KANSAS

Having released this debut album in 1974, Kansas put themselves under spotlight because of the music they dared play, which was so difference from their peers in America at the time. Not just incorporated the members' proficiency in playing their instruments, with which they infused a lot of melodies wandering and time signatures changing, they also gave an important leading role to... a violin.

To be honest, this is an ambitious effort. Not bad, because there are great songs and superb performances. Try to at least listen carefully to "Bringing It Back", "Journey from Mariabronn" and "Death of Mother Nature", which are flow fluidly with dense organ, piano and guitar playing. There is also a uniqueness: as progressive as it may seem, the band nevertheless still rely on arena rock flavor.

However, the more you listen to it, the more you will be able to feel a disturbing problem, that it has a lack of focus. It's as if the band launch a shooting foray without seriously taking aim at their target.

Accordingly, suffice it to say this is a great start for a long journey which is proven to be even better later on.