The best Chicago albums

20 records, ordered by how much we can tell you about each one — not by chart position.

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Chicago VII

Chicago VII

1974

Represents the band's blend of rock and jazz influences, showcasing their core sound through a cohesive set of tracks.

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    Chicago VI

    Chicago VI

    1973

    A vibrant mix of brass arrangements and introspective lyrics, underscored by tight harmonies and a blend of rock and jazz influences.

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    Chicago XXXVI – Now

    Chicago XXXVI – Now

    2014

    A vibrant blend of pop-rock melodies and jazz-infused arrangements celebrates life, love, and the passage of time.

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    Chicago 13

    Chicago 13

    1979

    A blend of smooth jazz and soft rock, infused with vibrant horns and introspective lyrics that capture a reflective mood.

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    Chicago

    Chicago

    1970

    A vibrant mix of rock and jazz infuses this album with intricate arrangements and heartfelt melodies.

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    Chicago VII

    Chicago VII Start here

    1974

    A vibrant fusion of rock, jazz, and orchestral elements, Chicago VII showcases the band's eclectic musicality and rich arrangements.

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    Chicago XXXII – Stone of Sisyphus

    Chicago XXXII – Stone of Sisyphus

    2008

    A reflective blend of soft rock and jazz-infused melodies, underscored by poignant lyrics and harmonizing vocals.

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    Chicago XXXV – The Nashville Sessions

    Chicago XXXV – The Nashville Sessions

    2013

    A vibrant blend of classic Chicago hits reimagined with a fresh Nashville twist, rich in brass and soulful melodies.

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    Twenty 1

    Twenty 1

    1991

    Smooth melodies blend with jazz-inflected rock, showcasing Chicago's signature horn arrangements and heartfelt vocals.

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    Chicago 19

    Chicago 19

    1988

    A polished blend of adult contemporary melodies and soft rock anthems, showcasing Chicago's signature lush arrangements and heartfelt lyrics.

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    Chicago III

    Chicago III

    1971

    A vibrant blend of jazz rock and pop, weaving intricate melodies with lush horn arrangements and introspective lyrics.

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    Chicago XIV

    Chicago XIV

    1980

    A polished blend of soft rock and jazz-inflected melodies, Chicago XIV showcases the band's signature horns layered over reflective lyrics.

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    Chicago XXXIII – O Christmas Three

    Chicago XXXIII – O Christmas Three

    2011

    A festive blend of jazz-infused pop arrangements with lush harmonies celebrating the spirit of the holiday season.

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    Chicago 17

    Chicago 17

    1984

    Polished synthesizer melodies and smooth vocals create a sophisticated pop landscape that captures the essence of the mid-1980s.

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    Chicago XXX

    Chicago XXX

    2006

    Melodic soft rock harmonies blend with jazz influences, delivering an emotionally rich and polished soundscape throughout the album.

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    Chicago 16

    Chicago 16

    1982

    Smooth harmonies meld with polished melodies, creating a lush soundscape that defines the essence of 80s adult contemporary rock.

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    Chicago XXXVII: Chicago Christmas

    Chicago XXXVII: Chicago Christmas

    2019

    A warm blend of jazz-infused pop and soft rock that captures the festive spirit with nostalgic flair.

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    Chicago X

    Chicago X

    1976

    A blend of soft rock and jazz-infused melodies that showcases lush arrangements and heartfelt vocal harmonies.

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    Chicago XXV – The Christmas Album

    Chicago XXV – The Christmas Album

    1998

    A smooth blend of classic holiday standards reinterpreted with Chicago's signature horns and lush vocal harmonies.

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    Hot Streets

    Hot Streets

    1978

    A smooth blend of jazz-inflected rock and soulful pop melodies that embodies the late 1970s soundscape.

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    Chicago XI

    Chicago XI

    1977

    A blend of smooth melodies and intricate arrangements, Chicago XI showcases the band's signature fusion of rock and jazz influences.