies Wishbone Ash's signature sound and sets the tone for the entire album.
-
→
Throw Down the Sword — This song features intricate guitar interplay and compelling lyrics about conflict and resolution, representing the thematic depth of the album.
-
→
Blowin’ Free — With its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo, this track stands out as one of Wishbone Ash's most recognizable songs, showcasing their melodic prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album captures live energy with strong guitar work but lacks a tightly cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks exceed five minutes, allowing for improvisation and dynamic shifts in energy throughout the performance.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- soaring melodies for reflective moments
- waves of intensity and calm
- for long drives
- engaging guitar harmonies to explore
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Cemented Wishbone Ash's influence in hard rock after Argus success.
- Themes
- Chicago live scene· guitar-driven anthems· conflict and resolution
- Career context
- Released in 1973, The Ash in Chicago is a live album that showcases Wishbone Ash during their peak years following the success of their acclaimed album Argus. This period marked a significant time for the band as they solidified their reputation for intricate guitar work and dynamic performances, capturing the energy of their growing fanbase.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult
Tracklist
- 1 The King Will Come Start here 7:38
- 2 Strange Affair 5:40
- 3 Standing in the Rain 6:17
- 4 Lost Cause in Paradise 5:13
- 5 Keeper of the Light 3:51
- 6 Throw Down the Sword 6:08
- 7 In the Skin 8:38
- 8 Why Don’t We? 7:56
- 9 Hard Times 4:59
- 10 Blowin’ Free 8:37
- 11 Living Proof 5:59
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Live and Dangerous
Thin Lizzy
Features twin guitar harmonies and captures the raw energy of live performances in hard rock.
At Fillmore East
The Allman Brothers Band
Showcases intricate guitar interplay and a vibrant live atmosphere, echoing the spirit of concert experiences.
How the West Was Won
Led Zeppelin
Presents dynamic live renditions with a focus on guitar-driven anthems and high-energy performances.
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.