II

1970 double album ups ante for pop, rock, and jazz fusion. Numbered, limited edition

Mastered from the original master tapes: Longtime audiophile favorite now possesses reference-caliber separation, tonalities, balance

Includes the smashes “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Make Me Smile”

Chicago shortened its name on its second album but altered little else. Improving upon the creative synthesis shown on its debut, the ensemble ups the ante for pop, rock, and jazz fusion on its 1970 sophomore set, introducing classical signatures as well as a penchant to delve even deeper into unchartered waters. Ambitious arrangements and brazen interplay remain, yet further addition of multifaceted melodies and seamless syncopation finds the group stepping up its songwriting. Witness “25 Or 6 To 4” and “Make Me Smile,” smashes that resonated with the mainstream.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Mobile Fidelity’s Gold CD lavishes Chicago II with a clarity, transparency, and detail no previous digital edition has ever enjoyed. Pulling back the curtain on the recordings, this collector’s version exponentially expands the soundstaging dimensions, imaging proportions, and dynamic information, allowing the songs to breathe and enjoy a roominess that enhances the stellar performances and interwoven structures. In particular, the harmonic vocals naturally carry and possess lifelike decay, never in competition with but always in sympathy with the telepathic instrumentation. Yes, the sonics here are as good as gold.