Kansas - Carry On My Wayward Son

Classic Rock At It's Finest

When rock was emerging and really finding it’s place during the 70’s, Kansas came along and hit the world with a rock ballad and guitar riff for the ages. Let’s talk instruments first. We have five main parts, drums, guitar, piano, bass and organ. In live versions our lead singer/organ player also rocks a wicked bongo part that we miss in the original recording. The drums are great, steady and strong. The bass is a good companion to the guitars but lack a real depth and uniqueness except in the second verse. The guitar parts are amazing. The main lead brings some of the best riffs in music history and the solos spiced through the piece are just fast enough to be impressive, and still keep enough character and flare to show a mastery level of quality. The rhythm/back-up guitar is a good counterpart to the lead, playing much more than just a general strumming of the strings. The piano parts bring the lively and classic feel and quality that can only be achieved through musical intelligence. This also comes about in the organ, which played by our lead singer Steve Walsh, who is frankly amazing on that electric organ. The whole song comes together with Steve and his backup singer who bring the wonderful biblical lyrics to life and make a song no rocker can stay quiet to when it comes on. This is one of the best songs of all time in my book. And it should be in your book too.
Originality:9

Instruments:10

Vocals:9

Longevity:10

Red Score:9.25