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Kansas - Vinyl Confessions CD (album) cover

VINYL CONFESSIONS

Kansas

 

Symphonic Prog

2.78 | 280 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
2 stars A change in direction .

The first time I knew about this album was from a pop hit "Chasing Shadows" which was quite popular at that time. From the band's perspective this album was a culmination of cold war between Steve Walsh and the other two member of the band: Dave Hope and Kerry Livgren. It was triggered by Vinyl Confessions material proposed by Livgren whereby Walsh refused to sing due to the lyrics were much into Christianity. The result was Steve Walsh left the band to form Streets and brought his material with him. While Livgren got only five songs that could only match half of a full album. Kansas then auditioned candidates to replace Steve Walsh and after auditioning for roughly thirty candidates, they picked John Elefante- a 20-year old man with songwriting capability.

As far as the music concern this album does not reflect classic Kansas albums like Left Overture. Vinyl Confessions sounds to me like ordinary hard rock music with no progressive elements in it - only the violin that seems represent the prog elements, even though not really. There is basically no solid composition - be it solid in composition or catchy melody - it's definitely nothing like "Miracle Out of Nowhere" or "Magnum Opus" or "Incomudro", the band's classics. The music is more driven by guitar intead of violin. If you have never heard any album of Kansas you might consider that this is an ordinary hard rock / pop rock band that uses violin - that's it. As lead vocalist, I admit that John Elefante is a good singer and he can be a logical replacement for Steve Walsh.

Overall, I would say this album would only satisfy those who are die hard fans of Kansas who want to complete the collection of Kansas albums. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW (i-Rock! Music Community)

Gatot | 2/5 |

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