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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
I Stand Corrected..., July 23, 2001
After 'Drastic Measures' and 'Power', I was one of many Kansas fans who threw up our hands and said, "Without Kerry or Robbie, there is no Kansas" and wandered off in search of something worth listening to. As a result, I missed 'In the Spirit of Things'...a pity it's taken me all these years to remember how good a writer Steve Walsh can be,and how talented the other band members are. But I must proclaim 'In The Spirit of Things' to be a fine album,especially by today's standards. True, it does have a definate '80s sound,but Kansas takes a lot of material from outside sources and makes it their own. 'One Man,One Heart' might be the kind of song that Survivor would've done,but it's a solid pop-rock song that Walsh makes his own. 'Ghosts' is wonderfully haunting,and--I'm going to go out on a limb here--'Rainmaker' is one of the best songs from ANY Kansas album; that one alone is worth the price of admission--a mini-masterpiece of the sort that was prevalent on 'Point of Know Return',but with with the sombre tones of a 'Song For America' track. I've spent many years revering Kerry Livgren's contributions to Kansas; with 'In the Spirit of Things', Steve Walsh steps out from behind Livgren's shadow. This is a good '80s rock album as well as a concept album; the concept is loose enough to where tracks can be enjoyed individually,and nothing 'art-y' is done to interfere with the music. If more concept albums were like this,they might be more accessible to people. At worst,my friends,this album is just as good as a Streets album--a vehicle for Steve Walsh's vocal talents. While he's not the young man from 'Song For America',he works well with the material here. This is a must-buy for the Steve Walsh affeciannado, and to all my fellow Kansas fans, let me say; I was wrong. Kansas can be Kansas even without Kerry Livgren,and this album proves it. So snatch it up,already! And thanks to all who posted their reviews here...it made take the risk that has payed off for me...Thanks!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A spirit continues.., September 6, 2003
By A Customer
Let me begin by stating that a true follower of any band will adjust to the changes that a band incurs musically and lyrically.
If any band has ever been challenged by this, it has been Kansas.
I've read many reviews of this album and the balance of positive with the negative only strengthens my opinion of this wonderful album. After their previous effort 'Power', I anxiously awaited their next album to see which direction it would take, and I was astonished at the results. Steve Walsh's voice speaks more personally and emotionally on this recording, especially in
'Ghosts', 'Inside of Me', and 'I Counted on Love', by far the songs I felt closest to at a first listen. Steve Morse also continues to add an energy to this album that very few guitarists could develop into: listen to 'Rainmaker' and you will understand. Although I prefer 'Power' over this album, I still feel an attachment to this recording I have a difficult time explaining; it can be very joyful at one moment and then mysterious and sorrowful at the next. These musicians were meant to be together and hopefully they will continue to fill the void inside of all of us that cries out to be heard.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
DEFINITELY UNDERRATED, February 10, 2006
I was floored when this album came out in 1988. I remember taking a trip to England and this was the only cassette I played on my walkman. I frequently put the cd on when I'm driving and am still amazed by "Ghosts", "The Preacher" and "Rainmaker". The emotion put into this album was incredible. If you have avoided this Kansas album, I would definitely reconsider. This ranks second only to "Leftoverture" to me in terms of best albums.
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