PARADISE THEATRE

This was my first experience with Styx, and not a very enjoyable one... No, the album is not that bad, but it has taken a more popular direction, moving away from their 'proggy' roots. Although never a full prog band, Styx have contributed with their sound in the progressive scene of the US, blending AOR with pop and - allow me to say - commercial progressive rock with highly appreciated efforts like 'The Grand Illusion' and 'Pieces of Eight'.

Promising start for the album with A.D. 1928, which prepares the listener for an interesting experience. 'Rockin' the paradise' and 'Too much time on my hands' follow with a pop/rock/rock 'n roll approach with catchy refrains and melodies; it's not strange that 'Too much...' has been one of the hits of the early 80's. Both decent tracks but not at all impressive, being in the middle of AOR and pop...

The following 3-4 tracks have nothing more to present, following the same tempo and style of music without any pleasant surprises that could take this record to a higher level. Overall, the middle part of the album is quite uninspiring and uninteresting (The best of times).

The best tracks appear near the end of the album with 'Snowblind' and 'Half-penny, two-penny', a decent rocking track. The following two outros are just a pleasant ending for a generally weak record.

I admit there is not much to say about this record, and not much motivation to speak further about a mediocre output. This album may appeal to friends of AOR/pop-rock but definitely not to prog-rock fans or people that have enjoyed Styx's earlier recordings. It may be decent for collectors of this music genre and could probably be worth of 2.5 stars. But definitely not good enough...

Obviously not recommended for first-time Styx listeners, this album can be misleading, as it was for me...

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