SONG FOR AMERICA

I really think this is KANSAS' best album. All their other albums are very inconsistant, this one is the exception although I don't think much of the first track. I was also surprised at how symphonic the title track is, and it's hard not to say that it's their best composition. Still I can't get past their AOR sound.

"Down The Road" is not a good start. Sounds like a Southern rock tune to me. "Song For America" like I said earlier is very Symphonic. Drums, violin, organ and piano stand out early. Vocals 3 minutes in. When the vocals stop the synths come in after 5 minutes. It settles with piano then picks back up with violin. Vocals are back after 8 1/2 minutes. Great song.

"Lamplight Symphony" settles with reserved vocals quickly. I like the instrumental section after 4 minutes. It settles with violin and piano after 5 1/2 minutes. Vocals are back after 7 minutes. Lots of organ here then guitar. "Lonely Street" opens with bass and vocals. It gets a lot louder before a minute. This is a Blues flavoured tune. I like it. "The Devil Game" is an uptempo track. Some nice guitar 1 1/2 minutes in. "Incomudro-Hymn To The Atman" opens with some drama before settling quickly with violin. Reserved vocals follow. The tempo continues to change. There's a drum solo 7 minutes in. A good ending as it kicks back in after 10 1/2 minutes.

3.5 stars.