Kansas – Drastic Measures (1983): A Definitive Album Guide
Drastic Measures, released in April 1983, is the ninth studio album by American rock band Kansas. Continuing the band’s early 1980s transformation, the album embraces a polished AOR and pop-rock sound, further distancing Kansas from their progressive rock roots. It also marks the final studio album from the band’s original classic-era lineup before their temporary breakup later that year.
Album Overview
Produced by Neil Kernon and recorded at Axis Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, Drastic Measures pushes Kansas deeper into melodic, radio-friendly territory. The album features John Elefante as lead vocalist and keyboardist for the second and final time, with Kerry Livgren, Rich Williams, Dave Hope, and Phil Ehart completing the lineup.
Unlike earlier albums, most of the songwriting on Drastic Measures was handled by Elefante and his brother Dino Elefante, resulting in a sound more aligned with contemporary pop-rock and AOR trends than Kansas’ traditional progressive style.
Tracklist
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Fight Fire with Fire
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Everybody’s My Friend
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Raise My Arms
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Once in a Lifetime
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Don’t Take Your Love Away
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Sparks Fly
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Nobody’s Home
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Frozen Rain
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The Preacher
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End of the Age
Album Credits
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Band Members:
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John Elefante – lead vocals, keyboards
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Kerry Livgren – guitars
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Rich Williams – guitar
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Dave Hope – bass
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Phil Ehart – drums
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Production:
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Produced by: Neil Kernon
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Engineered by: Neil Kernon
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Recorded at: Axis Studios, Atlanta, Georgia
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Artwork:
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The cover art features a close-up of a man’s face partially obscured by light and shadow, symbolizing the album’s themes of struggle, reflection, and change.
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Commercial Performance & Grossing Info
Drastic Measures saw moderate commercial success:
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US Billboard 200: Peaked at No. 41
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Did not achieve Gold certification in the United States
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Estimated worldwide sales of 300,000+ copies
The lead single “Fight Fire with Fire” reached No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received moderate rock radio airplay.
Critical Reception
Critics were largely mixed to negative upon release, with many longtime fans disappointed by the album’s heavy departure from Kansas’ progressive roots. However, some reviewers praised its slick production, strong melodies, and polished AOR sound, recognizing it as a competent pop-rock album even if it felt disconnected from the band’s legacy.
In later years, the album has been reassessed as a transitional work that reflects the band’s attempt to remain commercially viable in a rapidly changing music industry.
Fun Facts
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Most of the songs on the album were written by John and Dino Elefante rather than Kerry Livgren.
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This album was released shortly before Kansas disbanded later in 1983.
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“Fight Fire with Fire” is the only Kansas single to feature John Elefante’s vocals prominently on MTV.
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The album represents the final chapter of Kansas’ original run before their reunion in 1985.
Trivia
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“The Preacher” and “End of the Age” feature overt spiritual themes, reflecting John Elefante’s songwriting influence.
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Kerry Livgren had minimal songwriting involvement compared to earlier albums.
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The album’s polished, keyboard-driven sound aligned closely with early 1980s pop-rock trends.
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Despite fan division, Drastic Measures remains an important document of Kansas’ transitional era.
Did You Know?
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Did you know Drastic Measures is the last Kansas studio album to feature original bassist Dave Hope until his return years later?
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Did you know the band broke up just months after the album’s release?
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Did you know John Elefante later became a successful producer and songwriter in the Christian rock and pop markets?
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Did you know this album marked the end of Kansas’ classic-era recording career until their reunion?
