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Song for America is the second album by American rock band Kansas, released in 1975 (see 1975 in music). Endless touring had given Kansas a small following of loyal fans, some of whom would follow the group from one show to another. Despite the minor success of their debut album, they were still, for the most part, a struggling bar band.
While Song for America did little to change that, it is regarded by many as their most progressive work. Like the first album, the writing duties were divided between Kerry Livgren and the former members of White Clover, most notably vocalist / keyboardist Steve Walsh.
Musically, Song for America is a complex wall of sound containing six lengthy tracks full of wailing guitars, violin and generous portions of organ and Mellotron. Lyrically, Kansas had begun to take a dark turn. Walsh’s songs reflected life on the street ("Lonely Street"), drug dealing ("Down the Road"), and a run-in with the Devil. Livgren’s world included a haunting ghost story ("Lamplight Symphony"), a Hymn to the Atman, and the album’s sweeping title track, which is regarded by violinist Robby Steinhardt as the band’s signature tune.
[edit] Track listing
- "Down the Road" (Livgren, Walsh) – 3:43
- "Song for America" (Livgren) – 10:03
- "Lamplight Symphony" (Livgren) – 8:17
- "Lonely Street" (Ehart, Hope, Walsh, Williams) – 5:43
- "The Devil Game" (Hope, Walsh) – 5:04
- "Incomudro--Hymn to the Atman" (Livgren) – 12:11
[edit] Personnel
[edit] Production
- Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
- Engineer: Peter Granet
- Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
- Preparation: Don Meehan
- Arranger: Kansas
- Art direction: Ed Lee
- Paintings: Peter Lloyd
[edit] Charts
Album - Billboard (North America)
| Year |
Chart |
Position |
| 1975 |
Pop Albums |
57 |
