Here are 10 reasons why. Arguably the best vocals of all Styx songs from DeYoung and Shaw’s fierce guitar playing create a true power ballad classic. 22 Years; A. This was one of the band’s biggest hits of the early 1980s, reaching No. To live in this country at that time was really the golden age. Styx is an American rock band that became famous for its albums from the late 1970s and early 1980s. 1 hit in the United States. A carry-over from “Blue Collar Man,” this Styx song continues to tell the story of a man looking for a job and struggling with alcohol abuse. This rock ballad was essentially a social commentary on the times. They tell a great tale. Styx Songs: 10 Essential Tracks You Need to Know.

© The album as whole launched the band into stardom, despite some early signs showing of differences between Dennis DeYoung and the rest of the band. As a band, they weren’t afraid to experiment, whether that was mixing hard rock guitar with acoustic or synthesizers with an acoustic piano. Dennis DeYoung explained to Rock Cellar magazine the inspiration behind the track: “‘The Grand Illusion’ was my way of expressing to the audience that the pressure that is put on them by advertising, media and yes, rock stars, to believe in an illusion that really does not exist was not healthy for them. BA1 1UA. Many will say this is when the growing differences between DeYoung and Shaw started, as well as between the rest of the band.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'rocksoffmag_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',108,'0','0'])); To further rub salt in the wound, the essentially solo DeYoung track went on to become their only No. Bath Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Sign up to our monthly newsletter & playlist! Styx in the 70s: these are their Top 10 songs (Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives\/Getty Images) Arguably the ultimate pomp rock band, Styx practically invented the genre in the mid 70s. This has a sparkling sense of fun and nostalgia that sets the tone for the rest of the album. It is one of the rare Styx songs that features four vocal parts, including one-time backing vocals from Chuck Panozzo. Complete song listing of Styx on OLDIES.com. Some of their hits were purely rock ballads, while others were works of musical genius, featuring aspects of classical music, progressive rock, heavy metal and even a bit of techno. These are their finest moments. Coming as it did just a year prior to the country celebrating its bicentennial, it’s a somewhat bold statement from a band usually know for being ‘safe’. Our 10 essential Styx songs list dives into the music of the legendary progressive rock band from Chicago that found mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s. (Classic Rock) 27 July 2016, The definitive pomp rock band of the 70s and 80s, Styx embodied epic songwriting and showmanship. A masterful epic that sweeps through Equinox. After playing the song during his popular Saturday Night show, other radio stations began to do the same and it caught on. Written by DeYoung, again for his wife, it echoes the sentiment and style of their earlier hit “Lady.” There was absolutely no rhythm guitar on the track and really only featured DeYoung on vocals. CDs Vinyl. An inspired performance from a band on top of their game. We are grateful for your business and hope you are staying safe and healthy! You will receive a verification email shortly. It embraced the musical style of the early new wave movement in the United States, reaching No. Then production, though, has enough state-of-the-art perspective to make this sound contemporary. Brilliant, underrated song!

But what may surprise is that it’s effectively a hugely critical look at America’s recent history. This has always been my favorite. Despite not reaching the great heights of the charts, it certainly put the band on the map in 1977. Receive mail from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors? Our 10 essential Styx songs list dives into the music of the legendary progressive rock band from Chicago that found mainstream success during the 1970s and 1980s.
One of the most popular Styx songs of all time. Despite its success, the track hasn’t been played by the band since DeYoung left in 1999. This song follows straight on from moody album opener A.D.1928 on Paradise Theatre. Taken from the epic The Grand Illusion, the album hat gave the band mainstream acceptance.

The Chicago band mixed sophisticated musicianship, straightforward melodies and a flair for showmanship, while the core – original vocalist/keyboard player Dennis DeYoung, plus guitarists Tommy Shaw and James Young – ensured the approach remained intact while also constantly being refined, throughout the glory days in the 70s and 80s. Some people think this Styx song was a bit of an overkill on the love ballad front. While this may not have been one of the band’s chart-toppers, it is the most well-known song from their 1975 album Equinox.