STYX

Okay, I can agree on some points I have seen here, but some I simply can't. Back in the days of the early 1970's, a local Chicago band, TW4, changed their name to STYX and decided to try their hand at writing their debut album. Certainly, if you put this disc next to their latter day classics (Equinox, Crystal Ball, Grand Illusion, Pieces Of Eight) you may not even know this is the same band.

Styx's original material at this time followed somewhat of a blueprint created by the likes of Vanilla Fudge - hard rock and heavy keyboards. Even at this early stage, Styx's harmonies were established, and the vocals of both James Young and Dennis DeYoung were an improvement over many vocalists at the time.

Finally, I've seen several people comment on the weak songwriting on this disc, and I won't agree or disagree. I think it's fine for a debut record, and I have rated this at 3 stars because it deserves 3. Before you judge the songwriting, take a look at the writing credits and you'll see that the members of Styx didn't write most of the album!! Their label, Wooden Nickel, thought it a better idea to record cover songs, and so they did, with different degrees of success.

One of the Young / DeYoung originals, "Best Thing" is possibly the best track on the album, and also the one track that coasted into the Top 100 on Billboard!!! Give this one another listen and I think you'll see the hidden beauty and hear the Styx that was still trying to emerge!!