Greatest Hits, Volume II cover

Greatest Hits, Volume II

Chicago · 1981

35 min · 10 tracks · jazz fusion · pop rock · soft rock

A polished collection of soft rock and jazz-infused hits that showcases Chicago's signature brass arrangements and emotive songwriting.

Why listen to this

Best for
steady mid-tempo sing-alongs nostalgic reflections on love polished melodies for relaxation
Context
By the time 'Greatest Hits, Volume II' was released in November 1981, Chicago had already established themselves as a leading force in the soft rock genre with several chart-topping albums. This compilation followed their successful 'Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits,' which solidified their commercial appeal and featured iconic tracks like 'If You Leave Me Now.' With this album, the band aimed to capture their evolving sound while appealing to both new listeners and longtime fans.
If you like
jazz fusion, pop rock, soft rock

Greatest Hits, Volume II is an album by Chicago, released in 1981. A polished collection of soft rock and jazz-infused hits that showcases Chicago's signature brass arrangements and emotive songwriting. The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and being certified Platinum by the RIAA. It features enduring classics that continue to resonate, such as 'Baby What a Big Surprise' and 'If You Leave Me Now,' showcasing Chicago's ability to blend pop sensibilities with jazz instrumentation. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Greatest Hits, Volume II sound like?

A polished collection of soft rock and jazz-infused hits that showcases Chicago's signature brass arrangements and emotive songwriting. Rooted in jazz fusion and pop rock.

What makes Greatest Hits, Volume II by Chicago notable?

The album achieved significant commercial success, reaching No. 12 on the Billboard 200 and being certified Platinum by the RIAA. It features enduring classics that continue to resonate, such as 'Baby What a Big Surprise' and 'If You Leave Me Now,' showcasing Chicago's ability to blend pop sensibilities with jazz instrumentation. By the time 'Greatest Hits, Volume II' was released in November 1981, Chicago had already established themselves as a leading force in the soft rock genre with several chart-topping albums. This compilation followed their successful 'Chicago IX: Chicago's Greatest Hits,' which solidified their commercial appeal and featured iconic tracks like 'If You Leave Me Now.' With this album, the band aimed to capture their evolving sound while appealing to both new listeners and longtime fans.

Who is Greatest Hits, Volume II for?

Greatest Hits, Volume II works well if you're into steady mid-tempo sing-alongs, nostalgic reflections on love and polished melodies for relaxation.

How many songs are on Greatest Hits, Volume II?

Greatest Hits, Volume II has 10 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Tracklist

10 tracks·35:47

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Baby What a Big Surprise Standout 3:04
  • 2 Dialogue, Part II Standout 4:11
  • 3 No Tell Lover 3:48
  • 4 Alive Again 3:34
  • 5 Old Days 3:30
  • 6 If You Leave Me Now Standout 3:56
  • 7 Questions 67 & 68 3:28
  • 8 Happy Man 3:16
  • 9 Gone Long Gone 3:58
  • 10 Take Me Back to Chicago 2:57

Release Date

November 23, 1981

Genre

jazz fusion, pop rock, soft rock

More albums in soft rock

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

35 min 47 sec