Album Information:
Album ID: 9842
About Styx:
Styx is an American rock band that was formed in Chicago in 1972. The band originally consisted of Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards), James 'JY' Young (vocals, guitar), John Curulewski (guitar), Chuck Panozzo (bass), and his brother John Panozzo (drums).
Styx started as a progressive rock band, blending elements of hard rock, classical music, and pop. Their first album, self-titled Styx, was released in 1972, followed by Styx II in 1973. These early albums garnered some attention, but it wasn't until the release of their fourth album, 1975's Equinox, that Styx began to achieve commercial success.
In 1977, Styx released The Grand Illusion, which became their breakthrough album. The album spawned hit singles like 'Come Sail Away,' 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man),' and 'The Grand Illusion,' and went on to sell over three million copies. Styx's success continued with their next album, Pieces of Eight (1978), which included hits like 'Renegade' and 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights).'
In the early 1980s, Styx's sound began to become more commercially oriented, with a focus on accessible pop rock. The band's 1981 album, Paradise Theater, spawned the hit singles 'Too Much Time on My Hands' and 'The Best of Times.' However, tensions within the band were mounting, and in 1984, Styx parted ways with founding member John Curulewski.
In 1990, Styx released their first album without Dennis DeYoung, Edge of the Century. The album featured new lead vocalist/guitarist Glen Burtnik and went gold. Despite some success with Burtnik, the band reunited with DeYoung for a tour in 1996, which was documented on the live album Return to Paradise.
Styx continued to tour and release new music throughout the 2000s and 2010s, including the albums Cyclorama (2003), Big Bang Theory (2005), and The Mission (2017). In 2021, the band released its latest album, Crash of the Crown.
Today, Styx is considered one of the most successful and enduring rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s. Though they have undergone many lineup changes over the years, their signature blend of progressive rock and pop remains beloved by fans all over the world.
About the album Crash Of The Crown:
As an AI language model, I cannot personally describe music. However, I can provide you with some brief information about the album Crash Of The Crown by Styx.
Crash Of The Crown is the 17th studio album by American rock band Styx, released on June 18, 2021. It features 15 tracks, including the lead single 'Crash Of The Crown.' The album was produced by band members Tommy Shaw and Will Evankovich, and it was recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of the songs on the album are based on themes of escapism, hope, and the struggle for survival against adversity. The album also features a variety of musical styles, including classic rock, progressive rock, and pop. Some of the notable tracks on the album include 'Hold Back The Darkness,' 'Reveries,' and 'Lost At Sea.'
Overall, Crash Of The Crown has been well-received by fans and music critics alike, with many praising the album's strong songwriting and performances by the band members.
Members:
Styx has had several members over the years, so here are the key members along with their biographies:
1. Dennis DeYoung (Keyboards/Vocals) - Born on February 18, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, Dennis DeYoung was a founding member of Styx. He was the primary vocalist and keyboardist for the band and wrote many of their hit songs such as 'Babe,' 'Mr. Roboto,' and 'Come Sail Away.' DeYoung left the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career.
2. Tommy Shaw (Guitar/Vocals) - Born on September 11, 1953, in Montgomery, Alabama, Tommy Shaw joined Styx in 1975. He was the band's second lead vocalist and played guitar. Some of his notable songs for the band were 'Renegade' and 'Too Much Time on My Hands.' Shaw has been in and out of the band over the years, but he continues to tour and record with them.
3. James 'J.Y.' Young (Guitar/Vocals) - Born on November 14, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, James 'J.Y.' Young was also a founding member of Styx. He played guitar and sang some lead and backing vocals. Some of his notable songs for the band were 'Miss America' and 'Don't Let It End.' Young continues to tour and record with the band.
4. Chuck Panozzo (Bass) - Born on September 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Chuck Panozzo was the original bassist for Styx. He left the band in 2003 due to health issues, but he still occasionally performs with them.
5. John Panozzo (Drums) - Born on September 20, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, John Panozzo was Chuck Panozzo's twin brother and the original drummer for Styx. He passed away in 1996 due to complications from alcoholism.
6. Glen Burtnik (Bass/Guitar/Vocals) - Born on April 8, 1955, in North Brunswick, New Jersey, Glen Burtnik was a member of Styx from 1999 to 2003. He played bass, guitar, and sang backing vocals. Burtnik left the band to pursue a solo career and has since played with several other bands.
7. Todd Sucherman (Drums) - Born on May 2, 1969, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Todd Sucherman joined Styx in 1996. He replaced John Panozzo as the band's drummer. Sucherman has become known for his technical drumming style and has also played with other notable musicians and bands.
Track List for Crash Of The Crown:
1. The Fight of Our Lives (4:45) - The album starts with a powerful and anthemic track that features a driving rhythm section, soaring vocal harmonies, and catchy guitar riffs. The lyrics talk about the struggles of the modern world and the need for humanity to unite and fight for a better future.
2. A Monster (3:55) - This upbeat and melodic track has a classic rock feel with its energetic guitar solo and catchy chorus. The lyrics describe a monster that haunts the protagonist's dreams, representing their fears and anxieties.
3. Reveries (4:14) - This slower and more contemplative track features a beautiful piano melody and emotive vocals. The lyrics explore the concept of daydreaming and the power of the imagination to transport us to different worlds and experiences.
4. Hold Back The Darkness (4:35) - This track showcases Styx's signature harmonies and memorable melodies, with a driving guitar riff and powerful chorus. The lyrics talk about the struggle to overcome darkness and find hope in difficult times.
5. Save Us From Ourselves (3:45) - This upbeat and catchy track features a danceable rhythm section and a memorable chorus. The lyrics address the issues of egoism and lack of empathy in modern society and encourages listeners to focus on kindness and compassion.
6. Crash of the Crown (4:32) - The title track of the album is a grandiose and epic piece that showcases Styx's musical prowess. The song features powerful vocals, intricate guitar solos, and a memorable chorus. The lyrics talk about the decline of society and the need for a new beginning.
7. Our Wonderful Lives (5:16) - This track is a nostalgic and introspective ballad that features acoustic guitar and piano. The lyrics reflect on the ups and downs of life, celebrating the joy of living and the power of human connection.
8. Common Ground (4:38) - This melodic and upbeat track features a catchy chorus and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics focus on the need for unity and understanding between people with different backgrounds and beliefs.
9. Sound The Alarm (3:54) - This fast and energetic track has a punk rock feel with its driving drums and energetic guitar riffs. The lyrics talk about the importance of speaking out against injustice and standing up for what is right.
10. Long Live The King (4:56) - The final track of the album is a grandiose and epic piece that features a cinematic intro, intricate guitar solos, and powerful vocal harmonies. The lyrics celebrate the power and legacy of great leaders and visionaries throughout history.
Discography for Styx:
Here is a complete discography for the artist Styx in chronological order, including all albums, all singles, and all other releases with their respective release dates:
Albums:
1. Styx (1972)
2. Styx II (1973)
3. The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
4. Man of Miracles (1974)
5. Equinox (1975)
6. Crystal Ball (1976)
7. The Grand Illusion (1977)
8. Pieces of Eight (1978)
9. Cornerstone (1979)
10. Paradise Theater (1981)
11. Kilroy Was Here (1983)
12. Caught in the Act (1984)
13. Edge of the Century (1990)
14. Brave New World (1999)
15. Cyclorama (2003)
16. Big Bang Theory (2005)
17. The Mission (2017)
Singles:
1. 'Best Thing' (1972)
2. 'Lady' (1973)
3. 'You Need Love' (1974)
4. 'Lorelei' (1975)
5. 'Mademoiselle' (1976)
6. 'Come Sail Away' (1977)
7. 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)' (1978)
8. 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' (1978)
9. 'Sing for the Day' (1979)
10. 'Babe' (1979)
11. 'Why Me' (1980)
12. 'The Best of Times' (1981)
13. 'Too Much Time on My Hands' (1981)
14. 'Nothing Ever Goes as Planned' (1982)
15. 'Mr. Roboto' (1983)
16. 'Don't Let It End' (1983)
17. 'Music Time' (1984)
18. 'Love Is the Ritual' (1990)
Other releases:
1. Styx Live (1976)
2. Pieces of Eight Live (1979)
3. Caught in the Act Live (1984)
4. Return to Paradise (1997)
5. At the River's Edge: Live in St. Louis (2002)
6. One with Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (2006)
7. Regeneration Volume I & II (2011)