Going Through The Motions

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning "Going Through The Motions" by Kansas from their 1983 album Drastic Measures, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to it. This track, a standout on the album, is a high-energy AOR rock anthem with a critical edge, questioning the monotony of daily life. Written by John Elefante, the band’s lead singer at the time, it features bombastic keyboards and searing guitar riffs, as noted in a review on Prog Archives, which called it “truly bombastic with loads of keys and a very strong backing band.” The song’s lyrics, like “Are you going through the motions / And is your day just a reflection of the day before?”, resonate with listeners feeling stuck in a rut, a sentiment that likely hit home for fans during the early '80s economic shifts. Interestingly, the track was praised for its diversity, allowing Kansas to flex their musical muscles, though some longtime fans felt it leaned too far into mainstream pop-rock compared to their progressive rock roots.

Another tidbit about “Going Through The Motions” comes from its context within Drastic Measures. The album marked a turbulent period for Kansas, with violinist Robby Steinhardt leaving before its recording due to discomfort with the band’s Christian lyrical direction, as detailed on Wikipedia. John Elefante, who took over as lead vocalist, dominated the songwriting, contributing to the album’s heavier, more accessible sound. A review on Consequence highlights how the song’s “swelling of synth strings interposed with rock guitar” paints a vivid picture of city dwellers marching to their daily grind, a theme that might’ve reflected Elefante’s observations of urban life. While not a chart-topping single like “Fight Fire With Fire” from the same album, “Going Through The Motions” has been a fan favorite, with some Zoo Freaks likely appreciating its call to break free from routine, as echoed in comments on Amazon reviews praising the album’s remastered energy.

Kansas got their start in Topeka, Kansas, in the early 1970s, born from a fusion of two local bands, White Clover and Saratoga. Guitarist Kerry Livgren and bassist Dave Hope, both from White Clover, joined forces with vocalist Steve Walsh, drummer Phil Ehart, violinist Robby Steinhardt, and guitarist Rich Williams from Saratoga. According to their official bio on kansasband.com, the band’s unique blend of progressive rock, boogie, and Midwestern grit caught the attention of producer Don Kirshner, who signed them to his label in 1974. Their self-titled debut album introduced their intricate sound, but it was 1976’s Leftoverture, with the hit “Carry On Wayward Son,” that catapulted them to fame. The follow-up, Point of Know Return, featuring “Dust in the Wind,” solidified their status as one of America’s greatest progressive rock bands, as noted in a retrospective on Consequence. Despite lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, like the AOR pivot on Drastic Measures, Kansas has remained a beloved act, touring relentlessly and inspiring generations of rock fans.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, Kansas’s official website at kansasband.com offers tour dates, merch, and band history. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on shows and behind-the-scenes content. Fans have also created vibrant communities online, including the Kansas Band Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can swap stories, share concert photos, and debate the merits of Drastic Measures versus Leftoverture. Another great resource is PopRockBands.com, a fan site with detailed album breakdowns, including Drastic Measures. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new Zoo Freak, these platforms keep the spirit of Kansas alive, much like the timeless energy of “Going Through The Motions.”