Album Information:

About Styx:

Styx is an American rock band that was formed in Chicago, Illinois in 1972. The band consists of members Tommy Shaw (vocals, guitar), James 'JY' Young (vocals, guitar), Lawrence Gowan (vocals, keyboards), Ricky Phillips (bass), and Todd Sucherman (drums). The band's original lineup included members such as Dennis DeYoung and John Panozzo, who have since left the band.

Styx became popular during the 1970s and 1980s with their progressive rock sound and hit singles such as 'Lady,' 'Come Sail Away,' 'Babe,' and 'Mr. Roboto.' The band has also released multiple platinum and gold-selling albums, including The Grand Illusion, Pieces of Eight, and Paradise Theater.

Throughout their career, Styx has gone through various changes and challenges, including members leaving and rejoining the band, as well as changes in their musical style. Despite this, they have continued to release new music and tour consistently, with a loyal fan base that has followed them for decades.

In addition to their musical achievements, Styx has also been recognized for their philanthropic efforts, including donating to various charities and organizations.

Overall, Styx's music has had a lasting impact on the rock genre, and their legacy continues to inspire younger generations of musicians.

About the album Pieces Of Eight:

As an AI language model, I cannot provide subjective opinions, however, I can give an objective view of the features of Pieces of Eight by Styx.

Pieces of Eight is Styx's eighth album, released on September 1, 1978, under the A&M label. The album is considered one of Styx's best, a testament to the band's talent, popularity, and success.

The album features eleven tracks with a running time of approximately 41 minutes, and it is filled with a blend of progressive rock, hard rock, and pop rock sounds. Some of the most popular tracks from the album include 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),' 'Renegade,' and 'Sing for the Day.'

The album's opening track, 'Great White Hope,' introduces the listener with its powerful rhythm and pounding guitar riffs, setting the tone for the rest of the album. The second song, 'I'm Okay,' is a catchy, pop-infused rock track that showcases the band's ability to create memorable hooks that stick in your head.

The album's lead single, 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights),' is perhaps the most well-known track from the album. It features a heavy bassline, intense guitar riffs, and a catchy chorus that is instantly recognizable.

'Renegade' follows, with its anthemic chorus and hard-hitting rhythm. The song's lyrics tell the story of an outlaw running from the law, and the band's performance perfectly captures the intensity and drama of the storyline.

Other noteworthy tracks on the album include 'Pieces of Eight,' a keyboard-driven progressive rock epic that clocks in at over five minutes and 'Sing for the Day,' a ballad that showcases the band's softer side.

Overall, Pieces of Eight by Styx is a classic album that perfectly captures the band's signature sound at the height of their popularity. With its blend of hard rock, progressive rock, and pop influences, it remains an essential listen for fans of the band and the genre as a whole.

Members:

Styx is an American rock band that rose to popularity in the 1970s. Here are the key members of the band and their biographies:

1. Dennis DeYoung - Dennis DeYoung was Styx's lead vocalist and keyboardist. He formed the band in 1970 with fellow band member John Curulewski. DeYoung wrote many of the band's hits, including 'Come Sail Away' and 'Babe.' He left the band in 1999 to pursue a solo career.

2. Tommy Shaw - Tommy Shaw joined Styx in 1975, replacing guitarist John Curulewski. Shaw brought a harder rock edge to the band's sound and contributed lead vocals to some of their biggest hits, such as 'Renegade' and 'Too Much Time on My Hands.'

3. James 'J.Y.' Young - James 'J.Y.' Young was one of the original members of Styx, and he played guitar and provided vocals for the band. Young has been a part of the band since its formation in 1970.

4. Chuck Panozzo - Chuck Panozzo was Styx's original bassist, and he is the twin brother of drummer John Panozzo. Chuck came out as gay in the late 1990s and has since been an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

5. John Panozzo - John Panozzo was the drummer for Styx until his death in 1996. He formed the band in 1970 with Dennis DeYoung and J.Y. Young.

6. Glen Burtnik - Glen Burtnik replaced Dennis DeYoung as the lead vocalist for Styx in 1999. He also played rhythm guitar and bass for the band during his tenure.

7. Todd Sucherman - Todd Sucherman has been Styx's drummer since John Panozzo's death in 1996. Prior to joining Styx, Sucherman was a session drummer for a variety of artists.

These are the key members of Styx, and each member played an integral part in shaping the band's sound and legacy.

Track List for Pieces Of Eight:

Sure, here's the tracklist for the album Pieces of Eight by Styx with play times and a brief description of each track:

1. 'Great White Hope' (4:22) - A bombastic and theatrical opening track featuring layered vocals and piano, with lyrics about a boxer preparing for a fight.

2. 'I'm O.K.' (5:41) - A driving rock song with a catchy chorus and guitar riffs, with lyrics about overcoming addiction and taking control of one's life.

3. 'Sing for the Day' (4:57) - A ballad that starts with acoustic guitar and builds into an anthemic chorus with soaring vocals, with lyrics about the cathartic power of music.

4. 'The Message' (1:08) - A brief instrumental interlude featuring synth and guitar that serves as a bridge between 'Sing for the Day' and the next track.

5. 'Lords of the Ring' (4:33) - A symphonic rock track with heavy guitar riffs and a prominent synthesizer melody, with lyrics about the power and corruption of those in positions of authority.

6. 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' (4:06) - A fast-paced rock song with catchy hooks and guitar solos, with lyrics about the struggles and pride of working-class life.

7. 'Queen of Spades' (5:38) - A bluesy rock track with a prominent organ and guitar interplay, with lyrics about a dangerous woman who holds all the cards.

8. 'Renegade' (4:12) - A classic rock anthem with fist-pumping riffs and a catchy chorus, with lyrics about a rebel on the run from the law.

9. 'Pieces of Eight' (4:45) - A nautical-themed rock song with layered harmonies and eclectic instrumentation, with lyrics about a treasure hunt and the power of greed.

10. 'Aku-Aku' (3:00) - A playful instrumental track that incorporates world music elements and serves as a closer for the album.

Hope that helps!

Discography for Styx:

Here is a complete discography for Styx in chronological order:

Albums:

1. Styx (1972)
Release Date: July 1972

2. Styx II (1973)
Release Date: July 1973

3. The Serpent Is Rising (1973)
Release Date: October 1973

4. Man of Miracles (1974)
Release Date: November 1974

5. Equinox (1975)
Release Date: December 1975

6. Crystal Ball (1976)
Release Date: October 1976

7. The Grand Illusion (1977)
Release Date: July 1977

8. Pieces of Eight (1978)
Release Date: September 1978

9. Cornerstone (1979)
Release Date: October 1979

10. Paradise Theatre (1981)
Release Date: January 1981

11. Kilroy Was Here (1983)
Release Date: February 1983

12. Edge of the Century (1990)
Release Date: May 1990

13. Brave New World (1999)
Release Date: June 1999

14. Cyclorama (2003)
Release Date: February 2003

15. Big Bang Theory (2005)
Release Date: May 2005

Singles:

1. 'Best Thing' / 'Thank You Very Much' (1972)
Release Date: November 1972

2. 'Lady' / 'Children Of The Land' (1973)
Release Date: June 1973

3. 'You Need Love' / 'Winner Take All' (1974)
Release Date: August 1974

4. 'Father O.S.A.' / 'Earl Of Roseland' (1974)
Release Date: November 1974

5. 'Lorelei' / 'Unfinished Song' (1976)
Release Date: August 1976

6. 'Come Sail Away' / 'Put Me On' (1977)
Release Date: October 1977

7. 'Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)' / 'The Grand Illusion' (1978)
Release Date: January 1978

8. 'Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)' / 'Superstars' (1978)
Release Date: September 1978

9. 'Babe' / 'Borrowed Time' (1979)
Release Date: September 1979

10. 'Nothing Ever Goes As Planned' / 'Borrowed Time' (1980)
Release Date: January 1980

11. 'The Best of Times' / 'Lights' (1981)
Release Date: January 1981

12. 'Too Much Time on My Hands' / 'Queen of Spades' (1981)
Release Date: April 1981

13. 'Mr. Roboto' / 'Snowblind' (1983)
Release Date: March 1983

14. 'Don't Let It End' / 'A.D. 1928/Rockin' the Paradise' (1983)
Release Date: June 1983

15. 'Music Time' / 'Snowblind' (1983)
Release Date: September 1983

Other Releases:

1. 'Styx' (1972)
Release Date: 1972 (demo album)

2. 'Styx Anthology' (2003)
Release Date: March 2003 (compilation album)