POINT OF KNOW RETURN

LEFTOVERTURE pretty much marked a new direction for Kansas as they were trading in the esoteric epics and spellbinding musical performances for more radio-friendly tunes and more commercial success. POINT OF KNOW RETURN continues searching for more radio success. Those who are diehard supporters of Kansas's prog period ought to start worrying as while the prog is not completely cast aside, the prog elements are appearing less and less here.

The title track has its complexities and nautical references, and I would consider it a highlight down to the catchy chorus. ''Portrait'', ''Lightning's Hand'' and ''Sparks of the Tempest'' mine more straight hard rock territories also appearing as highlights as Kansas has done this music well before. ''The Spider'' is a jaunting instrumental that while a bit technically overblown, is still entertaining.

When we get to the epic pieces (''Hopelessly Human'' and ''Closet Chronicles''), Kansas seems to have lost something. Both epics are terribly clumsy and go through a barrage of themes without much cohesion. ''Paradox'' also suffers from being so awkward and containing some of the most irritating vocal lines in Steve Walsh's career. Ballads have rarely worked on Kansas albums before, and ''Dust in the Wind'' and ''Nobody's Home'' are two of the soppiest things from any band.

POINT OF KNOW RETURN is a great rock album with prog elements, but it's awkward and clumsy as a prog album. The earlier period of Kansas is more suited to the prog fan than this, and it's better to get POINT OF KNOW RETURN after a few earlier classics.