SONG FOR AMERICA

Through this album I knew Kansas for the first time and I think it was sometime in 1976. It was a bit late (2nd album already) when I first purchased the cassette version of this album. Yeah, I was teenager at that time and cassettes were the only collection that I had for many rock groups music. No one had ever introduced me to the band until I found it at a small store in my hometown, Duta Irama (ugh . I even still remember the store name. Yeah man, rock music has always inspired me all the time. It's tough for me to forget any event related to rock music). It's still clear in my mind on the source of money I got to buy this album It was a gift from my mom that had successfully rent room space in our home to a group of accountants. Memorable! One song that really blew me at first listening was "INCOMUDRO". It's a beautiful song with great melody. Only until in 8 November 1996 when I could afford to buy the CD of this album.

The album has an excellent composition, strong songwriting and great performance by the band. Kansas music had always been coloured by the blend of classic rock as well as prog elements. Voice quality of Steve Walsh is excellent - he sings clearly even in relatively high tone. Kerry Livgren's and Rich William's guitar works are top-notch combined with a stunning violin work by Robbie Steinhardt. I think KANSAS is the band of its own category as I hardly identify what style of music they are alike to previous bands.

DOWN THE ROAD is a very energetic rock track with great violin touch; it serves a wonderful role as an opening track. The music is a blend of classic rock with some influence of country. The violin solo followed by double lead guitar work in the middle of the track is really terrific! So energetic this track is so I usually put this track "on" when I drive down the road!

It then continues to a longer track "SONG FOR AMERICA" in slower tempo than the predecessor. The opening violin and keyboard sound is nice, followed by synthesizer to welcome the voice line. In the intro part, there are some tempo changes with smooth transition, embraced by the soft sound of violin. Yeah . violin is the key to Kansas sound! And . I love violin in rock (and metal)!!! (No wonder that I enjoy King Crimson with David Cross, David Cross solo, Eddie Jobson, Jean Luc Ponty and also Rhapsody, Kamelot). Well, this track has a powerful melody with a wide variety of instrumentations: keys, guitar, violin, synthesizer, piano (during musical break - great!) and dazzling bass guitar, dynamic drumming! Top notch!

"LAMPLIGHT SYMPHONY" opens with a very very touchy melody (that makes me cry, really!) using keys and followed brilliantly by a touch of violin. Uughh . great opening! When the vocal starts to take up in the music, yeah man . the melody is really killing me! This is a mellow track performed in ballad style with some tempo changes (so, it's prog to the bone man!). The interlude part that starts at minute 3:50 is really amazing. It demonstrates how a combination of synthesizer and violin can really kill you! I mean it man .get your CD and spin it now! You'll then understand what I mean is really a real thing. The piano work that accompanies violin is also killing! (Note: This track would create ultimate satisfaction if you paly it loud in the evening with the light turns off. It's a killing composition, my friend!).

The music turns to a faster tempo with the 4th track "LONELY STREET". It's a nice classic rock music with double lead guitar play dominant roles. Observe how the double guitars (performed by Kery Livgren and Rich Williams) fill the bars and how the "quality" voice of Steve Walsh takes the lead. It then flows to the 5th track with "THE DEVIL GAME" (this time more instruments are used and the music is in faster tempo compared to previous track).

The concluding track "INCOMUDRO - HYMN TO THE ATMAN" is another killer. I don't know exactly which part of this track that is called as "Hymn to The Atman". Never mind, just enjoy the music. It starts with a symphonic rock music heavily dominated with keyboard sound and accentuated nicely with violin before the vocal is entering the scene. Man . this voice line has a powerful and touchy melody! The music flows nicely with some tempo changes with smooth transitions. The keyboard plays its role to create symphonic nuances throughout the track. The musical break with piano and keyboard sound is terrific! Dynamic yet melodic music! Starting at minute 4:05 the music flows into an interlude part with great violin transitions. The interlude itself explores the synthesizer sounds backed-up with great bass guitar and drumming. There is a short solo drum in the middle of the track. The music than returns to the original tagline melody. Wonderfully composed track! Try it now! You will definitely share the same feeling with me. I am sure! (Observe on how violin sound during transitions can kill you, melody-wise - especially if you listen to it with a great details of keyboard sounds at the back of violin. WOW!)

Tight composition, excellent songwriting, flawless performance backed up with great musicianship. Excellent production. Therefore it's a 5/5 rating. A masterpiece! GW, Indonesia.