Great Rock Albums of the 70s: Kansas: Point of Know Return

 Have you seen the episode of Family Guy where Brian advices Peter to walk through the streets in deep contemplation with the song “Dust in the Wind” playing in the background? Better yet, whenever you needed a walk to think things over have this song come to mind or listen to it on a MP3 or walkman? I have. “Dust in the Wind” by Kansas from the album “Point of Know Return” is one of the greatest accoustic ballads of all time. The funny thing is that it was only written when Kerry Livgren’s wife suggested he add lyrics to a piece he had written as a finger excercise and he wasn’t sure whether or not the band would like it as Kansas was not known for accoustic ballads. Needless to say, the song was written and recorded and you could say, the rest is history.

 However, “Dust in the Wind” isn’t the only good song on this album. There are some great rock tunes like “Lightning’s Hand” and song cool instrumental solos like “Paradox.” Furthermore, the title track is also a very good track. These are all reasons why this album proved to be an excellent follow up to the previous Kansas album, “Leftoverture.” The album also helped to establish Kansas as a great live act.

Track Listing:

1. Point of Know Return

2. Paradox

3. The Spider

4. Portrait (He Knew)

5. Closet Chronicles

6. Lightning’s Hand

7. Dust in the Wind

8. Sparks of the Tempest

9. Nobody’s Home

10. Hopelessly Human

Kansas

Kerry Livgren- guitar, keyboards

Phild Ehart- drums

David Hope- bass

Robby Steinhardt- violin, vocals

Steve Walsh- keyboards, vocals

Rick Williams- electric and accoustic guitars

“Point of Know Return” was released in late 1977 and helped the waters of rock along its way to overflowing its banks a year later. This I have no doubt.