Song For America Songs Ranked
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”. Steve Pettengill, writing for Sea of Tranquility webzine, 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.” Here are all of Song For America songs ranked.
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6. Lonely Street
“Lonely street demonstrates the breadth of Kansas’ accomplishment. Its a bluesy tune (formerly called 11/8) that is one of the most unique Kansas tunes. I know of no other song in their catalog that explores the blues to quite this degree.”
5. Down the Road
“Down the Road,” in fact, is a rather weak opener, stylistically similar to the opening of Kansas’ debut album. This weakness is only in comparison with the rest of the album. Down the Road is a first-rate rocker which showcases Livgren on Guitar and Steinmart on Violin trading riffs.”
See more: Kansas Albums Ranked
4. The Devil Game
“However, when I love this band the most is when the two sides of Kansas come together and the progressive side gets a kick from the rock side, and that happens very often on this disc. “The Devil Game” is a very good example.”
3. Incomudro (Hymn to the Atman)
“Incomudro – Hymn to the Atman” is my favorite Kansas song ever; its power and gloriousness have reduced me to tears more than once. There is hardly a moment in it where the drum line or the bass line is not simply exquisite, but the whole band shows for the full 12 minutes of the song just how much musical taste they all have. Even when Phil Ehart goes off on what should come off as a rather boring drum solo–somehow it’s never worn out its welcome for me though.”
See more: Kansas Songs Ranked
2. Song for America
“Song for America,” ranks very high indeed in the pantheon of amazing, epic Kansas tracks. Stately, impassioned, gorgeous, driving, visionary…it’s arguably the best track they’ve ever done. At 10 minutes, it’s a sumptuous feast for the senses.”
1. Lamplight Symphony
“However, I would have to rate “Lamplight Symphony” as the best track on this disc – and maybe the best track Kansas have recorded to date. I never, ever fail to get the shivers when listening to this song.”
