Song for America

Infobox Album |
Name = Song for America
Type = Album
Artist = Kansas


Released = February 1975
Recorded = at Wally Heider Sudios, Los Angeles
Genre = Progressive Rock
Length = 44:51
Label = Kirshner
Producer = Jeff Glixman,
Wally Gold
Reviews =
* Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:xb1uakjk5m3c~T1 link]
Last album = "Kansas"
(1974)
This album = "Song for America"
(1975)
Next album = "Masque"
(1975)

"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.

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

Personnel

*Phil Ehart - drums
*Dave Hope - bass
*Kerry Livgren - guitar, keyboard
*Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
*Steve Walsh - keyboard, vocals
*Rich Williams - guitar

Production

*Producers: Jeff Glixman, Wally Gold
*Engineer: Peter Granet
*Mastering: Tom Rabstenek
*Preparation: Don Meehan
*Arranger: Kansas
*Art direction: Ed Lee
*Paintings: Peter Lloyd

Charts

Album - Billboard (North America)