Song for America is the second studio album by American progressive rock band Kansas, released in 1975. The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2004. The 10-minute title track was edited down to three minutes for release as a single. The 45 R.P.M. edit resurfaced 29 years later as a bonus track on the remastered release, which provided improved sound as well as expanded liner notes, rare photos, and a live version of "Down the Road".
A new version of the album, Playlist: Song for America, was released with "Magnum Opus" from Leftoverture (1976) instead of "The Devil Game" on the new album.
Reception
AllMusic, in a retrospective review, praised the "intense energy" of the album's shorter songs, but contended that the longer songs require too much active listening to appreciate. They concluded that the album is "a good (if not adolescent) recording for a group of this genre."
Steve Pettengill, writing for Sea of Tranquility, describes the album as "full tilt symphonic rock with none of the stadium rock numbers that would pop up on later albums. Comprising four lengthy intricate pieces and two very American style romps, Kansas' second album very admirably showcases the band's trademark duality as proggers and rockers."
Track listing
All tracks written by Kerry Livgren except where noted.
Personnel
- Steve Walsh â€" organ, ARP and Moog synthesizers, lead vocals (except on "Down the Road"), backing vocals on "Down the Road" and "Lonely Street", piano on "Down the Road"
- Robby Steinhardt â€" violin, backing vocals, lead vocals on "Down the Road"
- Kerry Livgren â€" electric and rhythm guitars (except on "Song for America" and "Lamplight Symphony"), Moog and ARP synthesizers, ARP strings, piano (except on "Down the Road")
- Rich Williams â€" electric, acoustic, and rhythm guitars
- Dave Hope â€" bass guitar
- Phil Ehart â€" drums, glockenspiel on "Song for America", Moog drum and gong on "Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman"
Production
- Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
- Engineer: Peter Granet
- Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
- Preparation: Don Meehan
- Arranger: Kansas
- Art direction: Ed Lee
- Paintings: Peter Lloyd
Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)
References
