Whenever people talk about Kansas I rarely, if ever, here mention of the outstanding bass playing of Dave Hope, about time he got a bit more recognition I think. That bass sound contributed greatly to this era of Kansas music.
In a band full of incredible virtuosos stands the amazing Dave Hope. This man not only held his own, he actually drove the band on many of their songs. I find myself humming his bass lines just as often as the lead instruments in many of their tunes. What a great band! Love love LOVE Kansas!
I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this. The drumming always stood out--of course. but listening to to the bass stuff in here is absolutely astounding!
This song is a MASTERPIECE. I discovered it a few years ago now and it, along with a couple other Kansas tracks, opened up the doors to progressive rock to me. In the present, i've heard tons of stuff from Gentle Giant to Van Der Graaf to Magma to Can to Camel to Banco to Opeth covering all sorts of different subgenres and I love all this stuff, but Song For America is still a top 5 song for me. It just constantly blows my mind, that part when it strips down to just piano and kicks into that jam in 9/8 just melts my brain. The brilliant songwriting is just beyond me, so glad you posted a video on it!
In an era where the Brits dominated prog Kansas came along and said, "hold our beer." Yes they ventured into pop somewhat but that's what made the money to keep any band going. Even their "pop hits" were masterpieces. Never too loud... :) Best wishes to Craig!
Ah Kansas. You can’t go wrong with this band ! Hard to take in all the intricacies in their music on the first listen. So I played them A LOT. Hope all the best to Craig.
Kansas at their most majestic. Fantastic song, possibly my favorite from this band. Glad you got to hear this one, and I hope that Craig enjoys the listen!
This is one of the most epic songs of all time. A masterpiece. Brilliant. This band has no equal. Their sound, and compositions are original. The musicianship is superb. Kansas (the band) is an American treasure.
Old time prog was very much a British domain but Kansas had that depth that could compete with the top tier. Thank God for that, it was great to hear an American voice expressed in my favourite genre with such genuine panache. Steve Hackett must have agreed because he used Steve's vocals on a song called Narnia that I think was on his Please Don't Touch album.
Hang in there Craig, going through my own health issues! Great music really does promote healing & well being, thanks Doctor J.P.!!! Peace & Health to all.
I wish you strength, my friend. Life is funny, isn't it ? I had repeated thoughts about this notion while I was at my sickest & listening to my faves, like this one. The notion ? The fact is, this music- all of it- will outlast ALL of us. No matter what, it will be there long past the time we expire. I find that to be a relaxing thought. We may longer be around, but like the Sun, this art called music will always be there. And true artistry will be rewarded in the long run, things like Song For America by Kansas. Fluff & pop are forgotten in two year spans, more or less. Bubble gum & pop will always remain too, but they will not draw the attention that pure music will.... I pray for you to recover from what ails you, buddy. Keep positive & lean on music, even when not in the mood. It'll help turn you around. Positivity !! All the best !! 😎🇺🇸
JP, you have just reached the zenith, the highest peak. This, for me, is Kansas at their best. There’s nothing else to say other then I believe this is the greatest progressive song performed by an American band. There’s enough hooks to write four separate songs, incredible. Like said before, a masterpiece!
I always consider Kansas the US version of ELP and YES. Livgren and Walsh are a great combo on keys and though they are influenced by the keyboard giants of Emerson and Wakeman, they carved out a unique sound all their own. All the best for Craig.
I saw them perform this live in one of their first headliner bills at the college I was attending. The venue had stellar accoustics. Highly memorable experience. The performance rated two encore calls, to which Kansas responded. However, at that point they had performed every song they had on their first two albums and one song from the next album they hadn't yet recorded. So, they appologized to the crowd for having exhausted their original material, but they offered up two covers of Beatles songs in consolation, which were great as well.
Thank so much for reviewing Song For America... a true EPIC piece of music that personified Kansas' "prog from the prairie" sound. This was actually the first song I ever heard from them years ago... and became an instant fan.
Song for America is my favorite Kansas album because from my point of view it's their most contrasted and best balanced overall as much for the three short tracks in a rock vein as for the three longest progressive tracks.
This song reminds me why Kansas should be in the RRHOF. Yes, they had their 2 big commercial albums of Leftoverature and Point of No Return are fantastic, however "Song For America" showcases the musicality of Kansas. Ty for reacting to this masterpiece! I've been a fan of Kansas since the "Masque" album. Speaking of which, the opener, Child of Innocence and Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel) are outstanding!! Also, this tune gives us a premonition of Magnum Opus from Leftoverature. Great review, JP!! 💜💜💜💜💜
A masterpiece from a masterpiece album. All six songs are intriguing, SFA, Lamplight Symphony, Incommudro-Hymn To The Atman, all prog, with uniquely Kansas touches. The Devil Game, a Yes-like rocker, full of riffs/chord progressions/key changes. Down The Road: Kansas with a twist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a fast boogie rocker. And Lonely Street, a straight hard rocker, no keys/violin, and Steve Walsh wailing on vocals. An album you're never bored with. Livgren does piano, Walsh does organ, they both trade off on synths. They're often playing one hand on one synth, one on piano/organ at the same time, not just on this song, many Kansas songs. Dave Hope on bass might be the best part of SFA. I've heard SFA over 100 times, still hear new things every time. The song and album that made me a Kansas fan ( since 1975), bought it for the album cover, stayed for the music.
THIS is my favorite song by Kansas. When I was on college radio, I used to do a show on Friday nights called The Live Set. Two hours of music culled solely from live albums. The opening riff of this song was the intro for the show. Good call Craig. I hope you get the healing you need.
Best wishes to Craig! This composition is peak Kansas. The first time I heard this, I was in high school driving around, and the instrumental middle section (from the solo piano onward) was playing on the radio...I was just discovering prog rock, and thought it was some unreleased Yes song from the Fragile-era (even though I knew that wasn’t very likely) haha...anyway, excellent composition and performance from the band. I also like how it ends almost like a musical question mark complementing the ecological lyrics of despoiling the earth...
Hi Justin, as I imagined for me you nailed all the main aspects of this song. Let me say that in the early '80 I was in the high school age and at home while studying I often used to play drums with two simple pens on my books drumset along with this song in the live version taken from "Two for the show", which I suggest to listen to, it's a little shorter due to the lack of the piano interlude/bridge but for me even better. As I said before you nailed it and I also agree about the sound choices of the synths, a very modern and sparkling sound (we were in 1975). You mention among all the members Robby Steinhardt, let me remember that besides his huge job on violin and backing vocals he was also a co-lead singer with a more rough bluesy voice but always very in tune and Steve Walsh is one of my top singers. Great review Justin!
Craig is a wise man - I hope he gets well soon. 👍🏻 Favorite song by Kansas, for pretty much all the reasons you mention JP. Thanks for reacting to my request - AHEM! I mean, um, Craig’s request. 😎
You cannot go wrong with Kansas. The collective talent is beyond description. Steve Walsh is, in my opinion, the greatest vocalist in rock history. Kansas is what happens when five superb musicians find each other. I just read that they opened for Queen once and Brian May said of them " Incredible music and when you hear them on stage they sound like a f**cking record.".
I went to a Yes concert at Duke University in 1974. A band who I had never heard of before opened and nearly stole the show. That was my introduction to Kansas. They came with some serious chops and they meant business.
Craig: Thanks so much for requesting this. I still remember buying this when it was new and having my jaw dropped at the compositional high bar on display throughout. Performances are amazing, and Steve Hackett of Genesis noticed because he reached out to Steve Walsh and Phil Heart to play two tracks on his second solo album. Lord Jesus, whatever Craig is facing, bring healing to him and ease any suffering. Take away any fear by making your mighty presence known and bless him and his loved ones. Amen.
Very nicely said & thank you for your support, brother !! 😎🇺🇸 I am still so excited by Justin making this video, I go back & relisten, catch up with the comments....
"Song for America" is the second Kansas album, but the first where they were able to concentrate on production. The first album, the self-titled "Kansas," was recorded in a series of single takes due to studio time limitations, their own unknown status, and their unfamiliarity with the recording process. For a debut album, it's a great, but it lacks the nuance of later releases. Sadly, little remastering can be done to the first album due to the way it was recorded, but it isn't bad by an means. The entire "Song for America" album has a wide array of styles, from straight-on rockers to progressive compositions. You don't get much stylistically diverse for Kansas than "The Devil Game" and "Song for America," sans the later "Dust in the Wind" from the album "Point of Know Return." "Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman" is the other big prog piece, while "Lamplight Symphony" is a great composition and story-song similar to perhaps "Turn of the Century" by Yes. "Down the Road," "Lonely Street," and "The Devil Game" are all straight-up rockers. The entire album is worth exploring.
@@nicksm7980 ditto from me on the first 5 albums - but kansas was lucky enough to keep performing and progressing for decades getting better and improvising with every performance can any other group or band say that?
All the best Craig... Great song Justin, great choice butty.. Another underrated band Kansas.. My old drummer loved Kansas Justin. Great intro too. Great musicianship imo. Hmm might get hold of this butty 😊 😊 😊
With a title like "Song for America" it better be a great tune. Hell yeah, they deliver the goods in this tune. A first listen for me, and I loved it melodically, instrumentally and vocally. I'll have to read along to the lyrics on my next listen. Nice choice, best wishes Craig, great reaction JP.
In the "Miracles out of Nowhere" (I think it was) rockumentary Kerry said he wrote this song looking out the airliner window as they flew over the U.S. to California for a recording session...
My best to Craig, take care bro. Love me some Kansas in the morning. Woke up early, no work today, this song gives me hope and energy, let’s get busy... The cover art is soooo late 70s. Gotta love it. Take care everyone, be safe this holiday, mask up, protect yer peeps, Peace and Craig Music
Song for America, Masque, Leftoverture and Point Of Know Return are all masterpieces. They all contain very great tracks and all deserve a whole listening.
This band has only 4-5 album which are their classic era, but still they're one of my favorite bands. What they did on these albums is amazing. I think you should do all of their first 4 albums in their entirety.
my favorite Kansas song, I remember hearing this song for the first time when I was in my late teens and just loved it. It gave me an even greater appreciation for their more well known popular songs
One more beautiful song from Kansas. And as it is written in one of your albums, and i agree. We are Kansas, Kansas is a band. Strong hug to you justin.
As stated, a true masterpiece, the 1st five albums are truly works of art. Kansas takes a back seat to no one. Just as good as Yes. My two favorite prog rock bands!
Steve Walsh plays the Hammond organ on just about every song you hear it in (with very few if any exceptions), as well as certain synthesizers. Kerry plays guitar, synths and pianos. Kansas is my favorite band of all time and I'm so glad you gave this song a listen!
This is rock concerto that Aaron Copeland could have written if he was composing in the 70's.The incredibly complex, symphonically influenced music makes that connection with us that feels "American frontier," a "new world" if you will. Thanks Craig, for sharing your story and Justin, for recognizing it, something tells me it will be all uphill from here!
American Prog, small town America too. Kansas is a great band. Kerry Livgen once gave Phil Keaggy a white miniture 22 fret Fender which I witnessed Keaggy play during a 20 minute encore. America needs some songs right now.
@@stpnwlf9 Yep. One of Ohio's many donations to the world of music. Not a bad guitarist for a guy with nine fingers LOL. Justin needs to check out The Glass Harp. They were phenomenal.
@@Ignats75 I have been a fan of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp for decades and have teched for John Saferra on many occasions for the last 20 years. The GH debut and the two that followed are stellar classics and were completely unique in the time that they came out. I always take the opportunity to give them a shout for their invention individual brand of prog rock/jam band writing. To Craig, I will be thinking of you and include you in my prayers during this time that you are experiencing. I have come through some very trying mental and emotionally time.
All the best to Craig🙏. One of my all time favourite bands. Had the privilege of spending time with them many years ago. A never ending volume of work.
I put a like without listening yet because I'm at work, but I'm sure you do a great review of this wonderful piece of music, one of the best from Kansas.
Hey Justin My Man!!! Omg!! Craig! I'm right there with you in all aspects of what you shared with us!! I myself almost died back in 2016 when my colon perferrated and had life saving surgery! I was within minutes from deaths door!! Before that though I had an ex- girlfriend who took me for everything I had!! Pawned a $3,500 engagement ring and ruined me financially and got me evicted from my apt and got my new car repoed!! So during my surgery I got 2 giant abdominal hernias! I just got out of the hospital 2 weeks ago after repair surgery! However the first one didn't work and I had to go under a week later for a second surgery!! Just got home a week and a half ago!! I just turned 62 on August 29th!! So I can so relate to your story!!! Godspeed and I hope nothing but the best for you and your mom!!! We should get together and write a screenplay of our similar life experiences!!! Now for my song reaction! Not in agreement with anyone here sorry! First I thought the opening instrumental was WAY TOO LONG! First I thought maybe no lyrics? Then I could hardly make out the lyrics!! The only elements I really liked here were the piano and violin! That's it for me! I was expecting a really PATRIOTIC SONG WHICH THIS COUNTRY NEEDS SO DESPERATELY RIGHT NOW!!! Sorry just didn't feel much of this song at all until the piano and violin at the end!!! But props to you JP for playing this for Craig!!! Hope you play GRACE DARLING FOR ME REAL SOON!!! Thx for your great work!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL!! P.S.- HOWS YOUR CAT?? 😸🙀☺😊
I took my uncle's vinyl for the first time and I went directly to the first long song, and it was THIS. I fell in love instantly.....wish the best for Craig!
The bird on the cover is a stylized Jayhawk. The Jayhawk is a mythical bird made up of a blue jay and a sparrow hawk and has become associated with the state of Kansas. The word was coined in the period before the Civil War and has benign and also sinister connotations. It's also the mascot of the Kansas University athletic teams. Now you know the rest of the story...
Great song which I haven't heard in a long time. It's like you are digging into my vinyl collection and pulling out some of my favorites. :-) The whole band does a great job with their individual parts, but I absolutely love the bass and keyboards. There are parts where I can hear a little bit of Keith Emerson. This is just an absolutely great song and I hope it helps Craig feel better.
Good morning Justin and fellow followers! Happy Labor Day Craig and all those celebrating. I replied to Craig on his update post in the comments. This is one I've never heard before. I mostly only know Kansas' radio hits. Looks like I need to rectify that. Hopefully, that will happen via the channel. I'm going to have to RUclips a version with lyrics to have it all sink in. Thanks for the recommendation Craig and others!
If it's piano and synthesizer is usually Kerry, and organ is usually Steve. You should check out Two For The Show (Live Album). You get a better feel as to who is playing what.
To me this is the best song that Kansas wrote. Very fine tune. You’re right...too bad you couldn’t see these groups. I think that maybe you can see why us old farts find so much of today’s music simply lacking.
Craig, my prayers are with you. Justin, this is peak KANSAS, doesn't get any better than this. Walsh and Livgren both do a lot of keyboard work, but Walsh does more. Livgren adds a lot of guitar with Rich Williams, who is an underrated guitarist. Phil Ehart (drums) and Dave Hope (bass) form a great rhythm section and Robby Steinhardt is masterful on violin and shares the vocals with Walsh. First 6 albums ALL exceptional. They are even better live, even now, saw them with some new members the last few years and they are maybe better than when I saw them in the 70's. If this pandemic ends and they resume touring, you must try to get to see them. They have a new album out now. Should listen to their live album Two For The Show (1978) and watch the documentary Miracles Out Of Nowhere (2014), you would be even more impressed.
Even though Kansas was unique, you can still hear their influences, especially (IMO) Yes, Rush, Supertramp, even Genesis. Great reaction and analysis, Justin! (Of COURSE!!) And very sweet of you to do that for Craig, and for us!!!!
Steve plays the organ and synth. Kerry plays piano on this track. On more heavy tracks he plays guitar but he can basically play all instruments so doesn't really matter..
A bit off topic... I enjoy your takes, and many of your selections. I appreciate that you take the time to respond when you can. My frustration with other outlets of social media have me thinking how much I really appreciate the community here that finds common ground in love of music, regardless of politics. As an American, that is so refreshing. If we found more common ground, we'd perhaps listen more purposely to each other and be more accepting of our differences. Cheers.
I really like the full orchestral sound of Kansas as well - and even though he's not in this song, they have a great electric guitarist, too! I'm glad Kansas kept their edge through the years - unlike other midwestern bands like Chicago and REO Speedwagen, Kansas managed to avoid moving to avoid moving to LA and converting to sentimental soft rock. ------ I've said my bit -- thanks for the review JP, and I hope Craig has a great day!
I can hear a simplified Watcher of the Skies and a simplified Firth of Fifth in there somewhere. I also hear Bruford in the drums and Squire in the bass. Those must be strong influences. I can also hear that this song must have inspired DT’s Strange Deja Vu.
Great reaction JP to a great song. Classic Kansas is good stuff. For a glimpse into their live performance try the remastered expanded Two For The Show. it is a fine example of a band at the height of its powers. Also I must say they are still a very good band to this day. I saw them in 2017 on Cruise To The Edge and they were fantastic. Newer members Ronnie Platt on vocals & keyboards, Zak Rizvi on guitar and Tom Brislin on keyboards are excellent additions to the existing band,. Their last two releases re well worth buying. The Prelude Implicit in 2016 and The Absence of Presence 2020 are strong offerings. Give them a listen if you are a Kansas fan.
This song is one of Kansas’ masterpieces. I always say that this band was America’s response to all the Euro Proggers... without the sometimes awful posing and elitism. Kansas was real, down to earth in their song subjects and musical approach... and technically brilliant musicians. And they were always incredible live!
r.i.p. robbie steinhardt (violinist,vocalist) of kansas who just passed away this july 17,2021 !!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,great song and even a better reaction to the song that is"SPOT ON" !!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,"SONG FOR AMERICA" should be the USA'S "new national anthem"!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,how many of you people out there think that KANSAS BELONGS IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ?????!!!!!!!!
Justin....How about a listen to Starcastle, a Yes-like, synth-driven prog band from the mid-'70s on the same label as Kansas (Kansas: Kirshner/CBS Records, Starcastle: Epic Records, another CBS affiliate). Their 1976, self-titled debut album would be a good place to start, with the lead-off track, "Lady of the Lake," or for more dynamics, "Fountains" from their '77 "Fountains of Light" second LP. That one was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, of Queen production fame. Starcastle's lead singer, Terry Luttrell, was REO Speedwagon's lead singer from '68-'72, and joined Starcastle in '73.
I got excited to see that you reviewed this song. I got this album I think about the summer between 11th and 12th grade. was the year Nixon resigned from his presidency. I remember because I was playing this album when the announcement came on TV. I would argue it all the way to my grave that THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM KANSAS EVER DID. I know there where hits on other albums but they seemed to go commercial a bit too much with later albums. Song for America, Kansas was at there best and most creative. Apparently you like this song very much so I MUST suggest other songs off the album. Lamplight Symphony and Incomudro-Hymn to the Atman. The songs like America take you through a voyage like you wouldn't believe. Some would say these suggested songs are a little darker and harder rock. But still they are a real treat to hear. Hope to listen to them with you soon.
Hi Justin. Kansas made some great and very cohesive albums from their debut 1974 up to and including Point of Know Return in 1978. But there are some standout tracks like SFA, Journey from Mariabronn, Closet Chronicles, Hopelessly Human, of course Magnum Opus and the some times forgotten Pinnacle, which is my favourite epic from Kansas. To me Kansas was the American answer to british Prog but they made it more accessible while keeping it entertaining and intricate at the same time.
The first six albums are pure greatness! I’ve seen the Kansas family 18x,the originals 12x! And if you get to see or hear the newest incarnation of the band,you will be amazed! Tom Breslin has added another writer and keyboard greatness! Craig,much luck,I hope you are well!
Kansas is one of those bands like Steely Dan and Yes who do not put out bad songs. If they were putting a song out today, it would be in the top 5 on the Billboard Chart. Period.
I bought this album at a used record store in the late 80s not knowing anything about the album, just because it was Kansas. I didn't even listen to it right away. It was a few years later before i sat down and listened to it. I put this song on repeat on my fancy digital record player and played it over and over and over. Such an incredible song.
Got this album later than Leftoverture and Point Of Know Return. Always thought this song fitted in with those songs and could have been on either album as well. The other songs of thit album didn't give me that same feel and I must admit I haven't heard this album in a long while. I seem to remember liking Lamplight Symphony and Lonely Street but I never put them on my Kansas playlist whereas this song is. I should maybe re-listen the album to check again if that was the right choice ;-) Always liked how Kansas is able to incorporate the violin without it sounding out of place. Oh, and all the best to Craig.
Amazing band they were very spiritual kinda of a electrified symphony music ..all their songs were so big my class song in 1977 was carry on our wayward son but from 75 on I really got into them..great reaction your knowledge and your output of it is spot on..keep it real and keep bringing my music to the less fortunate ears that haven't heard the greatest era's of music ever 60 70 80 all though I do dig big bands 😎 nice job
i saw Kansas about 10 times in the 70's........this song was amazing live.....first time seeing them was jan 1974 touring in support of their first album.....the opened for the J Geils Band what a night a fan of both since
Whenever people talk about Kansas I rarely, if ever, here mention of the outstanding bass playing of Dave Hope, about time he got a bit more recognition I think. That bass sound contributed greatly to this era of Kansas music.
Yes, and on Leftoverture Dave stands out too
Oh, yeah. Outstanding bass work by Mr. Hope. He knows what fits & where. Excellent work, always...
In a band full of incredible virtuosos stands the amazing Dave Hope. This man not only held his own, he actually drove the band on many of their songs. I find myself humming his bass lines just as often as the lead instruments in many of their tunes. What a great band! Love love LOVE Kansas!
I completely agree about Dave's bass playing! SO tasty!
I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this. The drumming always stood out--of course. but listening to to the bass stuff in here is absolutely astounding!
This song is a MASTERPIECE. I discovered it a few years ago now and it, along with a couple other Kansas tracks, opened up the doors to progressive rock to me. In the present, i've heard tons of stuff from Gentle Giant to Van Der Graaf to Magma to Can to Camel to Banco to Opeth covering all sorts of different subgenres and I love all this stuff, but Song For America is still a top 5 song for me. It just constantly blows my mind, that part when it strips down to just piano and kicks into that jam in 9/8 just melts my brain. The brilliant songwriting is just beyond me, so glad you posted a video on it!
Saw them live in '74 or '75. Fantastic.
Yes!!!! CAMEL LIKE!!! LOVE IT!!!!
"Houses stand in endless rows, sea to shining sea....People All Around!" Salute, Mr. Livgren.
My favourite song by Kansas!
This song is other worldly! A perfect song!
In an era where the Brits dominated prog Kansas came along and said, "hold our beer." Yes they ventured into pop somewhat but that's what made the money to keep any band going. Even their "pop hits" were masterpieces. Never too loud... :) Best wishes to Craig!
I’m from the UK, and probably the biggest ‘Wheathead’ in the UK! As far as I am concerned, Kansas are top five, and my favourite band next to Queen.
Ah Kansas. You can’t go wrong with this band ! Hard to take in all the intricacies in their music on the first listen. So I played them A LOT. Hope all the best to Craig.
Kansas at their most majestic. Fantastic song, possibly my favorite from this band. Glad you got to hear this one, and I hope that Craig enjoys the listen!
This is one of the most epic songs of all time. A masterpiece. Brilliant. This band has no equal. Their sound, and compositions are original. The musicianship is superb. Kansas (the band) is an American treasure.
Old time prog was very much a British domain but Kansas had that depth that could compete with the top tier. Thank God for that, it was great to hear an American voice expressed in my favourite genre with such genuine panache. Steve Hackett must have agreed because he used Steve's vocals on a song called Narnia that I think was on his Please Don't Touch album.
Hang in there Craig, going through my own health issues! Great music really does promote healing & well being, thanks Doctor J.P.!!! Peace & Health to all.
I wish you strength, my friend. Life is funny, isn't it ? I had repeated thoughts about this notion while I was at my sickest & listening to my faves, like this one. The notion ? The fact is, this music- all of it- will outlast ALL of us. No matter what, it will be there long past the time we expire. I find that to be a relaxing thought. We may longer be around, but like the Sun, this art called music will always be there. And true artistry will be rewarded in the long run, things like Song For America by Kansas. Fluff & pop are forgotten in two year spans, more or less. Bubble gum & pop will always remain too, but they will not draw the attention that pure music will....
I pray for you to recover from what ails you, buddy. Keep positive & lean on music, even when not in the mood. It'll help turn you around. Positivity !!
All the best !! 😎🇺🇸
Great album got this in 76 it blew me away . Never heard any thing like it before . That bass line is just great .
Mr.Dave Hope..Bassist Superb!!
JP, you have just reached the zenith, the highest peak. This, for me, is Kansas at their best. There’s nothing else to say other then I believe this is the greatest progressive song performed by an American band. There’s enough hooks to write four separate songs, incredible. Like said before, a masterpiece!
I always consider Kansas the US version of ELP and YES. Livgren and Walsh are a great combo on keys and though they are influenced by the keyboard giants of Emerson and Wakeman, they carved out a unique sound all their own. All the best for Craig.
Lyle...Ditto
@Chris Paul couldn’t agree more
I've been hooked on Kansas since I first heard them decades ago! They are not just a band. They are musicians!
Kansas is one of the tightest bands to ever play. Almost error free and perfectly done every time
I saw them perform this live in one of their first headliner bills at the college I was attending. The venue had stellar accoustics. Highly memorable experience. The performance rated two encore calls, to which Kansas responded. However, at that point they had performed every song they had on their first two albums and one song from the next album they hadn't yet recorded. So, they appologized to the crowd for having exhausted their original material, but they offered up two covers of Beatles songs in consolation, which were great as well.
Thank so much for reviewing Song For America... a true EPIC piece of music that personified Kansas' "prog from the prairie" sound. This was actually the first song I ever heard from them years ago... and became an instant fan.
Song for America is my favorite Kansas album because from my point of view it's their most contrasted and best balanced overall as much for the three short tracks in a rock vein as for the three longest progressive tracks.
I’m always up for Kansas. Thanks Craig. Get well soon.
This song reminds me why Kansas should be in the RRHOF. Yes, they had their 2 big commercial albums of Leftoverature and Point of No Return are fantastic, however "Song For America" showcases the musicality of Kansas. Ty for reacting to this masterpiece! I've been a fan of Kansas since the "Masque" album. Speaking of which, the opener, Child of Innocence and Icarus (Borne on Wings of Steel) are outstanding!! Also, this tune gives us a premonition of Magnum Opus from Leftoverature. Great review, JP!! 💜💜💜💜💜
Thanks Justine!
A masterpiece from a masterpiece album. All six songs are intriguing, SFA, Lamplight Symphony, Incommudro-Hymn To The Atman, all prog, with uniquely Kansas touches. The Devil Game, a Yes-like rocker, full of riffs/chord progressions/key changes. Down The Road: Kansas with a twist of Lynyrd Skynyrd, a fast boogie rocker. And Lonely Street, a straight hard rocker, no keys/violin, and Steve Walsh wailing on vocals. An album you're never bored with.
Livgren does piano, Walsh does organ, they both trade off on synths. They're often playing one hand on one synth, one on piano/organ at the same time, not just on this song, many Kansas songs. Dave Hope on bass might be the best part of SFA. I've heard SFA over 100 times, still hear new things every time.
The song and album that made me a Kansas fan ( since 1975), bought it for the album cover, stayed for the music.
Wow, thank you Justin & thank you everyone !! Powerful !! 😎🇺🇸❤
Hope things have gotten better for you.
THIS is my favorite song by Kansas. When I was on college radio, I used to do a show on Friday nights called The Live Set. Two hours of music culled solely from live albums. The opening riff of this song was the intro for the show. Good call Craig. I hope you get the healing you need.
Best wishes to Craig! This composition is peak Kansas. The first time I heard this, I was in high school driving around, and the instrumental middle section (from the solo piano onward) was playing on the radio...I was just discovering prog rock, and thought it was some unreleased Yes song from the Fragile-era (even though I knew that wasn’t very likely) haha...anyway, excellent composition and performance from the band. I also like how it ends almost like a musical question mark complementing the ecological lyrics of despoiling the earth...
Hi Justin, as I imagined for me you nailed all the main aspects of this song. Let me say that in the early '80 I was in the high school age and at home while studying I often used to play drums with two simple pens on my books drumset along with this song in the live version taken from "Two for the show", which I suggest to listen to, it's a little shorter due to the lack of the piano interlude/bridge but for me even better. As I said before you nailed it and I also agree about the sound choices of the synths, a very modern and sparkling sound (we were in 1975). You mention among all the members Robby Steinhardt, let me remember that besides his huge job on violin and backing vocals he was also a co-lead singer with a more rough bluesy voice but always very in tune and Steve Walsh is one of my top singers. Great review Justin!
Craig is a wise man - I hope he gets well soon. 👍🏻
Favorite song by Kansas, for pretty much all the reasons you mention JP. Thanks for reacting to my request - AHEM! I mean, um, Craig’s request. 😎
You cannot go wrong with Kansas. The collective talent is beyond description. Steve Walsh is, in my opinion, the greatest vocalist in rock history. Kansas is what happens when five superb musicians find each other. I just read that they opened for Queen once and Brian May said of them " Incredible music and when you hear them on stage they sound like a f**cking record.".
I went to a Yes concert at Duke University in 1974. A band who I had never heard of before opened and nearly stole the show. That was my introduction to Kansas. They came with some serious chops and they meant business.
The drummer, Phil Ehart, plays the drums like a lead instrument! One of the best yet underrated drummers in rock!!
Craig: Thanks so much for requesting this. I still remember buying this when it was new and having my jaw dropped at the compositional high bar on display throughout. Performances are amazing, and Steve Hackett of Genesis noticed because he reached out to Steve Walsh and Phil Heart to play two tracks on his second solo album. Lord Jesus, whatever Craig is facing, bring healing to him and ease any suffering. Take away any fear by making your mighty presence known and bless him and his loved ones. Amen.
Very nicely said & thank you for your support, brother !! 😎🇺🇸 I am still so excited by Justin making this video, I go back & relisten, catch up with the comments....
The bass on this is fantastic
"Song for America" is the second Kansas album, but the first where they were able to concentrate on production. The first album, the self-titled "Kansas," was recorded in a series of single takes due to studio time limitations, their own unknown status, and their unfamiliarity with the recording process. For a debut album, it's a great, but it lacks the nuance of later releases. Sadly, little remastering can be done to the first album due to the way it was recorded, but it isn't bad by an means.
The entire "Song for America" album has a wide array of styles, from straight-on rockers to progressive compositions. You don't get much stylistically diverse for Kansas than "The Devil Game" and "Song for America," sans the later "Dust in the Wind" from the album "Point of Know Return." "Incomudro - Hymn to the Atman" is the other big prog piece, while "Lamplight Symphony" is a great composition and story-song similar to perhaps "Turn of the Century" by Yes. "Down the Road," "Lonely Street," and "The Devil Game" are all straight-up rockers.
The entire album is worth exploring.
I think that the first 5 albums of Kansas are pretty much flawless. If one wants to know about this band, they need to listen to all this albums.
@@nicksm7980 ditto from me on the first 5 albums - but kansas was lucky enough to keep performing and progressing for decades getting better and improvising with every performance
can any other group or band say that?
All the best Craig... Great song Justin, great choice butty.. Another underrated band Kansas.. My old drummer loved Kansas Justin.
Great intro too.
Great musicianship imo.
Hmm might get hold of this butty 😊 😊 😊
With a title like "Song for America" it better be a great tune. Hell yeah, they deliver the goods in this tune. A first listen for me, and I loved it melodically, instrumentally and vocally. I'll have to read along to the lyrics on my next listen. Nice choice, best wishes Craig, great reaction JP.
In the "Miracles out of Nowhere" (I think it was) rockumentary Kerry said he wrote this song looking out the airliner window as they flew over the U.S. to California for a recording session...
Great selection for today Justin.
My best to Craig, take care bro.
Love me some Kansas in the morning. Woke up early, no work today, this song gives me hope and energy, let’s get busy...
The cover art is soooo late 70s. Gotta love it.
Take care everyone, be safe this holiday, mask up, protect yer peeps,
Peace and Craig Music
Hope you had a great day off David!
As you said : Wow!. I never heard that before but now i want to listen the whole album… Great song !
Song for America, Masque, Leftoverture and Point Of Know Return are all masterpieces.
They all contain very great tracks and all deserve a whole listening.
My favorite Kansas song and that's saying something, it's a rock and roll symphony.
This band has only 4-5 album which are their classic era, but still they're one of my favorite bands.
What they did on these albums is amazing.
I think you should do all of their first 4 albums in their entirety.
my favorite Kansas song, I remember hearing this song for the first time when I was in my late teens and just loved it. It gave me an even greater appreciation for their more well known popular songs
One more beautiful song from Kansas. And as it is written in one of your albums, and i agree. We are Kansas, Kansas is a band. Strong hug to you justin.
As stated, a true masterpiece, the 1st five albums are truly works of art. Kansas takes a back seat to no one. Just as good as Yes. My two favorite prog rock bands!
Steve Walsh plays the Hammond organ on just about every song you hear it in (with very few if any exceptions), as well as certain synthesizers. Kerry plays guitar, synths and pianos. Kansas is my favorite band of all time and I'm so glad you gave this song a listen!
This is rock concerto that Aaron Copeland could have written if he was composing in the 70's.The incredibly complex, symphonically influenced music makes that connection with us that feels "American frontier," a "new world" if you will. Thanks Craig, for sharing your story and Justin, for recognizing it, something tells me it will be all uphill from here!
Kansas is an amazing band in every respect.
American Prog, small town America too. Kansas is a great band. Kerry Livgen once gave Phil Keaggy a white miniture 22 fret Fender which I witnessed Keaggy play during a 20 minute encore. America needs some songs right now.
Phil Keaggy is amazing live - arguably one of the very best guitarists of all time and very overlooked.
@@stpnwlf9 Yep. One of Ohio's many donations to the world of music. Not a bad guitarist for a guy with nine fingers LOL. Justin needs to check out The Glass Harp. They were phenomenal.
@@Ignats75 I keep resisting requesting Glass Harp. Their first album is so, so good.
@@thomasmcintosh390 Resistance is Futile
@@Ignats75 I have been a fan of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp for decades and have teched for John Saferra on many occasions for the last 20 years. The GH debut and the two that followed are stellar classics and were completely unique in the time that they came out. I always take the opportunity to give them a shout for their invention individual brand of prog rock/jam band writing. To Craig, I will be thinking of you and include you in my prayers during this time that you are experiencing. I have come through some very trying mental and emotionally time.
All the best to Craig🙏.
One of my all time favourite bands.
Had the privilege of spending time with them many years ago.
A never ending volume of work.
I put a like without listening yet because I'm at work, but I'm sure you do a great review of this wonderful piece of music, one of the best from Kansas.
Thanks for that Roberto
Stay Strong and keep rockin' Craig!
Hey Justin My Man!!! Omg!! Craig! I'm right there with you in all aspects of what you shared with us!! I myself almost died back in 2016 when my colon perferrated and had life saving surgery! I was within minutes from deaths door!! Before that though I had an ex- girlfriend who took me for everything I had!! Pawned a $3,500 engagement ring and ruined me financially and got me evicted from my apt and got my new car repoed!! So during my surgery I got 2 giant abdominal hernias! I just got out of the hospital 2 weeks ago after repair surgery! However the first one didn't work and I had to go under a week later for a second surgery!! Just got home a week and a half ago!! I just turned 62 on August 29th!! So I can so relate to your story!!! Godspeed and I hope nothing but the best for you and your mom!!! We should get together and write a screenplay of our similar life experiences!!! Now for my song reaction! Not in agreement with anyone here sorry! First I thought the opening instrumental was WAY TOO LONG! First I thought maybe no lyrics? Then I could hardly make out the lyrics!! The only elements I really liked here were the piano and violin! That's it for me! I was expecting a really PATRIOTIC SONG WHICH THIS COUNTRY NEEDS SO DESPERATELY RIGHT NOW!!! Sorry just didn't feel much of this song at all until the piano and violin at the end!!! But props to you JP for playing this for Craig!!! Hope you play GRACE DARLING FOR ME REAL SOON!!! Thx for your great work!! YOUR #1 AZ FAN MICHAEL!! P.S.- HOWS YOUR CAT?? 😸🙀☺😊
3 -4 SEC. BREAK YEAH JUSTIN, JUST A GR888888 TRANSITION! :)
So much good Kansas. Keep going down that rabbit hole!
Glad you liked it Justin... Anytime you want to do more from the Kansas prog catalog, I'm in. Well wishes, Craig!
I took my uncle's vinyl for the first time and I went directly to the first long song, and it was THIS. I fell in love instantly.....wish the best for Craig!
This is my favorite Kanas song! And there are many! All the best to Craig... get well bro
All the best to Craig.
Kansas one of the great american bands in their heyday of the 70's awesome prog/ hard rock enjoy !
Ehart.. the most underrated drummer in rock!
Steve is on the organ and Kerry is on the electric piano.
OH SHITTTT, GR88888 PROGGY ROCK SONG BY THESE GUYS JUSTIN! :)
"Down the Road" rocks, too. And I hope Craig gets better!
Get well soon, Craig! 👊😷
Down the road DOES ROCK..but its not a song written by them. They performed it yes..but not written by them.
ruclips.net/video/EuKnYCGvauo/видео.html
Great Kansas song from a terrific album. Nice analysis and all my best to Craig, for sure. 🙏🔥
Their best, absolutely amazing. Have enjoyed this song for over 40 years, never gets old.
The bird on the cover is a stylized Jayhawk. The Jayhawk is a mythical bird made up of a blue jay and a sparrow hawk and has become associated with the state of Kansas. The word was coined in the period before the Civil War and has benign and also sinister connotations. It's also the mascot of the Kansas University athletic teams. Now you know the rest of the story...
Ahhh, perfect. Ty for filling in the blanks!
I also love the symbolism with the # of talons.....6 for each member of the band. "Talons wrought of steel" indeed!
Great song which I haven't heard in a long time. It's like you are digging into my vinyl collection and pulling out some of my favorites. :-) The whole band does a great job with their individual parts, but I absolutely love the bass and keyboards. There are parts where I can hear a little bit of Keith Emerson. This is just an absolutely great song and I hope it helps Craig feel better.
Good morning Justin and fellow followers!
Happy Labor Day Craig and all those celebrating.
I replied to Craig on his update post in the comments.
This is one I've never heard before. I mostly only know Kansas' radio hits. Looks like I need to rectify that. Hopefully, that will happen via the channel.
I'm going to have to RUclips a version with lyrics to have it all sink in.
Thanks for the recommendation Craig and others!
Now do the last song off of this album, Incomudro: Hymn to the Atman. Incredible tune! Kansas is a really great band, and criminally underrated.
Talk about drum solos! I played this tune for my sons band once. Their 16yo drummer was like... WOW. Lol
Thanks for doing this--it made my morning. I love this song by Kansas...everything about it, to me, is outstanding..
If it's piano and synthesizer is usually Kerry, and organ is usually Steve. You should check out Two For The Show (Live Album). You get a better feel as to who is playing what.
To me this is the best song that Kansas wrote. Very fine tune. You’re right...too bad you couldn’t see these groups. I think that maybe you can see why us old farts find so much of today’s music simply lacking.
Craig, my prayers are with you. Justin, this is peak KANSAS, doesn't get any better than this. Walsh and Livgren both do a lot of keyboard work, but Walsh does more. Livgren adds a lot of guitar with Rich Williams, who is an underrated guitarist. Phil Ehart (drums) and Dave Hope (bass) form a great rhythm section and Robby Steinhardt is masterful on violin and shares the vocals with Walsh. First 6 albums ALL exceptional. They are even better live, even now, saw them with some new members the last few years and they are maybe better than when I saw them in the 70's. If this pandemic ends and they resume touring, you must try to get to see them. They have a new album out now. Should listen to their live album Two For The Show (1978) and watch the documentary Miracles Out Of Nowhere (2014), you would be even more impressed.
Even though Kansas was unique, you can still hear their influences, especially (IMO) Yes, Rush, Supertramp, even Genesis.
Great reaction and analysis, Justin! (Of COURSE!!) And very sweet of you to do that for Craig, and for us!!!!
Really, Justin, this is one of your best reactions. Of course, I say that all the time........but it's always true!!!
;)
My favorite Kansas song (among many) This does ALL the things. If I had to destroy all my Kansas albums and could only keep one... this is it.
Take a look at the album cover for their next record Masque. Very cool painting...
Great analysis. I love this band and always have.
Steve plays the organ and synth. Kerry plays piano on this track. On more heavy tracks he plays guitar but he can basically play all instruments so doesn't really matter..
A bit off topic... I enjoy your takes, and many of your selections. I appreciate that you take the time to respond when you can. My frustration with other outlets of social media have me thinking how much I really appreciate the community here that finds common ground in love of music, regardless of politics. As an American, that is so refreshing. If we found more common ground, we'd perhaps listen more purposely to each other and be more accepting of our differences. Cheers.
Ty Joseph, I totally agree. I enjoy spending time with you all here because its such a pleasant crowd🙃
I really like the full orchestral sound of Kansas as well - and even though he's not in this song, they have a great electric guitarist, too!
I'm glad Kansas kept their edge through the years - unlike other midwestern bands like Chicago and REO Speedwagen, Kansas managed to avoid moving to avoid moving to LA and converting to sentimental soft rock. ------ I've said my bit -- thanks for the review JP, and I hope Craig has a great day!
Probably my favorite song from Kansas. Great composition. Opening theme is one of the most beautiful things in rock music I've ever heard.
I can hear a simplified Watcher of the Skies and a simplified Firth of Fifth in there somewhere. I also hear Bruford in the drums and Squire in the bass. Those must be strong influences. I can also hear that this song must have inspired DT’s Strange Deja Vu.
Great song, great album, great album cover.
Great reaction JP to a great song. Classic Kansas is good stuff. For a glimpse into their live performance try the remastered expanded Two For The Show. it is a fine example of a band at the height of its powers. Also I must say they are still a very good band to this day. I saw them in 2017 on Cruise To The Edge and they were fantastic. Newer members Ronnie Platt on vocals & keyboards, Zak Rizvi on guitar and Tom Brislin on keyboards are excellent additions to the existing band,. Their last two releases re well worth buying. The Prelude Implicit in 2016 and The Absence of Presence 2020 are strong offerings. Give them a listen if you are a Kansas fan.
This song is one of Kansas’ masterpieces. I always say that this band was America’s response to all the Euro Proggers... without the sometimes awful posing and elitism. Kansas was real, down to earth in their song subjects and musical approach... and technically brilliant musicians. And they were always incredible live!
I've been listening to the Pinnacle lately and getting some appreciation of the quality of that masterpiece as well. Another great build up and outro.
r.i.p. robbie steinhardt (violinist,vocalist) of kansas who just passed away this july 17,2021 !!!!!!!!,,,,,,,,great song and even a better reaction to the song that is"SPOT ON" !!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,"SONG FOR AMERICA" should be the USA'S "new national anthem"!!!!!!!!!!!,,,,,,how many of you people out there think that KANSAS BELONGS IN THE ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME ?????!!!!!!!!
Livgren played piano and synth, Walsh played organ and synth. They frequently played at the same time, unless Livgren was playing guitar.
Justin....How about a listen to Starcastle, a Yes-like, synth-driven prog band from the mid-'70s on the same label as Kansas (Kansas: Kirshner/CBS Records, Starcastle: Epic Records, another CBS affiliate). Their 1976, self-titled debut album would be a good place to start, with the lead-off track, "Lady of the Lake," or for more dynamics, "Fountains" from their '77 "Fountains of Light" second LP.
That one was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, of Queen production fame. Starcastle's lead singer, Terry Luttrell, was REO Speedwagon's lead singer from '68-'72, and joined Starcastle in '73.
Ty bradness, I got em on my list as well😃
Just magnificent almost overwhelming some guys from kansas that at one time where the biggest band in the world love music from the midwest
I got excited to see that you reviewed this song. I got this album I think about the summer between 11th and 12th grade. was the year Nixon resigned from his presidency. I remember because I was playing this album when the announcement came on TV. I would argue it all the way to my grave that THIS IS THE BEST ALBUM KANSAS EVER DID. I know there where hits on other albums but they seemed to go commercial a bit too much with later albums. Song for America, Kansas was at there best and most creative. Apparently you like this song very much so I MUST suggest other songs off the album. Lamplight Symphony and Incomudro-Hymn to the Atman. The songs like America take you through a voyage like you wouldn't believe. Some would say these suggested songs are a little darker and harder rock. But still they are a real treat to hear. Hope to listen to them with you soon.
Hi Justin.
Kansas made some great and very cohesive albums from their debut 1974 up to and including Point of Know Return in 1978. But there are some standout tracks like SFA, Journey from Mariabronn, Closet Chronicles, Hopelessly Human, of course Magnum Opus and the some times forgotten Pinnacle, which is my favourite epic from Kansas. To me Kansas was the American answer to british Prog but they made it more accessible while keeping it entertaining and intricate at the same time.
Excellent analysis.
The first six albums are pure greatness! I’ve seen the Kansas family 18x,the originals 12x! And if you get to see or hear the newest incarnation of the band,you will be amazed! Tom Breslin has added another writer and keyboard greatness!
Craig,much luck,I hope you are well!
Kansas is one of those bands like Steely Dan and Yes who do not put out bad songs. If they were putting a song out today, it would be in the top 5 on the Billboard Chart. Period.
They are still putting out music. The "Absence of Presence" did great on the charts.
I bought this album at a used record store in the late 80s not knowing anything about the album, just because it was Kansas. I didn't even listen to it right away. It was a few years later before i sat down and listened to it. I put this song on repeat on my fancy digital record player and played it over and over and over. Such an incredible song.
Great reaction to this!! I consider this Kansas' opus!!! Cool to see your understanding and appreciation for the structure of this piece!!!
Got this album later than Leftoverture and Point Of Know Return. Always thought this song fitted in with those songs and could have been on either album as well. The other songs of thit album didn't give me that same feel and I must admit I haven't heard this album in a long while. I seem to remember liking Lamplight Symphony and Lonely Street but I never put them on my Kansas playlist whereas this song is. I should maybe re-listen the album to check again if that was the right choice ;-) Always liked how Kansas is able to incorporate the violin without it sounding out of place. Oh, and all the best to Craig.
Amazing band they were very spiritual kinda of a electrified symphony music ..all their songs were so big my class song in 1977 was carry on our wayward son but from 75 on I really got into them..great reaction your knowledge and your output of it is spot on..keep it real and keep bringing my music to the less fortunate ears that haven't heard the greatest era's of music ever 60 70 80 all though I do dig big bands 😎 nice job
i saw Kansas about 10 times in the 70's........this song was amazing live.....first time seeing them was jan 1974 touring in support of their first album.....the opened for the J Geils Band what a night a fan of both since