Album Information:
Album ID: 9845
About Styx:
Styx is an American rock band formed in Chicago in 1972. The band consists of original members James 'J.Y.' Young on guitar and Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, along with Todd Sucherman on drums, Lawrence Gowan on keyboards and vocals, and Ricky Phillips on bass. Former members of the band include original bassist Chuck Panozzo and fellow bassist Glen Burtnik.
Originally starting out as a progressive rock band, Styx created a unique sound that blended elements of hard rock, pop, and melodic rock. The band's early success came with the release of their fourth album, 'Equinox,' which featured their hit song 'Lorelei.' Other notable songs from their early career include 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away,' and 'Fooling Yourself.'
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Styx achieved commercial success with their album 'The Grand Illusion' and their hit songs 'Come Sail Away' and 'Renegade.' The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1980s, including 'Paradise Theater' and 'Kilroy Was Here,' but also experienced internal conflicts and line-up changes.
After a hiatus in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Styx reunited with their classic line-up in 1996 and began touring again. The band has continued to release new music, with their most recent album being 'The Mission' in 2017, which was their first studio album in over a decade.
Styx has sold over 54 million albums worldwide and has had several top 10 singles. They are known for their distinctive vocal harmonies, elaborate live performances, and catchy songwriting. The band's influence can be heard in the music of many modern rock bands, making them an enduring presence in the world of rock music.
About the album Equinox:
Equinox is the fifth studio album by the American rock band Styx, released in 1975. It was the first album to feature Tommy Shaw on guitar and vocals, who replaced John Curulewski due to creative differences. The album is a blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and power-pop, with a strong emphasis on vocal harmonies and catchy melodies.
The album kicks off with the powerful 'Light Up,' which features a driving guitar riff and a powerful vocal delivery from lead singer Dennis DeYoung. This is followed by 'Lorelei,' a more melodic and mellow track that showcases the band's harmonies. 'Mother Dear' is a soulful ballad, featuring DeYoung's heartfelt vocals and pianist Chuck Panozzo's emotive playing.
'Lonely Child' is a hard-hitting track that showcases the band's more aggressive side, with Shaw's guitar work taking center stage. 'Midnight Ride' is a groove-heavy rocker with a catchy chorus and a memorable synth solo. 'Born for Adventure' is a bombastic anthem that showcases the band's prog-rock roots, with intricate harmonies and complex arrangements.
The album's title track, 'Equinox,' is a haunting and atmospheric instrumental that features lush keyboard textures and a cinematic feel. 'Suite Madame Blue' is a fan-favorite, a multi-part epic that explores different sonic moods and themes, from gentle acoustic strumming to powerful guitar riffage.
Overall, Equinox is a strong and cohesive album that showcases Styx's unique blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and power-pop. It features some of the band's most memorable songs and is a must-listen for fans of 70s rock music.
Members:
Styx is an American rock band formed in 1972 in Chicago, Illinois. The band has had numerous line-up changes over the years, with several key members leaving and rejoining at different points in their history. The following are biographies of some of the most recognizable and influential members of the band:
1. Dennis DeYoung (vocals, keyboards)
Dennis DeYoung was one of the founding members of Styx, serving as the band's primary songwriter and lead vocalist throughout most of their history. Born in 1947 in Chicago, DeYoung began playing piano at a young age and went on to study music at Chicago State University. He formed Styx in 1972 with guitarist James Young and drummer John Panozzo, and the band quickly gained popularity with their blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities. DeYoung wrote many of the band's most popular songs, including 'Babe,' 'Come Sail Away,' and 'Mr. Roboto.' He left Styx in 1999 but has since reunited with the band for select tours and performances.
2. Tommy Shaw (guitar, vocals)
Tommy Shaw joined Styx in 1975, replacing original guitarist John Curulewski. Born in Montgomery, Alabama in 1953, Shaw had previously played with the band MSFunk and was also a member of the band Damn Yankees in the 1990s. He contributed some of Styx's most enduring hits, including 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)' and 'Renegade.' Shaw left Styx in 1983 to pursue a solo career but rejoined the band in 1995.
3. James 'JY' Young (guitar, vocals)
James Young was one of the other founding members of Styx, along with Dennis DeYoung and John Panozzo. Born in 1949 in Chicago, Young played in several local bands before forming Styx. He contributed some of the band's most rock-oriented material, including 'Miss America' and 'Renegade.' Young has remained a constant presence in the band throughout its history.
4. Chuck Panozzo (bass)
Chuck Panozzo was Styx's original bass player, but his role in the band was cut short when he was diagnosed with HIV in the mid-1990s. Panozzo continued to perform with the band on a limited basis and has since become an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and LGBT rights.
5. John Panozzo (drums)
John Panozzo was Styx's original drummer but struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout his career. He died in 1996 at the age of 47 from complications related to his alcoholism. Panozzo's drumming was a crucial part of Styx's early sound and helped establish the band as a force in the world of progressive rock.
Track List for Equinox:
Sure, here are all the tracks in the album Equinox by Styx, listed in order along with their playtime and description:
1. 'Light Up' (4:19) - A energetic rock track featuring harmonized vocals, catchy guitar riffs and a memorable chorus that encourages the listener to 'Light up!'
2. 'Lorelei' (3:19) - A melodic tune that showcases the band's harmony skills, the lyrics describe a mythical siren who lures sailors to their doom.
3. 'Mother Dear' (5:25) - A slower, more contemplative song that pays tribute to the band members' mothers with sentimental lyrics and a soothing melody.
4. 'Lonely Child' (3:52) - A piano-driven ballad about a lonely child who finds comfort in music. Lead singer Dennis DeYoung's emotive vocals and the lush instrumentation make this one of the standout tracks on the album.
5. 'Midnight Ride' (4:18) - A hard-rocking song with driving guitar riffs and fast-paced drums, this track features a catchy chorus and an extended guitar solo.
6. 'Born for Adventure' (5:14) - A high-energy rock song with a catchy riff and upbeat lyrics about embracing life's challenges and adventures.
7. 'Prelude 12' (1:21) - An instrumental intro that leads into the next track, 'Suite Madame Blue.'
8. 'Suite Madame Blue' (6:32) - A prog-rock epic that starts off with a delicate piano section before expanding into a grandiose, multi-part song that touches on themes of politics, war, and America's role in the world.
9. 'Eddie' (4:15) - A catchy rock song with lyrics about an unrequited crush on a woman named Eddie. The song's upbeat tempo and catchy chorus make it a fun addition to the album.
10. 'Midnight Ride (reprise)' (5:09) - A brief reprise of the earlier track 'Midnight Ride,' this version features more subdued instrumentation and explores a darker, more atmospheric sound.
Overall, Equinox is a diverse and well-crafted album that showcases the many sides of Styx's sound. From the catchy rockers to the prog-rock epics and emotive ballads, this album offers something for every fan of classic rock.
Discography for Styx:
Sure, here is the complete discography for Styx in chronological order:
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 Theatre (1981)
11. Kilroy Was Here (1983)
12. Caught in the Act (1984, Live)
13. Edge of the Century (1990)
14. Return to Paradise (1997, Live)
15. Brave New World (1999)
16. Cyclorama (2003)
17. Big Bang Theory (2005)
18. The Mission (2017)
Singles:
1. 'Best Thing' (1972)
2. 'Lady' (1973)
3. 'You Need Love' (1974)
4. 'Lorelei' (1976)
5. 'Mademoiselle' (1976)
6. 'Come Sail Away' (1977)
7. 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)' (1977)
8. 'The Grand Illusion' (1978)
9. 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' (1978)
10. 'Renegade' (1979)
11. 'Babe' (1979)
12. 'Why Me' (1980)
13. 'The Best of Times' (1981)
14. 'Too Much Time on My Hands' (1981)
15. 'Nothing Ever Goes as Planned' (1981)
16. 'Mr. Roboto' (1983)
17. 'Don't Let It End' (1983)
18. 'High Time' (1983)
19. 'Music Time' (1984)
20. 'Love Is the Ritual' (1990)
21. 'Show Me the Way' (1996)
22. 'Everything Is Cool' (1997)
23. 'Waiting for Our Time' (1999)
24. 'These Are the Times' (2000)
Other releases:
1. Serpent (1973, EP)
2. Best of Styx (1977, Compilation)
3. Caught in the Act (1984, Video)
4. Editions of You (1988, Tribute to Roxy Music, featuring Styx)
5. Styx Greatest Hits (1995, Compilation)
6. 21st Century Live (2003, Live)
7. One with Everything: Styx and the Contemporary Youth Orchestra (2006, Live)
8. Regeneration, Volume I & II (2010, Re-recordings of classic Styx songs)