Seeds of Change (album)

Background

Seeds of Change marked a new chapter in Kerry Livgren's music. It was recorded after Kerry Livgren had converted to Christianity in 1979. His religious beliefs began to be reflected in the song lyrics of Kansas album, Audio-Visions, as well as Seeds of Change. This eventually would cause tension within the band.

The inclusion of Ronnie James Dio, who was singing for Black Sabbath, caused controversy, as Black Sabbath is considered satanic by some Christians. Livgren wrote that he chose Dio "strictly on the basis of his vocal abilities" as well as stating in his book "Seeds Of Change" that Dio "is no Satanist".

Track listing

All songs written by Kerry Livgren

1. "Just One Way" – 5:45
2. "Mask of the Great Deceiver" – 7:34
3. "How Can You Live" – 4:12
4. "Whiskey Seed" – 5:33
5. "To Live For the King" – 6:11
6. "Down to the Core" – 5:18
7. "Ground Zero" – 8:33

Personnel

"Just One Way" (track 1);

Drums - Barriemore BarlowBass - Paul GoddardTrumpets and percussion - Bobby CampoLead vocals - Jeff PollardBackground vocals - Jeff Pollard, Mylon LeFevre, John Fristoeguitars, piano, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

"Mask of the Great Deceiver" (track 2);

Drums - Barriemore BarlowBass - Paul Goddardvocals - Ronnie James DioGuitars, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

"How Can You Live?" (track 3);

Drums - Barriemore BarlowTambourine - Bobby CampoBackground vocals - John Fristoe, Joey Jelf, Mylon LeFevreLead vocals - Steve WalshBass, guitars, piano, organ, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

"Whiskey Seed" (track 4);

Drums - Phil EhartBass - Paul GoddardVocals - Kerry Livgren, Mylon LeFevreHarmonica - Darryl KutzBackground vocals - "The Moaning Multitudes"Guitars, mongo drums - Kerry Livgren

"To Live For the King" (track 5);

Drums - John ThompsonBass - Gary GilbertLead vocals - Ronnie James DioBackground vocals - Joey Jelf, Steve Walsh, Donna WilliamsGuitars - Kerry Livgren

"Down to the Core" (track 6);

Drums - Barriemore BarlowLead vocals - Davy MoireBackground vocals - Victoria LivgrenHorns - Bobby CampoBass, guitars, clavinet, Fender Rhodes - Kerry Livgren

"Ground Zero" (track 7);

Drums - Phil EhartLead vocals - David PackBackground vocals - Donna Williams, Brad Aaron, Mylon LeFevre, Davy Moire, Steve VeneziaViolins - Robby SteinhardtGong - John ThompsonPiano, guitars, synthesizers, percussion - Kerry Livgren