THE BEST OF KANSAS

This was my first, and last, experiment with Kansas. Last, not so much because I find them bad or uninteresting but mostly because I found out they were actually a pop rock band rather than progressive, contrary to what I was lead to believe by many prog sites. And when it comes to pop rock, it is not Kansas music that I will look for despite the fact that they have a single that I love very much (Dust in the Wind).

Since this is my only attempt at listening to Kansas, I can only speak for the impression that this compilation left on me. Perhaps they have more complex and progressive material that just did not fit on a compilation, but I cannot presume of it.

From this, the only song that, to me, had some progressive influence was Song for America. It's good, but one single song does not make a band progressive, nor does it make an album worth buying. This song is good, perhaps, and then not jaw-dropping either.

The other songs on this album feature mostly typical verse-chorus pop rock structures and melodies. Even the famous Carry on Wayward Son leaves me indifferent, even though I do appreciate the guitar riff in it. Yet, the songs can be enjoyable, but more in the sense that the Rolling Stones are enjoyable too.

Avoid if what you are looking for is a vintage prog rock album. Very acceptable if you look for some old school, nicely done rock typical of the 70's, or if you're just a Kansas fan.