Kansas Self Titled Album Songs Ranked
Kansas is the debut studio album by American progressive rock band Kansas, released in 1974 by Kirshner in the United States and Epic Records in other countries. Kansas’s debut album followed the merging of two Topeka musical camps: Kerry Livgren, from a previous Kansas line-up, and White Clover, which played mainstream rock and blues. The newly formed group signed with Kirshner Records in 1973 and traveled to New York to record their first release. The material on Kansas, written mostly by guitarist/keyboardist Livgren and vocalist/keyboardist Steve Walsh, had been culled from the repertoire of both groups. Livgren’s songs were generally longer and more elaborate than Walsh’s and featured mystical lyrics which reflected his intense interest in Eastern religions. “Journey from Mariabronn” was inspired by Hermann Hesse’s Narcissus and Goldmund, while “Belexes” and “Aperçu” were influenced by the pseudo-Asian sound of Giacomo Puccini’s Turandot. Here are all of Kansas Self Titled album songs ranked.
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8. Journey From Mariabronn
“You do not need to know that “Journey From Mariabronn” smells suspiciously like Hermann Hesse’s Narcissus and Goldmund” or that “Apercu” (and Belexes before it) uses motifs from Puccini’s Turandot. What you need to know is that Kansas IS heavily invested in the classical influenced sounds of 70’s prog-rock, lots of arpeggios, triplets, and time signature changes.”
7. Belexes
“The throbbing Hammond on Belexes, with screaming vocals, delivered with certain clarity. These were anthems of my teenage years. If you liked Kansas, but never heard their beginnings… dig in. If you’ve never experienced Kansas… these were Rock Anthems, mixed with the sweet smell of freedom and… weed!”
6. Death of Mother Nature Suite
“My only issue with this part of the album is that Death of Mother Nature Suite is as subtle as a meteorite. Fortunately, its instrumentation matches the tone of the lyrics, but I find the approach Song for America took towards the subject much more appealing.”
See more: Kansas Albums Ranked
5. Lonely Wind
“The third song “Lonely wind” is a ballad that is both beautiful and haunting. After the first 3 songs one would be inclined to peg Kansas as a country rock fiddle band but that all changes. The delicate Lonely Wind is borne simply on the acoustic piano with a stately bass/drum accompaniment and tasteful violin leads.”
4. Aperçu
“This is one of their best albums; it’s actually close to being the very best. There are many reasons why I like it so much, one of them being Robby’s playing on “Apercu”. -Just listen to those two perfect solo’s towards the end of this long masterpiece of a song; it’s some of the most beautiful violin work you’ll ever have the pleasure of hearing.”
See more: Kansas Songs Ranked
3. Bringing It Back
“Then we have “Bringing it back” a jj cale song about ganja running indicative of the times. It’s fast paced southern style rock with a fantastic violin solo. No where can that be better heard than on the cult favorite “Bringing it Back,” which you won’t every hear on the radio.”
2. The Pilgrimage
“The pilgrimage” is a truly uplifting song of hope and joy. The Pilgrimage’ is the only prog-rock song on the album that could have safely been performed in a midwestern bar, with Robbie Steinhardt’s aggressive violin work (which would become one of the band’s trademarks).”
1. Can I Tell You
“Kansas as an album is fantastic. Before I bought the album, I had only listened to its first track, “Can I Tell You”, which while a solid track, didn’t compare to other tracks on the Greatest Hits album I had. But oh man does the album pick up from there.”
