LEFTOVERTURE

There. I said it. I simply love Leftoverture and I can't believe this masterpiece is ranked 74 on the top 100 prog albums of all time. So I decided to make some justice by my own.

The album opens with one of Kansas most well known songs.I don't care how much radio airplay Carry On Wayward Son has received.It's an absolute classic and Leftoverture wouldn't be the same without its awesome riffs and memorable hooks.

The Wall starts with some killing guitar melody lines. Astonishing and beautiful since the very first seconds. The piano in the middle part of the song is again marvelous as well as the vocal parts. Kansas is one of the few bands that make me go through different kind of emotions during single tracks without them necesarily being epic (point of know return would be another example of this). An absolute gem with great lyrics also.

What's On My Mind is just plain fun. Nothing much more to add. An average hard rock song that does not drag the album down but doesn't deliver that much either.

Miracles Out Of Nowhere is another highlight. Complex instrumentation, yet gentle and pretty much acoustically driven (similar to Heart's Crazy On You on some parts). I dare you not to sing with the chorus. It's just impossible. I also love the dual vocal harmonies on this one.

Opus Insert starts in the vein of What's On My Mind. But here we have the advantage of some really interesting keyboard work and a fantastic spacey finale.

Questions Of My Childhood is probably the most upbeat song on the album. A short enjoyable and joyful track that works perfectly as an appetizer for what is yet about to come.

And boy what a way to close a fantastic album. Cheyenne Anthem and Magnum Opus. Two of Kansas best songs ever and Leftoverture's proggiest. A feist for your ears. A good pair of headphones are recommended for these ones. If you have a doubt this guys can play just listen to this. Nothing to envy to giant prog monsters like ELP or Yes. Really stunning.

Overall a fantastic album, and a perfect place for starters in terms of accessibility (their first albums are also great but might be a little harder to digest). Long live Kansas!

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