Monolith Songs Ranked
Monolith is the sixth studio album by American progressive rock band Kansas, released in 1979 (see 1979 in music). The album was remastered and reissued in 2011, as a Japanese import vinyl-replica Blu-spec CD (Epic EICP 20078) including the rarity live version of “On the Other Side” previously available only on the 1994 Legacy-issued Box Set. A domestic version of the remaster was released in standard CD format in the US as part of Legacy Recordings’ Classic Album Collection series which included all of their Kirshner/CBS studio releases. A Dutch-issued “Music on CD” series released the album on CD in 2016. It was last of the albums with the original lineup to be re-released on vinyl. Three different colored vinyl versions appeared in 2018 and 2019. Here are all of Monolith songs ranked.
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8. How My Soul Cries Out for You
“How My Soul Cries Out For You” has a fast-paced, almost electric boogie rock-like style to it. Unfortunately the song doesn’t focus entirely around THAT part and soon morphs into a couple other vocal melodies, both of which are significantly less appealing than the one that opens the song.”
7. Reason to Be
“Reason To Be” is a badly generic ballad with so-so guitar playing. Actually the guitar playing reminds me of “Gallows Pole” and “Tangerine”, two Led Zeppelin songs. Just slightly- I’m not about to call it a ripoff especially since the rest of the song doesn’t resemble Zeppelin at all.”
6. Angels Have Fallen
“Angels Have Fallen” is another typical display of average vocals. This really is the worst album Kansas released in the 70’s by *far*. The heavy metal guitar solo is decent, and the piano jam is a step in the right direction.”
See more: Kansas Albums Ranked
5. Stay Out of Trouble
“Stay Out of Trouble” almost reminds me of ZZ Top in the guitar licks. It’s sort of forgettable though. “Stay Out of Trouble” is similar to “How My Soul” with excellent guitar work but less-than-stellar lyrics and pacing.”
4. People of the South Wind
“The “breezy” tune People of the South Wind is a good example of this tendency. The songs range in length from 3’38” to 6’37” with most in the 3-5 minute range – as always though, the band still managed to say a great deal in a short amount of time and there are some extremely proggy moments on the album.”
See more: Kansas Songs Ranked
3. Away From You
“Away From You” has a vocal melody that just sounds very different from anything I’ve experienced before! I’m not sure how to approach it to be honest. Is it happy, sad, or adventurous? Yeah, it’s the last one- adventurous. Actually repeated listens proves this song is surely a fantastic one.”
2. On the Other Side
“With those factors coming into play, it’s amazing Kansas was able to create a quality album. “On the Other Side” introduces a new sound that really illustrates what Kansas was going for here- religious prog? Hmmm maybe, haha. The vocal melody is probably nothing special (or rather, the series of straight forward verse melodies leading into the chorus) but… it’s alright. “
1. A Glimpse of Home
“A Glimpse of Home” reminds me waaaaay too much of Foreigner in the verse melody, and in fact, when it picks up soon after, it sounds even more like Bad Company’s “Burnin’ Sky” in both the vocals AND guitar riff. The instrumental jam consists of more heavy metal-like guitar solos. It all adds up to a pretty good song despite the similarities to other artists.”