TOP TEN: Styx

This band was formed in Chicago, Illinois over the 60s but changed their name to ‚Styx‘ in 1972 when they signed a record deal. At that time they were lead vocalist Dennis DeYoung, guitarrist James „J.Y.“ Young, guitarrist John Curulewski, bassist Chuck Panozzo and drummer John Panozzo. The name was chosen because according to DeYoung „the only one from the suggestions the record company made that nobody hated“. Their first albums received little recognition until the song ‚Lady‘ began to gain steam on radio, first in Chicago then nationwide. Nearly 2 years after the song was first released it peaked at #6 in the US Billboard Single Charts in 1975.

Soon they released their next album „Equinox“ under a new record label and cracked the Top 100 in the album charts. (The 2nd one to do so after ‚Styx 2‘ which reached #20 thanks to ‚Lady‘). Then guitarrist Curulewski left the band and was replaced by Tommy Shaw. The next album „Crystal Ball“ again cracked the Top 100 but ultimately disappointed. But it was their7th album „The Grand Illusion“ which helped Styx to became a mainstream attraction. The album reached the Top 10 in the USA and was certified triple platinum. The single „Come Sail Away“ peaked at #8 in the US Single Charts. In 1978 they followed with „Pieces Of Eight“ – another Top 10 album in the USA.

In 1979 the band released their ninth studio album „Cornerstone“ – it peaked at #2 in the US Billboard Album Charts and was certified double platinum in the USA. Styx also had their first #1 single with „Babe“, which spent 2 weeks on top in December 1979. The single also reached the Top 3 in Australia and New Zealand and the Top 10 of the UK among other places. With the success came tension as DeYoung wanted the group to push more in the mainstream direction, while Shaw and Young favored a harder-edge approach.

In 1981 Styx released a concept album called „Paradise Theatre“ – it became their first and only #1 in the US album charts. Two singles of the album reached the Top 10 of the US Single Charts as well. The album was certified triple platinum in the States. Another fully realized concept album was then released in 1983: „Kilroy was here“ – it peaked at #3 in the US album charts including the single ‚Mr Roboto‘ which also reached #3. After an expensive tour Shaw left the group for solo ambitions. He later joined the „Damn Yankees“ and had a #3 single with „High Enough“ in 1990. One year later the group disbanded.

After a string of modest successful solo albums the group reformed in 1990, Shaw was replaced by Glen Burtnik. They released the album „Edge Of The Century“ (reached the Top 100) and the single „Show Me The Way“ which got a boost when a Desert-storm mix was arranged with voices of children of parents that were deployed in Iraq during the war. The single peaked at #3 in the USA. After a tour and due to their record company being sold they were soon phased out and at the end of 1991 disbanded again.

Styx reformed again in 1995 with Tommy Shaw this time and in 1999 DeYoung left the group for good. The rest are still active to this day.

Here now are my favorite 10 songs of this group, hope you enjoy! What are your favorites? Write in the comments and discuss this video if you like, but please keep it civil. Thank you!

No copyright infringement intended you can buy and stream all these songs in your favorite store in full length. No money is made with these videos, they are simply a hobby to celebrate music. To support Styx go to their official sites, buy and stream their songs. Thank you!