MASQUE

I like Kansas a lot, at least what I have heard. While I wouldn't say I'm fanatical about the band, I do know the albums from their most popular period (Masque to Monolith). I don't know the first couple of albums or more recent releases. Therefore, this is a review of Masque compared to the surrounding albums. Masque is not the "pinnacle" (pun very much intended) of Kansas' output, but it is an excellent album. It gets 3 1/2 to 4 stars in my book.

The musicianship of Kansas is without a doubt one of the primary reasons for the band's success. This album is, of course, extremely well-played. One of my criticisms of Masque, however, is that it's so keyboard- heavy. This may be why I love prog, but symphonic prog is not my favorite subgenre. On the plus side is Steve Walsh's singing. Of course, he's always good. Not only does he have a stupendous voice, he knows how to use it effectively. He's one of the best singers in rock music IMO.

Masque contains some of the band's best, most memorable songs. I'm talking about "Icarus", "Child of Innocence", and "The Pinnacle". One the other hand, we're stuck with "It Takes a Woman's Love" and 1 or 2 others. I imagine there were commercial reasons for including "It Takes a Woman's Love" and others. They don't stand up to repeated listening, and I just skip over them. Masque does contain some of the band's best material, and that's what earns it 3 1/2 to 4 stars.