Dennis DeYoung posted a video about this song maybe 2 years ago, where he explained where it came from. I always knew it had a deeper meaning, but the way he explained it was pretty brilliant. It was written in the mid 70s and was about being disillusioned with who we are and where we are as a country. "Red, white and blue ... gaze in your looking glass, 'cause you're not a child anymore," was his way of asking, "Hey, when we hold a mirror up to ourselves, as a country, does the reflection actually show what we like to think it does?" Are we living up to the idealistic way that we like to see ourselves? It's a potent message, but in the last line we see it doesn't have to be read as an indictment of who we are: "Lift up your heart, and make a new start ... and lead us away from here." No matter how hokey you think Styx is, it's a brilliant song.
The music arrangement and the lyrics of this song are "Brilliant" not to sound hokey either but this song alone should be in the Hall Of Fame. Thank You for the backstory. Love it!
Agree with most of that. This was Styx' "proggiest" song (maybe Castle Walls too), and their most political. This and Light Up really got me into Styx back in the mid 70s. Some other 70s tunes that I found covered these same themes : KANSAS>SONG FOR AMERICA >CHEYENNE ANTHEM REO SPEEDWAGON>GOLDEN COUNTRY CHICAGO>DIALOGUE (I and II), MOTHER, IT BETTER END SOON SUITE, LISTEN RENAISSANCE>MOTHER RUSSIA
My understanding is that the record label made them make the song lyrics a bit more obscure - it was not a good idea at the time to criticize America, so the labels were worried it would have a negative effect on sales. In the end, the less obvious lyrics make the song even better.
@@marks9140 Is there an original draft song lyrics somewhere on the net that you have seen that was vastly different? I knew what the song was about right off the bat when I got the album circa 1975 or 6 even as a teen, I thought they wrote it just about perfectly to get the point across.
Styx was ahead of their time. This whole album is fantastic. While so many bands were making disco music in the 1970’s, Styx is out there making masterpieces like this.
My fav. This song is about America in the 70's. We'd just lost Nam, Nixon had just resigned, inflation was high, people were struggling economically and financially, there was alot of unrest and uncertainty and not alot of spectacular leadership. I was a kid then, we weren't sure for a time if the country was going to survive. SMB speaks to those times.
@@user-ii4zf5iq3t things are going pretty sour now also. Times are very similar with global unrest, economy collapsing around us inflation at an alarming levels.
History is cyclical. Going through it again. Afghanistan, inflation as bad as then if calculated the same, pandemic. And of course both democrats and republicans (rinos) leading the country down the toilet.
Styx is one of those bands that are criminally underrated, they should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years ago. Check out more deep cuts like Queen of Spades, Snowblind, Man in the Wilderness and Half Penny Two Penny.🔥🤘🏻🎧
@@joelliebler5690 Where is Foreigner, Reo Speedwagon, Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Kansas, Iron Maiden? It wouldn,t surprise me if they induct Justin Bieber before these great bands. The Hall is a complete joke. They don,t like Rock And Roll. The list of artists and bands who deserve to be inducted is endless.
My favorite Styx song! Tommy Shaw was not with Styx yet at this point. This was recorded for the bicentennial celebration of America and released just before 1976.
True, it was John Curulewski on guitar but since they finally stopped calling them "The" Styx we'll let it slide. LOL!! Only die hard fans like me and you who were following them back then know this stuff anyway!!
@@magneto7930 ABSOLUTELY! Very few reviewers do this song at all and none of them include Prelude 12 which is a travesty! They were intended to be played back to back!
@@rogerdaly6326 it's a pretty standard chord progression really. There are probably a gazillion songs that have that arrangement. Quite a few artists recorded that song before Led Zeppelin ever did, although I've always loved Zep's version.
This recording is vintage Styx - pre Tommy Shaw. John Curulewski left the band right after the Equinox album, before they started touring. So any live versions of this song will feature Tommy Shaw. If you want to hear a really killer live version of Suite Madame Blue, check out the one from the "Return to Paradise" album.
Yes just after the CD was made. The first Guy quit the band before they were to go out on tour to promote the Equinox album and Tommy Shaw joined soon after.
@@NightRanger-lz6tp - Tommy Shaw got the gig because Styx's road manager (Jim Vosecek) was from the Ides of March and when Ides broke up, the drummer from the Ides played in MS Funk with Tommy. They needed someone who could hit the high note harmonies in Lady and Jim knew Tommy could sing it. That was his entire audition. Sing the high note in Lady.
My favorite Styx song. A Dennis DeYoung masterpiece. BTW, this is pre-Tommy Shaw. John Curulewski was the guitar player/background vocals. He quit the band just before they were to tour behind this album. Tommy Shaw was brought in for the tour.
and make sure it’s the live version from Caught In The Act with the extra guitar solo, please!!! SMB is great on that album too!! Actually the whole album is pretty kick ass!! lol
Just listened to this song on my way picking up pizza for the family. You guys got many more songs to go, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man etc... enjoy your Journey
First concert I ever went to -- Styx: The Grand Illusion. Was a major Styx fan. Then I heard Rush and that was it. So it's interesting you tied the two together. ;)
Yes! I concur! Hearing Lorelei live on the Mr. Roboto tour turned me from a Styx fan into a Styx FAN! They were my favorite group for several years back in the day once I explored their older catalog.
The guitar solo was done by James “JY” Young, one of the original members and the hardest rocking of the group. He also sang and played lead on “Snowblind”, one of their more unique later songs. Their styles all varied but they found a way to meld them and make it work.
I hope they get around to reacting to a song on which JY sings lead on. I vote for Half-Penny, Two-Penny/AD 1958 from the Paradise Theatre album. It’s a Rocker.
@@jeffmattson5766 Paradise Theater is perhaps my favorite album, but it’s tough to choose. Equinox and Crystal Ball along with Cornerstone were always my favorites before that… just a great band, bottom line
If you remember, The Beatles always made room for a track so Ringo could sing. Styx reminded me of this with James Young. I always looked forward to his 'song' when a new album released. Dude is an aerospace engineer . . . .
Amber, I am constantly impressed with how quickly you pick up on the meaning and relevance of song lyrics that you are hearing for the first time. Kudos!!
Hey guys this era of Styx is pre_Tommy Shaw. He joined the band for the crystal ball album and immediately added to the already fantastic chemistry. Killer song!
Now you are talking! Early Styx were a rockin, kind of progressive rock band. No fluff! Probably their first 5 albums were really good. This is probably my favorite album by them.
1st saw Styx on the Grand Illusion tour in the later 70's....pretty amazing....have seen the 3 or 4 times...last being about 10 yrs ago about a mile from my house...
This is from the 5th studio album Equinox from 1975. Instead of gearing up for the bicentennial, they were writing about being exploited and how commercialism had taken over the US. Beautiful song and Dennis shines in this song. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
And then they made a very commercial album in Paradise Theater(which I did see at the L.A. Sports Arena). My first and favorite album of theirs that I was exposed to was Grand Illusion.
You have just heard the best Styx song in my opinion! Equinox is my favorite Styx album as well! Styx is in my top 5 favorite bands of all time because of songs like this! Another banger you should react to is Crystal Ball, Queen of Spades, and Man In The Wilderness! Your reaction to this gem is exactly how I reacted when it first came out! I couldn't believe what a masterpiece I just heard! Thank you so much for reacting to this amazing song from a truly amazing band!
Another great Styx song that has biting social commentary about life in America is, well, "Miss America." Killer riff and , as I indicated, edgy lyrics! Styx Rox!
Hey guys. So fun watching you dive deeper and deeper into the world of Styx…. They’ve been my fav rock band for 40 years now. :). Dennis DeYoung is my favorite singer of all time. You should absolutely check out his solo stuff. Last couple years, at age 73, he released TWO new albums. So many great tracks and still rockin & sounding amazing. 26 East Volumes 1 and 2.
I'm born and raised in KC, but tonight I'm cheering for the Bengals! Styx is one of my favorite bands, I've seen them in concert a few times. Love the reactions!
I was introduced to Styx and Rush at the same time by the same friend in high school. Still love them both today. Styx has so much more ahead for you to listen to. I would point you to "The Grand Illusion" from the album "The Grand Illusion" (but this whole album is great). Also "Rocking The Paradise" from "The Paradise Theater" (also a fantastic album)
It is so fun watching you both listen to these songs and see how much you enjoy them as I did in the 70s and 80s when they came out. One day, my mom let me skip school so that my friend and I could go downtown and buy tickets to see their Paradise Theater concert that was coming to the Twin Cities, before they sold out. I saw them in concert twice and they were my two favorite concerts. All these years later, they are still my favorite band of all time.
It’s the 12 string acoustic guitar at the start of the verses that make it seem so ethereal. Styx was such an awesome band in the 70s, and their harmonies are still tight in concert. One of my favorite bands! And “3 songs in one” like you commented about is why the call it a suite!! That’s the definition
Could you please fit in First Time? Back in my college days my roommates (and the whole floor) loved this song! I'm glad you like Styx! Even though I feel a little depressed over what was! Still love it!
Released in 1975 the year Saigon fell. The song’s title was the band’s nickname for America. Talking about what the country was going through post Vietnam and post Watergate.
Love this one so much! So glad you did this one and enjoyed it! The message about America still gives me goosebumps. It was so neat to see you both realize it! 😊 Dennis did lots of solo stuff after Styx and this is a common theme to many of his best songs. His recent “100 years from now” is an equally cautionary tale. Keep up the great work! Happy new year! Love you guys!!! ❤️
I smoked some for the first time listening to this song on the Equinox 8-Track while in a Custom Van floating down the interstate. But back to the song, Great Song and band because I am a big fan of Styx.
With the strong songwriting skills and musicianship the "front men" had, the twins sometimes don't get their due. Chuck Panozzo on bass and John Panozzo on drums were one of the best rhythm sections of the hard rock era. I think John especially contributed a lot to the progressiveness of Styx's style.
This was one of my most favorite song. Very popular in my region. People forget Styx was the largest concert going bands for like 7-8 years. I saw them four times
Agreed. Ditto with "Borrowed Time" from the Cornerstone album. Dennis occasionally included astute political commentary in his songwriting that incredibly seems to carry forward from one generation to another.
Equinox was my first Styx album, and I was hooked. I clearly remember sitting in my ‘61 Mercury pickup in the driveway listening to it on my casette player.
Great Legendary Band!!!! Great Song!!!! A Masterpiece!!!!! And one of my Favorites from Styx!!!! oh guys.....I just remember...I seen them in concert 2005 in Sacramento, California!!! Excellent theatrical Performance!!!! Long Long instrument solos!!!!
This song is absolutely epic. Styx was one of a kind band. I grew up to Styx. What time to be alive. Music nowadays doesn't have that kind of flair anymore.
Loved this band so much back in the day. Wore out my 8 track tape of this album driving in my 69 VW Beetle. Check out "Blue Collar Man" next. It's a banger!
Absolutely my favorite Styx tune! The only caveat is that you must play it LOUD! Thanks for a great reaction and I knew that you would also appreciate this song! ✌🇨🇦❤🎼🎵🎶
Actually this is the last album before Tommy Shaw joined the group. Lead guitar by James Young. Suite Madam Blue is the Statue of Liberty. Dennis thought the statue's patina was more blue than green.
The guitarist was not Tommy Shaw on this album- it was the last one with John Curulewski. As good as this is, the version from "Caught in the Act" when Dennis DeYoung holds that note, omg!!
I saw Styx live front row in 1996. This song live in-person is everything you hope it would be and more. I even got to shake all the band members hands after the show. Fyi. This is the demo version. Deyoung has said that they couldn't duplicate it for the album so the demo got put on Equinox. He said it was lightning in a bottle that they can never recreate to do it justice.
'How did this happen?' or 'How did we get here?' Styx is awesome at these transitions, starting slowly, even tenderly....then ramping up the intensity Always a great ride with this band
Dennis Deyoung wrote this for the 200th birthday of the United States and how he laments some of the sad parts of our nation but ultimately opines hope in the end.
Oh yeah…. Memories of playing Air Guitar to this awesome track!! Lots of cruising. Even now, at 61 yro, I crank this baby to “11”! It’s so wonderful that new generations are finding the music we lived in. You’re welcome =)
"Suite Madame Blue, gaze in your looking glass You're not a child anymore Suite Madame Blue, the future is all but past Dressed in your jewels, you made your own rules You conquered the world and more, heaven's door..."
I remember asking for the cassette tape of this album for Christmas the year it came out. I was lucky to have gotten it and preceded to wear it out for many years afterwards. 😁 Great band and thanks for bringing back the memories of that time. What a time musically to be a teenager.
The guitarists in this song wwe reJohn Curulewski (accoustic) and James Young (electric). Tommy Shaw had not yet joined the band. The next album (Crystal Ball) was his first with the band.
You both make me smile so much. I get to rediscover songs from my youth, that I can still sing word for word, but get to experience them for the first time all over again. I also want to just shout out for your vibe and constant message about being open minded. That warms my heart so much. If you haven’t heard The Grand Illusion by Styx, it’s a great tune. Also, because you like Rush, listen to Losing It. Much love.
Dennis DeYoung was writing very optimistic, and uplifting music in an time of economic challenge for the USA. You can always count on a Styx song to brighten your mood. BTW, Tommy Shaw hadn't joined the band for the recording of this song. They second guitar spot was filled by original member John Curulewski.
I saw Dennis DeYoung in an interview discuss this song and how it was a commentary on the US in the 70s and it's funny how almost 50 years later, the song is still relevant. Great analysis and breakdown, guys.
Dennis DeYoung posted a video about this song maybe 2 years ago, where he explained where it came from. I always knew it had a deeper meaning, but the way he explained it was pretty brilliant. It was written in the mid 70s and was about being disillusioned with who we are and where we are as a country. "Red, white and blue ... gaze in your looking glass, 'cause you're not a child anymore," was his way of asking, "Hey, when we hold a mirror up to ourselves, as a country, does the reflection actually show what we like to think it does?" Are we living up to the idealistic way that we like to see ourselves? It's a potent message, but in the last line we see it doesn't have to be read as an indictment of who we are: "Lift up your heart, and make a new start ... and lead us away from here." No matter how hokey you think Styx is, it's a brilliant song.
The music arrangement and the lyrics of this song are "Brilliant" not to sound hokey either but this song alone should be in the Hall Of Fame. Thank You for the backstory. Love it!
Agree with most of that. This was Styx' "proggiest" song (maybe Castle Walls too), and their most political. This and Light Up really got me into Styx back in the mid 70s. Some other 70s tunes that I found covered these same themes :
KANSAS>SONG FOR AMERICA
>CHEYENNE ANTHEM
REO SPEEDWAGON>GOLDEN COUNTRY
CHICAGO>DIALOGUE (I and II), MOTHER, IT BETTER END SOON SUITE, LISTEN
RENAISSANCE>MOTHER RUSSIA
My understanding is that the record label made them make the song lyrics a bit more obscure - it was not a good idea at the time to criticize America, so the labels were worried it would have a negative effect on sales. In the end, the less obvious lyrics make the song even better.
@@marks9140 Thanks for the information. That an interesting fact I wouldn't have though.
@@marks9140
Is there an original draft song lyrics somewhere on the net that you have seen that was vastly different? I knew what the song was about right off the bat when I got the album circa 1975 or 6 even as a teen, I thought they wrote it just about perfectly to get the point across.
Styx was ahead of their time. This whole album is fantastic. While so many bands were making disco music in the 1970’s, Styx is out there making masterpieces like this.
My fav. This song is about America in the 70's. We'd just lost Nam, Nixon had just resigned, inflation was high, people were struggling economically and financially, there was alot of unrest and uncertainty and not alot of spectacular leadership. I was a kid then, we weren't sure for a time if the country was going to survive. SMB speaks to those times.
Good info, I wasn't aware of this! Makes sense!👍🏻
We were realy worried. Things were just going south.
Perfectly stated.
@@user-ii4zf5iq3t things are going pretty sour now also. Times are very similar with global unrest, economy collapsing around us inflation at an alarming levels.
History is cyclical. Going through it again. Afghanistan, inflation as bad as then if calculated the same, pandemic. And of course both democrats and republicans (rinos) leading the country down the toilet.
Styx is one of those bands that are criminally underrated, they should have been in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame years ago. Check out more deep cuts like Queen of Spades, Snowblind, Man in the Wilderness and Half Penny Two Penny.🔥🤘🏻🎧
You mean the Hall of Shame! They do not have Jethro Tull in it or Traffic or so many more rock artists.
All of those plus Boat On A River and Grand Illusion, and ABOVE all Pieces of Eight.
@@joelliebler5690 Where is Foreigner, Reo Speedwagon, Blue Oyster Cult, Grand Funk Railroad, Kansas, Iron Maiden? It wouldn,t surprise me if they induct Justin Bieber before these great bands. The Hall is a complete joke. They don,t like Rock And Roll. The list of artists and bands who deserve to be inducted is endless.
@@ssRocker-nn3tp You can add all of those to my list even though I never thought that The Maiden was all that Iron on my list of great bands!
@@ssRocker-nn3tp REO and Grand Funk are overrated. The other ones deserve to get in though.
Clicked instantly as soon as I saw Styx! One of their greats!! It’s actually relevant today, lyrically.
Probably their best song. Amber said it right: a masterpiece.
Try a few more hard rocking songs by them, such as "Miss America" and "Lorelei".
Very good songs that you just mentioned I think this was one of their best albums no doubt
Miss America, yes ! Finally time to give the third lead singer, James "JY" Young his due.
YES!!!!! Miss America! I LOVE JY’s vocals.
Crystal 🔮 Ball
My favorite Styx song! Tommy Shaw was not with Styx yet at this point. This was recorded for the bicentennial celebration of America and released just before 1976.
True, it was John Curulewski on guitar but since they finally stopped calling them
"The" Styx we'll let it slide. LOL!! Only die hard fans like me and you who were following them back then know this stuff anyway!!
@@carlaharrington5120 along with Curulewski's Prelude 12 it's an incredible piece of music. Ah.. memories...
@@magneto7930 ABSOLUTELY! Very few reviewers do this song at all and none of them include Prelude 12 which is a travesty! They were intended to be played back to back!
For those who don't know the opening guitar is the same chord progression as Led Zep's Babe I'm Gonna Leave.
@@rogerdaly6326 it's a pretty standard chord progression really. There are probably a gazillion songs that have that arrangement. Quite a few artists recorded that song before Led Zeppelin ever did, although I've always loved Zep's version.
This recording is vintage Styx - pre Tommy Shaw. John Curulewski left the band right after the Equinox album, before they started touring. So any live versions of this song will feature Tommy Shaw. If you want to hear a really killer live version of Suite Madame Blue, check out the one from the "Return to Paradise" album.
This song was recorded before Tommy Shaw joined the band. No offense to Tommy, but it ain't Styx without Dennis DeYoung.
That version was good, but I prefer the earlier one from "Caught in the Act".
The lead singer of this song is Dennis DeYoung. I believe this was before Timmy Shaw joined the band.
I thought so too, but I wasn't sure.
It's John Curulewski on Guitar and backing vocals. He also wrote the intro song Prelude 12 that leads right into SMB on the Equinox album.
Yes just after the CD was made. The first Guy quit the band before they were to go out on tour to promote the Equinox album and Tommy Shaw joined soon after.
@@NightRanger-lz6tp - Tommy Shaw got the gig because Styx's road manager (Jim Vosecek) was from the Ides of March and when Ides broke up, the drummer from the Ides played in MS Funk with Tommy. They needed someone who could hit the high note harmonies in Lady and Jim knew Tommy could sing it. That was his entire audition. Sing the high note in Lady.
@@NightRanger-lz6tp there were no CDs when this first came out.
My favorite Styx song. A Dennis DeYoung masterpiece. BTW, this is pre-Tommy Shaw. John Curulewski was the guitar player/background vocals. He quit the band just before they were to tour behind this album. Tommy Shaw was brought in for the tour.
Great choice. One of my Styx favorites. Do Crystal Ball next.
YES CRYSTAL BALL!!
and make sure it’s the live version from Caught In The Act with the extra guitar solo, please!!! SMB is great on that album too!! Actually the whole album is pretty kick ass!! lol
Just listened to this song on my way picking up pizza for the family. You guys got many more songs to go, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, Fooling Yourself, Blue Collar Man etc... enjoy your Journey
So many great tunes and one of my favorite bands!
Don't forget Queen of Spades and Miss America.
Don't forget "Snowblind"!
Crystal Ball, Lorelei and Light Up are also great!
First concert I ever went to -- Styx: The Grand Illusion. Was a major Styx fan. Then I heard Rush and that was it. So it's interesting you tied the two together. ;)
I saw them in 1978 in Pgh. They were outstanding!!!!
Awesome! So glad y’all checked this one out! One of my all-time Styx favorites! For some rocking Styx, check out “Lorelei”! Absolute banger!
Love "Lorelei"....!
Omg, Lorelei is always the one I want to suggest whenever we're talking Styx!
Yes! I concur! Hearing Lorelei live on the Mr. Roboto tour turned me from a Styx fan into a Styx FAN! They were my favorite group for several years back in the day once I explored their older catalog.
@@alantidwell7889 Paradise Theater was my first concert, with my parents... they were cool...lol
I also really like "I'm OK" , "Why Me" and "Lights"
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! love Lorelei
The guitar solo was done by James “JY” Young, one of the original members and the hardest rocking of the group. He also sang and played lead on “Snowblind”, one of their more unique later songs. Their styles all varied but they found a way to meld them and make it work.
I hope they get around to reacting to a song on which JY sings lead on. I vote for Half-Penny, Two-Penny/AD 1958 from the Paradise Theatre album. It’s a Rocker.
@@jeffmattson5766 Paradise Theater is perhaps my favorite album, but it’s tough to choose. Equinox and Crystal Ball along with Cornerstone were always my favorites before that… just a great band, bottom line
If you remember, The Beatles always made room for a track so Ringo could sing. Styx reminded me of this with James Young. I always looked forward to his 'song' when a new album released. Dude is an aerospace engineer . . . .
Amber, I am constantly impressed with how quickly you pick up on the meaning and relevance of song lyrics that you are hearing for the first time. Kudos!!
Now think about being in a hall with 20,000 fans and having STYX in the house. Truly magical times. The Best of Times, in fact.
Hey guys this era of Styx is pre_Tommy Shaw. He joined the band for the crystal ball album and immediately added to the already fantastic chemistry. Killer song!
The live version of this is pure 🔥. When he sings "you conquer the world and more" he holds the last note for 38 seconds.
Yassssssss!!!!!!!!!! From “Caught in the Act” live.❤️ My fav Styx song hands down😍
This one was James "JY" Young on guitar. Tommy Shaw joined the band later after this was recorded.
Now you are talking! Early Styx were a rockin, kind of progressive rock band. No fluff! Probably their first 5 albums were really good. This is probably my favorite album by them.
1st saw Styx on the Grand Illusion tour in the later 70's....pretty amazing....have seen the 3 or 4 times...last being about 10 yrs ago about a mile from my house...
I think this one of their best ever...love it!!! Good pick!!!
In fact I was out at local pub and someone played it on the jukebox today...reminded me of how much I love this song
This is from the 5th studio album Equinox from 1975. Instead of gearing up for the bicentennial, they were writing about being exploited and how commercialism had taken over the US.
Beautiful song and Dennis shines in this song. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️❤️ 🇨🇦 🇨🇦
And then they made a very commercial album in Paradise Theater(which I did see at the L.A. Sports Arena). My first and favorite album of theirs that I was exposed to was Grand Illusion.
My favorite album by them
@@RedBud315 Under my Icon you can see the full Concert of Styx - Return To Paradise Theater.
Hey you 2 Tommy shaw is not in the band yet.
“Grand illusion “ , “ Pieces of eight” , etc several more to listen to!
I vote for pieces of eight
3:51 this song was so big for me back in the day ... Very deep lyrics from them. The 70s were so transformative ...so grateful for the 70s🙏
Arena Rock is what I call this type of music. Should be played to large audiences. ❤️
I’ve seen STYX live twice one time on their MR. Roboto tour in their prime and once just recently at Jones Beach Theater on Long Island, NY
I call them America's Queen...very dramatic.
Styx has so many great songs but this is my favorite....yes, "a masterpiece".
J/A, there is no doubt both of you will like Blue Collar Man by Styx. Love to see you react to that banger next and the lyrics are great!
Yes!
You have just heard the best Styx song in my opinion! Equinox is my favorite Styx album as well! Styx is in my top 5 favorite bands of all time because of songs like this! Another banger you should react to is Crystal Ball, Queen of Spades, and Man In The Wilderness! Your reaction to this gem is exactly how I reacted when it first came out! I couldn't believe what a masterpiece I just heard! Thank you so much for reacting to this amazing song from a truly amazing band!
Yes! Crystal Ball and Man in the Wilderness are my two favorites!
Another great Styx song that has biting social commentary about life in America is, well, "Miss America." Killer riff and , as I indicated, edgy lyrics! Styx Rox!
This was the album that made me fall in love with Styx! By the time I got to see them in person, Tommy Shaw had joined them. He was not on this album.
Hey guys. So fun watching you dive deeper and deeper into the world of Styx…. They’ve been my fav rock band for 40 years now. :). Dennis DeYoung is my favorite singer of all time. You should absolutely check out his solo stuff. Last couple years, at age 73, he released TWO new albums. So many great tracks and still rockin & sounding amazing.
26 East Volumes 1 and 2.
Show Me the Way. It’s a song that gets me through blue times when it looks like the world is just a mess.
I was in high school in the late 1970's and Styx was one of my favorites. This song was my all time favorite. Also very Patriotic. Good stuff you two!
In the "Caught in the Act" live album Dennis holds the last "Moooooooore" 47 seconds.😲
This Chiefs fan gives the Bengals permission to win tonight
Getting to see Styx live in St. Louis, Super Jam, Busch Stadium, late 70's, was an amazing experience!
I'm born and raised in KC, but tonight I'm cheering for the Bengals! Styx is one of my favorite bands, I've seen them in concert a few times. Love the reactions!
Me too! The Kingdom all says who Dey today!
Born in St. Joseph, raised in K.C.MO. here. Right on.
Go Oilers!
Did you see any of the game. We're all in shock here
Whether you're a Bills or Bengals fan tonight, prayers for Damar Hamlin👃
Born For Adventure from this album is a MUST listen song. Midnight Ride is a close runner up. They are one of those bands that is just magical.
This is actually pre Tommy Shaw. The guitarist is John Curulewski. He was the guitarist for many of the Styx hits. Like Lady.
I was introduced to Styx and Rush at the same time by the same friend in high school. Still love them both today. Styx has so much more ahead for you to listen to. I would point you to "The Grand Illusion" from the album "The Grand Illusion" (but this whole album is great). Also "Rocking The Paradise" from "The Paradise Theater" (also a fantastic album)
Thanks for all y'alls hard work. God bless
It is so fun watching you both listen to these songs and see how much you enjoy them as I did in the 70s and 80s when they came out. One day, my mom let me skip school so that my friend and I could go downtown and buy tickets to see their Paradise Theater concert that was coming to the Twin Cities, before they sold out. I saw them in concert twice and they were my two favorite concerts. All these years later, they are still my favorite band of all time.
Such a great song! Thanks again guys!
I love the 12 string guitar and all the changes like you two, still have the album, but all scratched up, but that means it got played a lot!!!
Boat on the river by Styx is a must
It’s the 12 string acoustic guitar at the start of the verses that make it seem so ethereal. Styx was such an awesome band in the 70s, and their harmonies are still tight in concert. One of my favorite bands! And “3 songs in one” like you commented about is why the call it a suite!! That’s the definition
Could you please fit in First Time? Back in my college days my roommates (and the whole floor) loved this song! I'm glad you like Styx! Even though I feel a little depressed over what was! Still love it!
Yep.This is Styx .✌❤
"We gotta talk" love that reaction from Amber!
Released in 1975 the year Saigon fell. The song’s title was the band’s nickname for America. Talking about what the country was going through post Vietnam and post Watergate.
Love this one so much! So glad you did this one and enjoyed it! The message about America still gives me goosebumps. It was so neat to see you both realize it! 😊 Dennis did lots of solo stuff after Styx and this is a common theme to many of his best songs. His recent “100 years from now” is an equally cautionary tale. Keep up the great work! Happy new year! Love you guys!!! ❤️
Agreeing with this writer, Lorelei is a very happy rocker!
Also, from a year or so ago, "Isle of Misanthrope". ;)
Dennis's best lyrics are in Blue Collar Man. Yes, I'm sarcastic.
Pretty sure Blue Collar Man was one Tommy Shaw wrote. I might be wrong though. ;)
I smoked some for the first time listening to this song on the Equinox 8-Track while in a Custom Van floating down the interstate.
But back to the song, Great Song and band because I am a big fan of Styx.
With the strong songwriting skills and musicianship the "front men" had, the twins sometimes don't get their due. Chuck Panozzo on bass and John Panozzo on drums were one of the best rhythm sections of the hard rock era. I think John especially contributed a lot to the progressiveness of Styx's style.
This was one of my most favorite song. Very popular in my region. People forget Styx was the largest concert going bands for like 7-8 years. I saw them four times
Even more powerful/dramatic live, ALWAYS brings down the house
Sadly, the lyrics are even more relevant today
Agreed. Ditto with "Borrowed Time" from the Cornerstone album. Dennis occasionally included astute political commentary in his songwriting that incredibly seems to carry forward from one generation to another.
@@allanb.2925 yes, the lyrics from Borrowed Time are wise, and, perhaps, eternal
This was actually pre Tommy Shaw, but was Styx major label debut. John Curulewski was an original guitarist and did the high harmonies back then.
"Snow Blind" is another great one!
Paradise theater by Styx is one of the great albums from my childhood
Awesome reaction! Masterpiece I agree Amber! You guys are the best!
Equinox was my first Styx album, and I was hooked. I clearly remember sitting in my ‘61 Mercury pickup in the driveway listening to it on my casette player.
Saw them live 2 months ago……..still rockin the paradise. 👍👍👍
Masterpiece is the word that describes this song.
Can't go wrong with anything from Styx 70's era. My favorite band growing up. Saw them in concert in 1983. Awesome reaction.
Great Legendary Band!!!! Great Song!!!! A Masterpiece!!!!! And one of my Favorites from Styx!!!! oh guys.....I just remember...I seen them in concert 2005 in Sacramento, California!!! Excellent theatrical Performance!!!! Long Long instrument solos!!!!
YEAH!! They have so much amazing music, this is one of my absolute favorites. Love you guys! {{{hugs}}}
One of my top all time favorite Styx Hits 😮 WOW 🎉😊
This song is absolutely epic. Styx was one of a kind band. I grew up to Styx. What time to be alive. Music nowadays doesn't have that kind of flair anymore.
Loved this band so much back in the day. Wore out my 8 track tape of this album driving in my 69 VW Beetle.
Check out "Blue Collar Man" next. It's a banger!
Like many of their songs, this one starts out soft and gentle, then all hell breaks loose.
Prelude belongs with this song, and the two should always go together.
This song carries me to a different head space, I love when songs can carry you away💕
I've seen these guys in concert several times. They continue to put on a great show.
Absolutely my favorite Styx tune! The only caveat is that you must play it LOUD! Thanks for a great reaction and I knew that you would also appreciate this song! ✌🇨🇦❤🎼🎵🎶
Actually this is the last album before Tommy Shaw joined the group. Lead guitar by James Young. Suite Madam Blue is the Statue of Liberty. Dennis thought the statue's patina was more blue than green.
The guitarist was not Tommy Shaw on this album- it was the last one with John Curulewski. As good as this is, the version from "Caught in the Act" when Dennis DeYoung holds that note, omg!!
I saw Styx in '78, '79' 2009 &2011. They were so good every time! What a show!
I saw Styx live front row in 1996. This song live in-person is everything you hope it would be and more. I even got to shake all the band members hands after the show.
Fyi. This is the demo version. Deyoung has said that they couldn't duplicate it for the album so the demo got put on Equinox. He said it was lightning in a bottle that they can never recreate to do it justice.
'How did this happen?'
or 'How did we get here?'
Styx is awesome at these transitions, starting slowly, even tenderly....then ramping up the intensity
Always a great ride with this band
Dennis Deyoung wrote this for the 200th birthday of the United States and how he laments some of the sad parts of our nation but ultimately opines hope in the end.
Oh yeah…. Memories of playing Air Guitar to this awesome track!! Lots of cruising. Even now, at 61 yro, I crank this baby to “11”! It’s so wonderful that new generations are finding the music we lived in. You’re welcome =)
Oh this is a Styx classic!
"Suite Madame Blue, gaze in your looking glass
You're not a child anymore
Suite Madame Blue, the future is all but past
Dressed in your jewels, you made your own rules
You conquered the world and more, heaven's door..."
Just FYI, this album was before Tommy Shaw joined the band...one of my favorite Styx songs
Best of times. Styx. 👍🏽 s
One of the best bands of the 80s! I saw them live in Omaha Nebraska around 81 or so....awesome show with special effects
They were THE best of the 70s as well. And I saw them all...
You guys always remind me why I love Styx.
I remember asking for the cassette tape of this album for Christmas the year it came out. I was lucky to have gotten it and preceded to wear it out for many years afterwards. 😁 Great band and thanks for bringing back the memories of that time. What a time musically to be a teenager.
Oh my goodness, what a roller coaster ride that was! FABULOUS 👌 🎼🎙❤
The guitarists in this song wwe reJohn Curulewski (accoustic) and James Young (electric). Tommy Shaw had not yet joined the band. The next album (Crystal Ball) was his first with the band.
You both make me smile so much.
I get to rediscover songs from my youth, that I can still sing word for word, but get to experience them for the first time all over again.
I also want to just shout out for your vibe and constant message about being open minded. That warms my heart so much.
If you haven’t heard The Grand Illusion by Styx, it’s a great tune.
Also, because you like Rush, listen to Losing It.
Much love.
Definitely one of their best albums! The one they released after this is Crystal Ball, and it’s worth a listen.
I was able to see these guys in concert 3 times. They were just as good in person.
Dennis DeYoung was writing very optimistic, and uplifting music in an time of economic challenge for the USA. You can always count on a Styx song to brighten your mood. BTW, Tommy Shaw hadn't joined the band for the recording of this song. They second guitar spot was filled by original member John Curulewski.
It was written for the bicentennial in 1976. It’s about who we were as a country, who we are now, and where we go from here. It’s indeed brilliant
This is a song you really need to hear and see on their live album. Dennis is incredible on this song!
I saw Dennis DeYoung in an interview discuss this song and how it was a commentary on the US in the 70s and it's funny how almost 50 years later, the song is still relevant. Great analysis and breakdown, guys.
This is an incredible song. So intricate.
My favorite Styx song!! 😍💙🦋💙
"Lorelei", "Castle Walls", are a couple more among many you guys would enjoy.
Love Styx....one of my favorite bands saw them twice in concert.