Art of the State
Art of the State | ||||
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Studio album by AD | ||||
Released | 1985 | |||
Genre | Christian rock | |||
Length | 43:19 | |||
Label | Sparrow | |||
Producer | Kerry Livgren | |||
AD chronology | ||||
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Professional ratings | |
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Review scores | |
Source | Rating |
AllMusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Art of the State is the first studio album by the Christian rock band AD, and the third solo album for its leader Kerry Livgren. The album was re-issued in the late 1990s under Kerry's new record label, Numavox Records.
Background
In the previous year, Kerry Livgren and his newly formed group, AD, released their first album, Time Line. In the year following its release, Livgren was caught in a legal problem with his contract connection with Kansas, causing the band to make a decision. Unable to sell or perform their material in the Non-Christian Marketplace, AD had to release their newest records in the Christian Marketplace; a move that Livgren and the others never had expected would happen at first when the band was originally formed.
Realizing the limited options, the group accepted the offer and began work on their next record, which contained songs relating in strictly Christian themes. Livgren also decided with the others that AD should receive full credit for the production of the album, rather than the album being split half and half for its creation. The tour for the band, unfortunately, was not as successful as intended, resulting in Warren Ham's departure from the band after the tour for Art of the State had ended.
Reception
Compared to review that Time Line received, AllMusic gave Art of the State a much more favorable review of four stars out of five; a drastic improvement from the 1984 release that both Kerry and AD took ownership of. Marked as a religious album, it was said to be unique in its own way and has created an enjoyable experience for the listener. It has been said to be strongly focused on songs of worship and praise while providing other songs of controversial subjects at the same time.
Track listing
All songs written by Kerry Livgren, otherwise indicated
- "All Creation Sings" - 4:22
- "We Are the Men" - 4:41
- "Lead Me to Reason" (Michael Gleason) - 3:56
- "The Only Way to Have a Friend" - 4:16
- "Games of Chance and Circumstance" (Gleason) - 4:18
- "The Fury" - 5:34
- "Progress" - 4:39
- "Heartland" (Gleason) - 3:42
- "Zion" (Warren Ham/Livgren) - 3:26
- "Up from the Wasteland" (Gleason/Livgren) - 4:25
Personnel
- Musicians
- Kerry Livgren – guitar, keyboards, producer
- Dave Hope – bass guitar
- Dennis Holt – drums, background vocals
- Warren Ham – lead vocals (1–4, 7–9), harmonica, keyboards, woodwind
- Michael Gleason – lead vocals (1, 5, 6, 10), keyboards, guitars, assistant engineer, cover art concept, keyboards
- Production
- Mark Ferjulian – executive producer
- Kenny Marcellino – art direction, cover art concept, executive producer
- Glenn Meadows – mastering
- Bill Murphy – art direction
- Tim Wild – illustrations
References
- ↑ Allender, Mark W.B. "Art of the State - AD". AllMusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 2013-02-10.