Seeds of Change (UK Import) [Import]

Kerry Livgren's departure from Kansas was a disapointment to all die-hard Kansas fans, however we all saw it coming as he and Steve Walsh drifted apart both musically and philosophically. Livgren's Kansas lyrics read like a road map of his search, literally, for life's meaning. We didn't have to wait too long, however, to see what this guitar virtuoso would come up with. On this, his first solo effort, Livgren has gathered together some phenomenal musicians(Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath, Barrimore Barlow of Jethro Tull, David Pack of Ambrosia, Paul Goddard of Atlanta Rhythym Section and many others including Dave Hope of Kansas) and he's finally done things "his" way. The result is an inspiring and musically powerful collection of songs. It is a departure from the Kansas sound but his Christian perspective is encouraging and his use of great back-up musicians and guests produces a very good recording for anyone who appreciates Kerry Livgren's awesome guitar and keyboard work as well as some deep and thought-provoking lyrics. Go get it (if you can find it).

"Seeds of Change" remains one of my favorite albums since its release in 1980. Kerry Livgren managed to produce a sound almost devoid of Kansas influence at the zenith of that band's career. His tasteful inclusion of several musicians he always admired unfolded like a well-cast movie. The risk he took in departing from the lengthier opus format for which he was so well known was gutsy, and resulted in underscoring his versatility in writing shorter, more "patatable" tunes.

Mr. Livgren presented his Christian faith with an integrity and honesty often missing in similar efforts. Avoiding the confrontational religious jargon frequently rewarded as "bold" in evangelical circles, he deftly built a tenable bridge to those who might be honestly searching for truth by remaining true to his own intellect and refusing to indulge in divisive, self-indulgent preachiness.

The album is not without controversy. The presence of Ronnie James Deo (at the time, the lead singer of Black Sabbath) troubled some within the Christian community, while its undeniably credible approach to spiritual matters left many unbelievers with a lingering sense of conviction. As a result, the album found itself in a nether-world between the church and the secular communities, with too much unadulterated honesty and too little partisan self-engrandizement to be widely celebrated by a majority in either camp.

None of this should stop anyone from listening to an album with some really good music on it. The subtlety of Mr. Livgren's lyrical approach leaves room for the spiritually unaffilliated to enjoy the material without fear of a forced audio-baptism. Christian listeners, on the other hand, might allow themselves to enjoy the album if they consider that having Ronnie James Deo sing Christian lyrics might be just what the Doctor ordered, and that his presence does not curse the recording or those who listen to it.

1980's "Seeds of Change" was the solo debut album from Kerry Livgren, founder/guitarist/keyboardist and main composer for the classic rock band Kansas.

The album is not only significant as Livgren's first musical foray away from Kansas, it is also the very first album recorded by Livgren following his conversion to Christianity. Because of this, most of the lyric content professes his newly-found faith in a profound 'on-fire' manner. While "Seeds of Change" was not a successful chart hit, the album was and still is a classic in the eyes of long-time Kansas followers as well as fans in Christian Rock circles (The album was one of the pivitol and pioneering efforts of the Christian rock genre, in fact).

While each track employs different musicians with a varied sound, "Seeds of Change" is a unified conceptual effort offering some strong compositions and musicianship as well as lyrics which provide a strong witness to Christ. Amongst the musicians and singers are Kansas bandmates Steve Walsh and Phil Ehart, Barriemore Barlow from Jethro Tull, Mylon LeFevre, David Pack from Ambrosia and Ronnie James Dio. Kerry plays all the guitars, keyboards and sings lead on one track (Whiskey Seed).

"Just One Way" and "How Can You Live" are driving rock pieces that deal with bringing an end to spiritual struggle and newfound hope which follows. The blues-driven "Whiskey Seed", while not displaying an overtly Christian message, depicts the dangerous affects of alcohol abuse and has a strong moral in its lyrics. "Mask Of The Great Deceiver" and "To Live For the King" stirred up a bit of controversy because of who sang lead vocals on them - none other than the then-current Black Sabbath frontman Ronnie James Dio. Despite this, Dio delivers a strong performance in singing the absolute truth of who Satan is on "Deceiver" while offering some praise-worthy ad libs on the powerful "King". "Down To The Core" is another blues-rock piece with a soulful horn section while the epic closing piece "Ground Zero" ranks as one of Livgren's finest musically and lyrically - its subject matter dealing with the second coming of Christ.

As a special bonus, the 1996 CD reissue on Renaissance includes a 21-minute interview with Kerry Livgren in which he offers an historical insight into how "Seeds of Change" was made as well as discussing the individual tracks and the musicians and singers that contributed.

After 25 years, "Seeds of Change" still ranks as Kerry Livgren's finest album. The music as well as its lyrics carry a powerful impactful message. Kerry would continue to make music with Kansas as well as on his own as a Christian artist however, there is something special about "Seeds of Change". There really isn't anything else quite like it.