MONOLITH

I had a very hard time deciding between 3 and 4 stars for this album. It is right on the border. On one hand all of the songs on this album are very, very solid. On the other had...all of the songs are very solid; none really stand out as being terrific. Lacking are Kansas's grand masterpieces, such as The Pinnacle, Closet Chronicles, and Song For America.

The best track is the opening On The Other Side which has the elements of all the best Kansas songs, but it doesn't really stand out amonst them. People Of The South wind is catchy and entertaining with some interesting lyrics; pretty much average Kansas. Angels Have Fallen is an underated track, containing some excellent violin and very good vocals (as usual) from Walsh. A Glimpse Of Home is a very interesting track, alternating between three very different styles throughout. The gentle Reason To Be closes the album in a successful way, and is one of my favorite relatively unknown Kansas tracks.

The other songs (How My Soul Crys Out For You, Away From You, and Stay Out of Trouble) are all good, but not necessarily anything that stand out. The kind you enjoy when you hear them but forget about afterwords. Definately the weakest tracks on the ablum.

In the end, I have to give this album the nod for 4 stars. Though it is weaker than the previous four albums from this band, it is still worthy to be among them. Essential for Kansas fans, but low priority behind Song For America, Masque, Leftoverture, and Point Of Know Return. Not where you want to start your Kansas collection, but you should pick it up eventually.