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 Barlow Bass - Paul Goddard Trumpets and percussion - Bobby Campo Lead vocals - Jeff Pollard Background vocals - Jeff Pollard, Mylon LeFevre, John Fristoe guitars, piano, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

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

Drums - Barriemore Barlow Bass - Paul Goddard vocals - Ronnie James Dio Guitars, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

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

Drums - Barriemore Barlow Tambourine - Bobby Campo Background vocals - John Fristoe, Joey Jelf, Mylon LeFevre Lead vocals - Steve Walsh Bass, guitars, piano, organ, synthesizers - Kerry Livgren

"Whiskey Seed" (track 4);

Drums - Phil Ehart Bass - Paul Goddard Vocals - Kerry Livgren, Mylon LeFevre Harmonica - Darryl Kutz Background vocals - "The Moaning Multitudes" Guitars, mongo drums - Kerry Livgren

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

Drums - John Thompson Bass - Gary Gilbert Lead vocals - Ronnie James Dio Background vocals - Joey Jelf, Steve Walsh, Donna Williams Guitars - Kerry Livgren

"Down to the Core" (track 6);

Drums - Barriemore Barlow Lead vocals - Davy Moire Background vocals - Victoria Livgren Horns - Bobby Campo Bass, guitars, clavinet, Fender Rhodes - Kerry Livgren

"Ground Zero" (track 7);

Drums - Phil Ehart Lead vocals - David Pack Background vocals - Donna Williams, Brad Aaron, Mylon LeFevre, Davy Moire, Steve Venezia Violins - Robby Steinhardt Gong - John Thompson Piano, guitars, synthesizers, percussion - Kerry Livgren