Introduction:
In the vast landscape of classic rock, certain songs transcend time and genre, standing not only as era-defining anthems but also as enduring benchmarks of musical innovation. One such track is Chicago – “25 or 6 to 4.” First released in 1970 on the band’s second album (confusingly titled Chicago), this powerful blend of rock, jazz, and soul became one of the most iconic songs of the era and remains a staple on classic rock radio to this day.
At first glance, the song’s title—“25 or 6 to 4”—presents an enigma. For years, it puzzled listeners, prompting speculation and various interpretations. Was it a drug reference? A military code? Something secret and mysterious? In truth, it’s far more grounded. According to Robert Lamm, the band’s keyboardist and the song’s writer, the title simply refers to the time of day—25 or 26 minutes to 4 a.m.—when he found himself struggling to write a song. That very creative struggle became the core of the song’s theme: a late-night bout of inspiration, fatigue, and artistic yearning.
But the appeal of “25 or 6 to 4” lies not only in its title but in its masterful composition. From the opening notes, listeners are hooked by the song’s signature guitar riff—crunchy, deliberate, and instantly recognizable. That riff, performed by Terry Kath (one of rock’s most underrated guitarists), powers the song forward with the intensity of a freight train. Meanwhile, the horn section—Chicago’s signature weapon—blazes through the arrangement, delivering punchy, syncopated stabs that elevate the energy to another level.
Vocally, Lamm’s delivery is raw and urgent, matching the late-night desperation embedded in the lyrics. The rhythm section, anchored by Danny Seraphine’s precise drumming and Peter Cetera’s basslines, never relents, building an atmosphere of both tension and drive. It’s a song that feels alive, one that captures a moment of creative electricity and renders it timeless.
Musically, “25 or 6 to 4” bridges multiple genres—rock, jazz, funk—and in doing so, it helped define the unique sound of Chicago. The band, known for seamlessly blending brass instrumentation with rock rhythms, crafted a tune that’s complex yet accessible, aggressive yet melodic.
Beyond its technical merits, the song marked a turning point for the band. Its commercial success—reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100—cemented Chicago’s place in the rock canon and introduced millions of listeners to a new sonic experience where horns and hard rock could coexist with brilliance.
More than five decades later, Chicago – “25 or 6 to 4” continues to inspire. Covered by countless artists, performed in marching bands, and revered by guitarists and drummers alike, it’s a song that exemplifies how creativity, when captured at the right moment, can become immortal. It’s not just a song about trying to write a song. It’s a masterclass in how to do it right.