Styx didn’t disappoint with this follow up to The Mission. So far this is my album of the year!! This is prog for 2021!

@stephensdygert7600

3 жыл бұрын

Mission sounded like a Moody Blues album. Which is not a bad thing.

@timjohnson8902

3 жыл бұрын

I agree grant yes my album of the year also . It's not over bloated and gives me a smile . I think Styx are influenced by the Beatles in a suttle way .well who isnt

@joelliebler5690

3 жыл бұрын

Sought of though hope they extend those songs considerably when they do them live!

@kurtmorris454

3 жыл бұрын

some of the songs in this album have a Crosby Stills Nash flavor. Whish isn't a bad thing.

@jeffreysmith594

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree

Got it on release day. Yes it’s short, songs are short, but really great. Todd’s a fantastic drummer and the rest of the band still sounds killer. Happy to still be getting great music from a great band.🎶✌️🍺

@b.g.5869

3 жыл бұрын

The drummer kicks ass.

What I love about this channel. They speak fan speak not critic speak. Pete and the others talk about music the way I do... the way I understand it, not chasing some idea of what should be considered good, not following the trends, not trying to impress anybody or stay relevant to some publisher or image, but from love of the music.

Doggo heard Pete say 'sticks' and thought he was going to go out and play fetch.

@katesjanice

3 жыл бұрын

Stretch Limousine (Limo - a mini dachshund) did the same thing. Hilarious!

I love the modern version of Styx. So much energy and renewed life!! The new album is amazing. Also, after seeing Styx live in July 2021, I have a lot more respect and interest in the new songs. They performed some new ones live and my fiancee and i were absolutely blown away. Gowan is incredible

The brevity of The Mission was one of its selling points when it came out, and I think Will and Tommy decided to follow that model. It reminds me of early Journey, when they had SO many great songs that hit the groove and immediately left you wanting more. I wish Save us from Ourselves was about 17 minutes long. LOL Great album. Top 5 Styx album imo.

I like the new album. Like you said Pete, it grows on you. I bought the download and just ordered the vinyl yesterday. Anxious to get it. I'm big into the vinyl. I'll be 64 in 2 days and I never stopped playing vinyl.

@jcepri

3 жыл бұрын

What do you like about vinyl? I don't miss the dusting, the scratches and hisses, etc.

The Mission is 42 minutes long, perfect vinyl length. Don't know where you get that it's "barely half an hour." "The Mission" was So. Damn. Good. So much better than anyone could have expected. Really looking forward to diving into this one.

@seaoftranquilityprog

3 жыл бұрын

You are correct...for whatever reason it always seems rather short, like 30-35 minutes.

@yamishogun6501

3 жыл бұрын

@@seaoftranquilityprog My edited version is about 35 minutes!

@joelliebler5690

3 жыл бұрын

The Mission was pretty good though this one has more life ingenuity and good lyrics!

@rickleblanc8900

3 жыл бұрын

Yep, when i saw The Mission at the music store, i was surprised. Who, what, where, when, why, etc etc lol. Took a chance and bought it. Brilliant album, their musicianship as solid as ever

@joelliebler5690

3 жыл бұрын

👍🏻

I was never much of a Styx fan but they’re growing on me with their new stuff. Todd’s drumming is pristine.

Fantastic album, start to finish. I hope they keep writing, recording and releasing albums like this. The versions of these songs in their live shows are excellent as well.

Of all the 70s bands still pumping out albums today, I can't think of many other artists who have moved their sound into the 21st century as successfully as Styx has. I loved the Mission and i've been praying for a follow up ever since and though it's still early and hard to weigh in, I think this one might even be better. For one, I think this could arguably be their most progressive album, but also, their most well produced album. The subtle electronic and percussive elements in the mix sound fantastic. The flow and cohesion of this album is stellar, and the songs and performances are just as tight as they've ever been, if not better than ever. I cant believe Styx of all bands is releasing albums of this quality in the present. It's such a shame some Deyoung purists write these past two albums off simply due to his absence, likely sitting their actively looking and grasping for something to dislike about it. This stuff is uplifting, progressive and incredibly melodic and I'm here for it.

@markhaus2830

3 жыл бұрын

I agree!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!

@jerrywoods4066

3 жыл бұрын

Interesting I didn't care 4 their last few albums period , just poppy and dull

@jerrywoods4066

3 жыл бұрын

Sorry Doug nowhere near their much earlier stuff

@davescryptodays1441

3 жыл бұрын

I agree generally, -miss DeYoung's presence (butI like Gowan), but you cannot deny these last two albums are VERY good/can't deny good/inspired music - with this one possibly even better than The Mission. Listen to 'To Those' on Crown - I hear a distinct echo of the song "Pieces Of Eight' -"the search for the money tree etc . . .' (interesting).

@dougmcauliffe2253

3 жыл бұрын

@@jerrywoods4066 I can't help but notice you're going through replying to several comments of people showing enthusiasm and love towards this album with comments similar to this one. At the end of the day, if someone enjoys an album that you don't, that's totally harmless and has no bearing on your life. Just don't be the guy who goes around trying to tear it down for them for no good reason, that's not cool. You're not going to change any minds here. I don't see how anything here is more poppier than the material coming out in their prime. I feel like these last two albums have some of their more blatently progressive sounding material on songs like Red Storm, Locomotive, A Monster, and Crash of The Crown. I'm sorry it didn't do it for you, maybe it'll grow on you over time.

Loved it right out of the gate.

GREAT review!! I really enjoyed this and I ABSOLUTELY love this album. I'd almost compare it to side 2 of the Cars debut album. I say that because all 4 of those Cars songs bled into each other. Your All I've Got Tonight concluded with All Mixed Up and in between we got Bye Bye Love & Moving in Stereo. To me, just like with the Cars every song on Crash Of The Crown carries into the next song. I love that. Its 43 minutes of 15 short songs that end up making 1 LONG song. Hold Back the Darkness is my favorite sub song in this one long song Styx album. Styx never ceases to amaze me and this album is damn near perfect. I also think just like with The Mission they wanted their fans to listen to side 1 of the vinyl and flip it over to side 2 just like the old days. 1 album only holds so much music. Thanks for the GREAT review of an even better album.

A fair and complete review! Thanks Pete! 🎸

Thanks for the review, Pete. After seeing a lot of mixed opinions online, I was literally waiting to hear your take on this album before I picked it up. Off to order it now.

Thanks for these reviews Pete. About the best place to hear a good HONEST description of new releases.

Thanks for the recommendations Pete! I'd never heard a full Styx album, but I went out and bought this and I f***ing love it. And the Permanent Waves reissue too!

Its definitely grown on me - wasnt too sure about some of the tracks, mainly those towards the end, but after repeated listens I've come to really like them. I do agree that some of the songs should have been longer and Lost at Sea is crying out to be extended into a 5 to 6 minute epic - maybe along the lines of Dennis' Isle of Misanthrope? I also think that the sequencing should have had To Those as the last track - one of my favourites on the album, wouldve been great to go out on it. My view of the sound is that it channels prime Tommy Shaw Styx of Crystal Ball through to Cornerstone - I can hear references of Fooling Yourself, Mademoiselle, Blue Collar Man, Love in the Midnight, though I dont think there are any out and out copies of previous songs, with touches of Queen in some of tehh guitar soloing, Pink Floyd ( I started to sing Welcome to the Machine at the start of Hold Back The Darkness) and the Who (mainly some of Todd's drumming in To Those). And maybe another down point on this is the lack of an out and out JY song. Taking this and Dennis's latest there's a barnestormer of an album to be constructed using the best songs - or at least your favourites - from each, nothwithstanding that JY should have sung on The Last Guitar Hero. Yes it would be a bit like listening to Brave New World but I think it would be a number of times better.

Thanks for the review Pete. I love "The Mission" play that one a lot. Just ordered Crash of the Crown. Looking forward to listening to it.

Thanks for the review. I've been in the DDY camp since they broke up because (IMO) DDH's voice was so infused into the Styx brand and sound that it didn't seem appealing to even give the Tommy Shaw-led Styx a try. But I have to say that this album has really grown on me. I love Save Us from Ourselves, Common Ground, Hold Back the Darkness and Sound the Alarm. I also love The Fight of Our Lives, but it sounds more like an opening Overture than a song because it's so short. Some have said the lyrics sound like Christian rock, songs like Our Wonderful Lives, for example. Whatever. I'm not really swayed by lyrics. The new lead singer (don't know his name) has a great voice. It almost has a John Lennon flavor to it. On a side note, I was listening to some music via Amazon Music yesterday and I noticed that what's missing are those big, booming parts that are louder and more booming than the rest. I don't know the technical term. It sounds like it's been leveled out such as what you hear on the radio. I wonder if listening on CD is different. Is that why people still buy CDs? I haven't bought a CD in years, only streaming. So I guess my question is, why buy CDs anymore if you can stream it? One last thing: DDH's "The Isle of Misanthrope" is awesome and it's over 6 minutes long! lol If you haven't heard it, give it a shot. Great video, too. Check ut out on KZread.

Thanks Pete for the insightful review. Happy to see the current Styx is doing more Progressive songs. Absolutely needs long explorations. Would love to see the Prog Seat crew do a quick take of this album during one of the upcoming episodes.

Thanks for the thorough and straightforward review of this album, Pete. Been waiting for this since last week's review of the Dennis DeYoung release. My first listen was a little disappointing after recently finding The Mission CD via an SoT show and can't see to get enough of that album at this time. But your point about it being a grower and that it may need repeated listens is well said. Many times I've listened to an album and if grabbed my attention at some later point. So will be listening to this several more times to see what happens. But, as always, thanks for all your efforts and hard work on SoT, Pete. It's appreciated greatly.

Hey Pete, long time😊 waiting for my Styx vinyl copy tomorrow. Been listening on Spotify and love it. Awesome review 😊

Good morning Pete! Great review. ✌️❤️🇨🇦

i ordered it and its on the way this just makes me morev excited

This album should be nominated for a Grammy for best hard rock album of 2021...

Great review! I actually just picked this album on yesterday at my local used store & haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. Based on your review I'll definitely give it several listens to let it sink in.

Styx is my favorite band and they reminded me why with this new album. I love the lyrics and the way the music combines the strength of each member. Styx is truly an example of artistic collaboration at its finest. Can't wait to see you perform the new songs live in August.

I got the idea with The Mission, that they kept the running time short for two reasons; to keep the time of the album to 45 min or under like the 'old days' on vinyl; AND for vinyl these days - it keeps costs/prices down (2 sides, not 4) to encourage people to buy the album ON vinyl as well. So I think they've continued that for 'Crown' as well. There seems to be a bit more instrumental (especially acoustic guitar and keys)/Styxian flourishes on Crown than Misson which is welcome and it might even be a step up from Misson. They've put together two very good albums that re-establishes them with some new studio cred in my mind. Curio: listen to 'To Those' - there's a bit in the melody/chorous that is VERY close to the chorus in the song 'Pieces Of Eight' ('the search for the money tree . . .')

Great review Pete ! I was looking forward to it since I got the album a week ago. I love this new Styx album, I hope to see them live soon ! They were the very first concert I attended, Paradise Theatre tour in 1981 in Montreal's old Forum. Great great memories.

@rickleblanc8900

3 жыл бұрын

That Paradise concert was so brilliant

Haha Tala has things to say and she doesn’t care who knows it! But seriously looking forward to diving into this album. Wasn’t huge into Styx much but I have been dipping my toes into their catalog this last year. Pleasantly surprised by their deeper cuts.

Great timing. Going to see Styx tomorrow night!

Styx ‘ Crash of the Crown’ is excellent, cool, hot and spot-on!! Love it!! Your shirt rocks!! I’m definitely going to buy it on CD!! *Thank you very much for your review!! * All the damn time!!🎤🎸🎵🥁

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

The t-shirt is good quality too. I ordered the "COTC" bundle and it came yesterday. The material is soft, and the size proportions generous. For me, when it comes to t-shirts, I like a lot of room...

I’ve been a fan of Styx since the mid-70s. I saw them during the Paradise Theater tour. I haven’t been very impressed with some of their recent albums, but this new album really “sounds” great. It’s one of the best sounding modern rock albums I’ve heard in awhile. Very good album! I’ve found over the years that the albums that grow on you over time stick with you longer than those albums you like right off the bat, but I enjoyed this album from the first listen. Shaw sounds as good as ever both vocally and on guitar.

I was pleasantly surprise by the new Styx album. It's very good and I'm impressed with the production sound. It's one of their best albums post Dennis.

Just ordered Martin Popoff's Uriah Heep masterpiece 👌

Another great review Pete. I totally agree, the songs are not long enough. Just when you're digging the song it's over! Perhaps the band wanted to leave us wanting more? 👍

Just picked this up on Pete’s fine recommendation-not disappointed at all! Really quite good to my ears! Long live Styx!

I just love Chrash of the Crown. I find it amazing that a band can release something of this quality considering how long they have been around.

Damn! Never saw that coming!!! Ordering right now!

This is a good album for sure! Im a big Styx fan from day one too! Saw them live in '79, it was awesome. ✌️🤟

Good review Pete. First time I've heard you say you wish the songs were longer lol!

Wow we're you wrong about this one. First listen and I was hooked! Loved every minute. Their best since the classic days (Grand Illusion was the first album I ever bought-- actually 8-track tape-- and I've seen them over a dozen times, starting with Paradise Theater). Thanks for the review.

Saw them play last night. I haven't been keeping up much on new album releases over the past year so I had no idea this came out until I picked one up at the show. They sounded awesome at the concert. They played some of the new stuff. Looking forward to diving into this one since I thought The Mission was pretty good.

I havent heard the whole album but yes the 2 tracks that were released...sounds really good ...now on to my point: Ive been saying for years that some of the best albums are not embraced right away and you Pete are the first person that I have ever heard expound on this subject ...ya gotta give some artist and albums a chance to really appreciate them...STYX has always been a favorite ..

@jessew1133

3 жыл бұрын

@Tim Sears "your point" is spot on. As soon as I read your comment a couple of titles came to mind. Specifically Black Sabbath's Technical Ecstasy & Never Say Die. Records that didn't get any props when they came out, but as far as I'm concerned are excellent offerings. I would also put the Tony Martin era of Sabbath here as well. One other record that pops up would be Rush's Caress of Steel. Appreciate your insight! Cheers 👏👍🤘🍻😁

wow! this could have been a review done by me. Like you I have been a STYX fan since the mid to late 70s. I agree with everything you said. you just get into a song.. it's over. I ordered the bundle and it is taking longer because of being on Canada.. can't wait to read the liner notes. Love my hometown kid Larry Gowan

Love the sound on this album, the harmonies yes a little Queen like. I’m hearing some Muse space rock influence. Larry Gowan brilliant on keyboards! Looking forward to seeing them in concert hopefully soon!

From Pete's review, it would seem that Styx are following one of the great sayings of showbiz. "Always leave them wanting more" I agree though, that for songs that are multi faceted some are surprisingly succinct. It's definitely a grower, whereas I found Dennis' recent album a little more immediate.

@davescryptodays1441

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, as with The Misson, I found myself saying, "Hey this song is good, this song is good too etc . . ." and when I got to the end, I felt like I wanted to start the whole album over again. No duds on either album.

@vinylrec

3 жыл бұрын

Me too...Styx is on a roll!

Thanks, Pete. Based on the Mission which I like and your review of new CD will gladly go for this. And as I got today new CD player I feel I will enjoy it a lot.

Been a Styx fan since Grand Illusion and believe they have created a masterpiece with this album. It attacks important themes, has stellar vocals and harmonization, drumming that is second to none, and one of the best produced albums I have ever heard. This is now one of my favorites and the more I listen to it the more I appreciate the craftsmanship and musicality. This should have charted so much higher. Thank you for this review and thank you Styx for such an amazing album.

Wow a stunning new album that I can't stop listening to. Not a duff second on it and the more you listen to it the more you get from it. The best new album from a classic band I've heard in a long time.

For me it has become the best STYX album after Paradise ... It sounds incredible, very prog, with beautiful melodies. Thank goodness I was able to buy it here in Buenos Aires. Without a doubt, for me, the best album of the last 10 years !!! GREAT GREETING FRIEND !!!! EXCELLENT YOUR REVIEWS AND COMMENTS !!!

Absolutely correct Pete. Some of the songs needed to be a little longer but I am diggin the album.

Just got this Styx album recently! Hasn’t left my car CD player yet, absolutely love it. Reminds me of the. Beatles in some parts. Queen in some spots. Love it

The Mission was a great album. I just ordered this album on clear wax! Cant wait to hear it!

im half way through it and i love it....sounds really fresh to me

4/5. Great album (and great review, Pete!) that I always listen to on my Peloton! I do prefer Dennis's album but hey, that's just me!

I agree with you about that song having a connection to Fooling Yourself, which is one of my all time favorite songs!

After a couple listens, the stand-out track is 'Reveries.' It's an instant classic in my book. A close second would be 'Save Us From Ourselves,' a very apropos song for the last 4 or 5 years. Track sequencing, especially the first six songs, couldn't be better. I'll have this one on a continuous loop in the car for quite some time.

Saw them live last weekend excellent show. New song reveries was great live

@erosbifebeef5115

3 жыл бұрын

They're playing live????

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

@@erosbifebeef5115 ~ Yes, I know someone who saw them in Georgia on the 18th, and loved the concert...

@erosbifebeef5115

3 жыл бұрын

@@Deborahtunes I wish they came to the UK!!?

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

@@erosbifebeef5115 ~ They went to the UK for "The Mission" tour. I don't know if they plan on doing it again for this album...

Great review! I agree about the song lengths, I too find myself wishing there was a little more meat on some of the songs. A few even feel unfinished. Also, when I heard "The Same Stardust," which was released on an EP, I found myself wishing it was on the album.

I thought it was a solid above average Styx album which is all I would hope for and expect at this time. I don't think the songs individually stand out much, but as Pete said its more of a concept album and is best enjoyed in its entirety. I would only disagree somewhat with Pete in that I think it sounds more like a band trying to emulate the classic Styx sound more so than the last two Dennis DeYoung albums which to me sound more like a collection of very good to excellent songs that stand up more as individual songs. As for this album, I can't overstate how excellent the vocals are. The guy who sings more of the DeYoung style vocals is very good. I can't remember his name, but he really is important for them to flesh out their songs and give it the little extra it needs to become a Styx album. Overall, a good album that I will probably listen to more than twice. I'd still say I like the DeYoung albums better. I'm more of a 'song' guy than I am a prog rock guy so I lean more towards the great songs that can stand as memorable on their own.

There was a time where I listened to bands like Styx, Yes, King Crimson, and then I got into bands like The Ramones, Sex Pistols, and many other punk Alternative bands. I find myself listening to bands like Styx again and going to the shows again. Great Rock & Roll can be great Punk, or Great Prog. I've learned to appreciate both. With that said, I just purchased the new Styx album and haven't stopped playing it! An Amazing album from beginning to end.

The first couple of times I heard this it didn't hit me right. Nothing was as immediate as The Mission. It's such a dark album, as well! However, now that I've been listening for a week or so I do dig it, and I'm sure in a few more week I'll like it even more. I have no problem with the short songs. They could be fleshed out more, as Pete says, but to me they feel like full songs. There's just nothing "extra". I'm happy that I waited for a while before talking to friends about this record, because my opinion has really changed since my first listen. Thanks for the video, Pete & Tala!

For some reason, the tunes that don't grab you at first are the best. Great review! 🤘

Hi Pete. Yea I have to get the album. The first track reminded me along vocally at the start of YES and their song Leave It from 90125. The song of Styx stands good from them as a short prog rock short number. Could have been longer. Reveries good keys and guitar and good rock song. Immediate a favorite track on first listen. And all the songs heard online from it as the whole album deserves 💯. And I feel the liking of so many other favorites on it as well. For it takes time yes to grow into an album one isn't use to hearing from a band like Styx. And me understanding and hearing of the melodies and chords from keys and guitar and such and acoustic and electric feel being a hobby musician right now myself. Each listen to give me more of what they put into this album. Touch of Beatle and Pink Floyd and such as well. So it's fine of the direction of good powerful prog rock sound of the album. Everything you point out about it makes one listen not once twice or three times to dismiss. It takes hearing it more times and making it stand as a well deserved Styx album in their catalogue. It's masterful. Anyone that is a music aficionado can appreciate this album. I may be rare but I got alot of good vibes on it from first listen. So want to keep listening online and play it once I get the album. And coming from me on a first listen I know the album needs as one if they get it to relax and listen to it or have it play in the background of whatever one is doing. Listen to it more and more. So give it many good listens everyone and to love it. Styx is a band that is one of the most prolific and outstanding bands in music. IMO this album will grow in support if given a really great chance. Styx a fan I am too and so love their music over the years. Good review, Take care and thanks.🎶

Great album. For the sake of nostalgia I did a mashup of Crash of the Crown and DDY’s 26 East Volume 2, it’s my new favorite playlist: 1. The Fight of Our Lives 2. The Last Guitar Hero 3. Reveries 4. Save Us From Ourselves 5. Made For Each Other 6. Crash of the Crown 7. Our Wonderful Lives 8. There’s No Turning Back Time 9. Common Ground 10. The Isle of Misanthrope 11. Sound the Alarm 12. To Those 13. Stream 14. Grand Finale

Thanks for the review great Pete. I'm going download this and give it a listen.

Fantastic album

Picking up my copies of the album today. I got even higher hopes than ever now!

Huge Styx fan here - and I think this is an EXCELLENT REVIEW!!!! 💯. I agree with you on almost everything! This album is amazing and I can’t stop listening to it! (What I’ve heard live….. even better 🔥❤️💯). @sleevesaturday, Thanks for the recommendation… subscribed

I wasn't blown away by the title track when I first heard it. The drums sounded weird. Second listen blew me away. Listened to the whole album on Spotify twice. Blew my mind Called my local Barnes & Noble yesterday. They said that they probably wouldn't get it for a week. Couldn't wait that long. Had to have the actual cd ASAP. So, I ordered it from Amazon. I was going to order from the Styx website like Pete did, but they were out of the cd/t-shirt combo.

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad I pre-ordered my Lp/CD/t-shirt bundle last month. They had to restock the albums on Styx's website, because they sold out...

Can't wait to see them July 31st!

I started this video briefly and when I heard this was a new Styx album, I dropped everything and pulled it up on here to listen and I thought it was a good album, I mean the production doesn't really have that 70's inspired feel The Mission had, but it does still have those 70's style melodies and guitars and keyboards, personally The Mission will always be my favorite new Styx album (I mean it grabbed me from the first listen and when I bought it on vinyl later on I absolutely fell in love with it, and I thought it was absolutely on par with The Grand Illusion 'cause it really sounded like a 70's Styx album), but this actually is a good album, I think Pete was right in his assessment of this album, it'll be an album that grows on you, as for Dennis, personally I could care less about him today, I mean I will always acknowledge and credit him for his contributions to Styx, but seriously Styx would've become something other than what they were if Dennis had stayed, seriously I don't want Styx to be a Broadway flash show or a band that mostly does sappy ballads, I want them to be what they were originally, a band that was half Prog/Hard Rock, that is who Styx are as a band, and that's what they are right now with Larry, I think he does have enough of that Dennis De Young vibe to him but at the same time he brings a little different energy, personally I think Styx are better off now than when Dennis tried to make it work in the 90's with them in '99 I think it was, personally I don't think A Brave New World sounded like Styx (I heard a teeny bit and shut it off afterwards), and I haven't heard the first album with Gowan, but I think they've really found their stride again with The Mission and this new album.

Great review, Pete. I haven't heard anything from it yet. You are right about needing to listen to prog type albums several times to appreciate them. Initially, I disliked the latest Kansas release, but appreciate it now.

Much better than the DDY album. It's great to see that Styx is back to making great albums. I think "The Mission" is a little better, but Crash of the Crown is a great album!!

Great, thoughtful review! Agree with you on "To Those" - too short. What a great Who-homage closer. I also agree that there could have been more guitar breaks. That said, the solos in Reveries and A Monster are good.

A great record all about the songs! Styx have made themselves very relevant in this new decade!!

This album exceeded my expectations. I didn’t like The Mission as much as a lot of people do. Crash of the Crown to my ears captures the sound Styx was aiming for on The Mission. Very good late-career album from the DDY-less Styx.

@markhaus2830

3 жыл бұрын

I love both of them. The Mission is awesome!!!! My opinion.

@jerrywoods4066

3 жыл бұрын

I thought the mission was terrible

@davescryptodays1441

3 жыл бұрын

I like the Mission, but you are spot on here with the Crown having more instrumental (keyboard and acoustic guitar) and Styxian flourishes than Mission. Best modern/updated Styx sound yet.

@andy6498

3 жыл бұрын

At first I didn’t like it as much as the mission, but after several listens, and I got an early copy of it about five weeks ago, it grew on me and now I think it’s much better. I might even rank it sixth amongst their entire catalog.

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

@@andy6498 ~ I have "COTC" at #7 for Styx's overall album catalog...

This album is really great. As for the Queen thing, the only parts that remind me of Queen is Crash Of The Crown and the guitar solo part of A Monster.

I need to check out some of Styx's newer material, I've not really followed them since Dennis De Young left. Is this album a good starter?

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

I would say start with 2017's "The Mission" first. "COTC" is a good follow up though...

3 songs in and loving it.

the best way I can review this album is to say it like this. its kind of like of times when you love a band and they do a new album you wind up liking it because it's "your band".....you have a soft spot for them and you like it because you have always followed them. I do this a lot with DDY solo albums. Yes, there are some great songs on his stuff, but these last two solo albums are albums that if I didn't already have huge affection and history with DDY as an artist and you played me the new album and that was first exposure to DDY then I probably would not be all that impressed and I certainly would not place the album on regular rotation. but with styx's new crash of the crown I can say the exact opposite. if I had never heard or loved styx already and somebody played this album to me as a new artist I didn't know, I would still love this album and it would be on super rotation in my listening habits. this is not a contest between the two, as I love both and wish they could all work together. I just think that crash of the crown is not some nostalgic "oh it's not bad for a bunch of old guys" kind of album....I think it is a legitimate piece of work that is incredible! I'm very happy for the guys and I hope they have tremendous success from this album. between this album and the mission they have given us two fantastic albums from late in their careers.

@eddiekennedy3989

3 жыл бұрын

No, it just sucks.

@masque1313

3 жыл бұрын

@@eddiekennedy3989 no you’re just wrong like you believe I’m wrong. Don’t listen if you don’t like it.

@pepperdog2039

3 жыл бұрын

Masque are you that deyoung basher from MR? I like the 1313 so much mystery

@masque1313

3 жыл бұрын

@@pepperdog2039 why certainly that is me. The 1313 numbnuts was because the username was taken. No intent for mystery. I’m not a ddy basher. I love ddy. If I listed my top ten or fifteen all time Styx songs ddy would several on there. What I am is someone who values Tommy and JY much more than most. The wars like what the ears like. I don’t know any of the people involved I just like what I like. So not sure how saying I like the new Styx album more than the new ddy album is bashing ddy and I have never bashed ddy on MR. but thanks for posting on here and providing me motivation to respond, as I was getting sleepy and almost ready to take a nap.

Great album! Right on all points Pete! Good review!

Awesome Styx sound with some Queen and Beetles, inspirational vocals & lyrics, and WOW! Prog rock is being redefined!

This a fine album full of good ideas and interesting arrangements. Reveries had phrases that reminded me of john lennon and the Beatles. The harmonies are excellent as ever with the influence of Queen very apparent but very effective.This album keeps on giving everytime you play. This album sits very well in Styxs catalogue with snippets of the past but it is also contemporary. We live in 2021 not 1977. Buy with confidence I love it .

I’ll go get it! Been a Styx fan since Man of Miracles, the Serpent is Rising, haven’t heard any new stuff. So now’s the time!

A very solid album....growing on me with each listen. Just wish as you said Pete that some of the tracks were longer and that there would be a few more rockin moments.

Great review. I'm sold. Styx is a weird band, in that, I never loved them, but I liked every damn album. Like REO Speedwagon. None of their albums in my top ten list but I have them all. I hope this is on vinyl.

@Deborahtunes

3 жыл бұрын

It is. I ordered both the limited edition vinyl the CD, and the t-shirt Pete is wearing from their website...

You've completely sold me on this. I'm gonna check it out. Edit: This is a fantastic album. I agree that you need to listen to it several times. Honestly, the more I listen to it, the more I like it.

Listened to it for the 1st time today and to my ears it's ecxellent and as good as if not better than the mission but just my opinion.

Great review, I listened the album already and I really enjoyed it 👌🏻

Great review Pete I love it thank you.

Heard a few songs so far. I was surprised by how much I like it so far. When Pete said it took him a few listens to get into I didn't have high expectations but everything I've heard so far sounds great (except for parts of the title track). The drummer is awesome. He gives me Neil Peart flashbacks.

Listening to some of these tracks on KZread since I haven't bought the album yet. Common Ground sounds like it could have been on "Pieces of Eight" or "Cornerstone"...in other words...it sounds like old Styx with a new twist! Love it! Not so sure about "Crash of the Crown" though...I guess its has to grow on me...Ha!

This STYX CD is very good indeed i would give it top marks , but for me, Dennis De Young's CD is way better and is a far more enjoyable listen with more emotion and feeling. I feel like this band is sailing away from the STYX style i love . Best song on the album - Crash of the Crown, , genius song.

I have the album have to listen to it, your review is awesome, Thank You, Steve

HOLY CRAP!!!! just got the LP and it's amazing!!!! 'Save Us From Ourselves' is probably the best rock/metal song I've heard this decade (2020's) the Winston Churchill quotes are cool (reminds me of Living Colour 'Cult of Personality'). Tommy Shaw sounds amazing - his voice just gets better and better with age - the harmonies on it reminds me of a Damn Yankees / Shaw Blades song. My only gripe is it is too short... did Billy Joel's AOR man from the 1970's tell them "if you want to make a hit you got to make it fit" and cut it down to 3:05? Just as they're starting to get into that guitar solo the song just ends... It just reminds me how I wish Damn Yankees had stayed together because I could see Ted Nugent giving this song a 2 minute guitar solo and Jack Blades singing the bridge. I think this is a song that will sound even better live so they can extend that solo and then go back to another verse and/or chorus - maybe even put some other WW2 quotes in there from FDR, Truman, Stalin, Hitler, Mussolini (or go to FDR, Truman, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Reagan, Bush Sr, W, Obama, Trump and Biden) and /or air raid sirens and end it with the sound of a bomb going off - like what Def Leppard did with 'Gods of War'... but knowing what we know, when and if they do play this (and the other new songs) live, half the audience will go for their restroom / refreshment break (while all our wives / girlfriends complain "when are they going to play 'You Babe'?") and wait for Def Leppard or Foreigner or KISS or Bad Company or Boston whoever Styx is opening up for this year to go on next.... OMG!!! just thought of the perfect tour that we did not know we needed: Night Ranger / Ted Nugent / Styx with a set of Damn Yankees hits - and special guest Dennis DeYoung (so the wives and girlfriends can hear 'Babe').

Sounds like your husky wanted to give its opinion on this album.

Agree with you, Styx have made a great album that grows with each listen and would have been even better with longer tracks. Regarding your comment about 'The Mission' being just over half an hour, it's actually over 40 mins in total :-)