Always Never the Same is the 13th studio album, and 18th overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1998 (see 1998 in music).

This album is a unique studio recording, as it consists of mostly covers of the band's previous work, re-recorded with the London Symphony Orchestra. New songs include "In Your Eyes," "The Sky Is Falling," "Need to Know," and the instrumental, "Preamble." "Prelude & Introduction" is a medley of several Kansas songs. The album also includes a cover of The Beatles' of "Eleanor Rigby," Kansas's first cover to appear on an album since J.J. Cale's "Bringing It Back" on Kansas. "Carry On, Wayward Son" was recorded at the time in case strong sales brought forth a second symphonic album, but it remains unreleased.

Track listing

1. "Eleanor Rigby" (Lennon/McCartney) – 3:22
2. "Dust in the Wind" (Kerry Livgren) – 4:01
3. "Preamble" (Baird) – 3:25
4. "Song for America" (Livgren) – 9:15
5. "In Your Eyes" (Walsh) – 4:30
6. "Miracles Out of Nowhere" (Livgren) – 6:27
7. "Hold On" (Livgren) – 4:18
8. "The Sky Is Falling" (Walsh) – 7:50
9. "Cheyenne Anthem" (Livgren) – 7:29
10. "Prelude & Introduction" (Kansas/Baird) – 4:53
11. "The Wall" (Livgren, Walsh) – 5:29
12. "Need to Know" (Walsh) – 4:02
13. "Nobody's Home" (Livgren, Walsh) – 6:04

The Band

• Phil Ehart - drums
• Billy Greer - bass, vocals
• Robby Steinhardt - violin, vocals
• Steve Walsh - keyboard, vocals
• Rich Williams - guitars

Additional musicians

• Larry Baird - conductor
• The London Symphony Orchestra
• James Majors - drums
• Jim Roberts - percussion
• Larry Stock - drums

Production

• Producers: Phil Ehart, Trammell Starks, Rich Williams
• Engineers: Peter Cobbin, Russ Fowler, James Majors, Jim "Z" Zumpano
• Mixing: Jeff Glixman, Jim "Z" Zumpano
• Mastering: Greg Calbi
• Digital editing: Brian Jobson, James Majors, Trammell Starks
• Arranger: Larry Baird
• Copyist: Michael Allen
• Design: Pennie Moore, Conni Treantafeles
• Photography: Marti Griffin
• Artwork: Pennie Moore, Conni Treantafeles