Kansas – In the Spirit of Things (1988): A Definitive Album Guide
In the Spirit of Things, released in October 1988, is the eleventh studio album by American rock band Kansas. Known for its conceptual storytelling, the album diverges from the band’s earlier progressive and AOR styles, offering a rock opera-like narrative inspired by small-town tragedy, combined with Kansas’ trademark blend of melodic rock, synthesizers, and guitars.
Album Overview
Produced by Phil Ehart and recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, In the Spirit of Things is a concept album centered around a devastating flood in a fictional Midwestern town. The songs explore the human response to disaster, loss, and hope, showcasing Kansas’ storytelling abilities alongside their musicianship.
This album features the lineup of:
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Steve Walsh – lead vocals, keyboards
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Rich Williams – guitar
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Billy Greer – bass, vocals (new addition since the mid-1980s)
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Phil Ehart – drums
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David Ragsdale – violin, vocals
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Steve Morse – additional guitar contributions (touring)
Kerry Livgren had departed the band before this album, making In the Spirit of Things a fully post-Livgren era release. The album emphasizes songwriting collaboration among remaining members, incorporating AOR sensibilities with concept-album ambition.
Tracklist
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Ghosts
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One Big Sky
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The Mission
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These Dreams Are Mine
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I Counted on Love
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House on Fire
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Over the Edge
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Symphony for a New Age
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Comin’ Back to Me
Album Credits
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Band Members:
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Steve Walsh – lead vocals, keyboards
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Rich Williams – guitar
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Billy Greer – bass, vocals
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David Ragsdale – violin, vocals
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Phil Ehart – drums
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Production:
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Produced by: Phil Ehart
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Engineered by: Phil Ehart and co-engineers
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Recorded at: Sound City Studios, Los Angeles, California
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Artwork:
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The cover depicts a flooded town with dramatic skies, visually representing the album’s central narrative of disaster and resilience.
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Commercial Performance & Grossing Info
In the Spirit of Things achieved moderate commercial success:
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US Billboard 200: Peaked at No. 121
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Did not achieve Gold certification
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Estimated sales of ~150,000 copies
While the album did not produce major radio hits, songs such as “One Big Sky” and “Ghosts” were performed in concerts and became fan favorites.
Critical Reception
Critics had mixed opinions upon release. Many appreciated Kansas’ ambitious concept and storytelling, but some lamented the departure from their classic 1970s progressive rock style. The post-Livgren era sound was more polished and keyboard-driven, appealing to AOR fans but alienating some longtime followers.
Retrospective reviews acknowledge In the Spirit of Things as an interesting experiment in narrative-driven rock, though not a commercial peak for the band.
Fun Facts
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The album’s concept was inspired by real-life Midwestern floods and Kansas’ own roots in the region.
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This is one of the first Kansas albums to prominently feature violinist David Ragsdale, adding a fresh texture to the band’s sound.
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“Symphony for a New Age” showcases the band’s continued use of orchestration and instrumental experimentation despite the AOR lean.
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The album was accompanied by an extensive tour, including concept-themed stage visuals.
Trivia
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Kansas had to reimagine their songwriting without Kerry Livgren, leading to more collaborative compositions among the band members.
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“House on Fire” and “One Big Sky” became staples of Kansas’ live setlists during the late 1980s.
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The album blends rock, symphonic textures, and narrative storytelling, making it a unique entry in the band’s discography.
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The conceptual focus was a departure from the mostly individual song-driven albums of the previous decade.
Did You Know?
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Did you know In the Spirit of Things is Kansas’ first fully post-Livgren studio album?
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Did you know the album’s flood theme was inspired by Kansas’ Midwestern heritage and natural disasters?
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Did you know David Ragsdale joined the band specifically to bring violin back into Kansas’ sound after Robby Steinhardt’s earlier departure?
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Did you know this album attempted a rock-opera-style continuity, a rare approach in late-1980s American rock?
