With This Heart

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs spinning vinyl at THE ZOO radio station, are firing up the airwaves with "With This Heart" by Kansas from their 2016 album The Prelude Implicit. This track, a rousing opener, showcases the band’s signature progressive rock sound, blending uplifting lyrics with soaring violins and intricate instrumentation. In a 2016 interview with The Progressive Aspect, guitarist Richard Williams shared that the song’s optimistic message—“Don’t doubt, the strength you have deep within / You can move any mountain with your hand”—was meant to inspire listeners, echoing the band’s classic anthems like "Carry On Wayward Son." The song’s creation marked a new chapter for Kansas, as it was the first album without original vocalist Steve Walsh, with newcomer Ronnie Platt stepping in. Platt’s powerful vocals on "With This Heart" were praised by Something Else! Reviews for breathing fresh energy into the band’s sound, proving they could evolve while staying true to their roots.

Behind the scenes, "With This Heart" was a collaborative effort, written by the entire band, as noted in a Antihero Magazine feature. The track’s release was accompanied by a promotional push, with Kansas sharing behind-the-scenes studio clips on their Facebook page, where they hyped the song’s “classic Kansas feel with a modern twist.” Fans, or Zoo Freaks as they’d be called by the station’s audience, lit up the band’s Instagram with comments, one calling it “a heart-pounding reminder of why Kansas still rocks.” The violin, played by David Ragsdale, takes center stage, a nod to the band’s distinctive style. Metal Temple Magazine raved about its use, saying it “showcases everything Kansas has become, utilizing the violin in the best way possible.” The song’s nostalgic yet forward-looking vibe makes it a perfect fit for the Zoo Crew’s eclectic, free-spirited playlist.

Kansas began in Topeka, Kansas, in 1970, born from a group of high school friends jamming in garages. As detailed on their official website, the band formed when drummer Phil Ehart and guitarist Richard Williams merged their group White Clover with another local act, eventually adopting the name Kansas. Their big break came in 1974 after signing with Kirshner Records, thanks to a demo tape that caught the ear of producer Don Kirshner. Their self-titled debut album introduced their progressive rock style, blending intricate compositions with American heartland spirit. Hits like "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind" from the mid-1970s catapulted them to global fame, with albums like Leftoverture and Point of Know Return earning multi-platinum status. Despite lineup changes over the decades, Kansas has remained a touring and recording force, with The Prelude Implicit marking their first studio album in 16 years.

The band’s enduring legacy is fueled by a passionate fanbase, connecting through platforms like the Kansas Official Facebook (1.5 million likes) and Instagram, where they share tour updates and throwback photos. On X, Kansas engages with fans, often retweeting praise for songs like "With This Heart." Fan communities thrive online, including the Kansas Band Fan Club on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks might swap stories about epic live shows or favorite album deep cuts. Another fan hub, KansasFans.com, offers forums and memorabilia for diehards. These platforms keep the Kansas spirit alive, much like the Zoo Crew’s vinyl-spinning sessions, bringing together old-school fans and new listeners under the band’s timeless sound.